Arthur crossed his arms, his eyebrows twitching slightly. This was quite interesting.
He said succinctly: "Continue."
Hubbard took a deep breath, as if the words that followed required immense courage. The smile on his face receded somewhat, replaced by an expression of profound regret, like a loyal official who, despite his devotion, felt compelled to offer a difficult counsel.
He bowed slightly, his posture extremely low: "My Lord, please forgive my presumption once more."
"This is not to question your wisdom."
"To have these two hundred families engage in animal husbandry, I fear... it might be a choice where the disadvantages outweigh the advantages."
At these words, even Olivier, who had been writing furiously beside them, stopped his movements and looked up at the fat merchant in surprise.
Arthur's face showed no emotion. He simply watched Hubbard, waiting for him to analyze the so-called pros and cons.
Hubbard did not disappoint him. He shook his head, a hint of regret even appearing on his face, as if to say, "You are still young, you don't understand the intricacies of this."
He extended a plump finger: "Lord Arthur, traditional animal husbandry, whether it's raising cattle, sheep, or pigs, requires an astronomical initial investment."
"Purchasing healthy breeding stock, building pens that can withstand the cold winter, stockpiling enough feed for the animals, preventing plagues... Each of these is an expense that will certainly not be small."
He extended a second finger, his tone growing heavier.
"Secondly, there's the cycle. This is an industry that requires a long-term investment before you see any returns."
"A calf needs at least two years to grow into a marketable adult cow. During these two years, it will only eat, bringing you not a single copper coin in income."
"Can you truly afford to wait?"
Finally, he extended a third finger, his voice even tinged with a simulated fear to emphasize the gravity.
"The most terrifying thing is the risk! My Lord, a sudden plague, or a winter more severe than previous years, could make all your investments worthless!"
Olivier put down his pen, his face a little pale. He knew, or had to admit, that every word Hubbard said hit the nail on the head. He had considered these issues before, but as a noble lord's decision, he was accustomed to executing it unconditionally.
Arthur listened quietly, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table. He, of course, knew the drawbacks of traditional animal husbandry, which was why he tried to circumvent these problems by planning to raise rabbits: fast reproduction, short cycles, and low feed requirements.
But he wasn't going to explain this to a newly allied merchant. He was more interested in what kind of solution this fat man could offer after completely negating the current plan. A mediocre talent who only finds fault is vastly different in value from a capable person who can identify and solve problems.
Arthur finally spoke, his voice calm: "What you say is very reasonable."
He didn't intend to reveal his own plans not to engage in traditional animal husbandry. The fat man in front of him had better come up with something concrete.
"I admit, these are areas where I did not consider thoroughly."
He didn't refute, even actively admitting his oversight, which stunned both Hubbard and Olivier.
Hubbard's heart swelled with joy. He knew he had made the right first move. This young lord possessed a magnanimity beyond his years.
He could listen to unpalatable but loyal advice.
Arthur leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table, his fingers interlaced, his gaze sharp as an eagle: "Then, Official Hubbard, since you've identified the problem, I presume you also have the answer ready."
"Tell me, where is that true treasure trove on my territory?"
Hubbard felt his heart pounding in his chest, blood rushing to his brain, making his cheeks flush red. The smile on his face bloomed completely, as radiant as a sunflower in full bloom.
He puffed out his proud belly, his voice loud and full of allure:
"My Lord! In fact, the largest treasure trove in your territory, an inexhaustible and exclusive commodity, is right before your eyes!"
He knew that the words to follow would determine his future fate: whether he would become Arthur's right-hand man or be relegated to an insignificant clown.
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