Chapter 430: Expanding Influence. Noah smiled with genuine satisfaction at the numbers. Two million dollars daily from a single product line was exceptional, and this was just the beginning. Once he started selling to other kingdoms and implementing the discount program with Esta, the volume would increase dramatically. Seeing the results, Noah decided to be generous in a way that would cement loyalty and demonstrate the value of being in his favor. "Duke Ashford," Noah called out, causing the nobleman to pause as he prepared to approach the platform. "Since you won the auction with such a decisive bid, I’m going to offer you a special bonus as the first purchaser." The hall went completely silent, everyone straining to hear what additional benefit Noah might provide. "You’ll receive eleven additional Warrior’s Protein Shakes delivered within twenty-four hours," Noah announced. "At a special discounted price of one hundred golden coins each." Mathematical calculations rippled through the crowd instantly. Eleven shakes at one hundred coins each meant only 1,100 additional golden coins for items that had just been valued at twenty thousand in auction. That was a ninety-four-point-five percent discount—absolutely staggering value. Those nobles who had initially thought Duke Ashford paid too much were now shocked into silence, realizing he’d actually secured an incredible deal. Twelve Warrior’s Protein Shakes total for effectively 21,100 golden coins meant less than 1,800 per shake—a fraction of their established market value. Duke Ashford’s face transformed from satisfaction to absolute joy. "Lord Carter, your generosity is... I don’t have adequate words. My family will remember this kindness for generations." He bowed deeply, genuine gratitude evident in every movement. The other high nobles watched with expressions mixing regret at not bidding higher and hope that similar opportunities might come to them in future transactions. Noah had accomplished multiple goals with this single auction: established a high anchor price for the product, generated substantial immediate revenue, demonstrated his generosity to loyal customers, and created intense desire among those who had missed out. The Warrior’s Protein Shake was now positioned as the most coveted consumable in Esta’s market. —- In a private room adjacent to the grand hall, Noah sat comfortably while Duke Ashford stood before him with an expression of profound gratitude. King Aldric was also present, observing the interaction with keen interest as he witnessed Noah’s business practices firsthand. The atmosphere was relaxed but respectful, the Duke clearly understanding that Noah’s generosity came with wisdom worth listening to carefully. "Duke Ashford," Noah began, his tone friendly but serious. "I want to give you some advice about those eleven Warrior’s Protein Shakes you’ll be receiving tomorrow." The Duke leaned forward attentively. "Of course, Lord Carter. I’m listening." "After delivering your eleven units, I’m going to start selling more of them regularly," Noah explained. "I have a stockpile production system coming that will allow me to offer these items much more frequently than tonight’s auction might suggest." He paused to let that sink in before continuing. "So here’s my advice: sell most of them rather than keeping them for personal use or hoarding them. Because the price is going to drop significantly once regular supply begins. I’m planning to offer them at around two hundred golden coins each through normal channels." Duke Ashford’s eyes widened at that number. Two hundred golden coins versus the twenty thousand established at auction—a dramatic price reduction that would fundamentally change the market dynamics. "The demand will remain extremely high," Noah continued, "and supply will be somewhat limited initially as production ramps up. But it won’t take long—maybe two weeks at most—for supply and demand to stabilize at higher volumes. During that initial period before prices settle, you can make substantial profits by selling to people desperate to acquire them immediately." The Duke processed this information quickly, his business acumen immediately recognizing the opportunity. "So you’re suggesting I sell them during the scarcity window when people will pay premium prices because they don’t yet know regular supply is coming?" "Exactly," Noah confirmed. "Some people will come looking for you specifically once word spreads that you have access to multiple units. They’ll offer you significant premiums over the two hundred coin base price because they can’t wait for regular availability. That’s your window to profit." Duke Ashford nodded thoughtfully. "If I sell them at, say, five thousand golden coins each during that initial scarcity period..." "You’d make fifty-five thousand total from the eleven units," Noah finished the calculation. "Minus the 1,100 you’re paying me, that’s over fifty thousand golden coins profit. More than double what you paid in the auction for the first unit." The Duke’s expression showed genuine appreciation for both the opportunity and Noah’s willingness to share this information. "Lord Carter, you didn’t have to tell me this. You could have let me hold them and watch their value plummet once regular supply started. Why give me this advantage?" Noah smiled. "Because I value relationships with people who support my business enthusiastically. You didn’t hesitate at the auction, you made a decisive bid, and you’ve been a loyal customer. That loyalty deserves to be rewarded with information that helps you profit alongside me." He gestured openly. "Besides, you making money from these sales helps establish market awareness and creates buzz that drives more customers to my shop eventually. It’s mutually beneficial." King Aldric, who had been listening quietly, nodded with approval. "A wise approach to business, Noah. Building partnerships rather than extracting maximum short-term profit creates sustainable long-term prosperity." Duke Ashford nodded deeply, this time with even more sincerity than before. "I am profoundly grateful for your counsel and your generosity. My family will remember that you didn’t just sell us valuable items—you helped us profit from the opportunity as well. That kind of treatment creates loyalty that goes far beyond simple transactions." "That’s exactly what I’m building," Noah replied. "Now, go make your money during that window. And when regular supply starts flowing, continue being a good customer and you’ll continue receiving favorable treatment." "You have my word," the Duke promised firmly. As Duke Ashford departed to begin planning his sales strategy, King Aldric turned to Noah with an expression mixing admiration and curiosity. "You’re playing a longer game than I initially understood," the king observed. "Most merchants would squeeze every coin from that scarcity period themselves. You’re deliberately sharing the opportunity to build deeper loyalty." Noah shrugged. "Wealth is just a tool for achieving larger goals. I have enough money coming in from multiple sources that optimizing every transaction isn’t necessary. What I need is a network of genuinely loyal allies who will support me when conflicts arise that money alone can’t solve." Aldric smiled knowingly. "The elven kingdoms you mentioned. You’re building a coalition." "Among other things," Noah confirmed. "But yes, when I eventually move against Aethermoor and the internal conflicts there, having Esta’s nobility genuinely invested in my success rather than just transactionally engaged will matter significantly." "Then let’s discuss the wholesale arrangements," Aldric suggested. "If you’re reducing prices to two hundred golden coins for regular customers, what terms are you offering the crown?" Noah’s smile widened slightly. "For Esta’s government and military? I’m thinking twenty golden coins per unit. Ten percent of the base price, as I mentioned earlier." The king’s eyebrows rose. "That’s... extraordinarily generous. At that price, we could equip our entire elite guard and still have budget remaining for broader distribution." "That’s the idea," Noah replied. "I want Esta to become formidable enough that other kingdoms think twice before causing problems. Your strength is my security." Aldric extended his hand, and Noah shook it firmly. "Then we have a deal, Noah. Esta will become the strongest kingdom in the region, and you’ll have our absolute loyalty in whatever conflicts lie ahead." The partnership was sealed, and Noah’s influence continued expanding exactly as planned.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​