Reincarnated as a boss tyrant in the game

“This matter will be considered closed!” the Emperor said in a deep voice. “But you must remember, you are a member of the royal family. Your every action, every word, concerns the image and dignity of the royal family. In the future, you must act with careful consideration. I do not wish to be disappointed in you again.”

Sauron nodded furiously, having deeply realized his mistake. He secretly rejoiced and thanked his father for his leniency in not severely punishing him.

Emperor Gustav suddenly changed the subject, saying slowly, “Recently, I have heard that the fine salt trade in the Imperial City is becoming increasingly prosperous.”

Sauron's heart skipped a beat, and a bitter expression appeared on his face. He instantly understood his father's implication—the Emperor had his eye on the substantial profits generated by the fine salt trade.

Sauron took a deep breath, quickly calculating in his mind. He knew that what he needed to do next was to allow his father to get a share of the fine salt trade, while also making amends for his previous mistakes.

“Father!” Sauron said, bowing. “Your son understands. I will personally handle this matter to ensure that the royal family obtains its due benefits from the fine salt trade.”

Emperor Gustav nodded, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes, but clearly, he had even greater expectations. He said in a deep voice, “Sauron, although you have proposed the idea of profiting from the fine salt trade, if you only offer a tribute of a few hundred thousand gold coins each year, that would be far too unbecoming of our royal family's status.”

Emperor Gustav spoke bluntly, catching Sauron off guard. He had originally thought that his father would be satisfied with his proposal, but he did not expect his father's appetite to be much larger than he had anticipated.

“Then how much are you prepared to give me each year?” Emperor Gustav stared intently at Sauron, awaiting his answer.

Sauron's heart tightened, but he quickly adjusted his mindset and replied respectfully, “Father, you are the lord of the empire and naturally do not need to speak of such small profits. My idea is that since this is a big business, we might as well bring you in as a partner. This will not only ensure the maximization of the royal family's interests but also prevent anyone from becoming envious and wanting a share in the future.”

Emperor Gustav's eyes flashed with a glint of light upon hearing Sauron's proposal. He said slowly, “Oh? You mean to partner with me in business?”

“That is exactly what I mean!” Sauron nodded, saying, “This will not only ensure the long-term stable income of the royal family but also strengthen the connection between the royal family and merchants, bringing more prosperity to the empire.”

“Then tell me, what kind of business are you planning to do with me?” Emperor Gustav's interest was piqued. Since his ascension to the throne, no one had ever proposed the idea of partnering with him in business.

Prince Sauron's eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation. He took a deep breath and slowly revealed his plan: “Father, after my in-depth research and practice during this period, I have successfully invented an efficient composting material. This material can maximize the restoration of soil fertility and significantly increase the yield of most crops. Moreover, the most crucial point is that with this composting material, the land will no longer need long periods of fallow.”

Emperor Gustav's eyes flashed with surprise and curiosity upon hearing this. He leaned forward slightly, signaling Sauron to continue.

Sauron continued, “Father, as you know, years of war and over-cultivation have left our land exhausted. Farmers have no choice but to cultivate continuously in order to make a living, leading to a significant decline in soil fertility and a gradual decrease in crop yields. This new type of composting material was created to solve this problem.”

He paused and continued, “I plan to sell this composting material to nobles across the country to help them increase crop yields and improve their lives. The royal family can not only make money, but the empire can also extract a certain amount of tax from it. At the same time, we can also strengthen control and management of agriculture through this method. I believe this will be a win-win business.”

Emperor Gustav fell into deep thought after listening. He had to admit that Sauron's plan had high feasibility and potential value. If this composting material was as magical as Sauron said, then it would have a profound impact on the country's agriculture.

“Sauron, your plan sounds promising,” Emperor Gustav said slowly. “However, you need to prove the effectiveness of this composting material to me. If you can do that, I will fully support your plan.”

A hint of determination flashed in Sauron's eyes. He bowed deeply and said, “Father, please rest assured, you will soon be able to see the actual effect of this composting material at the Purple Gourd Competition. I believe you will be greatly surprised by then.”

Gustav was very surprised. He did not expect Sauron to have already started experimenting with it and even using it in the Purple Gourd Competition. He did not know whether to say that Sauron was bold and skillful or confident of victory.

Gustav asked, “What is that fertilizer called?”

Sauron said, “Organic fertilizer!”

Emperor Gustav was silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he nodded and said, “Alright, how could I refuse you for such a good thing that benefits the country and the people? But you must remember, this opportunity was given to you by me. I hope you can make good use of it and not disappoint me.”

Sauron was secretly delighted. He knew that he had successfully brought his father into this business. He respectfully bowed and said, “Your son will certainly live up to your expectations!”

“Yes, not bad!” Gustav nodded with satisfaction, a hint of cunning flashing in his deep eyes. Then, he randomly pulled a thick book of imperial law from the bookshelf and threw it at Sauron.

The book drew an arc in the air before landing steadily in Sauron's hands.

“Copy it once first. You are not allowed to leave the Holy Emblem Palace until you have copied it well.”

Sauron looked at Gustav with a bewildered expression, his eyes full of confusion. He looked down at the imperial law in his hand, not understanding what his father was up to.

This book of law was thick and complex. Copying it completely would not be an easy task; it would take at least a whole day to finish.

Gustav looked at Sauron's expression, seemingly reading his doubts, and raised an eyebrow slightly, asking, “What? Is there a problem?”

Sauron immediately came back to his senses and quickly shook his head to indicate that he had no objections. Although his heart was full of confusion, he knew that any resistance or questions were futile in front of Gustav.

He could only obediently follow the golden-armored guards to a side hall to begin copying the imperial law.

In the side hall, Sauron sat at the desk and began his long journey of copying. His heart was filled with mixed feelings. While copying, he pondered Gustav's intentions.

Was this some form of trial for him? Or was Gustav trying to make him understand the empire's legal system more deeply?

Regardless of the intention, for Sauron, it was simply torture.