Actually, we can omit the water, soil, and climate. With the vast territory of the Empire, how could they not find an estate to grow grapes?

Seeing Prince Colin's intrigued expression, Andre continued to speak.

"Your family has been away from this land for too long. Many things have happened in the five hundred years; the Empire is no longer the Empire of the past. However, the nobles and their subjects in remote areas still largely live in the past. For instance, the Ryan Kingdom, renowned as the 'Land of Knights,' is said to still adhere to the most primitive feudal laws, with even serfs existing."

"As for the Aus Empire, it has long abolished outdated systems, and the costs of labor and land have risen significantly. Naturally, it's difficult to compete in price with those feudal vassal states. However, among the true circle of nobles, the Empire's domestic wineries are still famous. The wines produced by these wineries often don't reach the market but appear at recent banquets... As for the price, that's not a consideration for us."

Here, Andre shifted his tone, looking at Prince Colin with interest.

"Your Highness suddenly brought this up; could it be related to our previous topic?"

Luo Yan nodded slightly, the smile on his lips unwavering.

"Naturally, it is. The reason I chose the White Dew District as a starting point is naturally because it's affordable. It's not just the land, but the people as well. Given the same convenient transportation conditions, it's currently the most cost-effective choice around the Holy City... Of course, aside from that, I have several other backup plans, but none are as 'suitable' as the White Dew District, and they're much further from your port."

Duke Andre smiled slightly at these words, reminding him in a gentle tone.

"Your Highness, if I may say, sometimes what seems cheap is often the most expensive. The land in the White Dew District is complex, with numerous historical issues. Even the Castelion family is reluctant to meddle in its affairs. Your understanding of the Holy City is limited; rushing into it might easily lead to a fall."

Luo Yan smiled slightly, responding gently.

"Thank you for the reminder, but I've mentally prepared for this, Duke. You don't need to worry about me; I have my own ways to handle it."

Duke Andre looked deeply at Luo Yan, as if trying to discern something from his calm expression.

Moments later, his face broke into a smile again as he leaned back slightly and continued in a friendly manner, "So then... what, indeed, did your Highness wish to discuss privately with me?"

Luo Yan leaned forward slightly, his gaze becoming sharper, yet his tone remained gentle.

"It's very simple. If I can resolve the land issues in the White Dew District and turn it into Baron Territory under my control, I would like to engage in deep cooperation with you, who controls the nearby port, regarding the future operation of the White Dew District."

The flickering light of the fireplace reflected Duke Andre's surprised expression.

After a moment, he raised his eyebrows slightly, looking with interest at the young prince before him.

"Turning the White Dew District into Baron Territory under your control... Your Highness has quite an appetite."

Luo Yan chuckled lightly, meeting his gaze unflinchingly, with composure in his expression.

"After all, dealing with one Baron is better than dealing with a group of Barons, given the complex nature of the land there."

Andre understood his implication—the prince does not intend to hold this Baron Territory himself but plans to have his vassal manage it.

This is not unusual; many great nobles in the Empire do the same, while only lesser nobles with no titles to distribute would cling tightly to every piece of land.

What surprised him was not the matter of the land but understanding why this prince wanted to go this far.

The Colin family is evidently not short of money; that much is undeniable.

"Honestly, I'm curious, Your Highness, why are you so involved in this business? You give me the impression... that you aren't very interested in money." Andre finally voiced his confusion, looking with curiosity at the young yet inscrutable prince.

Rarely does he encounter someone completely unfathomable, yet this prince from the Gana Continent undoubtedly is one.

Money, women, land, power... things that might captivate the eyes of mortals don't seem to enter this fellow's mind.

If this fellow were the same age as himself, it would be understandable, but he's only in his early twenties, the same age as those "boyos who can't speak when they see their daughters," after all.

Andre suddenly started to believe it.

This fellow might really be a Chosen One.

No wonder the Hillfin family wants to paint him!

At these words, Luo Yan smiled slightly and said candidly.

"Duke, your insight is profound. Indeed, it's not just about the money... rather, it's merely an incidental goal."

After a brief pause for reflection, he turned his gaze to the night outside the window, his eyes profound and far-reaching.

"Bringing my father's ashes and last wishes with me, I have finally set foot on the ancestral land of the Colin family. And here, besides witnessing endless prosperity, I have also seen many things that cause me concern."

"Particularly striking to me is how, in just five hundred years, the quality of the Imperial Gold Coins has diminished so significantly... So much so that at first, I thought the coins in their hands were counterfeit."

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