Chapter 454: General Randy

"Hmm..., I think your words make sense. Maybe I’m overthinking things," Simon suddenly realised that he had been managing too many things lately. This was already a bad habit from the previous two wars — he always felt every Reaver’s attack was directly related to him.

In fact, the worst hit by this southern push of the Reavers were Dornhal and Ravencrest. Just like how they once watched the tiger fight from the mountain, Simon now seemed to be in the position they once held.

Benjamin continued, "Although Your Highness is the Eldorian Empire prince, you are also the ruler of your own domain. You have to weigh the pros and cons. Back when we fought with blood and sweat, everyone was just watching and laughing. The soldiers were unhappy about that. To them, their loyalty lies only with Your Highness. If they had to die now for either of those two, they wouldn’t be willing to do so."

Hearing this, Simon sighed — this was the reality of the Eldorian Empire now.

In fact, the common people of Eldorian had no real sense of country or nation. To them, clans and regional kings were the only objects of loyalty. Now that there were no clans in his domain, their loyalty was only to him.

Benjamin reminded him simply to say that soldiers need a reason to fight; otherwise, their morale would be low.

"I understand," Simon said. He now decided to focus on the essentials and not worry too much. The emperor wasn’t anxious, so why should he worry?

While the two talked, a servant suddenly announced outside the main hall, "Your Highness, a general named Randy requesting permission for an audience."

"General Randy? Isn’t he Liam’s elder brother?" Simon asked in bewilderment.

General Benjamin looked puzzled too. "Why would General Randy come all the way to Brambleford? I think something is wrong somewhere at this moment."

With a slight sigh, he said "Then let him in."

The servant left, and soon General Randy appeared in full armour in the hall.

"General Randy pays respects to Your Highness and General Benjamin," Randy bowed respectfully upon entering the hall seeing Prince Simon and Benjamin.

Simon said, "No need for formalities, General Randy, Please sit. I’m close with your father, so there’s no need for such a ceremony at this hour."

"Your Highness, if I have come all the way to Brambleford just for a mere visit, I wouldn’t be so formal. But this time, I come under imperial orders."

"Oh? The Emperor sent you here?" Simon asked, concern in his voice.

"Exactly." Randy nodded, then took a letter from his belongings and handed it over to Simon. "Your Highness, please read carefully."

Simon took the letter and read it. In the letter, the emperor mentioned recent unusual signs on the grasslands: first, the Reavers tightened control over horse sales; second, the trade of iron ore and saltpetre with the Reavers had increased at the border markets; third, the Reaver tribes roaming the grasslands sent flag leaders to Cloverton.

Based on these odd signs, the emperor speculated that with all this activity, the Reavers were preparing to sharpen their horses and weapons for another war to subjugate the Eldorian Empire.

But the letter showed no old worry — only ambition. It also mentioned buying 500 cannons and 15,000 matchlock guns from Brambleford, all entrusted to General Randy. Now Randy was overseeing the firearm battalion. The emperor instructed Prince Simon to help train General Randy so he would be able to handle firearms properly just like Liam.

"Five hundred cannons, fifteen thousand matchlock — that’s big business," Simon grinned.

General Randy seemed to already know the letter’s content and said to General Benjamin, "General Benjamin, I’ll be relying on you from now on."

Benjamin looked at him with a perplexed expression before glancing at Prince Simon.

Smiling helplessly, Simon passed the letter to Benjamin. After reading it, Benjamin finally understood — The emperor was quite cunning. Not only buying firearms, but also having Simon help train the firearms squadron overseas.

Besides Randy, thirty other firearms squadrons arrived in Brambleford.

The Emperor’s reason for sending Randy was clear: Randy had fought alongside the Brambleford army and was familiar with them. Also, Liam was already in Brambleford, strengthening ties.

"Since this is the Emperor’s order, I must obey. General Benjamin, this matter is yours for the taking." Prince Simon said, winking at Benjamin.

Benjamin quickly understood and said, "Yes, Your Highness."

After that, Randy said, "Your Highness, the Reavers’ movements have worried both Dornhal and Ravencrest. I heard they sent officials to Brambleford to buy firearms to resist the Reavers. Looks like Your Highness will make quite a fortune again."

"Is that so? I haven’t heard anything of such, but if it’s true, I’m glad." Simon said with a smile.

They chatted for a while, then Benjamin took Randy away, leaving only Prince Simon.

After they left, Simon’s brow furrowed. The Emperor’s sudden move made things clear to him. As Benjamin said, he didn’t need to fight personally. Instead, he would profit by supplying arms for the court, Dornhal and Ravencrest, letting them fight the Reavers for him.

This way, he could stay safe in the rear and make huge money selling war supplies, while the court and the Prince’s only had to pay money.

Understanding this, Simon smiled mischievously, as he held back his laughter. Not only could he greatly weaken the Reavers’ forces, but also make money — why not? Just as General Randy said, four days quickly rolled away as officials sent by the Dornhal and Ravencrest appeared in Brambleford, separately asking Prince Simon to sell them cannons and matchlocks.

This time, the Ravencrest did not send William, likely because of the conflict between them. Instead, he sent a stranger.

Dornhal also sent a trusted official to represent.

Ravencrest requested to buy 600 cannons and 7,000 matchlock guns while Dornha asked for 400 cannons and 6,000 matchlocks.

Adding the court’s orders, the military workshop suddenly had orders for 1,500 cannons and 28,000 matchlock guns.

"Your Highness, the domain finances have suddenly started bleeding profusely." Baldwin Atwood said happily, as he grinned from ear to ear.

The huge arms order brought Brambleford enormous funds. Previously restricted by funds, Prince Simon now suddenly had a surplus.

With this money, Brambleford’s industrialisation could proceed steadily. Simon had to admit, selling arms was profitable indeed.