Chapter 461: Double Win

The atmosphere in the main hall was serious.

Prince Augustus frowned tightly, looking ready to explode at any moment. The holy moly merchants had managed to play both sides between Prince Augustus and Prince Lionel’s territories for a reason. Both he and Prince Lionel were well aware of these merchants’ existence and their activities all around.

But these merchants were generous in their payments—every year they gave him hundreds of thousands of silver coins, not to mention jewels, beauties and others.

Because of this, Prince Augustus naturally turned a blind eye to what ever want on. Who could say no to such treatment? As long as these merchants didn’t harm their interests, that was enough for them.

But now these merchants had clearly made a serious mistake and were discovered by ever growing prince Simon.

"Are these holy moly merchants really betraying the Eldorian Empire?" Prince Augustus asked with a slightly innocent voice.

He never cared what business these merchants did with the Reavers, only how much silver he could get from them; that was his real thing.

Prince Simon nodded, confirming his question and told Prince Augustus the intelligence gathered by his secret guards.

"Hmph, these treacherous merchants. I told them not to go too far, but they secretly did this behind my back. Nephew, don’t worry. When I return, I’ll deal with them personally," Prince Augustus said carelessly.

Prince Simon sneered inwardly. He didn’t really believe Prince Augustus would do so. The domain lords in the Eldorian Empire had long acted independently.

He knew that even invoking the emperor’s authority wouldn’t make Prince Augustus obey. Most likely, Prince Augustus would just kill a few as scapegoats and let the other merchants continue their business under a new disguise.

Using imperial authority to pressure these border lords was less effective than negotiating interests. After all, whether it was Prince Augustus or Prince Lionel, these frontier lords often ignored imperial orders.

"Fourth uncle, we’re both smart people. Don’t use those words to brush me off," Prince Simon said, slowly sipping his tea gently.

Prince Augustus’ face turned red, "Nephew, what do you mean by that? Haven’t I already agreed with you? What more do you want?" He said, as he raised his hand, feeling frustrated.

"If you’re sincere, I will send three thousand cavalry with you. If I don’t see the heads of those Nine Great Holy Moly Merchants, I won’t believe it," Prince Simon declared as he blew on his tea, paying no attention to his angry uncle. Prince Augustus’ face darkened even more.

To Prince Augustus, Prince Simon was overreaching. His hot temper wouldn’t allow it.

Before Prince Augustus could get angrier, Prince Simon continued, "I understand what you are worried about. It’s just the hundreds of thousands of silver caps you get from them a year, right? If you remove those merchants, I will pay you back that silver in full.

Hearing this, Prince Augustus’ expression gradually returned to normal. He said, "Nephew, I speak bluntly. I don’t believe you will do all this for the good of the Eldorian Empire. You’re just a small domain lord; the empire truly belongs to the Crown Prince. The real worries are for your elder brothers and the Crown Prince, not you. Why exhaust yourself? Too much success can be dangerous—your achievements might be poisoned. The more you succeed, the quicker you are digging up your own grave. We lords only need to manage our own domains. Reaching too far only makes others unhappy and I am sure you are aware of this."

"People say you, Fourth uncle, are brave but lack wisdom. I’m not so sure," Prince Simon was surprised. Prince Augustus’ words reflected the thinking of most domain lords now. After pondering, he said, "You’re right. I think the same way now. This purge of the holy moly merchants is for the Eldorian Empire—and for myself."

"Oh?" Prince Augustus exclaimed. "How did those moly merchants offend you?"

"Because they buy goods from my merchants, then sell to the Reavers at four or five times the price. They also block my merchants’ trade on the steppes. How can I tolerate this?"

Although the empire forbade private trade with the Reavers, with imperial permission, some trade was allowed—except for iron, saltpetre, and similar goods, just as Reavers were restricted in owning warhorses.

Border trade was heavily taxed, so smuggling was the only profitable way. That’s how the holy moly merchants grew rich.

Now that Prince Simon had official merchant status and tax exemption, he naturally wanted to capitalise on the lucrative border trade. The Reavers were powerful, having plundered much gold, silver, and jewels from Western kingdoms during years of war.

The Noble Reavers also loved luxury goods, and competition for status was fierce. For Prince Simon, this was an opportunity. Even in war, trade could continue.

"Hahaha... I see. These holy moly merchants have indeed gone too far," Prince Augustus said.

Prince Simon smiled and continued, "Driven by greed, these holy moly merchants sell anything. How can they compare to the best Brambleford merchant guild? At least I won’t sell saltpetre or sulfur. So eliminating them cuts off supplies for the Reavers and lets my guild control the border trade. Uncle, you can take the silver openly, right?"

Prince Augustus was tempted. He only kept the holy moly merchants for the silver anyway. Now that Prince Simon promised compensation, why not? He also disliked Prince Lionel, as those merchants paid Lionel more silver than him.

What angered him most was the battle at Preston. Prince Lionel watched Preston besieged and did nothing to help in any way.

Thinking of this, Prince Augustus nodded, "Then I’ll help you with this favour. It’s also a chance to test these firearms you will be giving me."

"Then I’ll wait for the good news," Prince Simon said, relieved to have found an ally.

This plan could both punish the treasonous merchants and expand his own trade—a double win.

After the discussion, Prince Augustus prepared to take the firearms. He was impatient, eager to equip his troops with the new weapons.

They went to the warehouse at Brambleford harbor where the military supplies were stored, guarded by layers of soldiers. All the weapons traded with other lords were kept here.

According to their agreement, Prince Simon was to produce two thousand matchlock guns for Prince Augustus. The guns were ready, waiting for Prince Augustus’ inspection.

Prince Augustus arrived at Brambleford with silver and bodyguards specifically for this matter.

"Fourth uncle, these matchlock guns are for you," Prince Simon said. Since Prince Augustus came personally, he had to accompany him.

The armoury was filled with boxes of matchlock guns. Seeing them, Prince Augustus’ eyes lit up. He nodded approvingly to Prince Simon, "Thank you, nephew. Bring the silver off the ship." He ordered.

While speaking, Prince Augustus wandered through the armoury. When he saw the cannons, his eyes gleamed. "Nephew, can you also give me these twenty cannons?" He asked with excitement in his voice.