Chapter 398 - 273: Trade Network (Part 2)

Seeing that Henry was interested, the Viscount immediately perked up. "Count Henry," he said, "you can rest assured that our production output is absolutely guaranteed. Furthermore, I can improve the roads between our lands to facilitate transportation. As for the price, we can negotiate a figure that is acceptable to both parties."

"Improving the roads? That's no small undertaking... They'll pass through other lords' lands."

The other nobles immediately chimed in boisterously, declaring they were all in it together. What was the big deal about helping with the roads? After all, if the roads on their own lands were improved, it would make their own transport and travel more convenient.

Henry nodded. "Alright, we can discuss this in detail. By the way, can you also provide arms and grain?"

The Viscount smiled. "Count Henry, you must be joking. My family has always been quite influential when it comes to trade. Arms and grain are no problem at all. As long as you need them, we can provide them."

Henry just smiled and said nothing more.

'Sometimes you have to give people some face and know when to stop. If I asked for a thousand sets of Imperial Legion infantry armor, he'd probably lose his mind.'

Just then, a short Baron with a shrewd face walked over. "Count Henry," he said, "I have something to discuss with you as well. Our family's lands also have plenty of lumber and stone. I'd like to trade them with you for some arms and grain. What do you say?"

'What the...? Buddy, I'm trying to buy arms myself, and you want me to sell them to you?'

Henry considered it for a moment. "I'm interested in your proposal as well. But I need to know how much lumber and stone you can provide." ℴ

The Baron replied instantly, "Count Henry, I assure you, my lands have more than enough resources. Furthermore, we can deliver them to any location you specify."

'I'm fighting on the front lines, but construction back home can't stop. I can definitely take on this supply. As for arms... given my current rate of military expansion and equipment replacement, my current stockpiles are sufficient.'

"Alright, we can discuss this in detail, too. But I must warn you, my needs are great. I hope you can make a serious offer."

The Baron beamed, grinning from ear to ear. "Count Henry, you can rest assured. You won't be disappointed."

These nobles were all shrewd businessmen. Whenever an opportunity arose, they were eager to make a quick profit and seal a deal.

Just then, a crowd of Knights swarmed over, their gazes filled with anticipation.

A young Knight said, "Lord Count Henry, we've heard you have many fine horses. We'd like to purchase some, as well as some weapons and basic armor."

Henry looked at the group that had suddenly surrounded him, their eyes gleaming as they stared at him. He asked, feeling a little uncomfortable, "How many horses do you want?"

The Knight said excitedly, "Lord Count Henry, we're hoping to buy several hundred. Your horses' performance on the battlefield is exceptional. We believe that with mounts like those, we can serve you even better! Most of us and our Attendants only have one or two horses each."

Another Knight added sheepishly, "My Lord, my two Attendants are still using Traveling Horses..."

Henry's lip twitched. 'Without my cheat, I'd probably be in the same situation.' He then said, "Alright, we can discuss this. However, I need to know what you can offer in exchange."

The Knights answered at once, "Count Henry, we can offer anything you need.

The entire resources of our fiefs. Whatever catches your eye, you can take it in exchange for your horses and weapons."

Henry smiled. "Alright, we can discuss this in detail. But I must remind you, my horses aren't ordinary. They are all carefully bred, thoroughbred steeds."

The Knights chorused at once, "Count Henry, rest assured! You won't be disappointed."

Just then, an older Knight walked over, a troubled look on his face. He said, "Lord Count Henry, my family has fallen on hard times recently. I was hoping I could borrow some money from you."

Henry looked at him, surprised. 'Someone's actually asking me for a loan?' He glanced at the man's attire—it was clear he was in dire straits. "How much do you need?" he asked.

The Knight replied, "Count Henry, I hope to borrow enough to cover my family's expenses for a year. I'm just short three hundred Dinars. As long as I can get through this crisis, I swear I can pay you back."

When Henry heard it was only three hundred Dinars, he agreed without a second thought. "Alright, we can discuss it. But I need to know, what can you offer as collateral?"

The Knight replied, "Count Henry, I can offer my fief, along with the resources and people on my lands, as collateral."

Henry waved his hand dismissively. 'Three hundred Dinars might be a lot for a Knight, but to me, it's just pocket change. Besides, everyone needs help sometimes.'

Just then, a young Knight came over, a bashful look on his face. "Lord Count Henry, I heard you have a number of serfs. I'd like to purchase some... You know, the slave traders on the steppes these days are practically robbing people."

"How many serfs do you want?"

"Lord Count Henry, I hope to buy enough serfs to cultivate my two manors. I'll need about a hundred. The land in my territory is quite fertile; with enough labor, it can produce a large amount of grain."

Henry looked around at the swelling crowd and realized there were far too many of them. He quickly announced, "Brave Knights! It seems all of you have business to discuss with me. But with so many of you, I can't possibly keep track of it all. Before you leave, please find my Minister of State Affairs, Claude, to discuss these trade matters.

For now, let us raise our glasses together!"

In a corner, Claude, who was chewing his food slowly, sighed. 'How did I suddenly get so much more work?'

A night of revelry left the banquet hall in shambles. Beneath the magnificent crystal chandeliers, goblets and cutlery lay scattered across the floor, while tables overflowed with cold, half-eaten leftovers.

Tablecloths were soaked with spilled wine. The nobles' luxurious attire was stained, and in the guest rooms, some were slumped on sofas while others leaned against walls, their snores echoing like thunder.

In a corner of the hall, a few drunken Knights were still propping each other up, trying to stay on their feet. Boman was lying on a long bench, still muttering, "For Henry..." His voice trailed off.

「The next morning.」

The nobles with business to discuss woke up rubbing their drowsy eyes. They hastily straightened their disheveled clothes and, without bothering to wash, rushed off to find Claude.

They had only one thought in mind: find Claude and sign the contracts before Count Henry could change his mind.

The nobles pushed and shoved, each one afraid of being left behind.

The tall Viscount broke into a jog, muttering, "Faster, faster, don't let anyone else get there first."

He was the first to burst into the room. He found Claude sitting at a desk, rubbing his temples, looking utterly exhausted.

The Viscount immediately plastered on a smile. "Claude, my good man! Let's sign that supply contract for lumber and stone that Count Henry and I discussed yesterday! I guarantee my family will deliver on schedule. We absolutely will not delay the Count's plans."

Claude looked up, rubbed his eyes, and gave a weary smile. "Lord Viscount, please, there's no need to rush. There are many others waiting behind you. It looks like I have a busy day ahead of me. Please, have a seat, and we'll take this one step at a time."

He picked up his quill and began to jot down the terms of the contract, asking for details about the quantity of the supplies, methods of transport, and pricing.