Chapter 321 A Happy Transaction
On the dirt road leading to Deadwood Port, billowing dust flew up with the sound of horse hooves, and several knights were faintly visible in the distance.
General Hamelton stopped and looked over, an expectant smile gradually appearing on his anxious face. He has been looking forward to it for too long, and his mood at this moment is like the rain finally coming to a land that has been dry for a long time.
Baron Teach stood beside the general. His slightly exaggerated baronial clothes were constantly fluttering in the wind. His face was obviously nervous, and he kept tiptoing to look into the distance.
"His Royal Highness is finally here," he rubbed his hands and whispered emotionally, "It will be good to come back... it will be good to come back."
He is not worried that the Queen of the Kingdom of Gutav will eat the Demon King. Those reptiles are His Majesty's right-hand men... What he is most worried about is that the Demon King will leave him alone here.
Him cannot carry out this play alone.
Captain Derek, standing on the other side of General Hamelton, silently crossed himself on his chest.
"Your Majesty, Saint Sith... I hope that lord has brought us news that surprises us."
St. Ilburg has invested too much manpower and material resources in Deadwood Port, to the extent that the governor of the eastern coast even complained -
After all, these materials should have been used to rebuild Port Sardo!
General Hamelton's behavior was obviously a big gamble.
Derek simply couldn’t imagine what would happen if the United Kingdom of Gutav rejected this trade agreement?
Should we go and grab it?
It was a large country with tens of millions of people, not the primitive tribes scattered in the woods in the New World...
Derek had no doubt that victory was on the side of Saint Sith.
But the price may be difficult for them to pay...
The team of knights is gradually approaching. The leading rider is wearing a black cloak and a purple moon badge on his chest, with a calm and unhurried expression.
Humlton recognized that face at a glance—the indifferent gaze exuded a breathtaking majesty.
As for the cavalry behind him, they were all wearing heavy armor, and only dark eyes could be seen from the shiny silver helmets.
Hamilton suppressed his exaggerated smile, coughed hard, straightened his military uniform, and walked forward with a high head.
He opened his arms and spoke enthusiastically and grandly.
"Haha, Your Highness, you are finally back! I have been worried about you these past few days, and my subordinates have repeatedly suggested that I send people to have a look. However, I thought that you and the Kingdom of Gutav were still in negotiations, and rashly entering the other party's territory might cause a miscalculation, so I did not act without authorization... Seeing your return, I finally let go of my worries!"
During this period of time together, he was somewhat infected with Teach's stinky habit of using too much force. The difference is that Teach is acting, and he treats it as the culture of the Janna region, and seriously learns it in order to win over the feelings of the locals.
"Your judgment is correct, General. Although the Kingdom of Gutav does not exclude us, it will never like us to intrude into their territory without permission and offend the Dragon God's taboo...whether from the sky or on the ground. In addition, this is not the first time I have met the Queen of Gutav, so you don't have to be so nervous."
Luo Yan gently pulled the reins, and the horse neighed and stopped steadily.
With a gentle and reserved smile on his face, he jumped off the horse gracefully, then looked at the people beside Hamelton and said with kind eyes.
"Baron Corsia, Captain Derek, I have kept you waiting for a long time."
"If so, Your Highness, it is my honor to wait for you." Captain Derek nodded in flattery.
Tich Kosia, who was on the side, even subconsciously wanted to kneel down and salute, but was stopped by Luo Yan's understatement.
The nearby military chaplain frowned slightly, vaguely smelling an extremely weak bad breath, and subconsciously looked towards the nearby woods.
I always feel that there is spiritual magic from the devil...
However, he would never have imagined that the source of that aura was not some handsome succubus devil, but the Prince Colin in front of him.
Hamilton also smiled and waved his hand.
「就是，这是哪里的话？只要平安回来就好！亲王殿下旅途劳顿，请务必先行休息片刻。」
这句平安回来就好绝对是发自内心的。
To be honest, he has been feeling quite guilty in his heart. His Royal Highness, the respected prince, had just come back and rested for the night. Before he could take a breath, he turned around and returned to the lizardman kingdom because of his own affairs.
It's not easy to walk on the mountain road for two weeks.
Luo Yan smiled and said in a gentle tone.
"The journey is not too tiring. I have lived in this land since I was a child, and I have long been accustomed to running on the mountain roads. It's just that the affairs of the Gutav United Kingdom are really complicated, and it took me a lot of effort to convince their queen... Fortunately, I have fulfilled my mission."
Humlton's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he could not hide his excitement and excitement: "Then...so the result of the negotiation is successful?"
Luo Yan smiled slightly and nodded in affirmation.
"After all, it is the general's entrustment. Of course I can't let you go back empty-handed."
Luo Yan deliberately did not lower his speaking volume, so that all the surrounding soldiers could hear the good news.
The sound of whispers quickly spread among the soldiers behind Hamelton, and the faces showed joyful expressions.
Although General Hamelton did not tell them the reason for coming here, they more or less guessed one thing - eighty percent of it was that St. Ilburg's food was not enough.
Why is there not enough food?
Of course it was because of the big storm... I heard that the ports on the entire eastern coast were destroyed, as were the ships transporting food.
Although it is somewhat different from the truth, it is still consistent.
It won't be long before these news will appear in the tavern in Deadwood Port, as an important part of Luo Yan's plan to pave the way for the next.
Hamelton was so excited that he lowered his voice and said: "Your Highness, this matter is of great importance. Can we take a step to discuss it in detail alone?"
Luo Yan nodded slightly, and then motioned to his bodyguard to rest where he was. He looked at Hamelton calmly and made a gesture of invitation.
"Of course, lead the way."
Humlton suppressed the ecstasy on his face, immediately turned around and signaled Teach to arrange his entourage, and personally led Luo Yan towards the fortress on the hills near Deadwood Port.
The two of them were talking about information about the United Kingdom of Gutav as they walked, and Luo Yan also knew everything about Hamelton's questions -
Although what he said was basically the part that was more beneficial to him.
Fortunately, the continent of Janna is large enough that he can use it as he likes. Anyway, General Hamelton is unlikely to confirm it in person after hearing about it, and it is not that easy to complete such a large continent.
"...Their beliefs are quite barbaric, they practice primitive blood sacrifice culture, and they are not shy about cannibalism. Can you imagine that they would let the clergy dig out their own hearts on the altar and offer it to the Dragon God? I just took a look at it from a distance and couldn't bear to look at it anymore."
"Have you visited their temple? I have always been curious about what Gutav looks like." General Hamelton asked curiously.
Luo Yan shook his head and said in a humorous tone.
Hamilton was stunned for a moment, and said with a bitter smile.
"That's really hell."
Luo Yan nodded.
Actually, hell is not like this.
But there is no need to show that you understand it here.
The group soon arrived at the fortress near Deadwood Port.
Luo Yan was slightly stunned after passing through the gatehouse. Looking at the mansion standing in front of him, he thought for a moment that he was in the wrong place.
The messy tent group has disappeared, replaced by a three-story small bungalow with solid wooden and stone walls and windows that have been wiped clean and bright.
The debris and mud all around have been cleared away, replaced by gravel paths and neatly trimmed lawns.
Even in the towns on the border of the empire, such residences are considered very decent.
Is this still your own fortress?
"This is the surprise General Hamelton has prepared for you!" Baron Teach stepped forward and said with a smile. "When he learned that your mansion had been destroyed by the storm, he offered to build a new mansion for you. There happened to be excess materials for building the port, so he dispatched a construction team to build this building."
Luo Yan turned to look at Hamelton, with a smile of satisfaction and gratitude on his face.
Hummelton laughed heartily, waved his hand and said.
"Your Highness, there is no need to be polite, this is just a small effort! As long as I can make Your Highness live comfortably, everything will be worth it!"
Hearing these words, the quartermaster who was not far behind General Hamelton twitched his brows slightly and resisted the urge to complain.
It is indeed a piece of cake for General Hamelton, but not for those who do the work, those who take out the warehouse, and those who keep the accounts themselves.
It is obvious that this guy is using the empire's military supplies as a favor again.
But he just complained.
After all, compared to other generals, Hamelton, who did not blatantly put gold coins in his pocket, was already very honest.
Although being honest does not mean saving, he will often end up spending more money...
Humlton did not notice the intriguing expression on the quartermaster's face, and happily led Luo Yan into the mansion.
Passing through the porch, the two soon arrived at a well-decorated restaurant.
There is a long carved wooden table in the center of the restaurant, covered with a white linen tablecloth. The candles in the candlesticks are dancing with bright flames, and the silver tableware is neatly placed on the table. The atmosphere is very elegant and comfortable.
The kitchen has prepared today's lunch, and the waiter pushing the dining cart brings the dishes to the table one by one. Starters were crème fraîche clam chowder and citrus cured salmon, paired with white wine.
Hamalton personally pulled out the chair and asked Luo Yan to sit down. He then picked up the wine bottle on the table and filled Luo Yan's wine glass with his own hands. The smile on his face was warm and sincere.
"Your Highness, this wine is the best quality I brought specially from St. Ilburg. To cleanse you today, I must give you a toast! For the sake of our friendship!"
The admiral felt sorry for having spent so long on the delicacies of Deadwood Port, and specially asked his men to bring the treasures in his wine cellar from St. Ilburg.
Luo Yan raised his wine glass and took a sip. The wine was rich in aroma and mellow in the mouth.
He nodded with satisfaction and praised.
Hummelton laughed and raised his glass in return.
"As long as your Highness likes it! Please allow me to toast you in the name of the empire and thank you for your hard work and contribution!"
"I wish your Excellency the general to be victorious, may our emperor live a long life, and may the empire be prosperous."
Luo Yan raised his glass with a smile, and made a virtual bump with Hamelton who also raised his glass. The atmosphere in the restaurant was harmonious and pleasant, and the main topic came to the table as the main dish of roasted lamb leg with herbs was served.
General Hamelton put down his wine glass, finally unable to restrain his inner eagerness, and asked Luo Yan with a slightly expectant look.
"Your Highness, regarding your negotiations with the United Kingdom of Gutav, what is the outcome? How much food can they provide to support us?"
Luo Yan put down his wine glass and smiled slightly, his voice clear and steady.
"General, please rest assured that the Kingdom of Gutav still has a lot of food surplus. They have agreed to export at least 20,000 tons of corn to Deadwood Port every month to ensure the supply of St. Ilburg."
"Twenty thousand tons!"
"Great, this has completely solved our worries! Sorry... I didn't mean to be rude, I was just too excited."
Looking at Hamelton who was embarrassed for knocking on the table and the trembling ceramics on the table, Luo Yan smiled slightly and made an expression that he didn't mind.
Hamilton took a deep breath, calmed down a little, and then cautiously asked another question that concerned him most.
"Then what is the payment method they proposed? Are imperial gold coins okay? Our opinion is to pay with one hand and deliver the goods!"
Luo Yan shook his head slightly, and said with a helpless expression: "There is no problem with paying the money with one hand and delivering the goods with the other hand. To be honest, I am surprised, gold coins The fineness of the eagle relief has not changed in a thousand years, but the gold content has been declining almost every year." Hamelton's face suddenly became a little embarrassed. The insufficient gold content of the imperial gold coins is almost an open secret. Although it does not decrease every year, it has definitely dropped a lot compared to five hundred years ago.
"This... is indeed a problem, but we recognize the value of gold coins! The Gutav Kingdom can use these gold coins to buy sufficient goods in the empire's market!"
Luo Yan looked at him regretfully and said.
"I believe it, but...I can't convince the Queen of Gutav. She complained about it and insisted on trading in pure gold and silver."
Hamlton said with a bitter smile.
"Pure gold, pure silver... This is a bit troublesome. The military expenditures allocated by the empire to St. Ilburg are all gold coins, and the imperial law clearly stipulates that melting gold coins privately is a felony."
Silver coins can be melted, after all, the minting rights of silver coins have long been transferred to various kingdoms... However, the right to mint is only limited to the kings of each kingdom, and they must leave their family crest on the silver coins they mint.
The princes of the empire are of course not included in this list. The general nobles can only mint some copper coins to exploit the old farmers who use copper coins to buy bread.
Is there anyone who mints gold coins privately?
Of course there is. Although every noble claims that he absolutely abides by the law, only the stupidest leeks will take what the nobles say seriously.
The laws of the empire are not used to restrain the nobles at all, just like the rope around the neck of a cow is not used to tie the old peasants of the empire.
Including Luo Yan himself, he has minted coins, which have no technical content at all, and the only gold content is in the gold itself.
As long as you have a deal with the devil in hell, or there is a gold mine in your territory, you can do this.
Hity However——
Hity The trouble is that black money cannot go out of the public account.
Hamilton's concern is precisely this.
He can't directly hint to Luo Yan - Hey brother, melt the gold coins I gave you and see how much gold you can get.
This general who is good at fighting does not have much political wisdom, but he is not so stupid.
However, Luo Yan saw his troubles, his eyes flickered slightly, and he spoke calmly.
"General, this is actually not difficult to solve. I can act as the intermediary between the two parties, and I will receive your silver coins and deliver them at the warehouse in Deadwood Port at a price of thirty silver coins per ton. In this way, the general will not need to violate the laws of the empire, but can also successfully obtain the food he needs."
He paused and continued.
"And I will use these goods to purchase some handicrafts produced by the empire from the merchants in Deadwood Port and sell them to the Kingdom of Gutav. Although they only accept pure gold and pure silver as general equivalents, they are not uninterested in the goods of the empire... It just so happens that the Colin family has some gold reserves. I can advance the purchase cost for you, and then find a way to earn the money back."
Hammerton was both surprised and moved when he heard this.
Advance funds for purchasing food!
How generous this is!
Then he looked at the quartermaster behind him and asked in a low voice.
"Thirty silver coins per ton...what's the price?"
The quartermaster, who could no longer hold himself back for a long time, quickly approached Hamelton's ear, lowered his voice, and replied excitedly: "Your Excellency General, this price is indeed a little higher in normal times, but not much higher! At present, the entire New World and even the empire itself are affected by the big storm. Grain production has been greatly reduced, and grain prices have soared everywhere... To be honest, this price is actually a very good deal."
He was not sure whether Prince Colin heard this price from the sailors stranded in Deadwood Port, but if so, then this distinguished gentleman would have suffered a big loss!
Hamilton was dumbfounded when he heard this. The expression on his face was even more awe-inspiring, and his eyes gradually turned into deep admiration.
He didn't think that Prince Colin had misjudged the situation outside. After all, the flour in Deadwood Port was sold for a sky-high price of 6 silver coins per bag. How could he not know the news that he even knew?
It has nothing to do with worldly interests—that gentleman made honest negotiations entirely out of the honor of the nobility and his piety to Saint Sith!
At this juncture when everyone is struggling to make money for the country, this noble prince actually did not take the opportunity to raise the price to knock them off, but instead took the initiative to propose such a relatively reasonable plan!
Compared to those imperial businessmen who only care about making war fortunes, this is simply so admirable!
Hamilton was moved in his heart, and was extremely glad that he had made the right choice and not got involved with the chambers of commerce that had extended olive branches to him.
St. Sith will never give up on his followers——
Sure enough, he just took two steps forward and met like-minded people!
"It's really admirable that His Highness can take the overall situation into consideration! I accept this plan... If you have any difficulties, you must tell me!"
This is to make up for his losses in this business!
Looking at General Hamelton with a solemn face, Luo Yan smiled faintly and waved his hand humbly: "General, you are overrated. I am a subject of the empire, so I naturally have to share the worries of the empire. Besides, money doesn't mean much to me. Being recognized by Saint Sith is my greatest honor."
When he said this, Luo Yan suddenly paused and changed the subject.
"There's just one more thing. I have to tell the general that this food may not be available immediately. After all, the Kingdom of Gutav is a huge country, and coordination of logistics takes time. Their queen promised me that the supplies will be mobilized as soon as possible...but it will take at least two to three months."
Two to three months is just an understatement, but it is actually three months.
Hamilton was stunned for a moment, his brows furrowed, but he soon relaxed.
Just three months, just three months.
It will take another month and a half to get from the mainland of the empire to St. Ilburg!
In comparison, it only takes a week to get here from St. Ilburg, and the time and transportation capacity saved are worth it!
The quartermaster standing not far behind him twitched his brows.
Three months...
This is not a short time!
The fastest time it takes for the empire to reorganize supply ships is three months... If it takes so much time for them to obtain food from Deadwood Port, then why did they build this port that has nothing to do with the interests of St. Ilburg?
Of course, he had to admit that although the general took some long detours to achieve his goal, their benefits were indeed not completely absent.
Just as Hamelton calculated, they can save a lot of transport ships and time costs for food supplies.
According to rough estimates from the logistics department, this supply line from St. Ilburg to Deadwood Port only requires 13 3,000-ton cargo ships.
And if it were purchased from the empire, the number of sailing ships invested would be more than double, and the losses at sea would have to be taken into account, and the food at that time might not be much cheaper than it is now.
The most important thing is that if they can confirm that Deadwood Port can move 20,000 tons of corn to the warehouse in the port area in three months, they will not have to immediately bow to the empire's local chamber of commerce and the nobles behind them for help.
St. Ilburg's food reserves are enough to support it until that time.
Even if it is a little reluctant.
The fists resting on his knees clenched unconsciously. After a battle between heaven and man, Hamelton finally made a decision.
He has a good impression of this prince who values honor, both in his first impression and in his ongoing interactions with him.
This gentleman always puts the interests of the empire and the glory of the family first.
And such a person is worthy of his gamble!
Looking into Colin's eyes, he said seriously.
"I can understand that so many supplies cannot be mobilized in one day. Three months is no problem, but are you sure...at the latest three months, we will be able to see 20,000 tons of corn in Kumu Port? This is very important for both the empire and me!"
Feeling the trust and seriousness in his eyes, Luo Yan also made a solemn expression, nodded and said.
"I can swear on my coat of arms, on the honor of the Colin family."
"Three months is the deadline. You will definitely see the food you need at the port of Deadwood Port..."
When he said this, he paused deliberately and continued in a calming tone.
"By the way, in order to prevent the corn from being piled in the open space, I may have to trouble you to build a few warehouses for the port of Deadwood Port... Although I want to do this myself, you have also seen that the labor force at Deadwood Port is really stretched."
"This is easy to handle! I'll take care of it!"
Luo Yan smiled slightly, raised the wine glass in his hand, and made a toast.
"Then I wish us a happy cooperation!"
"Happy cooperation!"
Completely unaware that he was making a deal with the devil, Hamelton drank the white wine in the glass in one gulp, while Luo Yan, who was sitting directly opposite him, took a sip.
He doesn't like the sour taste in this wine, but he prefers the wine made from the grapes of Thunder County in the Nightmare Country.
Different from him who just uses wine as a tool, Sissi really does a lot of research on wine.
After three rounds of drinking, the business talk was over.
The people sitting at the table began to concentrate on the sumptuous lunch.
After most of the main course was consumed, the waiter pushing the dining cart returned to the table and served everyone a platter of butter-fried seasonal vegetables and roasted soft, glutinous and fragrant butter mashed potatoes.
A bag of flour can be sold for six silver coins in Deadwood Port. These delicacies are enough to make the sailors who eat polenta and smoked fish cry with greed.
Looking at this table of dishes full of hometown flavor, General Hamelton, who was feeling homesick, suddenly thought of something else, looked at Prince Colin who put down his wine glass and said.
"By the way, Your Highness, there is one more thing..."
Luo Yan smiled slightly and said in a gentle tone.
Hamilton said with a smile.
"Out of customary practice, when I reported my work to the rear, I also reported your matter to the rear... Out of admiration for your loyalty, I took the initiative to use my contacts in the naval system to investigate the Port Affairs Department of the Holy City, and found that a ship did indeed disappear on the route to Beitikong Port 500 years ago."
There were many merchant ships that disappeared five hundred years ago.
Different from Tiqi who clasped his toes, Luo Yan, who had seen the world, didn't take it seriously at all. He just calmly took a sip of white wine and asked with interest.
"Oh? What did you find?"
Hamelton smiled sheepishly, took out a letter with varnish from his arms, and placed it gently on the table in front of him.
And his next words almost made Luo Yan spit out the wine from his mouth——
“I found your distant relative in the Holy City!”