Chapter 270: Careful Planning for the Future (2nd update)
Although the random villages would allow Kant to have an additional village again, it did not make sense in the current situation. After all, Kant needed to rest and digest the fruits of the recent rapid development.
The a.n.a.lysis would lead to a conclusion.
The environment of the Nahrin Desert was harsh. The southern region was not enough to support the two developed villages.
The environment in the Senwaya Range was also complicated.
According to Kant’s a.n.a.lysis, it was even more impossible to provide for the development of the two villages.
After all, the current “Aaron” Town still relied on the “Drondheim” Castle to provide supplies, especially when the population had exploded to 500 people, the garrison was 500 people, and the size of the town was close to 1,000 people. Even if there were abundant prey resources in the Senwaya Range, it was still too difficult to be self-sufficient in a short period of time.
Therefore, Kant believed that the current situation needed to move forward steadily. The steps that could not be taken were too big, especially when it came to the building of forces and the development of villages.
After all, what he needed was win-win cooperation.
For example, “Drondheim” Castle and “Aaron” Town.
In the early stage, “Drondheim” would fully supply “the development of “Aaron”. When the town was completed, it could produce all kinds of crops and handicrafts independently. “Drondheim” would completely turn into a political and military center, “Aaron” would be responsible for logistics and business communication.
The “Drondheim” Castle needed to build a better and stronger city defense system.
The “Aaron” Town needed to let farmers, herdsmen, and hunters quickly take shape and feed “Drondheim” in the desert as soon as possible.
Now, if a new village was being built, it could mess up Kant’s layout and affected the development of the both castle and the town.
Therefore, he decided to temporarily seal this village as well.
As for the lair of the water bandits.
Kant couldn’t help but twitch the corners of his eyes. Of course, he knew about these troop cla.s.s.
Water bandits, the bandits that were active in the Kingdom of Swadia, the Kingdom of Vaegirs, and the intersection of the rivers of the Kingdom of Nords. They could be considered as the most basic wild monsters. Their level was slightly higher than the bandit, but it wasn’t much higher.
In reality, these water bandits were a group of bandits formed by the Nords, the Swadian, and the Vaegir people.
They were once the secret agents of the Nords’ invasion.
At their most glorious times, they had a.s.sisted the main forces of the Nords and destroyed the Continent of Caradia, the famous neutral city of Zendar. However, after the destruction, they were immediately betrayed by the Nords. They were forcibly disbanded by the Nords and eventually became the bandits on both sides of the river. They hara.s.sed the kingdoms on both sides of the river, and even its former employer, the Kingdom of Nords, had suffered greatly from it.
Furthermore, due to their inextricable ties with the Nords, these water bandits were able to connect with the sea bandits. Therefore, the fact that both sides were able to work together without any gaps added to the threat.
The trade caravan and civilians traveling between the three countries had suffered enough.
If they encountered a small group of water bandits, they might not necessarily lose.
However, if they encountered water bandits with the help of the sea bandits, it would be better for the civilians to surrender as the sea bandits’ combat strength was comparable to Nords level 3 footmen, to the civilians. There wouldn’t be any unnecessary casualties.
Fortunately, the sea bandits usually wouldn’t go deep into the mainland and would only move along the coast. Although there were many water bandits along the river, their combat strength wasn’t strong. As long as the regular armies of the three countries swept a few rounds from time to time, the river would be safe and sound for a period of time. There would only be minor casualties.
However, it was because of the frequent wars between the three kingdoms and the chaos in the entire Continent of Caradia that these bandits ran amok. There was cause and effect, so it could be considered a helpless situation.
Kant was also helpless now.
The construction requirements for this lair of water bandits needed to be built on the banks of the river.
There was no river in the entire Oasis Lookout. As for the mountain pa.s.s of the Senwaya Range, there was one. However, just based on that small river and the unknown subterranean river, Kant had no intention of building it.
Moreover, these water bandits also conflicted with Kant’s current combat system.
They were all footmen.
They couldn’t be compared to the desert bandits of the light cavalry, who were also bandits.
In the “Drondheim” Castle, these light footman could only be cannon fodder, they were useless. Even in the “Aaron” Town, there were the infantrymen of the Kingdom of Rhodoks, so there was no need for them.
They did not have the stamina to cross mountains and ridges.
They did not have the endurance and ferocity of the desert bandits.
Perhaps they could only raid enemy villages on wars.h.i.+ps and kidnap civilians.
However, Kant was not involved with the outside world. Even if he was, he was located at the natural border between the Dukedom of Leo and the Silver Platter Kingdom. It was known as the most important supply river in the Dukedom of Leo. There was already a group of water bandits on the river, there was no room for this group of unfamiliar water bandits.
If they went, both sides would start a fire because of their territory.
Furthermore, Lionheart City was building a river patrol team. If they went to the river to develop the water bandits through the east and north counties, Kant would not do such a stupid thing.
Perhaps if he developed step by step, Kant would only consider building a half-water army like the water bandits when they were needed.
As for the current situation.
It was still better to seal it up temporarily.
After all, Kant did not have many cards that could be used.
Only the construction-type posthouse needed to be placed in the salt mines, and the recruitment doubled was going to use for the apprentice dormitory.
Other things, such as ammunition replenishment, random villages, changing the terrain, and the water bandits’ lair, all needed to be temporarily sealed up. If Kant needed it in the future, he would decide to use it again.
He would make the best use of everything, but it was not the time to use them yet.
He was taking a stroll and thinking.
The sound of hurried footsteps appeared behind him. Kant turned his head to look. It was the cheerful Rolf.
“Lord Kant!”
Rolf bared his yellow teeth and smiled brightly. “Those merchants are really generous.”
“Why?”, Kant asked.
“We received a ransom of 8,000 great silver coins and a bribe of 2,000 great silver coins. Well, it should be considered a rebate. I promised them the right to trade in the future. As long as they can come to the posthouse, they can purchase any materials we produce. Of course, they also have to bring materials that they trade with each other.”
Rolf revealed a sly smile. “Of course. As for whether it’s possible or not, it’s still up to you, Lord Kant.”
Although Rolf was a general in charge of the posthouse, the actual authority was still in Kant’s hands, including the right to trade.
As long as Kant refused, Rolf would be able to directly take the blame. To him, taking kickbacks and bribes, while at the same time eating the other party until there was nothing left, he could be considered a qualified bandit.
In fact, he did not care about any moral values.
Kant also understood.
However, the corners of his mouth curled up into a smile. He nodded and said, “Why not? I think it’s quite good.”
“Then do we really choose to trade?”. Rolf was stunned, and he lowered his head slightly, he was rough, but he was meticulous. “Baron Dylan at the Stone Pa.s.s will be impacted by the benefits. I’m afraid that if we really choose to trade, the other party will take revenge. Especially for us, the Stone Pa.s.s is the only way to the Dukedom of Leo.”
“Revenge? Then let them come.”, Kant smiled. “It’s not the only way. There are many small roads that can bypa.s.s the Stone Pa.s.s. After all, the Senwaya Range is very big.”
“I’ll listen to your orders.”
Rolf nodded. He did not know much about business.
But he understood that as long as there were unfamiliar troops that dared to appear near the posthouse, he would lead the light and heavy cavalries to face the enemy. He would let them know why Lord Kant could stand tall in the desert and become the overlord!
He was a staunch and fool loyalist for Kant.
In fact, everyone was.
After dealing with the matters regarding the posthouse, the group of merchants gradually dispersed.
Although they had been extorted of a considerable amount of great silver coins, but after sharing it, each person had only paid less than 300 great silver coins. Although it seemed to be a lot, to these merchants, it could not compare to the gains from the posthouse this time, the profits from establis.h.i.+ng the trade route with Baron Kant!
As long as they had the right to trade and the trade route, an endless supply of fine white salt would appear among the trade caravan, earning them bags of great silver coins.
They were willing to pay a mere 300 great silver coins!
Because the subsequent profits were enough to wipe out the current expenses, it could be considered as an initial investment.
The posthouse returned to silence.
The merchants had joyful expressions on their faces as they led the guards back.
They all needed to report this information to the n.o.ble behind them in the shortest amount of time. As long as they received permission, they could start operating in sequence. They could use the table salt trade to earn large amounts of silver coins.
As for Baron Dylan, who currently monopolized the table salt trade.
Heh, who cares about him.
He was just a puny warrior n.o.ble, a baron, and queen follower who was ostracized by the mainstream n.o.ble circle.
Even if they knew that they had started the table salt trade, what could he do?
Behind them stood a large number of n.o.bles. As long as they joined forces, even the Grand Duke of Leo, Cameron, would have to express peace on this matter. A puny little baron, if he was not convinced and still wanted to cause trouble, then someone could easily crush him, it was very easy. There was no need to pay attention to him at all.
Moreover, after crus.h.i.+ng him, it would be convenient for all the n.o.ble’s trade caravan to enter and exit. After all, the Stone Pa.s.s could be considered an important land. It was just enough to connect to the Oasis Lookout. As long as they could take it down, it would not be difficult to take down Baron Kant, the exiled young duke!
The unknown salt mine in the desert would sooner or later become the private property of these great n.o.ble families!
The people dispersed, and the posthouse was quiet.
But the pressure Rolf would face next would be even greater.
Kant instructed him, “If you encounter danger, you can lead your troops to avoid it. You don’t have to fight head-on. After all, the Sarrandan desert bandits can also create opportunities to defeat the enemy through constant hara.s.sment, just like the Kujit people. I hope you’ll notice this.”
“Understood.”, Rolf nodded solemnly.
Both sides had expected that when these merchants returned, the n.o.ble would extend their tentacles to the posthouse.
Because Kant had allowed it.
And when the tentacles spread over, all kinds of dangers would follow.
Including the bandits who were greedy for the table salt trade, as well as the n.o.bles who were unwilling and wanted to destroy the table salt trade of other n.o.ble families. They sent professional bandit groups that could rival regular armies.
If they wanted something that they couldn’t get, no one else could!