Chapter 650: Smooth Construction
The construction had been smooth all along.
Bunduk’s territory was officially named c.u.mberland. It was included in the map of Drondheim.
When the news spread to the country, many letters from Drondheim said that they wanted to find a job here so that they could live in c.u.mberland.
Kant discussed with Bunduk and told his men to reply to the owners of these letters. He also published the “c.u.mberland Application Form” in the General Union of Drondheim. It said that within two months, the first batch of citizens would be selected from the people who filled in the form. It was said that up to now, nearly ten thousand copies of this form had been sent out.
The days in c.u.mberland were still very hard and boring because it was like a construction site that was to be developed. There were few people, and the infrastructure was not complete.
Kant usually spent most of his time on the construction site, talking to the craftsmen and discussing what to do next. During dinner, he had dinner with the workers and the soldiers who came back from the sentry post.
At the dining table, listening to the soldiers at the next table complaining about the trouble caused by the refugee elves, Kant found that there was indeed a security problem at the border between c.u.mberland and the Elf Kingdom, which he had missed.
He had also heard from the logistics person in charge of picking up goods that the refugee elves hiding in the mountains would steal their goods from time to time.
Even though he had brought his soldiers with him, he could not persuade them to leave.
While Kant was still thinking about how to solve this problem, the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Elf Kingdom came to his door.
“I have long heard of Commander Bunduk’s name. This is the first time we have met. He is indeed a man of great spirit, a general of great talent,” the Foreign Affairs Minister praised.
“You flatter me. Your visit has graced this humble place of mine,” Bunduk replied politely. Then, he changed the topic and asked, “But, what is the reason for your travel to and from this place?”
“Haha, I just heard that there are frequent robberies at the border of your estate, so I came to give you some suggestions,” the Foreign Affairs Minister replied with a smile.
“Well, I have been feeling depressed about this matter for the past few days. I wonder what your suggestion is?”
“The refugee on the border is indeed a big disaster, but they are only affected by the situation in the Elf Kingdom, and that’s why they wander in the mountains and forests like bandits. My personal idea is to use these refugees as the manpower base to create a large-scale free trade market at the intersection of the two countries,” the Foreign Affairs Minister suggested.
“This is a good suggestion. However, the system of this trade area…?” Bunduk understood the Foreign Affairs Minister’s thoughts and hesitated.
“I think you can be the representative to formulate the appropriate regulations,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said frankly.
After a while, Bunduk first nodded and said, “Thank you for your suggestion. However, I want to wait until more residents move into this estate before I consider how to implement this plan.”
“Alright, I hope that your construction can be completed as soon as possible. If there’s any inconvenience, feel free to contact me.”
After bidding farewell to Bunduk, the Foreign Affairs Minister left in a carriage. Bunduk sent an army to escort them to the border.
Kant had been standing by the side and listening quietly.
When Bunduk asked for his opinion, Kant replied, “I think we can give it a try. This plan is also very suitable for the current situation in c.u.mberland.”
Bunduk recommended Kant to become the supervisor of the trade market and be responsible for the communication with the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Elf Kingdom.
Kant took his men to the border to look for a suitable place to build a market.
They found a wide flat land with a relatively stable transportation route. Because it was backed by the North Canyon, they named the market the North Market.
After Kant pa.s.sed on his information to the Foreign Affairs Minister, a few days later, the Elf King’s messenger sent the news that the Elf King wanted to meet Kant.
After Kant rested for a night, he sat in the carriage with the messenger and arrived at the Elf Kingdom’s imperial capital.
He was led to the imperial palace by an attendant. When the Elf King, who was sitting in the middle, saw him, he stood up from his seat happily.
“Welcome, welcome. I didn’t expect to see you again so soon,” said the Elf King.
Kant walked forward and bowed. He smiled and said, “Your Highness, I wonder if today’s meeting is about the trade market that the Foreign Affairs Minister mentioned?”
“Yes, I heard that you plan to help me subdue the refugees in the mountains. I’m very touched. Naturally, I want to treat you to a feast,” said the Elf King.
As soon as he finished speaking, a row of attendants brought many dishes and snacks from outside the hall and placed them on the table.
“This idea was proposed by the Foreign Affairs Minister. The dishes on this table should also be shared with him. In the end, I will be the one to finish everything by myself.”
The Elf King laughed and said, “It’s okay. I have already rewarded him and the Foreign Affairs Minister said ‘General, you will be the main force of this market plan. I believe that with your talent, you will definitely make the border between the two countries peaceful and rich. In this regard, the elven royal family will definitely not hesitate to support you.’”
“Your Highness is too kind, but if we want to completely manage the order of the market, we really need a lot of your help and permission,” Kant said.
“No problem. The basic reason for establis.h.i.+ng this market is that the people of the two countries can get along peacefully.”
Kant was in the royal palace chatting with the Elf King about the current situation between the two countries.
After drinking a cup of wine, he had no choice but to leave.
The next morning, Kant received the news that Bunduk was going to lead the soldiers back to the country.
He went to Bunduk’s residence and asked about the specific situation and details.
“I’ve already asked Drondheim to send an army to c.u.mberland for daily deployment. You guys stay here and don’t worry about the safety of the guards. When the army arrives, the soldiers and I who are stationed here will return to the country,” Bunduk explained carefully.
“Then about the residents’ population?” Kant asked again.
“The residents’ population is up to you to decide. I think you should have a corresponding plan in your mind,” Bunduk replied. “I have to go back to deal with the affairs of the capital as soon as possible. After you finish the construction here, you have to go back to Drondheim as well,” Bunduk instructed.
Kant nodded in response.
Three days later, the newly stationed army arrived. Bunduk took all the soldiers and set off for Drondheim.
The new army general was called Kagaya. He was a man with a fierce personality and high combat strength. He had more than ten years of military experience, and his troops listened to him very well.
Kant often asked him about the situation at the border. It seemed that the border was much calmer than before.