"Growing potatoes and ice peppers, training Norscans as subordinates, building solid stone city walls, building the Esun Temple and Sarlacc Monastery, and developing hunting and logging industries. So, Lord Rhodes did all this in this year?
"
In the banquet hall of Blackhammer Castle, the butler Muros and the newly arrived nobleman Laheim chatted about the past of Blackhammer Castle, which actually happened within this year.
"Yes, in addition, he also persuaded the residents to stay and spend the night of the evil moon together. Moreover, he was the first person to kill the manticore by himself."
Muros introduced, pride clearly showing on his face.
But Laheim is not that sensational. He has just arrived in this castle and has only met Rhodes once, and he has no special feelings for Black Hammer Castle. For him, this castle is just a temporary refuge.
Once the crisis in Erlengrad is resolved, he still has to go back. After all, that is his home, his business and career are there. If he is not worried about his own life, as Erlengrad
As a nobleman, he would definitely not come to a remote place like Blackhammer Castle.
"It is indeed very powerful, but if it were me, I would not use the funds to build the temple. It would be a waste of money, especially in a place like yours where finances are not so generous."
Rahim drank a small drink and "pointed out the country". This made Muros very uncomfortable.
"No, you don't know the situation of Black Hammer Castle at all, let alone the situation of Lord Rhodes. Black Hammer Castle can be what it is today, and Lord Rhodes can be what it is today, all because of the blessings of the gods. He is the chosen god of Ersun...
…Without the protection of the Bear God, this castle would have been trampled to the ground by the beastmen long ago. Therefore, the temple is necessary. Even road construction can be left aside, but the work of the temple cannot be put aside first."
Muros said sternly.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I really don't understand the situation here. Okay, but I still have a suggestion."
"Your Excellency, please speak."
Although what he just said made the old housekeeper a little unhappy, he still maintained his etiquette.
"The mine has been expanded, and I estimate that we will be able to earn the first pot of gold by next spring at the latest. I plan to use the funds to open new shipping routes."
Laheim said swornly, he was very confident, because here, even the old butler doesn't seem to know much about economics and trade. Maybe Lord Rhodes knows something about it, but he is not here. Who knows this unreliable lord?
Spend much more time outside than at home.
"Open a new route? Open a route to where?"
Muros asked, pouring a small glass of wine for Laheim in front of him. The crystal clear wine was filled to just two-thirds of the glass. This is also one of the etiquette among nobles. Although Muros himself is not, he still
Know something.
"Empire, I don't think the turbulent situation in Erlengrad will get better in a while, and the north is the territory of the Norscans, and there is no business to do with the barbarians. You can't always rely on Dulong City, Dulong City
The size of the city is too small. Even though it has a population of more than 30,000, the dwarves do not need many things. The city is almost self-sufficient. Therefore, I plan to expand trade with the empire. Our goods cannot always be shipped
Nordland is finished and must be transported to further places. In this way, profits can be doubled or even more."
Taking the wine glass, Rahim said with a smile——
"For example, you import kyanite from the dwarves. This may be very expensive in Kislev, but in the Empire, the price is even higher. If it goes to Tilea or the Arabi region in the south, the price will be astronomical.
What I mean is that this kind of goods with northern characteristics must be transported to the southern countries, at least away from the Claw Sea trade circle, in order to obtain higher profits. Otherwise, we are also middlemen and cannot obtain much profit. My idea is to build a
The road directly leads to the open sea, that is, the Gulf of Kislev, and goods can be transported from the outer sea terminal to other parts of the empire."
"I can pay for the construction of the road. If Rhodes doesn't let me pay the full amount, I can cooperate with him again. Including the outer port terminal, that is the most important opportunity for development. Although Black Hammer Castle is located in the barren north,
But being close to the open sea is the biggest advantage, and you must take advantage of it. Building a road directly to the open sea pier and expanding the pier at the same time cannot be saved. The benefits in the future will be unimaginable. You have always been envious.
Heidelberg and Iron Ring City are next door, but I can say with certainty that once built according to my vision, Blackhammer Castle will soon surpass them. Do you know how Erlengrad developed? It depends on that
The unique port advantage. A port will make a city glow with new vitality."
Rahim said.
"It sounds good. When Lord Rhodes comes back, you can discuss it with him personally."
Muros replied with a smile.
As he spoke, he poured another glass of wine for the aristocratic investor.
Rahim put his hand on top of the wine glass, indicating that he didn't want it anymore.
He continued -
"Also, this town is still developing too slowly. I very much agree with Lord Rhodes' approach, but with all due respect, he has many opportunities to make this town richer."
"Are there many opportunities?"
Muros asked curiously.
"Well, there are many... For example, here, I can't see any merchants from outside the empire. The products sold in the market are all very common products. Even ice peppers are only exported to the northern dwarves."
"At this stage, Blackhammer Castle can only do this. We can't produce many things, so trade is naturally very scarce."
"No, no, no. Who said that trade must rely on production? The role of the market is no longer to sell the things you produce. The real role of the market is circulation. Yes, circulation, do you know what it means?
"
Laheim said thoughtfully. You can see the confused expression on Muros's face. At this time, he really didn't understand what the noble wanted to say.
"Okay, let me explain to you, the market is the transfer station for all goods. People trade here to get what they want. Remember, it is anything, as long as they think it is valuable, they will
Pay the money, and the goods will circulate. In a port city, customs tax revenue is a very important fiscal revenue. You can strictly control the goods, but at the same time, if you want to expand the scale of trade and obtain more tax revenue, then
You can also turn a blind eye to the incoming and outgoing goods. Just like Erlengrad, do you think that city is very clean? Do you think the ports there trade all serious goods? No,
There are also some shady things in there. The mayor and the big nobles control these resources. If you want to pass the customs, you have to go to them. So, the income comes, as long as this thing is still within control.
within."
Rahim said with a wink.
Now Muros understood clearly, "You mean "black market"?"
"No, no, the black market is too dangerous, it's just smuggling. With the conditions of Black Hammer Castle, it is completely possible to expand the existing trade scale and really revitalize the entire market."
"No, smuggling is too dangerous..."
"What's dangerous? What are you afraid of? The Snow Queen?"
Rahim asked.
"There's a risk, isn't there?"
Muros returns.
"Don't be kidding. Blackhammer Castle is located on the northern border. It is an almost forgotten town. The beastmen are attacking the Queen in large numbers. Do you think she will care about your smuggling? This place is about 100 meters away from the capital Keith.
Rif City is very far away, and the Queen may have simply forgotten you. So, boldly open up the market. As long as you control it properly, this place will develop very quickly. Let some people get the benefits first, and they will drive more people to come here.
Trade. I only need to charge fees for passing ships and convoys, and this income will be far greater than the income from your logging and hunting."
Laheim's brows jumped, and he continued with a smile——
"Of course, I will invest part in the expansion of this market, docks, and commercial roads, and when the time comes, I will also take a share of the profits. I am a businessman, and you understand that I will not do anything without profit."
Laheim put it bluntly.
"When Rhodes comes back, I will convey it to him."