Magic, steel, heavy industry

Chapter 42 Smugglers

Vilan knew that McGinn was highly proactive and extremely good at reading people, often making the right judgment at the most opportune moment.

It was precisely because of this ability that Vilan entrusted him with the task of managing Silver City; only he could handle those cunning merchants.

But Vilan still didn't expect that McGinn would bring a smuggler into the territory.

In the Kingdom of Orion, the definition of smuggling is actually very vague, and there are no specific commercial laws to regulate it.

Therefore, the only people who can be directly considered smugglers are those who have connections with Casalan in the east.

Beyond the Stag Mountains lies the infamous Casalin warlord-controlled region.

Decades ago, that area was part of the Kingdom of Orion and was known as the Kingdom's Eastern Border.

However, ever since the Eastern Guardian, the Grand Duke of Casalan, openly rebelled, the Eastern Territory has been plunged into war and chaos. One warlord after another rose up and fought each other constantly. Even Casalan himself was assassinated by his own warlords. Later, the entire Eastern Territory was named after Casalan.

For the rulers of the Kingdom of Orion, the Eastern Territory is a pain they can never let go of.

Those who traded with the Eastern Territory were all considered smugglers, and once caught, they were severely punished.

Vilan hadn't expected that this Mr. James would be so bold as to dare to meet him under the guise of smuggling.

They're really willing to risk their lives for profit...

"Mr. James, thank you for your trust in Anvil Territory, but you should know that McGinn has already reached a cooperation agreement with Ms. Madeline. Are you sure you want to compete with that 'Red Scorpion' for the market?"

Inside the castle's drawing room, Vilan sipped his black tea and smiled as he looked at James.

The latter laughed and said, "You misunderstand. Of course I wouldn't dare compete with Madeline. The entire kingdom's market is hers as long as she can handle it."

"Oh? So what do you mean?"

"Lord Vilan, you are certainly a wise man. I won't interfere in the market within the kingdom, but what about outside the kingdom? You'll need a competent agent, won't you?"

James' eyes gleamed, and his lewd expression couldn't hide his extreme greed.

Vilan was silent for a moment, then waved to the people behind him.

Igris and the guards all left on their own, leaving only Llorent standing behind them.

Vilan then spoke up, "Let's stop beating around the bush, Mr. James. Just tell me, what can you offer me? You know, smuggling is a very serious crime."

Upon hearing this, James was overjoyed. It seemed he had made the right bet; this Lord Vilan was indeed a scoundrel who valued money over life!

He immediately whispered, "Gold coins, of course! A never-ending supply of gold coins! Although the Casalan region is chaotic, the warlords, big and small, are mining gold without restraint, and the amount of gold coins they hold is unimaginable! Coincidentally, your magic powder weapons are the best-selling weapons, and those warlord leaders will definitely be willing to pay a high price to buy them!"

James became more and more excited as he spoke, and even pulled a letter out of his pocket.

"These are letters between me and General Vidal. He's a domineering warlord who's planning to launch a campaign against other warlords next year. If we send him weapons at this time, we can definitely make a fortune!"

"Oh? Are you sure he won't lead his army across the Stag Mountains and come straight to kill me?" Vilan retorted.

James quickly shook his head. "That's impossible. There aren't roads that wide in the Bucks Mountains. If Vidal dared to do that, his territory would be swallowed up by someone else immediately. Of course, for safety's sake, I won't mention your name."

After saying that, James looked at Veran with great enthusiasm, his eyes full of expectation.

For a smuggler, as long as the profits are high enough, all dangers can be ignored.

These magic powder weapons, capable of overwhelming traditional weapons, could at least triple in profit if smuggled into Casalan!

Ten gold coins aren't enough! He should sell them for 20 gold coins each! And that's just for daggers and short swords. If they were greatswords and spears, they could sell for at least 30 to 50 gold coins each!

If this young lord across from me were to nod, I could become the arms king of Casaran!

Vilan did not reply immediately, but fell into deep thought.

Vilan was not opposed to smuggling weapons; on the contrary, he thought it was better to exchange these cold weapons for warm gold coins before firearms appeared.

The key question is, is this James trustworthy?

Vilan wasn't sure, so he said bluntly, "If that's all there is to it, then I'm sorry, you still can't convince me."

James felt a chill run down his spine and quickly said, "Mr. Veran, what will it take for you to see my sincerity?"

Vilan thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "As you can see, my territory is very poor. My people are starving, so they naturally don't have the strength to mine or forge iron for me. If Mr. James can solve this problem, then without a doubt, you will be my best partner."

"No problem! All the food I brought is free for Mr. Vilan!"

James answered without hesitation that this was exactly what he expected. Why would anyone do business with you if you don't offer enough benefits?

For the sake of greater future benefits, James is willing to spend a lot of money.

Vilan shook his head. "It's not enough. I need enough food to keep at least 3000 people alive through this winter. Of course, in addition to food, I also urgently need smoked meat, dried fruit, honey, salt, as well as flax and wool. I can buy them at market price, or you can choose to deduct the price from the price of the magic powder weapon."

James was almost dumbfounded when he saw the serious look in Veran's eyes.

That's way too much!

The food supply to feed 3000 people—it's practically asking me to give it to him for free!

Although other items were purchased at market price, the shipping costs were still considerable.

James secretly pinched his thigh, frantically calculating the profits of this deal in his mind.

He currently has less than 5000 gold coins at his disposal; he would need to invest at least half of that to acquire these supplies…

He gritted his teeth and couldn't help but ask, "Excuse my bluntness, Lord Vilan, there are not 3000 people in your territory at all."

Vilan turned his head and gave a mysterious smile.

"Not now, but soon. Mr. James, you only get one chance. I can take you on a tour of my workshop; perhaps that will help you make up your mind."

Whelan didn't say much, and James agreed to go for the visit.

Soon, Vilan took him to see products such as magic powder longswords, cement, and magic powder crossbows.

An hour later, the two walked out of the workshop, and James's eyes had become incredibly clear.

"Lord Vilan, I swear! The products developed by your workshop are groundbreaking achievements! Their future markets will surely span the entire Old World! Please allow me to become your partner, and I guarantee that Anvil Territory will not lack any supplies this winter!"