Magic, steel, heavy industry

Chapter 72 Rude

The next day, Madeline's caravan left Anvil Territory.

She left behind the supplies and blacksmiths brought by the caravan—enough for 10 wagons of goods and 20 skilled blacksmiths.

The supplies included things that the Anvil Territory desperately needed, such as the most important salt and wool.

Ironclad also raises sheep, but they raise goats, whose wool yield is far inferior to that of the sheep in the West. The wool brought by Madeline greatly alleviated the wool shortage problem of the textile mill.

In addition, there is wine and wheat, which Vilan also needs.

Of course, all of these require payment.

Vilan sold 130 magic powder weapons to Madeline for 1200 gold coins, but 260 of those gold coins were used to pay for the purchase of supplies.

That means Vilan only received 1000 gold coins.

Logically speaking, Vilan suffered a huge loss.

Although the supplies looked plentiful, they were all cheap goods, with no luxury items whatsoever, and were not worth the exorbitant price of 260 gold coins.

But Vilan accepted anyway, partly because he really needed the goods, and partly for the sake of the 20 blacksmiths.

In Vilan's view, these skilled workers would bring him benefits far exceeding the price; in the long run, he would not only not lose money, but would make a huge profit.

The two parties quickly reached an agreement, and the transaction proceeded smoothly.

Vilan also gave Madeleine a list of goods needed for the next trip, which included not only household items, but also leather, linen, and most importantly, saltpeter.

Madeline was surprised. Winter was coming soon in the North, so what was the point of saltpeter? And was ice even needed in winter?

But she didn't ask any more questions. After all, as long as there was something in it for her, she didn't care what the other party's purpose was.

Just as Madeline led her caravan back to Silverflow City, another group of people arrived at Anvil Territory and passed by Madeline.

……

"You want me to share half of the spoils? Are you serious?" In the reception room, Vilan looked at the uninvited guest opposite him in disbelief.

The man who had just arrived was Richard, Baron Gareth's servant. When he stated Gareth's request, Vilan was completely dumbfounded.

Richard, however, did not find anything wrong with it. Instead, he arrogantly crossed his legs and casually said, "Yes, Mr. Vilan, your actions have seriously affected the Harvest Territory's plans. This is a shameful theft. However, Lord Gareth said that he forgives your ignorance and recklessness, as long as you compensate him for his losses."

Upon hearing this, Sobo and Sommer behind Vilan revealed murderous glints in their eyes and almost couldn't resist swinging their knives at him.

Vilan was amused and annoyed. He thought Gareth had sent someone to ease tensions, but it turned out to be a pretext for attacking and questioning him.

To demand half of the spoils from wiping out the Strong Wind Bandits? Isn't that pure extortion?

Vilan shook his head and said, "I think Mr. Gareth has misunderstood something. The Strong Wind Bandits are causing trouble in Anvil Territory. As the lord, I have every right to wipe them out. As for the spoils, they are naturally mine. If Mr. Gareth has any complaints about this, then he should send knights to wipe out those bastards as soon as possible."

Vilan felt he had made himself clear enough, but Richard frowned, looking quite dissatisfied with what he had said.

"Mr. Vilan, I must remind you, half of the Strong Winds Bandit Gang's headquarters are located on Harvest Territory. What you're doing is theft!"

"Interesting. So Mr. Gareth knew about these thieves all along? Then why didn't he make a move? Was it because he couldn't win, or because he didn't want to?" Vilan's tone turned cold.

Richard gave a snort of course. "Mr. Gareth has his own plans. You ruined his plans and caused huge losses to Harvest Territory. But Mr. Gareth is very magnanimous and has forgiven your rudeness. Now, it is your turn to show Harvest Territory sincerity."

"What if I don't?" Vilan narrowed his eyes and said calmly.

"I need to remind you again that Anvil Territory is just a neglected frontier, while Harvest Territory is the granary of the Earl and possesses power you cannot imagine. Since the Northstone family has already exiled you, you should recognize your situation."

After Richard finished speaking, he gave a disdainful smile, and the atmosphere in the reception room instantly plummeted to freezing point.

This was an open threat, and it was fair to say that Gareth did not treat Vilan as an equal nobleman at all.

Vilan took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and then said, "Mr. Richard, I think you need to learn how to speak to a nobleman."

After saying that, he stood up abruptly, ignoring the astonished Richard, and turned to leave.

The next second, Sobo, who had been holding back for a while, grabbed Richard by the collar and threw him to the ground.

"What are you doing! I am Baron Gareth's representative!"

Richard screamed in panic, and then a huge fist came crashing down toward his eye. Sobo and Sommer didn't waste any words with him and started beating him mercilessly.

"No! Please... Gareth made me say that... no..."

Screams echoed throughout the reception room, while outside the castle, Vilan and Llorente stood together, their expressions gradually calming down.

"Lord Vilan, it seems that fellow deliberately used this rude attitude to provoke you." Llorent saw through the situation at a glance.

Vilan nodded. "Definitely. Gareth sent people here to test my strength and anger me in this way... Let him be even more satisfied."

"What do you mean?"

"Never mind him. If I show any weakness now, he'll tear me apart. Beat me up and throw me out. I want to see what that guy will do."

"I'm afraid Baron Gareth will be even more emboldened, since you've given him a reason."

"We have to settle accounts with this bastard eventually. He stole so much iron ore from the Anvil Territory, robbed my people, and now he's deliberately provoking us..." Vilan's eyes grew deeper, and his fists clenched involuntarily.

"How's the recruitment going?" he asked, changing the subject.

Llorente seemed to realize something and nodded, saying, "The selection of new recruits for the Guard has been completed. There are 80 young men, the youngest of whom is 16 years old. Half of them are refugees. The training ground is currently being expanded."

"Alright, tell the workshop to continue producing magic powder crossbows, and every soldier should be equipped with them. Also, tell Merino to use all the raw materials to make as many explosive packs as possible."

"As you wish, but I must remind you that Harvest Territory is a true noble territory with many fiefdom knights," Llorente said cautiously.

"A knight is more valuable than a robber, isn't he?"

After finishing speaking, Vilan turned and walked towards the study.