Magnus gently extended his arms while sitting on the soft cushioned chair from Roma. He felt like his ass was floating on a cloud while drowning himself in the delicacies of the South.
" So, what will you do now? The central government won't sit idly and we have to prepare for them unless you want to risk again.
If I must say, our victory was based on pure luck. I don't know if we have a chance against the crown."
His heavy tone made the room heavier as the knights and Vikings sat without any words to communicate. The gentle light of the candle along with the hoarse voices of people made their hearts sink because the truth wasn't far off from his words.
Without enough men and weapons, they were a fish on the board while Crown was the chef. It was their choice whether they would become a food or a pet but one thing was sure and they wouldn't be confined in these walls.
" We will appease them for a time but I guarantee you that this won't be the end. To achieve our goals, we need the crown after all."
Magnus smirked at his words, tasting the soft feeling of apple on the tip of his tongue while Freyja remained silent next to him with a calm face.
" Uncle, I have an idea. How about we give them a port?"
Halfdan pointed at the south coast of Kent territory while drawing circles near it. His words were met with instant harsh rebuttal by the knight.
" Impossible. That port is the important trading zone for us. We can't gift this to the crown as we will lose our most income to them."
Uther and Magnus agreed with his words because this place was indeed a financial hub for them and they wouldn't gift this to the monarch unless Halfdan came up with a good idea.
" What do you have on your mind, son? You wouldn't say this unless you have a backup plan, right?"
Freyja could tell Halfdan was plotting something behind his face, smiling with a soft face. To her eyes, Halfdan became already one of them because he was much more clever than any normal person.
" The port is near the beach and it has no natural cover or defense against invasion from outside, so it doesn't hold much value compared to this place."
Halfdan pointed toward their neighboring little territory while marking the main business areas where they generate profit.
" Baron Silver has a lot of money on his hands despite his low status. Furthermore, the place has rich soil and fertile lands for farming.
If we can conquer this land through territorial war, we can get our hands on the best apple orchard and hunting ground of the entire isles. Furthermore, we can gain plenty amount of money to wage another war by giving the crown candy while getting pie for ourselves."
Uther pondered his words with a calm face while leaning on the leather chair. His eyes were nailed on the map, knowing this was a chance. A chance to conquer the entire southern region if he gambled his deck right.
" Ledger must contain information about Baron Silver. If we find his information, we might be able to collect enough reasons for territorial war even if the crown intervenes.
Halfdan, I believe you have a way to win over this territory with our people because in the end money is power. He is wealthy enough to hire famous people and a good amount of men."
Having money was the greatest advantage in the war and by no means Silver was poor. His pocket was deeper than trenches of the ocean.
" I do have a plan. But we need archers. Quite a large amount of people and also some siege weapons."
The knight who spoke before raised his hand, expressing his desire to talk.
" If I may. My family is known for weaponsmiths and we can build siege weapons if you supply us enough material. Also, I know a group of archers who are famous for their abilities."
Magnus burst out with laughter while crossing his arms with a grin. His axe aimed at the direction of Silver territory, showing his intent toward the war.