Translator: Cinder Translations
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The carriage moved steadily down the main street of Frand Port. The skilled coachman guided the horses expertly, ensuring a smooth ride with only minor bumps.
Bennett Todd sat inside the carriage with his eyes closed, silently admiring the craftsmanship of the carriage produced by the Alden Town Mechanical Factory. The addition of the marvelous shock absorption device made the ride incredibly comfortable; his bottom felt no discomfort at all.
He had heard that the shock absorption device was personally developed by Lord Guy Burns, the factory director, who was an advanced mechanic brought over from the royal capital of Crystal Glare. The quality of this craftsmanship was evident.
After enjoying the new vehicle for a while, Bennett's thoughts turned to his recent business dealings.
With the support of the Commerce and Industry policies from the Ministry of Affairs, Bennett chose not to eagerly invest in the new industries advocated by Earl Paul Grayman, unlike other merchants. Instead, he continued to focus on his old trade—the shipping industry.
Regardless of the industry, goods always need to be sold. The Northwest Bay had always been poor, and although the lord was working to improve the people's lives, this was not something that could be achieved in a year or two. Currently, the common people had little spare money for non-essential goods. Given the numerous land transportation checkpoints of the era, sea transport became the best choice for large-scale long-distance shipping. Bennett focused on his traditional business, confident that he would still make money.
Indeed, the Ministry of Affairs soon announced that the Frand Port shipyard would launch civilian sailboats. The Todd family was thrilled. Given their previous experience with the Quik's Southward Journey, Bennett was confident in the full-sail boats.
However, the shipyard's prices were shocking: a single-masted ship cost 3000 silver coins, and a double-masted ship cost as much as 5000 silver coins. Adding crossbows for anti-pirate defense would increase the price further.
At that time, the stock exchange had not yet started, making it inconvenient to raise funds. Just when Bennett hesitated at the high prices, Earl Grayman arranged for the shipyard to introduce convenient measures for cash-strapped ship merchants—a payment plan.
Instead of paying the full amount upfront, buyers could make an initial deposit and pay the remaining amount in installments.
This measure was incredibly convenient, rekindling Bennett's hope. The Todd family quickly raised the necessary funds and placed an order with the shipyard ahead of their competitors. As the largest ship merchant in the area, their lead encouraged others to follow suit.
In the first half of the year, Bennett finally received a single-masted sailboat and a double-masted sailboat, which were immediately put into operation. The civilian ships had larger cargo holds, slightly less flexible than warships but better suited for transporting goods (similar to the Clipper sailboats in Earth's history). If the shipyard's manager Rubin wasn't exaggerating, a double-masted sailboat could carry 60 to 70 tons.
This was unbelievable. While some large oar-powered sailboats could outperform these full-sail ships, they required hundreds of oarsmen, whereas the new ships relied solely on the wind.
The actual performance of the two ships in Bennett's business proved that buying them was an extremely profitable deal. Bennett was delighted with them and even personally sailed the larger double-masted ship to the Horns Bay, witnessing the prosperity of the south—a vast world that had previously only existed in his imagination.
Bennett also visited the Foster family with a letter of introduction from the lord's mansion, establishing a business partnership that had once seemed impossible.
He planned to order more sailboats to replace the family's existing oar-powered ships.
"Sir, we've arrived."
The coachman's voice interrupted Bennett's pleasant daydreaming.
"So soon?" He opened his eyes, got out of the carriage, and instructed the coachman, "I'll go in first. You don't need to wait outside. Just come back to pick me up at the agreed time."
Before him stood a tavern. After the coachman drove away, Bennett entered the building.
After announcing his identity, a waiter led him to a room where many people were already seated—leading figures from various local industries, including papermaking, ceramics, and canned goods. Among them, the one Bennett was most familiar with was the salt merchant, Gedwyn.
The common factor among these individuals was that under the Ministry of Affairs' support for commerce and technology sharing policies, they had significantly increased their wealth. Bennett himself was also among them.
"Ha, Bennett, you've finally arrived. Everyone's been waiting for you!"
Gedwyn stood to welcome him.
Bennett gave an apologetic smile. "Sorry, sorry. A shipment of eastern spices just arrived from the Horns Bay, and I had to personally check it."
Eastern spices! The others thought with envy, feeling an unspoken irritation at the ostentation.
After some social pleasantries, the gathering moved to the main topic of discussion—the war bonds issued by the Ministry of Affairs.
Gedwyn raised his voice and asked, "What are everyone's thoughts on the war bonds?"
There was no immediate response. People were discussing in small groups, and the gathering gradually split into two factions: one in favor of buying bonds—albeit within their means—and the other preferring to stay away from it.
An older merchant, stroking his graying beard, shook his head and said, "Logically, it is our duty as citizens to help the lord resolve his difficulties, but…"
Another person completed his thought, "But we are also small-scale merchants with limited means. We truly want to help, but we are powerless."
Their sentiments resonated with many. "Yes, we are just small merchants. How can we involve ourselves in the nobles' disputes?"
Their views were quickly countered, "Hmph, you're really ungrateful."
"What? How can you say that?"
"Think about how you lived before and how you live now, riding in luxurious carriages and wearing fine clothes. Small-scale merchants? Don't make me laugh. Everyone knows we've made a fortune thanks to the Earl's favor."
The two factions argued passionately. Why was this discussion necessary?
Many opposed buying the bonds thought: What if the count loses the war? Wouldn't the money be wasted? It's safer to stick to business. If I don't buy, but others do, the count might hold it against me, so it's best if no one buys.
Those in favor of buying bonds reasoned: If the count loses, I can't be the only one losing money. It's better if everyone loses together.
In short, most people argued with the extreme scenario of not wanting to be the only one to suffer.
"Ahem, everyone!" Gedwyn stood up to speak.
He was in favor of purchasing the bonds. "Let's take a longer view."
Everyone turned their attention to him.
"Look at the Northwest Bay—are there any other noble territories as friendly to merchants as Alden?"
This statement was correct. Many people nodded in agreement. Not only in the Northwest Bay, but also in the Kingdom of Aldor, merchants were considered prime targets for exploitation by the authorities.
"If the earl loses—may God forgive me for such disrespect—and the Kent family comes to power, do you think we'll continue to enjoy the good life we have now?"
A shiver ran through the crowd. Duke Maltz Kent was known for being ruthless.
"If Earl Grayman can retain his territory, we'll only have to share the war compensation. But if the worst happens, and the count's territory is taken away and a new lord takes over, do you want to go back to the days of exorbitant taxes and endless darkness?"
This soul-piercing statement caused many people to subconsciously shake their heads. After Paul Grayman took power, many arbitrary taxes and levies were abolished, and people enjoyed a year of comfortable life, as if it were the norm. In fact, although taxes were higher compared to the past, earnings were also significantly higher.
Bennett observed Gedwyn, who was fervently persuading everyone, in silence. He found it strange that his usually reserved friend was so proactive today.
After some thought, Bennett had a sudden insight into a possibility.
It seemed someone had gotten ahead of him. He needed to act quickly.
Moreover, Bennett believed Gedwyn's arguments were quite reasonable. After his visit to the Horns Bay, Bennett's perspective broadened. Although he envied the South's prosperity, he was also motivated to achieve comparable success. But this required the right environment.
A seedling could only grow into a great tree in a suitable environment, and that environment must not be ruined.
Resolved, Bennett stood up.
"Everyone! Please listen to what I have to say!"
(End of the Chapter)
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