While the dwarves devoted themselves to research, Ghislain reviewed his plans and assessed the state of the territory once more.
Thanks to the numerous smelters that had been built, an immense amount of iron ingots was being produced. However, weapons and tools were not yet being mass-produced.
This was because the plan was to manufacture them after successfully developing the new alloy.
'If we succeed, a significant transformation will occur.'
The alloy would have the strength of steel but weigh less than half as much.
If everything made from iron could be replaced with it, it would drastically change not only the military's strength but also the daily lives of the people.
'We have plenty of iron ore. Once mass production starts, arming all the territory's residents within a year won't be difficult. But we still lack so much in other areas.'
Building countless smelters and forges wasn't enough. The territory had expanded too quickly, and its population had surged.
Trying to elevate it to the level Ghislain envisioned without resolving these issues was bound to create problems.
'Even if you seize land, it's always a mess….'
In the Cabaldi territory, they needed to construct at least basic facilities such as farmland and housing to support self-sufficiency.
Infrastructure wasn't the only issue. The supply of other resources was also problematic. Food and iron alone couldn't solve everything.
'It's time to lift the trade restrictions and focus on commerce. Not just domestically, but with other kingdoms as well.'
Ultimately, scarce resources would have to be acquired through trade. This would also help address the economic imbalance caused by the territory's abnormal growth.
As Ghislain busily adjusted his plans and worked on developing the territory, Claude came rushing in, out of breath.
The moment Ghislain saw him, he stepped back in dismay.
"What now? What's the problem this time?"
"I haven't even said anything yet."
"Whenever you show up, problems follow. You're like a magnet for disasters."
Claude gave him an incredulous look.
"It's not that problems happen because I come. I come because problems happen. Most of these issues arise from your unreasonable plans."
"Let's say that's true. So, what is it this time? What's the problem now?"
"I didn't come because there's a problem… The elf slaves we've been waiting for have finally arrived."
"Oh! They've arrived?"
At that, Ghislain's face lit up, and he sprang to his feet. He had been so busy with stabilizing and developing the territory that he'd nearly forgotten about them.
Ghislain quickly ran to meet the slave trader.
The trader, upon seeing Ghislain, placed his hand over his chest, bowed deeply, and began with an overly elaborate greeting.
"Oh! Noble son of the northern margrave, Zwalter Perdium, rightful heir of the glorious Perdium lineage, ruler and guardian of Fenris, the undefeated victor, executor of the goddess's will, a lord of exalted virtue and wise judgment admired by all, the one and only Baron Fenris of the north, I humbly greet you."
"…"
Silence fell over the surroundings. His greeting was far too excessive compared to before.
It was obvious he was pouring his entire being into flattery.
Ghislain stared at the slave trader with a steady gaze and quietly asked,
"…Are you having a hard time lately?"
"…Yes."
"You're making good money, so what's so hard?"
"Could you… pay me in food instead of gold coins?"
Ghislain chuckled softly. He understood immediately.
This particular slave trader had been recommended by Marquis Branford and represented a major slave trading company.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it the largest in the kingdom. With such a vast network, they must also have countless mouths to feed, including their slaves.
In these hard times, business likely wasn't going well, and feeding all those slaves must have been unbearable.
This was an opportunity Ghislain wouldn't let slip. He was someone who knew how to save ruthlessly when necessary.
"Alright, I'll pay you in food. But take it at half price."
"Pardon?"
"I'll pay half of the agreed amount in food. If you don't like it, take the full payment in gold as originally agreed. I thought about offering only 30%, but I'm being generous because I don't want all your slaves to starve to death. I have such a soft heart."
"Ugh…"
The slave trader looked like he was about to cry.
Elf slaves commanded astronomical prices. There were over 200 of them in this shipment alone.
Selling them at half the price would mean a massive loss.
But there was no other way. Food was as hard to come by as stars in the sky these days.
"Understood… I'll accept those terms."
The slave trader reluctantly agreed, swallowing his tears. Even with only half the payment, it would be enough to get through the year.
Ghislain patted the trader on the shoulder and said,
"Wise decision. Didn't I say you'd hear surprising news soon?"
"Yes… When I heard about the war, I thought we were doomed, but I was truly shocked to hear about your victory. The knights didn't look so good before…"
"That's why you should pay close attention to what I say in the future. So, where are the elves?"
"They're waiting in temporary tents outside the castle. I've already handed them over to the head butler."
Claude immediately handed Ghislain a document. It contained the purchase price and personal details of the elves.
Ghislain skimmed through it and nodded.
"Good. Claude, go ahead and guide the elves to their accommodations. Take care of their immediate needs. I'll finish up the transaction and join you later."
"Understood."
The slave trader and his workers pulled carts laden with food toward the storage warehouse.
Even at half price, the amount of food being handed over for the elves was immense.
Ghislain meticulously checked the quantity of food. While he was lenient about minor matters, this transaction involved a significant amount, so he had to be thorough.
Watching this, the slave trader began sweating nervously.
'What kind of lord personally checks this? Does he just hate being cheated that much?'
He had considered sneaking in a bit more food but quickly gave up. With Ghislain watching so intently, it was impossible.
The trader suddenly had another worry.
"Um… My lord, have you ever purchased elf slaves before?"
At this, Ghislain tilted his head slightly and answered.
"No, this is the first time."
"Then… you've never lived with them or seen them for extended periods either?"
"Well… I've seen them briefly."
In a previous life, Ghislain had known several elves for a long time. But they had been noble allies who fought against calamities, not slaves.
The only elf slaves Ghislain had seen were dancers during his time as the Mercenary King. Even then, he had little interest in them and no significant interaction.
Seeing Ghislain's reaction, the slave trader cautiously said,
"Well then… Since I've received the payment, I'll take my leave."
"Why? You must be tired. Why not rest for a day before leaving?"
"No, no. I'm too busy. Next time, I'll be able to come a little sooner."
The other slaves Ghislain had ordered were mostly skilled workers or general laborers to bolster the population.
Unlike non-human slaves, they were easier to transport and not hard to acquire.
The slave trader's sudden urgency made Ghislain frown slightly but nod.
"Well, if you're busy, there's no helping it. Don't go too far."
"Ah, by the way, elves, like dwarves, can be tricky to handle. They live much longer than humans, so many of them are older. And since their prices are high, they tend to be spoiled."
"Elves probably have their own pride. Treat them well, and they'll be fine. The dwarves have settled in and are doing well here now."
If the dwarves had heard this, they would have been exasperated. But the trader seemed slightly relieved by Ghislain's response.
"Understood. Then I've explained everything. Truly, I must go now. Hey, hurry up!"
The slave trader urged his workers and quickly disappeared with the food carts.
Watching him leave, Ghislain stroked his chin and narrowed his eyes.
"That bastard seemed suspicious. Did he bring sick elves or something?"
There was no mention of such issues in the records. Still, feeling uneasy, Ghislain turned to confirm things when Claude came running back, breathless.
"Where's that slave trader? Has he already run off?"
"He left."
Claude frowned deeply, took a moment to compose himself, and looked at Ghislain.
"There's a problem."
"Oh, what now?"
"You need to see this yourself."
Hearing the grave tone, Ghislain and the others followed him curiously.
When they arrived at the clearing in front of the accommodations, everyone was struck by an indescribable feeling.
"These are… elves?"
Elf slaves were a rarity, seen only by the wealthiest or most powerful individuals. Most people never got the chance to see them, as they were usually hidden away and cherished.
Many people went their whole lives without ever encountering an elf.
Thus, their imaginations had been filled with descriptions from books and stories of the mystical elves:
Beautiful, ageless, serene, noble beings who loved nature.
The elves before them were nothing like that.
"Hey, bring more booze! Let's party hard to celebrate arriving today!"
"Doomchit! Doomchit! Ah, have I gotten too old? My joints ache, and my dancing isn't what it used to be."
"Is there more alcohol? I want to drink my fill and sleep deeply tonight. Let's go wild starting tomorrow!"
It was absolute chaos. They looked less like elves and more like layabouts on a drunken picnic.
Sure, they were beautiful, men and women alike, as the rumors said. But the vibe was completely wrong.
Ghislain had not specified a preference for gender, so there was an even mix of men and women.
The problem was that regardless of gender, they all seemed… strange.
"Puff! I'm a heavy smoker, so I'll need a daily supply of premium tobacco."
"Ugh, I'm drunk. Finished my drink already. When's the next meal? I only eat gourmet food and veal."
"I can't sleep unless it's on a high-quality bed. This place looks a bit poor, doesn't it?"
Some were puffing on pipes, blowing out smoke, while others were visibly drunk and staggering.
Some were sprawled on the ground, snoring loudly, while others were dancing with excitement.
Those who were quiet weren't much better. Their faces were marked by lethargy and ennui, as though life had utterly worn them out.
Even Ghislain, unshaken by most things, was momentarily at a loss for words.
"What… what is this? Are these supposed to be elves? Did someone just stick pointy ears on them?"
When Ghislain turned to Claude with a confused expression, Claude replied with equal disbelief.
"I thought the same and checked. They're elves. You always act like you know everything, but did you really buy these without knowing?"
"How was I supposed to know! The elves I knew weren't like this!"
"Why are you yelling at me? You're the one who got scammed!"
"Scammed? Me, scammed?"
Looking around in disbelief, Ghislain saw his aides nodding cautiously. Kaor, clutching his stomach, was laughing uncontrollably.
"Ahahaha! Even the great lord can get scammed! What kind of elves are these? They're just orcs wearing elf masks! Puhahaha—ow! What the—"
Furious, Ghislain delivered a flying kick to Kaor.
"Hey! Laughing? You find this funny? Do you know how much money this cost, and you're showing your teeth?"
Even as he was stomped on, Kaor couldn't stop laughing.
It was the first time he'd seen Ghislain so flustered. He couldn't resist.
"Puhaha! You… got… scammed… Ow! It hurts! Pfft! Stop—ow! Why is your foot so heavy?"
At some point, Belinda joined in, kicking Kaor. Seeing this, Claude and Wendy also stepped forward to stomp on him.
Alpoi, who had been watching, hesitated briefly before delivering a strong kick. Even Piote, after some thought, joined in.
'Oh, Goddess, forgive me for this. I've been under a lot of stress lately.'
When even the mild-mannered Piote joined in, nothing held them back anymore. Soon, everyone in the vicinity was enthusiastically kicking Kaor.
"Ugh! What the—why are there so many feet? I'll remember all your shoes—ow! Wait! Stop kicking! What is this?! Why?!"
Determined not to waste the chance to relieve stress, they all kicked with fervor.
Kaor finally let out a scream, rolling on the ground in agony.
[T/L: Please support me and read 145 extra chapters: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]