Altu stepped into Kane's tent, holding the latest intelligence report in his hands. He looked slightly fatigued, but a faint smile lingered on his face as if the weight of his responsibilities couldn't crush his spirit. Kane was seated, sorting through letters, but as soon as he heard the approaching footsteps, he looked up and gestured for Altu to enter.
"Has the southern Melis begun mobilizing their forces?" Kane asked, his tone calm and his eyes flickering with thoughtful light.
"Yes, Your Highness," Altu replied respectfully. "Melis has finally decided to send reinforcements to the eastern front. They've traditionally avoided getting involved in wars, but the mounting pressure at the front lines has forced them to act. Furthermore, Eric, the Marquess of the North, is in the process of raising funds. It seems the situation is becoming more complex."
Kane nodded slightly, pondering for a moment before responding. "This is precisely what we anticipated. The southern and northern nobles have always prioritized their own interests. Now they're compelled to act, which indicates that Leon's war effort is under severe strain." He stood and moved to the side of the tent, gesturing toward the soldiers outside preparing for battle. "Altu, you will bring a gift and visit the northern territories. Remember, aside from gathering intelligence, do not let Eric uncover our true intentions."
A sly glint appeared in Altu's eyes. "Understood, Your Highness."
A few days later, Altu arrived in the northern territories with a subtle but meaningful gift: coral from the deep seas of Solantis. These rare treasures were highly valued by the northern merchant guilds. By presenting this gift, Altu aimed to convey goodwill and better integrate into the local trade circles.
Eric's estate was as quiet as ever, its atmosphere reflecting the cautious nature of its lord. Eric remained the same reserved and low-profile leader. After some pleasantries in the reception hall, Altu wasted no time steering the conversation toward Leon's war.
"How fares His Majesty's campaign?" Altu asked with a lighthearted tone, as if engaging in casual conversation between friends.
Eric shook his head and sighed. "The war is dire. Resources in the North are stretched thin, and the cost of war is enormous. Meanwhile, some nobles have started scheming behind the scenes to protect their own interests." Pausing briefly, a complex emotion flickered in his eyes. "I've done my best to raise funds for His Majesty, but at this rate, it will be challenging to muster the needed resources quickly."
Altu listened attentively, feigning ignorance. With a slight smile, he said, "You're a leader with great foresight, Marquess. The North's situation is indeed complicated. If you face any difficulties, my merchant guild is willing to offer assistance. After all, the North's resources are abundant, and our guild has long-standing ties here. Recently, our business with local merchants has been growing." He shifted the tone subtly. "If you ever need help, our guild can mobilize resources to assist you through this crisis. After all, the smoother your kingdom's war effort, the more opportunities it creates for our guild."
Eric's eyes lit up slightly. He clearly hadn't expected Altu to propose such assistance. The backing of a vast commercial empire could help him overcome financial bottlenecks and accelerate the flow of resources in the North. After a brief silence, he asked, "Can you truly provide assistance? How many resources can your guild mobilize?"
Altu smiled subtly. "Of course. Our guild has always had an excellent relationship with your kingdom, especially in the trade of rare treasures, a sector we're eager to expand further. I believe that if you're willing to deepen our collaboration, not only can we help you weather this storm, but we can also pave the way for greater profits in the future."
Eric considered this proposal carefully, seemingly swayed by the promise of support. "This gift of yours is quite timely. If we can establish a deeper partnership with your guild, perhaps the North's difficulties can indeed be eased." Finally, he nodded. "Let's try this out. Assistance from the merchant guild could prove invaluable."
A faint smile played on Altu's lips. He knew he had taken a significant step forward. The guild's resources were not just about money but also a means to exert control over future developments. Now, he had sown the seeds of collaboration in Eric's mind.
However, as the preliminary agreement was reached, Altu concealed an inner smirk. Although his overt purpose was to aid Eric, his true goal was to use these transactions to edge closer to Airtulan, advancing Kane's larger scheme. Altu fully understood that this war was not merely about territorial disputes but a complex web of power and interests. Kane was well-prepared to play a decisive role in this grand game.