Chapter 172: The First Step to a Trade Empire
"Each Safe Zone will be permanently guarded by Silver Knights."
"There merchant caravans may safely rest."
"Repair wagons."
"Resupply daily necessities."
"And spend the night without constantly worrying about beast attacks."
As Luke finished speaking.
The atmosphere inside the hall changed completely.
The expressions of the merchants gradually changed.
One after another. The frowns on their faces disappeared.
Because they suddenly realized something.
Baron Luke hadn’t merely introduced a new toll system.
He had practically solved almost every problem they faced during transportation.
Security. Safer roads. Emergency support. Resting points. Food and daily supplies. Protected Safe Zones.
Even loyalty discounts for frequent merchants.
Every single point struck directly at the difficulties they had endured for years.
Then Luke casually added another condition.
"Oh, right."
"If any merchant requires additional protection."
"You may also hire soldiers from the Blackstone Highlands as escorts."
That single sentence instantly attracted everyone’s attention.
"Of course." Luke raised a finger.
"The escort service isn’t free. There will be separate charges."
"And due to military requirements. Only Bronze Knights and soldiers below that level will be available."
"Even then it will depend on their availability."
No one complained. On the contrary. Many merchants eyes lit up.
Even Bronze Knights were considered elite escorts.
Compared to ordinary mercenaries. Their discipline and combat strength were on an entirely different level.
By now no one felt the new toll system was expensive anymore.
Instead many began calculating how much money they would actually save.
Fewer beast attacks. Reduced escort expenses. Safer roads. Lower cargo losses. Faster travel.
In the long run. The overall profits would likely increase instead of decrease.
Then another thought surfaced in many minds.
’Should we establish a Branch here as well?’
With the loyalty discounts and a permanently protected trade route. And a lord who possess Mid-Golden Knight combat power.
The Blackstone Highlands suddenly appeared to be one of the safest commercial locations in the nearest region.
The only condition was remaining on Baron Luke’s good side.
No one wished to imagine the consequences of becoming his enemy.
For a brief moment, Silence filled the hall.
Then—
A merchant suddenly stood up.
"Sir Luke!"
"I agree!"
Another immediately rose.
"Me too!"
"And, Sir Luke"
"I would also like permission to build a Branch within the Blackstone Highlands!"
Before Luke could even respond. A third merchant hurriedly stood.
"My family wishes to establish one as well!"
"Please approve our request!"
"I also want to lease land!"
"Our merchant guild is interested too!"
One after another. Excited voices erupted throughout the hall.
Merchants who had looked dissatisfied only moments earlier were now eagerly volunteering.
Several even began speaking over one another.
Their expressions were filled with urgency.
Because everyone understood the same thing.
Whoever secured a Branch first. Would gain the greatest advantage.
If they hesitated now. Then their competitors would seize the opportunity instead.
Seeing the enthusiastic reactions a satisfied smile appeared on Luke’s face.
He lightly waved his hand.
"Record their names."
"Yes, My Lord."
The maids immediately bowed before hurrying through the hall with parchment and quills in hand.
One after another. The merchants eagerly reported their names, afraid someone else would secure a better location before they did.
Luke quietly watched the lively scene.
He wasn’t the least bit worried about running out of land for Branchs.
After all this was only the beginning.
’Soon.’
’The Blackstone Highlands will expand toward the Stormhowl Mountains.’
There would be more than enough space.
His thoughts naturally drifted elsewhere. ’And I still have to deal with the western border.’
Luke recalled the soldiers stationed there.
Even one of the territory’s former Silver Knights was still guarding that region.
Normally the western border wasn’t considered particularly dangerous.
The Stormhowl Mountains acted as a colossal natural barrier between the Blackstone Highlands and the Demi-Human Empire.
The distance separating the two was enormous.
Hundreds of mountain peaks, deep valleys, and monster-infested forests lay between them.
It was a nightmare for any large army to march through.
Because of that for many years, neither side had paid much attention to that frontier.
However everything had changed after the Demon War years ago.
Numerous demi-human tribes had begun appearing within the western mountain ranges.
Their movements had become increasingly frequent. Although no major conflict had erupted.
Their growing activity was enough to concern the territory.
That was precisely why Lady Sepharina—
Aurielle’s mother—
Had permanently stationed troops along the western border. Their purpose wasn’t to wage war.
It was to observe. And to ensure that, should anything unexpected happen.
The Blackstone Highlands would not be caught unprepared.
Luke silently stored the matter away in his mind.
He would have to inspect that border personally sooner or later.
But that could wait.
Then his attention returned to the hall. The merchants were still speaking over one another.
Some were even trying to push forward to register their names first.
The entire hall had become surprisingly noisy.
Luke slowly raised one hand.
"Quiet."
Instantly the bustling hall fell silent.
Every merchant immediately closed their mouth.
Hundreds of eyes turned toward the young baron seated upon the elevated throne, waiting for his next words.
Luke gave a small nod. After ensuring everyone’s attention was on him.
He decided to reveal the next part of the plan he had prepared ever since obtaining the Mana Well and the Healing Spring.
Without saying a word. Luke waved his hand.
A faint flash of light appeared. And two transparent crystal vials materialized in his palm.
One contained a clear blue liquid.
The other shimmered with a gentle emerald-green glow.
The moment they appeared. Every merchant’s gaze was instantly drawn toward them.
Luke calmly raised both vials.
"The blue potion." He lifted it slightly. "is a Mana Recovery Potion."
Then he raised the green one. "And this is a Healing Potion."
He briefly explained their effects.
The blue potion rapidly restored consumed aether or mana.
While the green potion accelerated the healing of wounds and significantly shortened recovery time.
The moment those descriptions reached the merchants ears. Their eyes lit up.