Chapter 259: Deal?
A cold wind blew through the air, and the young man in white shivered.
Simon noticed it. Judging from the man’s soft skin and gentle appearance, he likely lived in the warm southern regions where people were more scholarly and less used to the cold.
Simon realised that his earlier words might have been too harsh. If Prince Gerad had heard them, he probably would’ve jumped up in anger and yelled at him.
But as the old saying goes, ’ally with the far, attack the near.’ Simon understood the value of strategy. Even if he knew Prince Gerad had selfish motives, it was still smart to cooperate for now.
After all, many unrelated princes were eyeing the throne. Simon and Prince Gerad were at least from the same family.
So Simon said calmly. "Don’t take it personally. I was just rambling. Since my third uncle sent you, I know this visit is about cannons. Let’s get to the point. How many cannons does he need, and how much is he offering for each?"
The young man in white breathed a quiet sigh of relief. He had already noticed something: Prince Simon was very different from the other royal sons. He gave off a feeling of danger and strength, and his words carried authority.
That earlier outburst had stunned him for a moment. But now that he had recovered, he replied. Prince Gerad said he needs 300 cannons. You gave Prince Ravencrest a price of 20,000 silver caps per cannon. Prince Gerad hopes that, since you’re family, you might offer a small discount. But if not, he’s also willing to pay the same price."
"Hah, my third uncle is generous," Simon replied. "Since he’s so generous, it would be rude of me not to give a little discount. Fine, I’ll reduce it by 500 caps, 9,500 silver caps per cannon."
The young envoy smiled bitterly in his heart. Prince Gerad had guessed right; Prince Simon was stingy and not someone who gave large discounts.
He said. "Understood. Your Highness, I brought silver with me. We only ask that the cannons be delivered to Prince Gerad as soon as the Imperial Guards receive their first shipment. That way, we can deal with the pirates."
Simon thought to himself: Prince Gerad really is rich, much more straightforward than Prince Ravencrest. So he replied. "Very well. Once the Imperial Guards get their first batch, I’ll immediately send the next to my third uncle."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Said the envoy with a smile.
Actually, this wasn’t Prince Gerad’s idea. It was Gordon’s own decision. In just a few words, he had figured out Prince Simon’s personality; he only cared about results and money, not flattery.
Prince Ravencrest had failed in Brambleford because he was too hesitant.
After thinking about it, Gordon decided to pay right away. That would surely please Prince Simon. Although Brambleford had earned a lot this past year, it still couldn’t compare to the wealth of Prince Gerad’s territory.
And with all of Prince Simon’s projects in the six cities, he surely needed money.
"No need to thank me," Simon said, smiling. "It’s getting late. How about staying for a meal before heading back?"
Gordon smiled warmly. "No need, Your Highness. I’ve already waited in Brambleford for a month. Prince Gerad must be anxious. I should return right away."
"Fair enough. When you return, give my regards to my third uncle. Those coastal pirates are a real problem. Maybe we’ll have more chances to work together in the future."
"I will pass on your message," Gordon replied respectfully.
Then they talked about the payment. Gordon admitted that it was impossible to bring three million caps of silver at once. Instead, he brought silver notes worth one million, and 100,000 caps of gold, which were already waiting at the Dew River Dock. Someone just needed to go and collect them.
The remaining one million caps would be paid with goods, which was common in the Eldorian Empire for large transactions.
Knowing the military factory would need a lot of raw materials soon, Simon asked for iron, coal, and approximately 50,000 approx. tons of grain, 30,000 bolts of cloth, and saltpetre and other resources.
Simon actually preferred this kind of barter system. In times of war, silver couldn’t be eaten. But food, cloth, and materials were always useful.
After finalising the deal, Simon bowed and left.
Simon watched him go and felt a strange sense of familiarity. It was like seeing a long-lost relative.
Still, he didn’t dislike Gordon. The young man was polite, calm, and seemed very smart.
But one thing puzzled him: why would Prince Gerad choose such a young, handsome man to be his chief aide?
Then he suddenly remembered something. "Odd preferences" certain nobles had in history.
Simon shivered and got goosebumps.
He quickly shook his head to clear the thought and told Ysabeau to summon Harry; he had more serious matters to deal with.
---
Dew River Dock
Gordon ordered the sailors to unload the gold. Officials from the local government were already at the dock to receive the goods.
He had been in Brambleford for over a month. While Simon was away in Dunmere, Gordon had taken the chance to visit many parts of Brambleford.
And in that month, he saw many things that were completely different from the capital, Burrows Town.
The biggest difference? There were no noble clans in Brambleford. The people lived freely and peacefully, without being oppressed by powerful families.
Even more important is that the people of Brambleford loved Prince Simon.
So much so that they only cared about Prince Simon, not the Emperor.
No one talked about Eldora. No one even mentioned the Emperor. People only talked about new laws, new inventions, and things like the Oxford Academy and local markets.
When someone dared to insult Prince Simon, the locals would scold them, or even beat them up. That kind of loyalty deeply impressed Gordon.
"Third Uncle," Gordon muttered while looking toward Prince Simon’s castle. "How can someone like Prince Simon be easy to deal with?"
He had been with Prince Gerad for years. He understood how stubborn Prince Gerad could be. But now, that stubbornness looked very dangerous.
On his return, Gordon decided he must persuade Prince Gerad to give up any reckless plans. It was better to stay a peaceful vassal king.
Because now, Simon had become a serious threat.
"Set sail." Someone shouted.
The merchant ship flying Prince Gerad’s banner slowly left the dock. Gordon turned and went back into the cabin.
He had come to Brambleford for two reasons: to arrange the cannon deal, and to meet Simon in person, to see this legendary twelfth prince of the Eldorian Empire.
Now that he had met him, he finally understood, and he was worried.
Still, he knew Simon’s strength came from defending the city with cannons. In a real open-field battle, Prince Gerad still had the advantage.
There were still ways to beat Simon. All it would take was surrounding Brambleford with a larger army for a year or two.
That would be enough to bring him down.