- Fantasy Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence
- FLDI Chapter 43
Chapter 43: The Construction of the Trade Route, Part 2
Racios Assad was undeniably excited. Everything he had encountered upon arriving at Eagle Ridge had been beyond his expectations. His initial anxiety, nervousness, and hesitation had completely transformed into anticipation and boundless hope after hearing Thor’s plans.
A hundred sets of finely crafted black iron armor and one set of silver armor weren’t a large amount—certainly not enough to supply more than one or two nobles—but the real difference was between having and not having them. Just possessing these armors was enough to open the doors to most of the nobility in the Northern Province.
Once the doors of the noble lords were open, the subsequent trade would flow much more smoothly.
The only problem was that Racios currently lacked sufficient strength.
But he knew he could figure something out.
If worst came to worst, he could always plead with his family again.
“You are far too generous. I don’t even know how to express my feelings right now,” Racios Assad said with a sigh, his emotions swirling in a way he had never experienced before.
“We’re friends, aren’t we?” Thor smiled. “And there’s something else, my friend, that you might not yet realize.”
“Forget the silver armor for now. As for the black iron armor, I can supply you with more—every month.”
Thor’s casual words left Racios Assad trembling once again.
“Every month?” Racios’ eyes widened in disbelief, and his words came out in stutters.
He had already been dreaming about the future of his trade, but he hadn’t expected the surprises to keep coming.
“Of course!” Thor nodded, smiling. “I told you, my father is very generous. Gifting some black iron armor and even silver armor is no problem at all.”
“Oh, my friend, your father is indeed generous—generous enough to make me envious,” Racios said, his heart pounding once more. “Tell me, what do you need from me? I, Racios Assad, am willing to serve my friend.”
Jealousy stirred within him, but beyond that, he was overwhelmed with admiration. He didn’t know what else to say.
“My friend, you misunderstand!” Thor said with a shake of his head. “This is just business.”
“However, I do have a proposal. Would you be interested?”
“Please, go on!” Racios responded quickly.
“It’s like this, my friend,” Thor began. “As you’ve seen, my territory is under construction. But building up a territory requires a vast amount of supplies and resources. Those bloodsuckers at the Habs Trading Company are sure to squeeze me dry, and I can’t tolerate that.”
“My friend Racios, your Assad family is a family of merchants. I believe we could establish our own trade route in the Northern Province. I can supply you with knights, strength, and goods, while you could build the trade network across the province. The Northern Province is vast, and if we can connect with other lords, I’m sure they’ll be willing to work with us—after all, the Habs Trading Company would never leave Loren City to venture into these wild lands.”
As Thor explained his plan, Racios’ eyes began to light up.
“My friend, did I hear correctly? You’re willing to help me establish a trade route?” Racios asked in disbelief.
“Of course. You’re my friend, and the trade route would benefit my territory as well,” Thor said with a smile. “In fact, if you’re interested, we could form our own trading company. I’d provide the goods and personnel, and you’d handle the company’s operations.”
Thor’s words were calm, but their content made Racios’ heart race.
“A trading company?” Racios asked, his voice filled with excitement.
“Yes, a trading company,” Thor confirmed with a nod. “We’ll each hold fifty percent.”
“My friend, this offer is too tempting!” Racios said, taking a deep breath to steady his emotions. “But since we’re friends, I won’t let you take a loss. I’ll take only thirty percent, but you must provide enough knights for the company’s security.”
“Security, you say?” Thor mused. “Of course, I can provide ten full knights, thirty squires, and a hundred cadets for your initial protection. If the company expands, I can send more.”
Thor nodded after a brief pause, offering specific numbers.
Though some of his knights had already been dispatched to guard the iron mine, there were still plenty left at Eagle Ridge. This was the perfect opportunity to put them to use.
And since they were his loyal knights, Thor didn’t worry about Racios poaching them. In fact, they could serve as his eyes on Racios.
“That will be more than enough!” Racios said, clearly impressed. “My friend, with such a force, you’re already stronger than most pioneering lords.”
Racios’ words were not mere flattery. Most pioneering knights were lucky to have even one full knight under their command. Those with two or three were already considered quite powerful. The ability to command more than ten full knights was typically reserved for lords who had received noble titles.
But here was Thor, offering him ten knights outright. The sheer magnitude of this gesture left Racios speechless.
Still, his shock quickly gave way to excitement.
After all, this kind of strength would soon be at his disposal.
With this force, along with the black iron and silver armor, he would be able to open up a vast market in the Northern Province.
The trading company could truly become a reality.
And if he could make a name for himself in the Northern Province and achieve notable success, the Assad family would undoubtedly take notice.
(End of Chapter)