"Two days ago, the seven chambers of commerce of the trade union discussed the implementation of the nobility system again. In principle, the seven chambers of commerce did not oppose the title of nobility. After all, the presidents of the seven chambers of commerce could be conferred the title of Grand Duke. The only problem was the fiefdom.
The original plan was to have a total of eight cities in the Mana Hill Plain. Apart from Morent City, the other seven cities would be given to the seven Grand Dukes. However, the area was too small and crowded. Secondly, the agriculture-based Ford Chamber of Commerce strongly opposed it and even threatened to withdraw from the trade union. Therefore, this plan was eventually abandoned.
For the trade union, the sphere of influence is very large, but apart from the Mana Hill Plain, there is also the Christopher Hills. The final decision was that the Mana Hill Plain and Morent City would not be moved. This is the foundation of the trade union to maintain the stability of the people. The Christopher Hills will be divided into more than 50 pieces of territory, which will be conferred to the title of Viscount and below as fiefdoms. As for the title of Earl and above, to obtain the fiefdom, you have to fight for it yourself … "
When Lollister arrived at the Peterson Chamber of Commerce, President Peterson did not mention the matter of Lollister's custom shipbuilding order being rejected. Instead, he talked about the seemingly unrelated trade union's decision to implement the nobility system. However, Lollister believed that President Peterson must have a reason for saying this. He just had to listen.
"For example, Grand Duke Lulm of the Duchy of Lulm has always wanted to join the trade union since the independence of the former Christen Empire. This time, the trade union decided to give him a chance, but asked him to abolish the duchy and bring the two provinces of the Duchy of Lulm, Evis Province and Prigas Province, into the direct jurisdiction of the trade union. Then, Grand Duke Lulm will be conferred as the Duke of the trade union and the Evis Province will be given to him as a Grand Duke.
The Prigas Province adjacent to the Mana Hill Plain will become the territory of the president of the Ford Chamber of Commerce, who is also the Grand Duke of Ford. This is because the ancestor of the Ford Chamber of Commerce, Grand Duke Ford Morent, established the trade union with the six major chambers of commerce, so it will benefit his descendants …
Of the remaining six major chambers of commerce, except for the Leeward Chamber of Commerce, which has set its sights on the weak Mobia Duchy next to the Christopher Hills, preparing to obtain its own Grand Duke there. The Twin-Headed Dragon Chamber of Commerce, Mayflower Chamber of Commerce, Visia Chamber of Commerce, Chikder Chamber of Commerce, and our Peterson Chamber of Commerce have all set their sights on the former Christen Empire. We, the Peterson Merchant Group, are preparing to reorganize the northwest region of the Reidris Kingdom and make it the Grand Duke Peterson of the Ford Commercial Alliance.
Yesterday, I invited Mr. Tim to discuss this matter. He's willing to help us convince the other nobles in the northwestern region. He also said that after the establishment of the Grand Duchy of Petersen, I'll be his superior lord. He'll transfer the subordination of the Viscount of Teberly to the Grand Duchy of Petersen and become one of the lords of the Commercial Alliance … "
The Ford Commercial Union was going to change the policy of a nation that had been established for more than a hundred years. They were strong and had wings. They were going to show their sharp claws and teeth to the scattered Krisen Empire. How much territory they could swallow would depend on their appetite.
Furthermore, even Mr. Tim, who had been promoted into the noble class by Laurist, had taken the opportunity to change his allegiance and throw himself into the arms of the Trade Alliance. It had been a long time since yesterday, but he had not sent a single message. It was clear how thorough his speculation was. He had no regard for their past relationship, and this was a blatant act of betrayal.
At this moment, thunder rumbled in Laurist's heart. It was as if ten thousand horses had galloped past. The hand holding the teacup began to tremble. This was not a small change, but a huge change that would change the history of Galinthea.
The Ford Commercial Alliance's decision to implement the lord system was like a harmless little rabbit suddenly becoming a ferocious tiger with its bloody mouth wide open. Although their current target was the former Krisen Empire, their mortal enemy for more than a hundred years, this was only the seven major merchant groups led by the Trade Alliance. Just like what President Peterson had said, those above the count rank could take their own land. What about the hundreds of second and third rate merchant groups? Where would their target be when they chose their land?
Since the day the Trade Alliance decided to implement the lord system, there would be no peace in Galinthea. The Trade Alliance was not an empire, but it had the strength of an empire. Whether it was wealth or population, its sphere of influence was far greater than that of the Krisen Empire during its heyday. This was a true behemoth, an unrivaled giant …
Laurist suddenly thought of the ambitious second prince. He thought of how he had three hundred thousand soldiers under his control, and how he was only waiting for the death of his father, the third prince, to unify the former empire. Poor Second Highness, you missed the best opportunity to unify the former empire and wasted a year of your time. Three hundred thousand soldiers, haha, it really looked like a joke now.
Suppressing the shock in his heart, Laurist calmly asked, "President Peterson, is Grand Duke Lulm willing to accept the conditions of the Trade Alliance? He was originally the lord of a duchy …"
President Peterson laughed. "The situation was not up to him. He had no choice but to accept the request of the Trade Alliance. Grand Duke Lulm and a few nobles in the duchy were not on good terms. If it was not for us mediating, the duchy would have already broken into civil war. This time, the Trade Alliance accepted his surrender. Although he did not have the title of lord of a duchy, it was a kind of relief for him.
And we, the Trade Alliance, did not mistreat him. Not only did we give him an interest-free loan of five million gold fords for ten years, we will also send people to help him establish a chamber of commerce and grant him the right to sit in on the highest chamber of commerce of the alliance. As long as he repays the loan of five million gold fords, he will automatically get the right to vote and become the eighth chamber of commerce in the Trade Alliance … "
What the hell, this was really selling land for glory. Grand Duke Lulm had sold his duchy for a good price. No matter who it was, they would think that the conditions given by the Trade Alliance were very generous and full of sincerity. For Grand Duke Lulm, becoming the eighth chamber of commerce in the Trade Alliance was like reaching the sky in a single bound. Especially for the second and third rate chambers of commerce in the Trade Alliance, this was their lifelong dream.
No, this was just a trap. Laurist woke up from his trance for a moment. Grand Duke Lulm was finished. The five million gold fords interest-free loan was a beautiful trap. If this loan could not be repaid within ten years, then according to the rules of the Trade Alliance, Grand Duke Lulm's assets would be liquidated to pay off his debts. Simply put, he would be declared bankrupt. At that time, becoming the eighth chamber of commerce in the Trade Alliance would just be a beautiful bubble.
The Seven Magnates would never let others stick their hands into their bowl again. Otherwise, why would there not be a single chamber of commerce that rose up in the past two hundred years that stood on equal footing with them? Laurist remembered a rumor he had heard back in Dawn Academy. As long as any of the rising chambers of commerce was about to develop in scale that surpassed the seven, they would be plotted against and attacked. This was an unspoken rule that most smart people in the Trade Alliance understood.
Fortunately, my family's territory is in the North and Cilovas Island, so I don't have to deal with these old, cunning giants for the time being … Just as Laurist was rejoicing in his heart, what President Peterson said next almost made him jump.
"Apart from our Peterson Chamber of Commerce, the Twin Dragon Chamber of Commerce, the Mayflower Chamber of Commerce, and the Visia Chamber of Commerce have also set their sights on the Redelis Kingdom. This is because we all know that the Redelis Kingdom will not last long under the attack of the Andinac Kingdom's regent, the Second Prince. In order to prevent the emergence of a powerful force like the former Christen Empire that could threaten its own safety, the Trade Alliance has already decided to intervene in this war and thwart the Second Prince's plan to unify the former empire.
What happened next is related to you, Brother Locke. The Chikede Chamber of Commerce hopes to obtain the territory of Cilovas Island, and they have obtained the support of the Trade Alliance. As long as they obtain Cilovas Island, the Chikede Chamber of Commerce will be able to control all the sea trade routes north of Hidden Gold Bay, becoming a true overlord of the sea. Although I know that Cilovas Island is your family's territory, I was unable to raise any objections at that time.
The Chikede Chamber of Commerce already knows of your identity, and they even proposed to take coercive measures against you to force you to transfer Cilovas Island to them. However, I strongly opposed it. Even if you are not my friend or guest, doing such a thing in Moronte City will greatly affect the reputation of the Trade Alliance. Thus, the other chambers of commerce also agreed with my opinion. They refused and warned the Chikede Chamber of Commerce to strictly forbid any conflict with you in Moronte City.
Currently, your safety is still guaranteed in Moronte City, but once you leave, I suspect that the Chikede Chamber of Commerce will very likely attack you at sea. Brother Locke, I suggest that you give up that ship and leave by land. It's safer. The Chikede Chamber of Commerce is powerful on the sea, but it is slightly inferior on land. With your skills, it will be easier for you to escape.
Please forgive me, Brother Locke, but as a friend, I cannot help you. This is the decision of the Trade Alliance, and the Chikede Chamber of Commerce has given the sea route from Hidden Gold Bay to Viscount Teberi to the Peterson Chamber of Commerce, and they have promised not to interfere in this sea. In exchange, I can only remain neutral between them and you, and not help either side. Thus, telling you this news is already the best I can do … "
At this moment, Laurist only wanted to curse. This was probably what they meant by sitting at home, and disaster came from the sky. The Chikede Chamber of Commerce had actually set their eyes on his family's territory, Silovas Island. It was very likely that they also had their eyes on its important strategic location. There were also many intelligent people in this world, and what he could see and realize, others could also sense. Possessing Silovas Island was equivalent to dominating the sea north of Hidden Gold Bay. Becoming the ruler of the northern sea was no joke.
"Brother Locke, if you don't mind, I can help you negotiate with the Chikede Chamber of Commerce. You can sell Silovas Island to the Chikede Chamber of Commerce like Duke Lulm did. In terms of price, I definitely won't let you lose out. And I believe that this is also the only way to avoid war. After all, your family's old territory is in the north. If you sell Silovas Island for a good price, not only will you win the friendship of the Chikede Chamber of Commerce, it will also be of great help and benefit to the development of your family's territory in the north, "President Peterson persuaded.
Laurist slowly shook his head, "Thank you for your kindness, President. However, the Norton family is of military origin, and has never been afraid of the threat of war. Don't mention selling the territory again. If the Chikede Chamber of Commerce wants Silovas Island as their territory, then they must first be prepared to pay the price of tens of thousands of lives. The Norton family will let them understand how terrifying it is to provoke the wrath of the north … "
In Laurist's plans and vision, Silovas Island was extremely important to the future of his family. Losing it was equivalent to cutting off the future of the family's rise, and Laurist was not willing to compromise on this point. Since the trade union wanted to implement the nobility system and drag the Norton family into this vortex, then let it come. The Norton family was least afraid of war.
"Brother Locke, think about it carefully. The Chikede Chamber of Commerce is the largest force in the trade union on the sea. The other chambers of commerce are like us. Although we also have fleets, the scale is not large. Only the Chikede Chamber of Commerce has seven large long-distance merchant fleets, close to a thousand armed ships, and more than a hundred thousand sailors. They also have a strong influence in the invincible fleet of the trade union, as well as the armed fleets of the Habiabada Kingdom and the Shayslan Kingdom. After all, Silovas Island is on the sea. If a war breaks out between your family and the Chikede Chamber of Commerce, you will be at a great disadvantage … "
In President Peterson's opinion, Laurist was just being stubborn because he was young and arrogant. Compared to the powerful naval strength of the Chikede Chamber of Commerce, Laurist did not even have a large long-distance merchant ship. It was like a baby fighting a giant, and the outcome was self-evident. Meaningless resistance would only bring great losses and casualties to the Norton family.
However, President Peterson did not realize that his emphasis on the naval strength of the Chikede Chamber of Commerce had instead made Laurist more determined. He had discovered the dawn of hope. As long as they defeated the Chikede Chamber of Commerce, the Norton family would become the new hegemon of the sea. Perhaps it would be much easier to deal with one chamber of commerce on the sea than four on land …
"President, when will the trade union decide to implement the nobility system?" Laurist asked.
"After winter, on the 18th of March of the new year, which is the one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Ford Trade Union, we will announce the implementation of the nobility system. At that time, we will also announce that Duke Lulm has joined the trade union and will be conferred a title. At the same time, we will also confer titles and territories to more than a hundred people who have made outstanding contributions to the trade union, "President Peterson replied.
"President, the dozen duchies and kingdoms around the trade union have always been potential allies of the trade union. They are also the trade union's sphere of influence. For more than a hundred years, the trade union has given the trade union great support in resisting the invasion of the former Christen Empire. This is also the guarantee of the trade union's final victory.
Now that the trade union is going to implement the nobility system, other than the few large chambers of commerce that have set their sights on the Rederis Kingdom, the second and third-rate chamber of commerce leaders will also be conferred marquises and earls. What about their fiefs? If the trade union allows them to take their own territory, will it cause unrest and disputes in the surrounding duchies and kingdoms? "Laurist asked again.
President Peterson nodded. "Galinthea has implemented the nobility system for more than a thousand years. This system has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Obtaining a hereditary territory for one's family and descendants is the dream of almost every ambitious person. Although the trade union is unique in Galinthea, when dealing with the nobles of the duchies and kingdoms, there is always a sense of inferiority. This is also the original intention of the trade union's decision to implement the nobility system.
The biggest problem that has troubled the trade union is the fiefs. Without a territory, even becoming a noble is just an honorary title. In fact, two years ago, someone proposed to annex the surrounding weaker countries to lay the foundation for the trade union to implement the nobility system. However, the highest chamber of commerce considered that the trade union's image could easily be damaged, and it would become the greatest public enemy after the Chrison Empire. Thus, they gave up on this plan.
"This time, the highest chamber of commerce has decided to guide all those who wish to obtain fiefs to the Rederis Kingdom and the Andinac Kingdom. Firstly, these two countries do not have to worry about not having fiefs. Secondly, the possibility of the Chrison Empire being unified is completely buried, so the trade union will no longer have to worry about the north. Thirdly, it can also appease the surrounding duchies and kingdoms who are worried about the trade union implementing the nobility system, so that they do not have to worry about their own safety for the expansion of the trade union.
Therefore, the entire territory from the Ontario Plains to the Kingdom of Ryderis will become the territory of the Trade Alliance. This is also the reason why the Trade Alliance supports the Chikede Merchant Association in making your Cilovas Island the Grand Duchy of Chikede. According to reason and reason, the trade union will never allow Silovas Island, which can threaten the coastal areas of the Ontario Plains, to be outside of the trade union's jurisdiction … "
In the end, President Peterson said sincerely to Lollister, "Brother Locke, although it is only the end of November, there are still more than three months before the trade union announces the implementation of the nobility system. In fact, in the few months before and after the decision was made, all the chambers of commerce and individuals who want to promote the implementation of the nobility system have done a lot of preparation work. In a few days, Duke Lulm will sign the agreement and accept the trade union's conditions, removing the duchy title.
"The Livord Chamber of Commerce also hopes to imitate the duchy of Lulm and bring the duchy of Mobia under the control of the trade union. The Twin-Headed Dragon Chamber of Commerce, Visia Chamber of Commerce, and Mayflower Chamber of Commerce are all either openly or secretly strengthening the armed forces of the Rederis Kingdom. As long as they and the second prince's army of three hundred thousand suffer heavy losses, the trade union's chambers of commerce will come out to clean up the mess and receive the fruits of victory and fiefs.
"I believe that in a situation where we are not as strong as the other party, it is a wise choice to endure for a moment and avoid damage to the family. Brother Locke, consider my suggestion again. Don't rashly decide to start a war. Naval battles are not land battles. In this aspect, the Chicard Chamber of Commerce has a great advantage and experience. For example, the ship you ordered these few days being rejected is the Chicard Chamber of Commerce's strategy to suppress you … "
Lollister replied solemnly, "Alright, president. I will seriously consider your suggestion."
… …
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
