When Cornelius lowered his head, the female mercenary commander flicked her fiery red hair and looked at him with dissatisfaction. [Don't drag us down with you.] She wanted to say something, but she could not find the right words to criticize him. Even though she did not like what the silver-haired middle-aged man said, she had to admit that what he said was true.
In fact, when they took that step that night, they already knew the outcome of today's battle. But Brendel was right. After offending one lord, how would they dare to offend another lord? They could only blame themselves for being too impulsive when they were suppressed by Graudin that afternoon, which gave Graudin an excuse to attack them.
She could not help but snort softly, but she could not help but look at Cornelius. When they heard about the young Lord's new tax policy earlier, these few people looked at each other a little. In Vaunte, the nobles didn't need to buy people's hearts at all. Besides, they also understood that it didn't make much sense to do so. If Brando could fight against Count Randner, then the people would not dare to rebel against him even if he did not do anything. If he did not do anything, then everything would be in vain.
However, if they were to collect more taxes, they would at least be able to gain more income in a short period of time. With money, the lord would be able to raise more private soldiers.
[Does he not understand this?] She could not help but think. But of course, Brando understood. In fact, the young man was quite familiar with how the territories operated in The Amber Sword. Capital, resources, and construction formed a triangle. The capital came from trade, taxes, and the income from the mines, while resources and population were the core of development. Tónigel was rich in wood and silver. Baron Abies alone had nine lumber mills and a silver mine. There were also two quarries, manors, and workshops. But in reality, other than silver, most of the people in Erouine were poor. If not for Schafflund's silver mine, Baron Abies would be no different from a beggar in the eyes of the nobles.
But this was what Brando despised about Graudin. Even so, he was unwilling to change. Under his management, Tónigel's production was still stuck at Erouine's level half a century ago. The large city of Abies did not have more than twenty blacksmiths, and this was taking into account the number of apprentices. Not to mention, according to the documents left behind by the previous lord, Abies Castle could not produce more than ten sets of chainmail or leather armor in a month. One had to know that Aouine's magic and technology were not even worth mentioning when compared to those empires that stood at the pinnacle of the continent. Even Trentheim was considered to be inferior in this kingdom, so one could imagine how barren this territory was located at the southern border of the Randner region.
Just like what Sir Samper of the Lantonilan Geographical Society mentioned, the only thing worth mentioning in the south of the kingdom was silver. But it was impossible for all of it to fall into Graudin's hands. Apart from Count Randner, the royal family and the Holy Cathedral also had to divide a portion equally. In the end, only a small portion would fall into the hands of the poor Baron Abies.
But Brando knew that if he acted fast enough, he would be able to fully control Schafflund's silver mine in two to three months. He could not imagine how much money that was. Even in the game, he had never been a Lord, let alone manage a mine. Those were already monopolized by the large guilds. In front of the real, professional behemoths, even RMB warriors and face fighters would tremble in fear.
Brando guessed that ten to twenty million Tor coins would not be a problem.
With this amount of money, Baron Abies' territory, which did not exceed two hundred and seventy thousand Tor coins a year, would not be a problem for him at all. He asked Amandina to reformulate the tax policy. In principle, it was to buy the people's support by exempting them from taxes, but the real consideration was far more than that. Even though he was already opposing the nobles, he had more reasons to win the support of the common people. But compared to that, he was more concerned about the long-term benefits. What he needed was not only the support of the people, but also the population. Lighter taxes were beneficial to the rapid growth of the population, and he needed more people to open up the barren lands.
This was a long-term benefit. Not to mention Jutta and the others, even Graudin might not have the patience to achieve all of this. In any case, silver was enough for him.
Brando lowered his head and looked at Cornelius who was bowing respectfully in front of him: "We're going to patrol the territory. Bring your men with you. "
[Hmm?]
Felaern blinked in confusion when she heard this. She knew that Brando was about to face a battle that he had to win. But even at this time, Brendel seemed to want to bring his mercenaries to take back the lumber mills. There was an entire tribe of Subterrane Dwellers there, and as residents of the lowest level of the Jorgendy Underworld, the average strength of the Subterrane Dwellers was at least Iron-ranked. Even if Brando was confident in winning, how could he avoid casualties?
Were the lumber mills that important?
"Patrol the territory?" Both Felaern and Cornelius were surprised.
"Baron Abies has four lumber mills and two quarries," Brando replied: "Today, our mission is to make them our assets."
Jutta was surprised. "My lord," she immediately raised her head: "We know about the lumber mills, but they are already occupied by the Subterrane Dwellers. You're not asking us to take them back, are you?"
Brando did not reply and only looked at the few of them.
On the other hand, Jana and Cornelius had ugly expressions. They had stayed in the forest for quite some time, and they were familiar with the Subterrane Dwellers. They liked to fight at night, and they were strong. If they really fought, who knew how many of their brothers would die? They had already paid a heavy price in the battle that just ended, and there was a possibility that there would be another difficult battle soon.
But at this critical moment, Brando wanted them to participate in a battle that did not seem to be necessary, and they could not accept it.
"My lord … …" Cornelius raised his head with difficulty: "The Subterrane Dwellers … … They come from the Underworld, and their individual strength is comparable to our elites. If we really fight, I'm afraid that we will be at a disadvantage … …" He licked his lips: "Of course, this is not a problem, but … … I heard that Lord Macsen's army is also gathering … …"
He lowered his voice and thought that Brando would understand his words.
Amandina shook her head: "Lord Macsen is Graudin's retainer. Why would he attack us?"
The three of them stared blankly, wondering if this noble lady had gone crazy or was in a daze. "Isn't it obvious, Miss Amandina?" Jutta replied: "That person is Graudin's retainer, and we killed Graudin —" She thought for a moment and added: "Furthermore, he has Count Randner behind him. Even if he doesn't want to move, that old man will definitely pressure him — "
Amandina nodded. "Well said. That's why our real enemy is Count Randner, and Lord Macsen is nothing more than a pawn to test the waters." But do you think that with our current strength, we are a match for the count? "Amandina said expressionlessly.
The three of them looked at each other. In fact, this was what they were most worried about. Amandina purposely ignored the news about the Druid and the princess, which made them even more confused. The three mercenary leaders could not help but look at Brando. It was not impossible for Brando to hand them over as scapegoats.
Brando looked at Amandina. [She's finally catching up with my thoughts. Her growth has been astonishing ever since the battle at Chablis.] He raised his head. Amandina's thoughts were the same as his. If he had to expand his territory to the point where even Count Randner would not dare to fight him to the death, he would have to rely on this barren land of Tónigel. It might seem like an impossible task, but that was not the case.
He knew that he had Valha, the Druid, and many other variables behind him, not to mention that Amandina had the power of Magicite.
But the prerequisite for this was not only time, but also resources. No matter what, he had to restore the operations of his territory, especially the four sawmills and two quarries around Castle Abies. He had to get them back into production as soon as possible. The reconstruction of the city walls, the training of the militia, the Magicite workshop, and the various workshops all required resources. Once the Roman plan was implemented, Brando had to get these things up and running before he could establish his own merchant guild.
That was why he had to end the war with Lord Macsen before the autumn harvest. Once this territory was on the right track, there were too many things he could do.
Time was of the essence.
"Miss Amandina is my aide. Her words represent my words." Brando replied. Amandina's expression softened: "My family can guarantee my safety in this war, but it's different for you. I'm not someone who gives up on my subordinates, but everything has its limits. If I lose in this war, then I can imagine what will happen to you. " He lowered his voice: "That's why we're on the same boat. But this boat isn't just filled with storms, there are also opportunities and treasures —"
"At least compared to Graudin, I consider myself a generous lord. As long as you don't disappoint me, I won't disappoint you."
Seeing that Cornelius was still in a daze, he added another sentence.
"As for the Subterrane Dwellers," Brando paused for a moment, "You should know that the Black Tower of Karsuk fought with the Subterrane Dwellers for resources in the Underworld for ten years."
Raban raised his head in surprise: "My lord, you have a plan?"
"I've always had a plan." Brando replied casually, then added another sentence in his mind: 'But it has nothing to do with the Black Tower's wizards.'
… (To be continued, if you want to know what will happen next, please go to www.qidian.com to read more chapters. Support the author, support the original reading!)
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