The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 321 A Happy Transaction

On the dirt road leading to Deadwood Harbor, clouds of dust rose up along with the sound of horse hooves, and the figures of several knights were faintly visible in the distance.

General Hamelton stopped and looked, and a smile of anticipation gradually appeared on his anxious face. He had been waiting for too long, and at this moment he felt like a land that had been dry for a long time and finally saw the rain.

Baron Teach stood beside the general, his slightly exaggerated baron's uniform fluttering in the wind. There was obvious nervousness on his face, and he kept standing on tiptoe to look into the distance.

"His Royal Highness is finally here," he rubbed his hands and whispered excitedly, "It's good that you're back... It's good that you're back."

He was not worried that the Queen of the Gutaf Kingdom would eat the Demon King, as those reptiles were His Majesty's right-hand men... What he was most worried about was that the Demon King would abandon him here and not care about him.

He can't carry on this play by himself.

Captain Derek, standing on the other side of General Hamelton, silently crossed himself.

"Saint Sith, I hope that sir has brought us some surprising news."

Saint Ilburg has invested too much manpower and material resources in Deadwood Harbor, to the extent that the Governor of the Eastern Coast has even complained about it.

After all, these supplies were supposed to be used to rebuild the port of Saldo!

General Hamelton's action was clearly a gamble.

Derek couldn't imagine what they would do if the United Kingdom of Gutaf rejected the trade agreement?
Do you want to go over and rob it?

That is a big country with tens of millions of people, not those primitive tribes scattered in the woods in the New World...

Derek had no doubt that victory was on the side of the Sansith.

But the price may be hard for them to pay...

The knights gradually approached. The leading rider was wearing a black cloak and a purple moon badge on his chest. He looked calm and composed.

Hamelton recognized the face at a glance - the indifferent eyes exuded a breathtaking majesty.

As for the cavalrymen behind him, they were all wearing heavy armor, and only the black eyes could be seen through their shiny silver helmets.

Hamelton restrained his exaggerated smile, coughed loudly, straightened his military uniform, and strode forward with his head held high.

He opened his arms and spoke enthusiastically and flamboyantly.

"Haha, Your Highness, you are finally back! I have been worried about you these past few days. My subordinates have repeatedly suggested that I send someone to check on you, but I thought that you were still negotiating with the Kingdom of Gutaf, and rashly entering the other party's territory might cause a misjudgment, so I did not act on my own... Seeing you return, I finally put my heart at ease!"

During this period of time, he had acquired some of Teach's bad habits of overdoing it. The difference was that Teach was acting, while he took it as the culture of the Jana region and studied it seriously in order to attract the local people's feelings.

"Your judgment is correct, General. Although the Kingdom of Gutav does not reject us, they definitely do not like us to trespass into their territory without permission and offend the Dragon God's taboos... whether from heaven or earth. In addition, this is not the first time I have met the Queen of Gutav, so you don't have to be so nervous."

Luo Yan pulled the reins lightly, and the horse neighed and stopped steadily.

With a gentle and reserved smile on his face, he gracefully jumped off the horse, then looked at the people around Hamelton and spoke with a kind look.

"Baron Cosia, Captain Derek, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

"Of course, Your Highness. It's my honor to wait for you." Captain Derek nodded flattered.

Tichi Kosia on the side subconsciously wanted to kneel down and salute, but was stopped by Luo Yan with a nonchalant look.

The military chaplain nearby frowned slightly, vaguely smelled an extremely faint bad smell, and subconsciously looked towards the nearby woods.

I always feel like there is some devil's spiritual magic...

However, he would never have thought that the source of that aura was not from some handsome succubus king, but from the Prince Colin in front of him.

Hamelton also smiled and waved his hand.

"That's right, what are you talking about? As long as you come back safely, it's fine! Your Highness, you must be tired from the journey, please rest for a while first."

This sentence of "I'm glad you come back safely" definitely comes from the heart.

To be honest, he felt quite guilty. His Royal Highness the Prince had just returned and had a night's rest, but before he could even catch his breath, he turned back to the Lizardman Kingdom because of his own affairs.

The two-week mountain journey was not easy.

Luo Yan smiled and spoke in a gentle tone.

"The journey wasn't tiring. I've lived in this land since I was a child, and I've long been accustomed to traveling on mountain roads. It's just that the affairs of the United Kingdom of Gutaf are indeed complicated, and it took me a lot of effort to convince their queen... Fortunately, I have fulfilled my mission."

Hamelton's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he couldn't hide his excitement and excitement: "So... so the negotiation was successful?"

Luo Yan smiled slightly and nodded in affirmation.

"After all, this is something the general has entrusted me with. I certainly can't let you go back empty-handed."

Luo Yan deliberately spoke louder so that all the soldiers around him could hear the good news.

The sound of whispers quickly spread among the soldiers behind Hamelton, and expressions of joy appeared on every face.

Although General Hamelton did not tell them the reason for coming here, they more or less guessed one thing - there was probably not enough food in Fort St. Ir.

Why isn't there enough food?

Of course it was because of the big storm... I heard that all the ports on the east coast were destroyed, including the ships transporting food.

Although it is somewhat different from the truth, it is pretty close.

It won’t be long before this news appears in the tavern in Deadwood Harbor, serving as an important part of Luo Yan’s efforts to pave the way for his next plan.

Hamilton was excited, but he lowered his voice and said, "Your Highness, this is a serious matter. Can we talk about it in private?"

Luo Yan nodded slightly, then signaled his guards to rest where they were. He looked at Hamelton calmly and gestured for him to come in.

"Of course, lead the way."

Hamelton suppressed the ecstasy on his face, immediately turned around and signaled Teach to arrange the entourage, and personally led Luo Yan towards the fortress on the hill near Deadwood Port.

As they walked, they talked about the relevant information of the United Kingdom of Gutaf, and Luo Yan answered all of Hamelton's questions.

Although what he said was basically the part that was more beneficial to him.

Fortunately, the continent of Janna is large enough for him to explore freely. After all, General Hamelton is unlikely to go there in person to confirm it after hearing about it, and it would not be easy to travel across such a large continent even if he went there.

"...Their beliefs are quite barbaric. They practice primitive blood sacrifices and have no qualms about cannibalism. Can you imagine that they would have their clergy dig out their own hearts on the altar and offer them to the Dragon God? I just watched from a distance and couldn't bear to watch any further."

"Have you visited their temple? I've always been curious about what Gutaf looks like." General Hamelton asked curiously.

Luo Yan shook his head and said in a humorous tone.

"Tolerating my entry into their holy city is the greatest courtesy they have shown me. If I had gone in, I would have probably lost both my eyes."

Hamelton was stunned for a moment and said with a wry smile.

"That was hell."

Luo Yan nodded.

"Yes."

In fact, hell is not like this.

But there is no need to pretend that you understand a lot here.

The group soon arrived at the fortress near Deadwood Harbor.

Luo Yan was slightly stunned when he passed through the gate tower. Looking at the mansion standing in front of him, he thought for a moment that he had come to the wrong place.

The messy group of tents has disappeared, replaced by a three-story small villa with solid wooden and stone walls and windows that have been wiped clean and bright.

The surrounding debris and mud have been cleared away, replaced by gravel paths and neatly trimmed lawns.

Even in a town on the border of the empire, such a residence was considered quite respectable.

Is this still my fortress?
"This is a surprise General Hamelton prepared for you!" Baron Teach stepped forward tactfully and said with a smile on his face, "After learning that your mansion had been destroyed by the storm, he proposed to build a new one for you. It just so happened that there were some extra materials for building the port, so he dispatched a construction team to build this building."

Luo Yan turned and looked at Hamelton with a smile of satisfaction and gratitude on his face.

"Thank you for your hard work, General."

Hamelton laughed heartily and waved his hand.

"Your Highness, you are welcome. This is just a piece of cake! As long as I can make your Highness feel comfortable, everything will be worth it!"

Hearing this, the quartermaster who was following not far behind General Hamelton twitched his brows slightly and resisted the urge to complain.

It was indeed a piece of cake for General Hamelton, but not for the people who did the work, the people who shipped the goods, and myself who kept the accounts.

It was obvious that this guy was using the Empire's military supplies to do himself a favor again.

But he was just complaining.

After all, compared with other generals, Hamilton, who did not blatantly put the gold coins in his pocket, was already very honest.

Although being honest does not mean saving, he often ends up spending more money...

Without noticing the intriguing expression on the quartermaster's face, Hamilton enthusiastically led Luo Yan into the mansion.

After passing through the porch, the two soon arrived at a carefully decorated restaurant.

In the center of the restaurant stands a long carved wooden table covered with a white linen tablecloth. Candles in the candlesticks are flickering brightly, and silver cutlery is neatly placed on the table. The atmosphere is elegant and comfortable.

The kitchen had already prepared today's lunch, and the waiter pushing the dining cart brought the dishes to the table one by one. The appetizers were cream clam soup and citrus marinated salmon, paired with white wine.

Hamilton personally pulled out a chair and invited Luo Yan to sit down. He then picked up the wine bottle on the table and filled Luo Yan's glass with his own hands, with a warm and sincere smile on his face.

"Your Highness, this wine is a top-quality product that I brought specially from Saint Ilburg. I am here to welcome you today, so please allow me to toast you! For the sake of our friendship!"

The admiral felt bad for having enjoyed the delicious food of Deadwood Harbor for free for so long, so he asked his men to bring the treasures from his wine cellar from Fort Saint-Il.

Luo Yan raised the wine glass and took a sip. The wine had a rich aroma and a mellow taste.

He nodded in satisfaction and praised.

"It tastes really good. The general is thoughtful."

Hamelton laughed and raised his glass in response.

"As long as Your Highness likes it! Please allow me to toast you in the name of the empire and thank Your Highness for your hard work and contribution!"

"I wish His Excellency the General everlasting victory, I wish our Emperor a long life, and I wish the Empire everlasting prosperity."

Luo Yan raised his glass with a smile and clinked it with Hamelton who also raised his glass. The atmosphere in the restaurant was harmonious and pleasant, and the main course, the herb-roasted lamb leg, was served and the business began.

General Hamelton put down his wine glass, finally unable to suppress his inner anxiety, and asked Luo Yan with a slightly expectant look.

"Your Highness, I wonder what the outcome of your negotiations with the United Kingdom of Gutaf is? How much food can they provide to support us?" Luo Yan put down his wine glass, smiled slightly, his voice clear and steady.

"General, rest assured that the Kingdom of Gutaf still has a lot of surplus food. They have agreed to export at least 20,000 tons of corn to Deadwood Port every month to ensure the supply of Fort Saint Il."

"Twenty thousand tons!"

Hamelton was slightly startled, and the expression on his face quickly changed from doubt to joy, and he couldn't help but knock his fist on the table.

"Great, this completely solves our worries! Sorry... I didn't mean to be rude, I was just too excited."

Looking at Hamelton who was embarrassed about knocking on the table and the shaking ceramics on the table, Luo Yan smiled slightly and made an expression that he didn't mind.

Hamelton took a deep breath, calmed down a little, and then cautiously asked another question that concerned him most.

"Then I wonder what payment method they propose? Can Imperial Gold Coins be used? Our opinion is to exchange the money for the goods!"

Luo Yan shook his head slightly, and said helplessly: "It's no problem to exchange money for goods, but the empire's gold coins... To be honest, I'm surprised. The quality of the golden eagle relief has not changed in a thousand years, but the gold content is decreasing almost every year."

Hamelton's face suddenly turned a little embarrassed. It was almost an open secret that the gold content of the Empire's gold coins was insufficient. Although it was not decreasing every year, it had definitely decreased a lot compared to five hundred years ago.

"This... is indeed a problem, but we recognize the value of gold coins! The Kingdom of Gutaf can use these gold coins to buy sufficient goods in the market of the empire!"

Luo Yan looked at him regretfully and said.

"I believe it, but... I can't convince the Queen of Gutaf. She is quite dissatisfied with this and insists on using pure gold and pure silver for transactions."

Hamelton said with a wry smile.

"Pure gold, pure silver... This is a bit troublesome. The military funds allocated by the Empire to Saint Ilburg are all gold coins, and the imperial law clearly stipulates that privately melting and destroying gold coins is a felony."

Silver coins can be melted, after all, the right to mint silver coins has long been transferred to various kingdoms... However, the right to mint coins is limited to the kings of various kingdoms, and they must leave their family emblems on the silver coins they mint.

Of course, the princes of the empire were not included in this list. Ordinary nobles could only mint some copper coins to exploit the old farmers who used copper coins to buy bread.

Is there anyone who mints gold coins privately?

Of course there are. Although every noble claims that he is absolutely law-abiding, only the stupidest leeks would take what the nobles say seriously.

The laws of the empire were not meant to restrain the nobility, just as the rope around a cow's neck was not meant to tie up an old peasant in the empire.

Luo Yan himself had minted coins, but that thing had no technical content at all, and the only gold content was in the gold itself.

This can be done as long as there is a deal with the demons in hell or there is a gold mine in the territory.

however--

The trouble is that dirty money can’t go out of public accounts.

This is exactly what Hamilton is concerned about.

He couldn't just hint to Luo Yan directly - Hey brother, melt the gold coins I gave you and see how much gold you can get and use it first. When the time comes, you can refund me the excess and make up the shortfall.

This capable and warlike general did not have much political wisdom, but he was not that stupid.

However, Luo Yan saw his distress, his eyes flickered slightly, and he spoke calmly.

"General, this is not difficult to solve. I can act as the middleman between the two parties. I will receive your silver coins and deliver them to the warehouse in Deadwood Port at a price of thirty silver coins per ton. In this way, the general does not need to violate the imperial law and can get the food he needs smoothly."

After a pause, he continued.

"And I will use these goods to buy some handicrafts produced by the Empire from merchants in Deadwood Port and sell them to the Kingdom of Gutaf. Although they only accept pure gold and silver as general equivalents, they are not completely uninterested in the Empire's goods... It just so happens that the Colin family has some gold reserves. I can advance the purchase costs for you first, and then find a way to make the money back."

Hamilton was both surprised and moved when he heard this.

Advance funds for purchasing food!
What generosity!
Then he looked at the quartermaster behind him and asked in a low voice.

"Thirty silver coins per ton...how's the price?"

The quartermaster, who could no longer hold back, quickly leaned close to Hamelton's ear, lowered his voice, and answered excitedly, "General, this price is indeed a little higher than usual, but not by much! Right now, the entire New World and even the Empire are affected by the storm, food production has dropped significantly, and food prices have soared everywhere... To be honest, this price is actually very cost-effective."

He was not sure whether Prince Colin heard this price from the sailors stranded in Deadwood Harbor, but if so, then this distinguished gentleman would suffer a great loss!
Hamelton was dumbfounded when he heard this, and the expression on his face was full of awe, his eyes gradually turned into deep admiration.

He didn't think that Prince Colin had misjudged the situation outside. After all, flour in Deadwood Port was sold at a sky-high price of 6 silver coins per bag. How could he not know the news that even he knew?
It had nothing to do with worldly interests - the gentleman made honest negotiations purely out of aristocratic honor and devotion to Saint Six!

At this critical moment when everyone was trying to make a fortune from the national crisis, this distinguished Prince did not take the opportunity to raise the price and make a profit from them. Instead, he took the initiative to propose such a relatively reasonable plan!

Compared to those imperial businessmen who are only concerned with making money from war, this is simply so admirable!

Hamelton was touched and extremely grateful that he had made the right choice and did not get involved with those chambers of commerce that extended olive branches to him.

Saint Sith never abandons his followers—

Sure enough, he just took two steps forward and met like-minded people!

"Your Highness is so considerate of the overall situation. It is really admirable! I accept this plan... If you have any difficulties, please tell me!"

Just consider it as making up for his losses in this business!
Looking at General Hamelton with a serious face, Luo Yan smiled faintly and waved his hand modestly: "General, you are too kind. I am a citizen of the empire, so I naturally have to share the worries of the empire. Besides, money does not mean much to me. Being recognized by Saint Sith is my greatest honor."

When he said this, Luo Yan suddenly paused, then changed the subject.

"There is just one more thing I must tell the general. I'm afraid we can't get these grains out right away. After all, the Kingdom of Gutaf is huge, and it takes time to coordinate logistics. Their queen promised me that she would mobilize the supplies as soon as possible... but it will take at least two to three months."

Two to three months is just a conservative statement, it is actually three months.

Hamelton was stunned for a moment, frowning, but soon relaxed.

Three months is just three months.

It will take another month and a half to get from the empire to St. Ilburg!

In comparison, it only takes a week to get here from St. Ilburg, so the time and transportation capacity saved are worth it no matter how you calculate it!
The quartermaster standing not far behind him twitched his brows.

Three months...

This is not a short time!
The fastest time it would take for the Empire to reorganize its supply ships would be three months... If it takes them that much time to get food from Deadwood Port, then why did they build this port that has nothing to do with the interests of St. Ilburg?

Of course, he had to admit that although the general had taken a long detour to achieve his goal, they did have some benefits.

As Hamelton calculated, they could save a lot of transport ships and time costs for food supply.

According to a rough estimate by the logistics department, this supply line from Fort St. Il to Port Deadwood would only require 13 3000-ton cargo ships.

If they were to purchase from the empire's homeland, the number of sailing ships would have to be more than doubled, and the losses at sea would have to be taken into account. Moreover, the food at that time might not necessarily be much cheaper than it is now.

The most important thing is that if they can be sure that Deadwood Port can move 20,000 tons of corn to the warehouse in the port area in three months, they will not have to immediately bow their heads and seek help from the chamber of commerce in the empire and the nobles behind them.

The food reserves at St. Ilburg were sufficient to last until then.

Even if it's a bit reluctant.

The fists on his knees clenched unconsciously. After a struggle between his inner thoughts and his own desires, Hamilton finally made a decision.

He had a good impression of this prince who valued honor, both from his first impression and from their continued interactions.

This gentleman always puts the interests of the empire and the honor of his family first.

And such a person is worth his gamble!

He said seriously, looking into Colin's eyes.

"I understand that so many supplies cannot be mobilized in one day. Three months is no problem, but are you sure... that we can see 20,000 tons of corn in Deadwood Port in three months at the latest? This is very important to both the empire and me!"

Feeling the trust and seriousness in that gaze, Luo Yan also made a solemn expression, nodded and said.

"I swear on my badge and the honor of the Colin family."

"Three months is the deadline. You will definitely see the food you need at the port of Deadwood Harbor..."

When he said this, he paused deliberately and continued in a tone to ease the atmosphere.

"By the way, in order to prevent the corn from being piled up in the open air, I may have to trouble you to build a few warehouses for the port of Deadwood Port... Although I would like to do this myself, you can see that the labor force in Deadwood Port is really stretched to the limit."

Hamelton was stunned when he heard this, and it took him a long time to understand Prince Colin's humor, and he laughed and said.

"That's easy! Leave it to me!"

Luo Yan smiled slightly, raised the wine glass in his hand and pretended to toast.

"Then I wish us a happy cooperation!"

"Happy cooperation!"

Completely unaware that he was making a deal with the devil, Hamelton drank the white wine in the glass, while Luo Yan, who was sitting opposite him, took a sip.

He didn't like the sour taste of the wine very much, and the fine wine made from grapes from Thunder County in Nightmare Land was more to his liking.

Unlike him who just treats wine as a tool, Sissi really studies wine.

After three rounds of drinks, we finished talking about the serious business.

Everyone sitting at the table began to concentrate on their sumptuous lunch.

After most of the main course was consumed, the waiter pushing the food cart returned to the table and served everyone a platter of fried seasonal vegetables and roasted, soft, glutinous and fragrant mashed potatoes with butter.

In Deadwood Harbor, where a bag of flour sold for six silver coins, these delicacies were enough to make the sailors, who ate corn porridge and smoked fish, cry with greed.

Looking at the table full of hometown-flavored dishes, General Hamelton, feeling homesick, suddenly remembered something and spoke as he looked at Prince Colin who had put down his wine glass.

"Oh, Your Highness, there is one more thing..."

Luo Yan smiled slightly and spoke in a gentle tone.

"what's up?"

Hamelton smiled and said.

"As a matter of routine, when I reported my work to the rear, I also reported your affairs to the rear... Out of admiration for your loyalty, I took the initiative to use my connections in the navy system to investigate the Port Affairs Department of the Holy City. I found that 500 years ago, a ship did disappear on the route to Hojo Port."

There were many merchant ships that disappeared five hundred years ago.

Unlike Teach who clenched his toes, Luo Yan, who had seen the world, didn't take it seriously at all. He just calmly took a sip of white wine and asked with interest.

"Oh? What did you find?"

Hamilton smiled embarrassedly, took out a wax-sealed letter from his arms, and gently placed it on the table in front of him.

His next words almost made Luo Yan spit out the wine in his mouth -

"I found your distant relatives in the Holy City!"

(End of this chapter)