Wasteland Lord: Starting from Thirty Days to Live

Thus, Gil and his party arrived at Riverbend Fortress, and upon learning that they came from the Iron Bay Federation and were merchants, Vittorio warmly welcomed them.

Vittorio naturally had his own agenda—he wanted these people to help him promote his products.

Although his wine is very good, he must sell it and exchange it for real money, and then use that money to buy the resources needed for the development of his territory.

And what is most needed for the exchange of goods and services are merchants.

He originally planned to send out an advance team to open up trade routes after he finished this busy period, but he didn't expect that the merchant Gil and his party would come to him by themselves. It was like a pillow being delivered when you were sleepy.

After assessing the group's character, Vittorio decided to discuss a collaboration with them.

Before discussing cooperation, we needed to pique their interest, which led to today's situation.

Vittorio mysteriously brought out the wine and had them take turns tasting it, hoping to create a sensational effect.

And just as Vittorio had predicted, although these merchants had traveled all over the country, they had never seen such clear alcohol with such a high alcohol content.

Although alcohol is not a necessity for survival, it has always been an indispensable consumer product in every dynasty and era. Some fancy-made and uniquely flavored wines have even become synonymous with luxury goods.

If packaged properly, this wine could definitely create a sensation in the Iron Bay Federation.

As a businessman, Jill certainly had this kind of mind, and he immediately realized that this was a huge business opportunity.

He also realized that the young lord had summoned him today to discuss cooperation.

Therefore, Gil immediately expressed his excitement and willingness to obey the lord's command.

"Mr. Gil, I'm not a businessman, and I don't know much about business. You've traveled all over the country, so you must know who this wine can be sold to, how it can be sold, what the price should be, and how wide its sales channels are, right?"

Vittorio didn't rush to reveal his secret, but instead threw the question back at Gil, who thought about it for a while and then came to this conclusion.

"This kind of wine will sell well anywhere. If possible, I recommend that you package it as a drink exclusively for the nobility. It doesn't matter if the price is high. There are plenty of nobles who want to show off their status who are willing to pay that price."

"So where do you think we can sell it to? How about Zhakou City?"

Upon hearing the name Zhakou City, Gil looked troubled.

After careful consideration, he recounted the situation at the gate city to Vittorio in detail.

Vittorio didn't react much after hearing the news, but a young woman behind him who had been silent suddenly brightened up.

That was Miss Serena.

Upon hearing of the turmoil in the gate city, Serena realized that this might be a good opportunity to return and retrieve the treasure, or even to take advantage of the chaos. Therefore, she subtly tugged at Ravitorio's sleeve.

Vittorio patted her hand reassuringly, indicating that he understood.

"Although Zhakou City is in chaos, its wealth hasn't flowed outwards, right? The riches treasured by those nobles are still hidden in their mansions. Selling them there would be risky, but it's not impossible to make money, is it?"

Vittorio asked Gil.

"Moreover, as far as I know, Gate City is the closest major city to the River Reef. If you want to go further, whether it's to the heart of the kingdom or to the interior of the Iron Bay Federation, you'll have to travel twice as far."

Jill nodded, indicating that the journey was indeed a big problem.

"So it seems that the most suitable location is still Zhakou City."

After thinking it over and over, Gil finally nodded.

"My lord, this is indeed a rare business opportunity. If you insist on selling to Zhakou City, I am willing to act as your guide."

"How much profit do you need as compensation?"

Vittorio knew that only by aligning their interests would Gilles truly work for him, so he said those words.

Gil was very sensible; as soon as Vittorio mentioned profits, he waved his hands repeatedly to indicate that he didn't want them.

Finally, after Vittorio's repeated persuasion, and after confirming that the lord was sincere in wanting to discuss cooperation, he "reluctantly" agreed to accept.

Only then were the interests of the two truly intertwined. Jill never expected that she would turn misfortune into blessing and find such a great business opportunity after wandering around for so long.

After they finished discussing their business, Gil was sensibly preparing to leave. However, before he left, Vittorio called him back and took out something.

A package.

The package wasn't large and was in Vittorio's hands; if you brought it a little closer, you could smell a faint rotten egg odor.

Someone unfamiliar with the situation might think his bag contained food, perhaps even spoiled.

But Vittorio had already opened the contents and knew that it wasn't a rotten egg at all, but a mineral.

sulfur.

Jill's expression changed upon seeing the package; clearly, it contained something very important to her.

Vittorio quickly offered an explanation.

"Don't get me wrong, I didn't steal this. You dropped it on the ground in your haste before entering the castle, and someone found it. I just wanted to ask if it's yours?"

Gil nodded and bowed, quickly admitting it.

"It's mine, it's mine, thank you, my lord."

Gil reached out to take the package back, but Vittorio raised his hand, causing him to miss it.

Vittorio asked with great interest.

"Is there sulfur in this?"

Jill was taken aback at first, then gave a wry smile.

"Nothing can be hidden from you, my lord. This is indeed sulfur. It was a product that one of my customers specifically requested. All my other goods were seized, but this was the only one that survived."

Gil said, then carefully observed Vittorio's expression.

He noticed that Vittorio, upon hearing that the goods belonged to him, showed no intention of returning them; in fact, he continued to stare at the package with great interest. Gil's heart skipped a beat.

Oh no, the lord has taken a liking to his things.

This thing is really important to him; it's something the mysterious guest specifically requested.

If he can deliver this item, he will not only make a lot of money, but the mysterious guest will also owe him a favor.

But now someone has intercepted the deal halfway through, and Jill doesn't know what to do.

It was Vittorio who said a few words that helped him clarify his thoughts and get back on track.

"You may know the status of nobles. In a noble's territory, everything belongs to the noble. Passing merchants have to pay me taxes, and farmers who cultivate the land have to hand over grain to me. In other words, if I want, anything that passes through my territory can belong to me."

Vittorio spoke, his eyes threatening.

"But I don't want to do that. Wouldn't that make me a blatant robber? What I need is for others to hand over their goods willingly, and for me to reciprocate with the same kindness."

"For example, I could get him involved in my big beverage business. These are opportunities most people would kill for, don't you think?"

Gil understood the implication in Vittorio's words.

If you want dignity, then I'll give you dignity; if you don't want dignity, then I'll make it up to you!

What else is there to say? You can't fight city hall, so what, Jill?

Moreover, Vittorio promised him 10% of the profits from selling this product, so he wouldn't lose everything.

At this point, Jill would be being unreasonable if she didn't hand over the item.

Jill immediately nodded sensibly and said, "It's nothing valuable. Since Your Highness needs it, I'll give it to you. What do you say?"

Vittorio, of course, didn't stand on ceremony and nodded, accepting the gift with a smile.

Although being a powerful nobleman who used his influence to oppress others felt somewhat contrary to his values, he felt no remorse whatsoever.

It's simply because he really needs this!

One part saltpeter, two parts sulfur, three parts charcoal.

The last ingredient he had been longing for—gunpowder—had finally arrived!