Chapter 363 (1/2)

Chapter 363: New Trading Route

Translator: Meh/TransN Editor: – –

“Setting out from the… Western Region?” Margaret asked curiously. “I didn’t know that there’s a good harbor that leads to the sea here.”

“There isn’t yet, but we can build one.”

Her eyes widened, “Your Highness, are you serious?”

“Of course. By next spring, we should be able to begin the construction.” Roland smiled and said.

In this era, harbors were, without exception, natural. Construction projects which required transforming the natural landscape, such as man-made harbors, were practically impossible.

However, now that he had obtained Tilly’s full support, he simply had to wait until the housing construction in Sleeping Island was completed, after which Lotus would come back to the Western Region, and furthermore, the crisis caused by the demonic beasts should have subsided by then. It would then be a suitable time to start work on the harbor.

He stood up and pointed to a map that was hung behind him. “In the south of Border Town, there’s a shore where the depth of water is ideal and the surface area is highly suitable, sufficient to accommodate all of the facilities required by the harbor. By making only a few modifications, and also flattening the ridges along the coast, I’ll be able to transport goods from the inland of Western Region to the harbor.”

“Modifying the shore… and flattening the ridges? Why is it that when you speak of these astonishing plans, I seem to get the impression that they are not difficult at all?” Margaret said with interest. “However, do you have a merchant fleet? You should know that sea ships and inland river ships are very different.”

“At the moment, no.” Roland spread his hands. “This is also one of the reasons why I hope that you’ll participate.”

“I’ll provide the ships?”

“And also be responsible for shipping and selling,” he added, “while Western Region will only provide the goods.”

This was equivalent to possessing the exclusive dealership in the fjord region, and with her experience, Margaret could smell the potential profits. If he created his own merchant fleet and sold goods to the Fjords himself, the profits would be higher, but Roland did not want to expend too much energy and manpower in this area. He simply wanted to obtain some funds as soon as possible, in order to maintain the rapid development of his territory. After the primitive accumulation was completed, it would only be a matter of time before he introduced credit.

As expected, the businesswoman blinked her eyes and excitedly asked, “You’re entrusting it all to me?”

“If the price is reasonable.” Roland nodded. “If you’re willing to take care of Western Region’s overseas trade, we can discuss the details right now. The selling area is limited to the Fjords, and the selling price must not be lower than the price at which we’re currently selling to the Crescent-Moon-Bay Caravan.”

“That’s for sure. The steam-powered boat, which doesn’t rely on wind power to sail continuously, has alone made it worth it for maritime trading teams to compete for and buy goods at high prices.” She said in a highly assured voice, “If selling directly to the Fjord Islands, I’m confident of doubling the price.”

“We can share the excess profits together.” Roland laughed. “And, aside from the steam engine, there’s also another major product.” He clapped his hands, and a guard who was waiting outside the hall immediately walked in with a plate in hand. On top of the plate was four or five gleaming crystal bottles, and each of them was only about the size of a thumb.

“This is…”

“Open it and smell.”

Feeling curious, Margaret pulled the cork from the top of the bottle and sniffed. Her eyes immediately lit up. “My gosh, you actually created perfume!”