Chapter 679 (1/2)

Chapter 679: A Generous Return

Translator: TransN Editor: TransN

“Your Majesty, I absolutely did not disclose the information conferred between you and Sir Thunder to anyone…” She quickly explained.

“I know,” Roland waved and looked at Gammon with great interest. “Where did you hear about this?”

Although he did not regard the matter as confidential, it was almost impossible for the outsider to know about the steel ship as there were still a couple more months to go until it was fit to launch. Plus, only the bottom of the hull was completed at the moment and it was built in a totally enclosed shipyard. All the workers they had selected were the most skillful local residents.

They would have to pay special attention if any locals were secretly in contact with the Fjords.

“It’s big news in Fjords that Sir Thunder is recruiting new crews and that the campaign is on a much bigger scale than any of the recruitments in the past. It isn’t a surprise that many people from Fjords have joined his team since there are many outstanding captains in Crescent Moon Bay.” Gammon said with a smile, “The news regarding the magical steel ship also came from Thunder. He must take some hard measures to dispel the concerns of others about an in-depth exploration of the ocean to the west of Shadow Islands.”

“How many people know about this?”

“Not many, Your Majesty. The captain would not have revealed anything to us if he didn’t receive a great help from Crescent Moon Chamber of Commerce earlier. After all, Sir Thunder is a lot more highly respected than us businessmen.”

“I see,” Roland nodded, “however, I can’t meet your demand since we cannot build a second ship in a short time as this kind of ship is extremely hard to build.”

“We understand, Your Majesty,” Marleen said, “We’re just hoping that you can sell the second steel ship to us after you complete the transaction with Sir Thunder. Crescent Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce is willing to pay 10% deposit up front and we’ll pay 40% of the remaining once the project starts.”

“They have already started to talk about the deposit before they even know the price.” Roland once again realized the Fjords people’s adventurous spirit. Perhaps they smelled the great potential of the ship much faster than any ruler of the Four Kingdoms. At least, he had never seen any great nobles who would pay a high price for something he had never seen before.

“The city of Neverwinter also needs more than one steel ship, so it’ll be two or three years later by the time the shipyard has time to build you one.” Roland slowly said, “Have you not considered to send your craftsmen to participate in the construction and sign a new ten-year or five-year contract? That might speed up the construction process, and you can also learn the relevant techniques.”

“You’re kidding me,” Gammon felt a little embarrassed and said, “We absolutely don’t mean to covet it. We won’t dare to ask for such techniques. With a steel ship like this, you can definitely become the most popular partner in the Fjord Islands, provided that it’s really like what Sir Thunder described.”

“I’m not kidding.” Roland took a sip of the drink and shrugged.

“…” It was their turn to be shocked this time.

After a moment, Gammon said in disbelief, “You mean… you’re willing to disclose the technologies to the Crescent Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce?”

“As long as you can provide enough craftsmen as I need not only blacksmiths and carpenters but apprentices as well,” Roland replied without hesitation. “I’ll need 2000 of them. You can recruit literate civilians to make up the number if you don’t have that many. You need to provide the laborers within five years. In that case, we’ll start the ship construction next year. Of course, you’ll still bear the expenses incurred on shipbuilding.”

“I really don’t know what you’re thinking, Your Majesty,” Gammon said with a wry smile. “Perhaps it’s not your most valuable technology just yet?”