Chapter 397 - 273: Trade Network

Chapter 397: Chapter 273: Trade Network

Boman came over with jaunty steps, holding a wine glass. He wore his signature good-natured grin, like a stray dog wandering the plains, happily wagging its tail.

He came to Henry’s side, bowed slightly, and held his glass to his chest. "Henry, look how happy everyone is," he said. "The last time so many nobles of the plains gathered like this was for the victory banquet after we defeated the Half-Beastmen."

Boman was completely drunk and had lost all semblance of decorum. The only thing separating him from a common sot, dead drunk and snoring in some alleyway, was the fine noble’s attire he wore.

Henry’s gaze swept over Boman’s glass, a teasing light in his eyes.

Seeing that Henry didn’t respond, Boman felt a little awkward.

Henry gently swirled the glass in his hand. The wine rippled, reflecting Boman’s somewhat awkward face.

"Oh? I don’t think that’s right, is it? Boman, you all were living it up in Westwood Laine not too long ago. Sounds like you had a great time." Henry’s voice was slow and measured, as if he were teasing a naughty child.

Boman’s expression stiffened for a moment before he reverted to his usual good-natured look.

’How was he supposed to respond to that? Technically, he hadn’t done anything wrong. It didn’t matter what he did in the process, as long as the mission was accomplished. That was all that mattered.’

’But being teased about it like this... well, that was just rubbing it in.’

He gave a hearty laugh and scratched his head in embarrassment. "Haha, Henry, you can’t put it like that. We were just messing around. How could that compare to the grand affair you’re hosting here?"

"The food and wine in this hall tonight... wow, it’s truly something to savor."

Henry raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. He knew Boman’s personality; the man was carefree and generous, not one to get hung up on such trivial matters.

He took a small sip of wine, the liquid gliding over his tongue, leaving behind a trace of sweetness and a rich body.

"Alright, Boman, cut the act," Henry said with a laugh.

"I heard all about your time in Westwood Laine. Feasting, drinking, getting sloshed every day... and you have the nerve to say *I’m* the one putting on a grand affair?"

Boman’s face flushed slightly. He waved his hand, trying to change the subject. "Ah, Henry, let’s not talk about that. We’re all here today to have a good time, aren’t we?"

"Come on, you should get to know the new nobles. They’ll all be following your lead from now on, and they’re all fine people."

Henry nodded slightly, clinked his glass against Boman’s with a crisp sound, and started walking toward a group of nobles nearby.

Boman’s voice rang in his ears, "Come, everyone, your attention! The mighty, the brave, the invincible, the glorious Count Henry is here! Everyone, raise your glasses—"

"Cheers!"

"For Henry!"

Henry smiled, confident and poised, and walked toward the group of nobles with his glass held high. Boman’s voice was still droning on in his ears, but Henry’s attention had already shifted completely to the people before him.

The soft light of the great hall illuminated the faces of the nobles. As Henry approached, the noisy chatter died down instantly, and all eyes turned to focus on him.

They didn’t have the same rigid drinking etiquette as in some places, but no one was stupid enough to keep chattering away when their leader was about to speak.

Henry stopped and gave a slight nod in greeting. His gaze swept across the crowd. "My lords," he began, "it is a rare and welcome occasion that brings us all together today. We will not speak of the past, only of the future!

"From the moment we gathered here, everything that came before has vanished like smoke. From now on, we speak only of the future!"

The moment Henry finished speaking, an excited murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd.

A tall Viscount with a thick beard was the first to speak, his voice booming and powerful. "Well said, Count Henry! We are all gathered here today for the sake of our collective future! I heard you won a resounding victory in your recent military campaign on the border of the Northern Lands. Truly admirable.

"However, military matters are only one part of our affairs. Trade is our true source of wealth."

Henry nodded in agreement. He studied the Viscount for a few seconds before looking away.

’This is awkward. With so many nobles popping up at once, I can’t remember who is who. I can only tell their ranks by their imperial robes.’

Henry turned naturally, placed his glass on a nearby attendant’s tray, and crossed his arms. "This Viscount is correct. The military is our sword, but trade is our shield. To protect ourselves, it isn’t enough to forge a fine sword; we must also have a sturdy shield."

The Viscount smiled and continued, "Count Henry, I’m glad we see eye to eye. I was actually hoping to discuss some large-scale trade with you."

"The western part of my family’s domain is covered in vast forests with abundant timber. We also have significant reserves of high-quality stone and minerals."

"If you’re interested, we could sign a long-term supply contract."

A glint appeared in Henry’s eyes. He had known all along that the nobles would make these kinds of proposals.

’Winning a war is like gorging on a feast—you can eat your fill in one go. But you can’t live your whole life on a single meal. For a slow and steady stream of income, you have to get the economy moving.’

’These men have already sworn fealty to me, so I can’t just plunder their lands as if they were potential enemies. It’s better to acquire what I need through trade and purchase.’

Henry considered this for a moment before replying, "Your proposal is very tempting. However, I need to know more. What is the production volume for this timber, stone, and ore? And how would we handle transportation? Our two fiefs are not exactly close."