Novel Full Chapter 372: Reached an agreement
Chapter 372: Reached an agreement
"Theoretically, your achievements are more than enough to claim all three border territories."
Swaro shook his head.
"But every great noble house has its eyes on those lands. The status and wealth of the three border territories are tempting enough that no one can resist them. The resistance you’ll face is overwhelming."
"Besides, the Empress will never allow a young man to control such a strategically important military region. Even under your family’s name, it won’t work. Without a sixth tier Divine Chosen, the Ross family is no longer suitable for expanding its territory."
"And most importantly, I want Bull Territory myself. Your family has no way to stop me."
Swaro spoke with complete sincerity.
He simply couldn’t refuse the most delicious slice of the cake.
"As expected..."
Phield let out a long sigh.
"Then I’ll settle for the border fortress."
Despite earning enough military merit, he still couldn’t receive the reward he truly deserved.
"The Imperial subsidies and military supplies are all allocated to the fortress," Luxi added. "Taking the fortress isn’t much different from taking the entire territory."
"No, there’s a huge difference."
Phield smiled faintly as he revealed his bargaining chip.
"What if I said I don’t even want to see those subsidies or military supplies? Let the local lord keep all of them. I’ll personally take full responsibility for maintaining the fortress, rebuilding it, and providing all of its defensive equipment."
The nobles wanted the border fortress for one reason only.
The enormous Imperial subsidies.
None of them actually wanted to stand against endless undead hordes and defend the Empire.
Swaro was dumbfounded.
"Then what exactly do you want the fortress for?"
"I need a reliable gateway and a trade hub. My territory lies within Nightfall Domain. I’ve had enough of paying tariffs and depending on other people’s goodwill. Once I control the border fortress, I’ll be free to develop the Northern Frontier Province, or retreat safely through it whenever necessary."
"What?"
Swaro became even more bewildered.
To him, the idea was utterly absurd.
It was like buying an expensive bag just to carry a single fish.
The combined value of every territory in the Northern Frontier Province wasn’t even worth a fraction of Bull Territory.
"Why are you looking at me like that? I still plan to develop Cloud Veil and Dawnfall. I’ll prove to everyone that the Northern Frontier Province holds limitless potential."
Phield deliberately straightened his posture, his eyes blazing with determination, looking every bit like an overly passionate young man who had read far too many knightly romances.
"Pfft."
Luxi couldn’t help laughing.
Noticing Phield’s puzzled expression, she quickly covered her mouth and shot him an apologetic yet charming smile.
"My apologies. I just thought of something that made me happy."
Swaro stared at him.
"You’re serious?"
"Absolutely."
Phield answered with complete conviction.
"Serving the Empire has always been my life’s ambition."
Swaro’s mind raced.
He would receive every Imperial subsidy without spending a single coin on maintaining the fortress.
On top of that, the Ross family would owe him a favor.
How could such a wonderful deal even exist?
His eyes lit up.
"Phield, my boy, I knew I wasn’t mistaken about you. You’re every bit the loyal knight the Empire needs."
He slapped the table enthusiastically.
"However, the Empire can’t treat border security lightly. I’ll still need to station one thousand soldiers there, and you’ll cover all of their expenses and equipment. Let’s say... one hundred thousand gold coins a year."
The meaning couldn’t have been clearer.
He wanted money.
You greedy bastard.
One hundred thousand gold coins every year?
Phield nearly exploded with anger.
"No problem."
His smile never changed.
"But when my merchants and citizens travel through Bull Territory, they will be exempt from every form of taxation. In addition, my armies and merchant caravans must be granted unrestricted passage throughout Bull Territory."
"A trivial matter."
Swaro burst into laughter.
"In the spirit of knightly generosity, I gladly agree."
He secretly sneered to himself.
A tiny place like Nightfall Domain.
How many merchants could it possibly have?
How much tax revenue could they even generate?
The moment Swaro agreed, Phield immediately pushed the negotiations toward the transfer of the fortress before Swaro had a chance to reconsider after realizing how weak his position truly was.
The two sides negotiated intensely before finally reaching an agreement.
Border Fortress Agreement
According to the agreement, Phield’s performance during the campaign would be officially recorded as ordinary, neither distinguished nor disgraceful.
The noble coalition would receive full credit for killing all five rebel Divine Chosen.
The bodies of the two Shadow World Sect Divine Chosen would be handed over by Phield afterward, since their corpses could still be exchanged for bounty rewards.
The border fortress would no longer fall under the jurisdiction of Bull Territory and would instead become part of Nightfall Domain.
All Imperial aid directed toward the fortress would have nothing to do with Phield.
In return, Phield would provide one hundred thousand gold coins annually to support the stationed garrison.
The final garrison size, however, was quietly reduced from one thousand soldiers to a merely symbolic force of fifty.
From that day onward, Bull Territory would grant Phield the highest level of access, allowing his armies and merchant caravans unrestricted movement without paying any taxes.
The moment both men received the signed contract, Phield and Swaro let out sighs of relief at almost the same time.
The instant the tension left Phield’s body, it was replaced by overwhelming joy.
He now possessed a secure retreat route.
A major trade hub.
A fortress with formidable defensive capabilities.
And the priceless Tidebind Lattice of the Surging Realms.
Giving away the military credit wouldn’t fool everyone forever.
But it would continue concealing his true strength and greatly reduce the chances of retaliation from the rebels.
Although Phield still wanted far more, he knew it would be nearly impossible to secure additional concessions for now.
Silently, he made himself a promise.
He would continue building his strength until every noble in the Empire was forced to look to him for approval.
As for the compensation payments, once he possessed enough power, tearing up the agreement would be effortless.
Swaro was equally delighted.
The more he looked at Phield, the more pleasing the young man became.
The only thought in his mind was:
What a sensible child.
"Phield, my boy, I admire ambitious young men like you."
He smiled warmly.
"I noticed your knights are riding ordinary market horses. Those don’t suit someone of your status."
"Luxi, transfer one hundred Silvercrest horses to Phield. I want both mares and stallions included. Don’t be stingy with the breeding stock."
"These are rare mounts with magical beast bloodlines. At least half of them will mature into first tier warhorses."
Swaro patted Phield on the shoulder.
"Now go enjoy the banquet."
"My sincere thanks."
Phield smiled and performed a noble salute before leaving Swaro’s command tent.
The banquet was being held outdoors.
Bonfires burned throughout the camp while dancers swayed gracefully, doing everything they could to display their elegant figures.
Servants carried buckets of ice, always ready to refill chilled drinks and fine wine for the nobles.
No one knew where they had found such exquisitely crafted wooden tables during a military campaign.
Every table was covered with lavish dishes, yet hardly anyone spared the food a glance.
Everyone attending tonight’s banquet had earned military glory.
They possessed their own pride.
The nobles toasted one another merrily.
The moment Phield appeared, several male nobles immediately approached with wine glasses in hand.
"Good evening, Sir Phield."
Phield found himself puzzled.
Why had so many male nobles suddenly gathered around him?
"Do you still have any Vigor Elixir? Don’t misunderstand me. It’s not for personal use. I’m talking about business."
A pale young noble flashed a broad grin.
"Simon told me you have a reliable supplier."
"Same here."
Another noble with heavy dark circles beneath his eyes nodded eagerly.
"I’ll buy every bottle you have, even at ten gold coins each. I need a large quantity."
"Vigor Elixir has become increasingly scarce lately. You can’t find it anywhere, no matter how much money you’re willing to pay."
"Oh, that."
Phield couldn’t suppress the smile spreading across his face.
"I’ve already arranged for my army to transport a fresh shipment of potions."
He confidently gave them a thumbs up.
"I guarantee you’ll all be satisfied and regain your former glory."
"Tsk. Men."
Several noblewomen overheard the conversation and scoffed with obvious disdain.
"They’ll spend fortunes just for pleasure. Honestly, they have no dignity."
Phield merely glanced at them while maintaining his pleasant smile.
Ladies, you’re actually the ones who’ll be bringing me the biggest profits.
"Good evening, ladies."
Holding his wine glass, Phield leisurely approached them.
"I recently acquired a rather remarkable treasure."
"It’s something perfectly suited for noble ladies."
"I’m curious whether you’ve heard of it before."
"It’s called soap."