LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 54: Preparation Begins, Part 2
Chapter 54: Preparation Begins, Part 2
Silver armor! With three sets of silver armor, Pape Lawrence was confident he could conquer the minotaur territory, even though the losses would still be significant. However, securing the iron mine occupied by the minotaurs, even if it couldn't produce mithril, would still be worth thousands of gold coins.
During the banquet, Pape Lawrence and Rachos Assad were deep in conversation. As Rachos grew increasingly tipsy, Pape, with a hint of curiosity, casually inquired, "My friend, if I may ask, how did you manage to bypass the Habsburg Chamber of Commerce's blockade to transport black iron and silver armor to the Northern Province? It seems quite impossible."
"It wasn't brought from elsewhere," Rachos slurred, clearly intoxicated. "I wouldn't dare defy Marquis Raymond's decree. I acquired these from a friend who controls a group of dwarfs and an iron mine. It's not much."
"A friend? A large iron mine? Dwarf?" Pape Lawrence's eyebrows twitched with intrigue and concern. "My friend, may I ask which baron your friend is? I haven't heard of this."
But Rachos was already asleep, sprawled on the table.
"Lord Rachos! Lord Rachos!" Pape called softly several times, receiving no response. Frowning, he ordered his men to take Rachos to rest.
"Father!" A young man approached as Rachos was led away.
"What have you found out about the things I asked you to investigate?" Pape Lawrence asked his eldest and most favored son.
"I've discovered that Rachos Assad first visited Thor Dresrosa's Eagle Ridge. The first sale of black iron armor also originated from Maine Territory, after he left Eagle Ridge. The source might be the Emerson family or the Dresrosa family, or possibly from the territories of Orvieto or Crow."
Lawrence reported respectfully to his father, who had set him on this investigation after obtaining the black iron armor.
"Emerson, Dresrosa families..." Pape frowned, aware of their power. "What about the cowardly goblin tribe outside our territory? Has there been any progress in investigating the fire there recently?"
"Father, it's been confirmed that the area has been occupied by Eagle Ridge. It appears they attacked the cowardly goblins."
"Eagle Ridge occupied it?" Pape's mind raced. "Wait, you said Rachos Assad first visited Thor Dresrosa's Eagle Ridge, and the black iron armor was first sold after leaving Maine Territory?"
"Yes, Father," Lawrence confirmed, though puzzled.
Pape Lawrence hurried to a map, eyes brightening as he examined two newly marked red spots. "Cowardly goblin territory, dwarfs, black iron armor, silver armor! A friend?"
"Lawrence, I have an important task for you. Take a few knights and investigate the goblin area. I need to know what Eagle Ridge is up to," Pape ordered gravely.
"Father, do you suspect the black iron and silver armor come from Eagle Ridge? But Thor Dresrosa has only recently become a pioneering knight," Lawrence questioned in disbelief.
"Nothing is impossible, Lawrence. The Dresrosa family is strong, much stronger than us. This Thor might have significant backing from the Dresrosa Count. Also, remember, goblins sometimes capture dwarfs to forge weapons. This area was a large goblin settlement, not far from Eagle Ridge. Why would Thor Dresrosa spend so much to capture it? It wasn't a lucrative move for mere dwarfs."
Pape's voice was filled with emotion, his excitement growing. A large iron mine and possibly a group of dwarfs—it was a fortune that could allow him to gain a viscountcy through the upcoming kingdom war.
The prospect was exhilarating. As for Thor Dresrosa, Pape was unconcerned. A new frontier lord, even with Dresrosa family ties, wouldn't have limitless support. Pape, with over twenty years in the Northern Province and more than fifteen years as a baron, had power comparable to an inland viscount. Overcoming a new frontier lord seemed trivial, especially given the potential gains. Even the powerful Dresrosa family might not oppose it if the prize were significant enough.
"I understand! I'll take care of it immediately, Father!" Lawrence responded quickly, retreating to carry out the order.
As his son left, Pape Lawrence gazed at the moonlit sky with anticipation. "Life Goddess above, is this your blessing upon me?" he murmured, eyes filled with hope and expectation.