LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 135: Sharing a Bed!
"No, no, that isn't quite right!" Isabel exclaimed, her voice tinged with urgency as she noticed the deep furrow in Logan's brow. Her words tumbled out in a rush as she sought to clarify her mother's intentions. "Mother envisions the Danube as a bountiful artery, teeming with fish and shrimp. She proposes we establish a robust fishing fleet to harness these resources effectively."
"The sheer scale of the operation would necessitate the construction of a pier along the Danube to accommodate the vessels," Isabel continued, her hands gesturing vividly as she painted the scene.
"Under her plan, our people, the snake tribe, would inhabit this dock area. But it wouldn't just be us; she sees potential for a thriving settlement, encouraging other orc tribes to join us, which could evolve into a bustling township."
Isabel's voice grew animated as she outlined the grand vision. "In time, with a strong naval presence patrolling the waterway, our tribe could dominate the Danube, turning it into a vital commercial lifeline that stretches across the continent."
The weight of her message bore heavily upon her, and inwardly, Isabel recoiled at the thought of conveying these ambitious plans to her mother, Astali. Her fear of Logan's potential disapproval or worse, losing his support; made her heart race.
Logan's gaze was penetrating as he asked, "Is this truly what Astali intends?" His voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of skepticism.
"Yes, exactly as she said!" Isabel replied, nodding emphatically, her anxiety palpable.
Logan considered her words, his expression unreadable. "The waterways in the Golden Basin are well-developed, yet they're tightly controlled by various water tribes," he mused aloud. "Navigating these routes often incurs hefty tolls for merchants."
He referenced the rich tapestry of water tribes; crocodile, river turtle, snake, and others, who had long vied for control of these precious resources. The history of their struggles and alliances was as deep and turbulent as the waters they inhabited.
"Essentially, the tribes that command these waterways wield considerable power," Logan added, his tone reflective.
Isabel eagerly seized on his understanding. "Exactly, and Mother has discovered that the 200-mile stretch of the river near us is devoid of any aquatic tribes. She believes it's imperative that we establish naval supremacy there. Not just for control, but to potentially launch naval incursions into territories upstream, like the vast Southern Wasteland where the formidable werewolf tribes reside."
Logan absorbed her words, his mind racing with the implications. Astali's strategy wasn't merely about exploiting natural resources; it was a calculated move towards geopolitical dominance. It compelled him to reconsider his perspective on the snake tribe and their matriarch, Astali.
"Yes!" Isabel confirmed, her voice a mixture of hope and trepidation.
Logan finally nodded, his thoughts deepening into a strategic contemplation. Astali's ambitions were clear, and they promised a transformative future for the orc tribes, a future where water was not just life, but power.
Navigating the treacherous waterways of the Danube, especially through orc-claimed territories, is a venture no merchant caravan dares to undertake. Even the colossal enterprises, such as the Trade Alliance and the Temple of Wealth, balk at the idea of plying their trade where the formidable orc tribes, numbering over 100,000, hold sway.
Indeed, it seems almost absurd to suggest that the continent's waterways are viable for commerce. Yet, when considering the barren expanses of the wasteland waterways, it's a different story. Here, the ambition of the Silver Mane Tribe, led by the visionary Logan, is not only to dominate the southern wasteland but to stretch their influence to the northern reaches as well.
The Danube, with its numerous tributaries threading through both the southern and northern wastelands, becomes a critical artery in this grand design. Unifying these vast stretches of land is a colossal task, one that could transform transportation logistics from a grueling overland trek to a swift riverine passage. Continue your saga on m|v-l'e m,p| y- r
From the southernmost tip to the northern boundary of the Southern Wasteland spans nearly 700 kilometers, a daunting distance over land that, under the best of circumstances, takes up to half a month of travel.
But by water, even accounting for the river's sinuous routes and challenging terrain, the journey could be shortened to merely four or five days, assuming a daily progress of two hundred kilometers.
This method isn't just a time-saver; it also presents strategic advantages, such as mobilizing troops swiftly across the vast wasteland to subdue other tribes.
All these plans hinge on the success of unifying at least the Southern Wasteland, a vision that fills Logan with undaunted confidence. Whether it takes one year or ten, or even a century, his determination is unwavering. His goal isn't merely to become a temporal ruler but a legend whose story will echo through the ages, potentially extending his life span to 500 years.
With such a perspective, time is a trivial concern.
Meanwhile, the strategic development of resources like large-scale naval fishing promises immediate benefits for the tribe's growth and prosperity. It's with this foresight that Logan praises Astali's acumen.
"Well, concerning the dock," Logan began, addressing Isabel, who appeared anxious, "invite your mother to the council hall tomorrow morning. We'll discuss its feasibility then."
Isabel exhaled in relief, understanding now why her mother had predicted Logan' interest. Despite her initial fears, her mother had accurately gauged his ambitions.
"Did I frighten you earlier?" Logan asked gently, drawing her close with a comforting embrace.
"No," Isabel replied, her voice steady.
"And what tale would you like to hear tonight? After that, it's time for bed."
"Bed?" she echoed, a flush creeping across her cheeks at his earnest tone.
"Yes, sleep," he confirmed with a nod, his expression serious.
Caught off guard by his solemnity, Isabel found herself speechless, her earlier resolve wavering under his gaze. She remembered her mother's caution about sharing a bed without consent, her thoughts a whirl of confusion and newfound feelings.
The next morning dawned swiftly. Logan, rising early with the remnants of their conversation lingering in his mind, prepared for the important meeting with Astali, where they would chart the course for not just a dock, but potentially the future of their entire tribe.