Chapter 297:
The carriage moved at a steady pace through the streets of Port Fran. The skilled coachman handled the horses expertly, ensuring a smooth ride with only minimal jostling.
Bennett Todd sat inside, closing his eyes to rest, internally praising the craftsmanship. Indeed, this carriage, produced by the Lakeheart Town Mechanical Factory and fitted with a remarkable shock absorption device, was exceptionally comfortable, sparing him any discomfort.
He had heard that the shock absorber was developed with the personal involvement of Guy Burns, the factory’s chief engineer, a high-level mechanist brought from the capital, Crystal Shine, by the lord himself.
After leisurely experiencing his new vehicle, Bennett shifted his thoughts to his recent business endeavors.
Under the Administration Council’s policies supporting industry and commerce, unlike other merchants who rushed to invest in the emerging industries advocated by Count Paul Grayman, Bennett continued to focus on his traditional business—shipping.
In any industry, products need to be sold, and the Northwest Bay had always been poor. Although the lord was working to improve living conditions, such changes would not happen overnight. The common folk still lacked spare money for non-essentials. Given the era’s land transport challenges, maritime transport was becoming the prime choice for long-distance, large-scale shipments. Focusing on his traditional business, Bennett had no worries about profitability.
Soon, the Administration Council announced that the Port Fran Shipyard would launch civilian sailboats. The Todd family was overjoyed. Having already experienced the journey south to Horn Bay, Bennett was quite confident in these sailboats.
However, the shipyard’s prices were shockingly high—a single-masted ship cost 3,000 silver coins, and a double-masted ship as much as 5,000. The price would be even higher if fitted with anti-piracy crossbow cannons.
At that time, the securities exchange had not yet started operations, making it difficult to raise funds. Just as Mr. Todd hesitated at the high prices, under Count Grayman’s patronage, the shipyard introduced a convenient solution for cash-strapped shipowners—installment payments.
The money didn’t have to be paid all at once. After signing the contract, an initial payment was made, with the remainder to be paid in installments.
This policy was incredibly convenient. Rekindling his hope, the Todd family quickly gathered funds to place an order with the shipyard ahead of other competitors. As the largest local shipowner, the Todd family’s lead prompted others to follow suit.
In the first half of the year, Bennett finally acquired a single-masted and a double-masted sailboat, immediately employing them in his business. These civilian ships had larger cargo holds but were slightly less agile than military vessels, making them more suitable for transporting goods. They resembled Earth’s historical clippers, according to Paul. If the shipyard’s manager Rubin wasn’t exaggerating, a double-masted sailboat could carry 60 to 70 tons.
Incredible, Bennett thought. Some large oar-and-sail ships might surpass these all-sail vessels, but they required hundreds of rowers, whereas these new ships relied solely on the wind.
The practical performance of these two ships in his business confirmed that purchasing them was a highly profitable deal. Bennett was extremely fond of them and even personally sailed the larger double-masted ship to Horn Bay to witness the prosperity of the south—a vast world he had only imagined before.
Bennett also visited the Foster family with an introduction letter from the lord’s manor, establishing a business partnership that would have been unthinkable before.
He planned to continue ordering more sailboats to replace the family’s existing oar-and-sail ships.
“Sir, we have arrived,” the coachman announced, interrupting Bennett’s daydreams about the future.
“So soon?” Bennett opened his eyes, stepping out of the carriage and instructing the coachman, “I’ll go down first. You don’t need to wait outside. Just come back at the agreed time to pick me up.”
He entered a tavern that appeared before him. After the coachman left with the carriage, Bennett was led by a waiter to a room where many local industry leaders were already seated—papermakers, pottery burners, can producers, and more. The one he knew best among them was the salt merchant Godwin.
These people shared one thing in common—they had multiplied their fortunes several times under the Administration Council’s policy of fostering industry, commerce, and technology sharing. Bennett himself was no exception.
“Ah, Bennett, you’re finally here. Everyone’s been waiting for you!”
Godwin stood up to welcome Bennett to the table.
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Bennett, with an apologetic expression, said, “Sorry for my late arrival. My ship just returned from Horn Bay with a batch of Eastern spices, and I had to personally inspect them.”
The mention of Eastern spices made the others inwardly envious; it was a subtle but impactful display of Bennett’s success.
After some initial small talk, the group finally delved into the main topic of the meeting—the discussion of war bonds issued by the Administration Council.
Godwin, raising his voice, asked, “What are your thoughts on the war bonds?”
There was a moment of hesitation, and the attendees began discussing in small groups, eventually splitting into two factions. One favored buying the bonds, of course, within their means, while the other believed it was best to steer clear of such matters.
An older merchant, twirling his graying beard, said hesitantly, “In principle, helping our lord in times of trouble is our duty as subjects, but… but…”
Another person continued for him, “But we are just small-time merchants with thin margins. We really want to help but simply can’t afford it.” freёweɓnovel.com
Their words resonated with many: “Exactly, we’re just simple merchants. How can we get involved in the disputes of nobles?”
Their view was immediately challenged. “You’re ungrateful,” someone retorted.
“What? How can you say that?”
“Just think about the days before, and look at us now, traveling in luxury carriages, wearing fine clothes. Thin margins? That’s laughable. Everyone knows we’ve prospered greatly under the count’s grace.”
The two factions argued tirelessly, each holding their ground. Why were they even meeting to discuss this?
Many who opposed buying the bonds thought: What if the count loses the war after we buy the bonds? Our money would be wasted. It’s safer to stick to our business. But if I don’t buy and others do, the count might favor them over me. It would be best if no one bought them.
Those in favor of buying thought: If the count loses, I don’t want to be the only one to lose money. It’s better if we all share the loss.
Most were trying to convince the other side with the idea of not being the only one to suffer in the worst-case scenario.
“Cough, cough, gentlemen!” Godwin stood up to speak.
He was inclined to buy the bonds. “We need to look at the bigger picture.”
Everyone’s attention turned to him.
“Look around the Northwest Bay. Which other noble’s land is as merchant-friendly as Alda?”
His point was valid, and the attendees silently agreed. Not just in the Northwest Bay, but merchants throughout the Kingdom of Ordo were seen as easy targets by those in power.
“If Count Grayman loses—God forgive me for such disrespect—and the Kent family gains power, will we still enjoy our current prosperity?” Godwin asked.
A chill ran through the crowd at the mention of Marltz Kent, a notoriously harsh ruler.
“If Count Grayman retains his land, we’ll just share some of the war debts. But in the worst case, if he loses his land to a new lord, do you want to return to those dark days of endless taxes and oppression?”
This struck a chord with many, who began to shake their heads subconsciously. Life had improved significantly under Paul Grayman, who had abolished various arbitrary taxes and levies. Although they paid more in taxes now, they also earned much more.
Bennett, silent so far, watched Godwin earnestly persuade the others. He found it odd that his usually reserved friend was so active today. After some thought, a possibility dawned on him.
He chuckled to himself, realizing he needed to act quickly. He also agreed with Godwin’s reasoning. Having visited Horn Bay, Bennett’s perspective had broadened. While he envied the south’s wealth, he also felt a sense of inferiority. But he believed he could achieve success comparable to the magnates of Horn Bay, given the right environment.
A seedling can only grow into a mighty tree in the right environment; he couldn’t let this environment be destroyed.
Resolved, Bennett stood up.
“Gentlemen! Please, let me say a few words!”
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