Chapter 219 - New Business (1/2)
On this land that was governed by the Cecil Clan, Amber was probably one of the rare few individuals who dared to question Gawain’s decision. Even when this half-elf was bold enough to raise questions, it was mostly because her mouth couldn’t remain shut. However, Gawain was still happy to see that not everyone would follow his commands blindly as it would mean that he was the only person that was thinking… Alright, Amber might not be thinking for herself either as she merely had an uncontrolled mouth.
It was very difficult for Gawain to explain all of his thoughts to Amber within a short period of time. He could only roughly tell her about the industrial structure’s formation and also the concept of having a difference in technology level. As for the deeper economical and political benefits and the long-distance control of Leslie Clan, he didn’t talk about them.
No matter what, Amber still carried out Gawain’s command. She departed on the next day and used the status as the Cecil territory’s special envoy to deliver the personal letter from Duke Gawain Cecil to Viscount Andrew in the castle.
Viscount Andrew’s response was much faster than Gawain expected. He immediately accepted the invitation gladly, and on the third day after Amber returned to the territory, the Viscount had already arrived at the Cecil territory’s dock on a fast ship.
The last time they saw the Viscount, he was still weak after getting corrupted by the sorcery. After a period of rest and recuperation, Andrew Leslie had recovered his health. He was wearing a dark red outer coat that was thick and warm; his hair was combed back flawlessly, and the newly recruited butler was following him. He had also brought along a protection team formed by 10 soldiers, along with the territory’s business advisor. The business advisor was naturally here because Gawain mentioned “business” in the personal letter, while the soldier team was an ostentation that was required as a noble.
Andrew Leslie saw the new Cecil territory that was entirely different from his imagination.
Be it the brand new and orderly houses or the commoners that walked the streets, all of them gave him a deep impression. He was especially curious about something… If these houses belonged to the commoners, what kind of place were the territory’s serfs and lower-class people staying in? As compared to Patrick who wasn’t a noble, this viscount was ultimately much calmer and composed. As he was guided from the dock to the feudal lord residence, he maintained a calm and graceful demeanor. Even after he sat down in Gawain Cecil’s guest hall, he didn’t reveal any excessive curiosity and didn’t make a big fuss like an unsophisticated person.
Subsequently, Betty had already poured enough water for one entire pot of tea.
In the kingdom’s southern region, everyone was mostly honest, but more importantly, people there tended to have the problem of overthinking things. Viscount Andrew was just like Patrick back then. After drinking half a pot of water, he was wondering why Gawain would arrange a maid to constantly pour water for the guest…
Betty who was carrying a large jug of water was staring blankly in the guest hall and didn’t know that she had been given the characteristic of being enigmatic. She was staring straight at the decorative blade on the wall, while her mind was silently recalling the words and grammar that she had recently learned. At the same time, she spared some attention to make sure to fill up the guest’s cup whenever it was empty. When she was going through the newly learned words for the second time, Gawain had appeared.
“Viscount Andrew, I am very happy to see that you have recovered.” Gawain entered and immediately greeted in a cordial manner. “I heard that Tanzan Town has regained its order. It is truly good news.”
“It is all because of your help. Without your large orders of ores, I am afraid that I would not have been able to afford to repair the big hole in my castle during this winter.” Viscount Andrew opened up his hands while laughing in a rather exaggerated manner and said, “Therefore, when I heard that you wanted to personally discuss a new business with me, I came immediately.”
“It is indeed a new business, but it might not be appropriate to discuss it here. If you don’t mind, are you willing to visit the Cecil territory’s mine?”
“The mine?” Viscount Andrew frowned. “In your letter, you mentioned something about the sale of new mining equipment. But the Leslie Clan has been mining for generations. I am already familiar with all kinds of mining tools… Hiccup… Ah, apologies, I am lacking in manners.”
“Don’t worry, don’t worry.” Gawain quickly shook his hand and was feeling strange as to why this Viscount Andrew’s hiccup had started to echo. Gawain then smiled and explained, “It is necessary to see it in person. Because the thing that I am selling is probably something you have never seen before.”
Since Gawain had already said it like this, Viscount Andrew naturally couldn’t continue to act uninterested. As such, he gladly agreed to visit the mine. He had also asked where the bathroom was.
The Cecil mine was located in the east of the territory. At the beginning, this place was just a small excavation point, but as the territory rapidly developed, the requirement for ore was constantly increased. The mine had turned into a core area that was only inferior to “Cecil City” and served as a supply point for construction materials. A large number of people and advanced machines were transported to this place. It gradually transformed from an excavation point that had a few tents into a village that had over a dozen of houses. It then further developed from a village to a hamlet. Right now, this place already had newly constructed brick houses, and they had even used the mining slags and cement to lay down an even path. A spacious main passage connected this mining hamlet with Cecil City to ensure the smooth transport of personnel and materials.
Due to the convenience of transportation, Gawain and the guest carriage took less than two hours to arrive at the mining hamlet.