Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

Chapter 975: Chapter 43: Trading (Middle)_3

The inability to ensure the security of the trade route is the Achilles’ heel of the Iron Peak County Rebels. Skylark was convinced: seize this, and it’s like grasping hold of their ball.

“Ultimately, it still comes down to force. No tribute, then bloodshed.” Skylark thought to himself, admiring yet regretting as he looked at the young man before him: “No matter how many advantages you secure upfront, in the end, you can’t escape the ‘blood tribute.'”

Winters pondered: “Tribute… really sounds rather unpleasant.”

“Compensation, security deposit, all are acceptable.” Skylark said magnanimously: “If you don’t mind, even calling it a tax is fine—safety tax.”

Winters: “But what if, after paying this compensation, safety still can’t be guaranteed?”

Skylark: “Any caravan that pays the safety tax and gets plundered, the Red River Tribe will be responsible for retrieving it. If we can’t retrieve it, we’ll compensate at full value.”

Winters: “What if people die?”

Skylark: “Compensation is the same, we can agree on a figure in advance. How much for a person dying, how much for a horse, how much for a lost wagon.”

Skylark had his detailed plan prepared, including compensation schemes, relay station locations, how to deter the Terdon Tribe, and so forth. He patiently explained to Batu, making every effort to dispel the other’s doubts.

Winters listened and took notes, also interjecting with questions now and then.

After hearing the complete plan, Winters lightly tapped his knee: “After saying so much, how much goods do you plan to take as compensation?”

Skylark cleared his throat, extended three fingers, then lowered one: “One third.”

The tips of Winters’s eyebrows raised: “One third? Better off without your help!”

“If there’s no one to protect them.” Skylark said calmly: “I’m afraid not just a third, but half the caravans will not make it back.”

Winters with a gentle smile: “Are you threatening me?”

“Just stating facts.” Skylark bowed slightly: “Batu.”

“It seems you’re quite sure of yourself, aren’t you?” Winters sighed helplessly.

Skylark did not display the slightest complacency: “Mutual benefit.”

“But there’s an issue here.” Winters propped up his chin, asking unhurriedly: “The White Lion not only protects my caravans but also those of the Red River Tribe. Even if I don’t pay the compensation, White Lion would still send troops.”

Skylark was well prepared.

He frowned slightly, as if deep in thought. After a moment, he ventured to ask: “Batu makes sense. How about this then—every wagon traveling between Iron Peak County and the Red River Tribe, the White Lion King will only take one quarter of the tribute. From that tribute, we will take out another quarter to share with you. What do you think?”

Winters revealed a smile: “Mutually beneficial?”

“Yes.” Skylark bowed deeply: “Mutually beneficial.”

Winters clapped his hands in laughter, with Skylark also smiling along.

“Your proposal is good.” Winters suddenly became serious, took out a parchment from his chest: “But I have a more mutually beneficial suggestion.”

On the parchment was a map, with a few simple strokes outlining the Ashen Stream River, Jinding Mountains, and Sheltering Mountains. The Red River Tribe was marked on the northern bank of the Ashen Stream River, with Iron Peak County located at the bottom of the map, just next to the Jinding Mountains.

Winters pointed on the map, making a casual stroke: “White Lion takes care of Ashen Stream River, I take care of south of the Ashen Stream River, everyone minds their own side. Let’s be frank, Mr. Skylark. If the Red River Tribe sends troops to protect the trade route for five years, the old lands of the Terdon Tribe will likely all become yours. If White Lion truly wants to grab territory, then send troops to fight. As for using the wind to sail… I’m afraid I’m unwilling to help for free.”

Skylark felt his blood rush to his head in an instant, and he sharply questioned: “South of the Ashen Stream River? What gives you the authority to ensure the safety of south of the Ashen Stream River?”

“That’s none of White Lion King’s concern.” Winters, of course, wouldn’t tell Skylark about his secret agreement with Tie Chi. He placed the notes he had just taken onto the table: “If there are any accidents, my side will also compensate at full value—according to the prices you’ve just set.”

The tired and angered Skylark suddenly stood up, his vision going dark, and just before fainting, a final thought flashed across his mind: “Damn Venetian!”