Chapter 212 Trade issues?
(POV: Lumiere)
We were still having our little picnic before we resumed stressful work.
In my hands— the paper holding information on the sites we checked so far.
『 So, for the most part...
(1) Willow Grove:
It's located on the outskirts of the western forest.
A picturesque meadow with a tranquil stream running through it.
However, it lacks proper infrastructure and has limited access to resources, making it impractical for a headquarters.
(2) Silverlake:
It's situated near a large lake in the southern region.
It's prone to flooding during heavy rains, making it a risky choice for building a permanent structure.
(3) Misty Hollow:
It's nestled in the southeastern hills. Its had a unique microclimate.
While the natural fog adds to its charm, it also obstructs visibility, making it difficult to ensure the security and constant communication.
(4) Amber Fields:
It's in the central plains.
It offers vast expanses suitable for farming and agriculture.
However, its flat terrain makes it vulnerable to attacks from various directions, compromising the security needed for the headquarters.
(5) Cliffside Ridge:
It's on the northern cliffs overlooking a waterbody.
However, strong coastal winds and erosion pose significant challenges.
(6) Oakwood Forest:
It's in the heart of the Viscounty.
The dense forest, though, poses difficulties for infrastructure development and access.
If that's the only problem, I honestly don't have a problem with it. But, Lucilia wants us to exhaust all our options first and then consider this.
(7) Starfall Ravine:
In the western mountains, it has stunning rock formations and waterfalls.
However, the remote location and limited access make it impractical for establishing a central headquarters.
There's a lot more, but it's mostly caves or small villages under construction.
Still, I'll need to learn more about the villages later... 』
"Maybe Isadora'll rest better if I build a small cabin for her in the Starfall Ravine," I slowly rubbed my chin.
Fasit smiled at me, "Is anything the matter, Lord Lumiere?"
"Ah, no, not really." I smiled sheepishly, slowly folding the paper.
Lucilia delicately savored a bite of her sandwich, her sharp, inquisitive eyes fixated on me.
"So, Lumiere, what other plans do you have?" she curiously tilted her head.
I raised an eyebrow. "Do I have?" it was an oddly vague question.
"About the Viscounty..."
"Oh that.."
I fumbled with my sandwich. Dropping my gaze to the blanketed ground, I hastily replied, "Well, I've been studying the maps of the Viscounty, and I think it's time we shifted our focus to the economic aspects."
"Really?" they all asked.
I raised a finger, "But only a bit."
Lucilia leaned in closer. "And how do you propose we do that?" she inquired.
Taking a deep breath, I gathered my thoughts, preparing to present my idea.
"There's a village currently under construction, situated near a river, right?"
"Yeah, go on," gently, Lucilia folded her arms, her breasts pushing up.
"Instead of randomly selecting its future inhabitants, why not make it more suitable for anglers?"
The momentary flicker in her eyes was enough to tell me that she understood. Soon after, she snapped her fingers.
"Ah, I see what you're getting at," she murmured, smiling a bit. "By focusing on fishery, the anglers will have unrestricted access to the river, providing them with a bountiful supply of fresh seafood."
"Oh, we could also sell the exotic fishes," said Fasit.
Tapping her chin, Lucilia nodded. "That's not a bad idea either."
I slowly picked up my sandwich as I said:
"Your father helped me expand my trade, so, as a Viscount that wouldn't be hard now, would it?"
"True, but then again..." Lucilia paused, it was almost like there was something bothering her.
"Hm?" said Fasit and I.
Umbra interjected, "But what shall we name this village, Master?"
True, Lucilia had done most of the naming in her father's domain.
So, this was the first time I was actually naming something.
Should people really trust me with giving names?
I wasn't the best at it. I mean— Mojito, Sangria, Mai Tai... the names were a little subpar and that was enough to make me feel bad.
It was almost like I didn't put much thought to their names— but I did, I honestly did.
At this rate, it wouldn't be terrible to say I shouldn't name I and Isadora's child.
"Lumiere?"
"Lumiere?"
Twice, Lucilia called out my name. "Huh?" I answered.
"You did that thing again where you space out," she slowly chewed her sandwich as she spoke.
Slowly, I scratched the back of my head. "Aha~ sorry bout that.."
A thoughtful expression embraced my face as I pondered the question. Rubbing my chin gently, I considered the possibilities until Fasit chimed in, "How about Riverbend Village?"
Perfect name!!
Impressed by his suggestion, I turned to Lucilia, a smile gracing my face.
"I think Fasit?s onto something. Riverbend Village it is?"
Lucilia, never one to make hasty decisions, took a moment to mull over the idea. Slowly, she nodded in agreement.
"Alright, Riverbend it is."
Just when I thought things couldn't get any better— things got worse.
"Eeehhhh.." (Lucilia)
"What's wrong?" (Lumiere)
"There might be a little problem with implementing the planning phase for successfully establishing a seafood trading line." (Lucilia)
"Huh?" everyone other than Lucilia said this.
All eyes were on her, confused and eager to know more.
"I mean, I wanted to tell you this... and my father did say to— but I just couldn't find the opportune moment."
My sandwich rested gently in my hands. "Opportune moment for...?"
"Your magicubella trading line.."
"Yeah? What's wrong with it?"
"It's been suffering severe financial losses in the market."
Fasit and I grew more contemplative the moment we heard this.
Seeking further clarification, I urged Lucilia, "What's our current financial situation?"
It wasn't unusual for Lucilia to know about a few of Viscount Randolph?s businesses. So far, it seemed like he had only one daughter, or maybe only one responsible child he could trust to handle his business. Aside from the domain Randolph had, he also possessed a lot of well-rounded estates across the Cross Kingdom.
In summary, Lucilia was gonna be inheriting a shit ton of stuff.
"It's all because of the Efistes Company," she told me, prompting my curiosity.
Racking my brain, I recognized the name.
Efistes...
Efistes...
Efistes...
"Ah, Efistes... I feel like I've heard that name before," I mused aloud.
Lucilia, in a nonchalant manner, replied, "Yeah, who hasn't?"
She then added, with slight annoyance in her voice, that the Efistes Company was an expansive multi-trade organization belonging to one of the daughters of Drakoria's Viscounts.
"You don't sound too happy even talking about it..."
Reassuringly, she insisted, "It's fine." It was obviously not, "Just focus on you crumbling trading line.."
"Eh, crumbling?s a harsh word."
She didn't respond, obviously in a foul mood. As for what caused it? No answers.
It was hard to grasp— the reason behind Efistes Company's supremacy.
I had to know more...
What made them so special that could even crumble my magic herb trade?
The magicubella's we had were properly planted, harvested and transformed into 99.99% healing effective rejuvenation pills.
"Any more info on them?" I asked.
Lucilia looked at the skies a bit.
"Well, they've manufactured an array of fascinating goods, ranging from antibiotics and lingerie."
Confusion struck me like a bolt of lightning.
"Wait a minute, Antibiotics?"
"They're a revolutionary form of medicine... it's been a game changer in the healthcare industry."
I remained silent.
No, it wasn't that I didn't know what antibiotics were.
But rather, who ever was asking them... shouldn't.
This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦