Chapter 338: Journey
The trip from the Randalorion Kingdom to Dustinville won’t be an easy one.
This isn’t merely my speculation.
It’s a statement of fact.
The reason for this is simply due to the many hurdles that we will have to overcome on our way to the Great Kingdom.
There are over fifty thousand kingdoms in the Eariel Continent, and only ninety of them are Large-sized Kingdoms. This alone should give you an idea of how sparsely spread such Great Kingdoms are on this continent.
Thankfully, both the Randalorion Kingdom and Dustinville are located in the Northwest region of the Continent, else it would be an even bigger bother getting to the latter.
Regardless, the distance is brutal.
Eariel itself has a diameter of 13.7 million kilometers.
This is quite an inconceivable figure to me, because the Randalorion Kingdom’s diameter is only about three to four thousand kilometers—nowhere close to a million. Even a Large-sized Kingdom, on average, would only have about ten to twenty thousand, maybe thirty thousand kilometers as its diameter.
This only goes to show how massive the entire Continent is!
I also hear that this Continent only covers a small percentage of the world’s total surface area... about seven percent, if I am not mistaken.
It makes me wonder just how many more amazing things are out there.
Back to the topic at hand, though.
Apart from Dustinville and the Great Shamahk Kingdom, there are only about seven or so other Large-sized Kingdoms in the Northwest reaches of the Continent. However, most of them are neighboring Kingdoms, either closer to the northern or to the western areas.
As for what pertains to us—there is simply too much distance to cover between the Randalorion Kingdom and Dustinville.
To resolve the matter of distance, there are a few solutions to consider.
Honestly, the best method would be Temporal Tunnels.
Although I have never seen such constructs before, I have learned of them in academic journals or as a matter of passing news.
Apparently, these tunnels are certain folds of space that allow direct and near-instantaneous travel from one point to another. Such treasures make travel a lot more convenient, and if we had one in the Randalorion Kingdom, I could enter Dustinville in no time at all.
Unfortunately, Temporal Tunnels are very rare, and such treasures would naturally be hoarded by Large-sized Kingdoms or their affiliates.
If a Mid-sized or Small-sized Kingdom possesses such a resource, it is likely due to the sponsorship of a Large-sized Kingdom. It’s a pity that none of such has graced the Randalorion Kingdom, hence making such travel impossible.
I can more or less understand why my Kingdom is considered quite remote.
Since it cannot be reached through such means, it requires a great deal of effort and high-speed travel to traverse its borders.
Such a problematic situation indeed.
The sheer distance, as well as the many uncertainties involved in travel, discourages many ordinary people from ever venturing on such an enterprise.
It’s why most will live and die where they are born.
Unless one owns or works for a caravan, traveling across lands is essentially a nonexistent thing.
At least, in the Randalorion Kingdom.
If one considers the costs, the climate, the many dangers, and many other factors, it becomes a rather horrifying thing to step out of the safe zone one has known their entire lives. Even within the Kingdom, many wouldn’t dare leave their village or town for other parts of the Kingdom.
This applies to many Knights and Nobles as well.
Unless a matter calls for it, many would rather stay in their residences, enjoying the safety and control that they possess within their Estate.
People like me can be considered oddities in that regard.
Because I lived a rather shallow and unfulfilled life in my first life, I sought to experience what I wasn’t able to before my death. Thus, I developed a desire to travel to see more of this world.
Most people cannot agree with this way of thinking.
As such, even among my allies who are joining me on this trip, it is certain that I’ll be enjoying this trip the most. Not only will I be able to see the many amazing sights beyond the confines of the Randalorion Kingdom, but a brand new experience awaits me at the end of the trip.
How can I not be excited?
The issue... is expenses.
I already calculated the matter before, but I had to augment certain things with Klein joining us.
Needless to say, traveling such a vast distance isn’t cheap.
There are essentially three mainstream ways one can travel in Eariel—at least, that I am aware of.
I already mentioned Temporal Tunnels.
The second and most common is through ’conventional travel systems.’
By that, I mean things like horses or horse-drawn carriages, as well as wagons for land transportation. Conversely, sea vessels such as ships, or even boats and river barges, are used for sea transport.
These form the backbone of Eariel’s movement economy.
Since such technology is commonplace in Eariel, these conventional travel systems are actually the most preferred means of transport among the people of Eariel. At least, in the Randalorion Kingdom, a majority of common people would either walk or rent a horse/carriage if they had to make a long trip by land.
If one wishes to transport something, getting a wagon is also preferable.
Some use sea transportation as well.
It all depends on preference, speed of travel, as well as the destination.
Naturally, conventional transport is slow relative to Magivore and Temporal Tunnel options, but it is available everywhere, requires no special knowledge, and can carry heavy bulk loads at cheap prices.
It’s no wonder such transport forms the absolute baseline of movement in Eariel.
From what I understand, prices often fluctuate when it comes to these things. For the sake of the trip, I memorized the rates even though most wouldn’t apply to our trip.
I was tempted to use Crownmarks as the measurement criteria, but considering its high purchasing power, and the viability of Ecliptics in such transactions, I have ultimately decided to use Clips for any transaction moving forward.
So, the cheapest method, like I said, is traveling on foot. It costs nothing except food and water, but the average speed is usually less than 30 kilometers a day, which leaves a lot to be desired.
Honestly, unless one is poor or a pilgrim, long-distance transportation using this method is simply too harsh and uncommon.
Renting a horse is about 0.30–0.80 Ecliptics per day, and it covers about 60–80 km per day, so that’s a step up. However, one has to include stables at major inns and basic feed into their consideration when renting a horse.
Those who have sufficient income would rather simply own a horse.
The money spent daily is much cheaper, at only 0.15–0.25 Clips, and it covers the same distance of 60–80 km/day.
As the owner, you would only have to worry about feed, water, and an occasional farrier.
Shared hired carriages cost 0.50–1.20 Clips for a distance of 40–60 km/day, while private carriages, preferred by nobles or those of high standing in society, cost relatively more at about 3.00–8.00 Clips. The distance covered by the latter is usually slightly less, due to the luxury associated with such travel. It also comes with many perks, such as an enclosed, cushioned space. A driver and footman are also included.
The most popular choice for horseback travel in the Randalorion Kingdom is actually the Nowe’arn Warhorse. This steed isn’t rented out and is usually owned. It’s also a must-have for Knights or Knight Households, and as you would expect, I had one at some point.
Daily costs range somewhere between 0.40–0.70 Clips, but the speed is worth it. It moves at an average of 80–100 km/day... perhaps even more.
It all depends on the diet and overall health of the steed.
There are other specialized options such as camels, which are useful for desert routes. Pack mules are used for cargo and to tread mountain passes. They are known to be steady and reliable in that department as well.
Most of these methods cost less than 1 Ecliptic per day, with the pack mule team sometimes reaching 1.5 Ecliptics, but this is rather reasonable, especially when looking at the cost of cargo and caravan transportation in land travel.
Per hundred kilometers, the cost varies based on the type of vehicle and the method used to transport. Topography and climate conditions also play a huge part in this affair.
An owned two-horse single wagon costs 0.80–1.50 Clips, and it can lift 2 tonnes.
The owner’s cost is essentially feed, maintenance, and the driver’s wages.
Going all out on the single wagon can actually cost as much as 3.00–6.00 Clips if one considers the driver, feed, insurance, Guild escort built in, etc.
It all depends on the preference of the owner.
However, none of this can be compared to a merchant caravan.
These usually have at least 10 wagons and cost 25.00–50.00 Clips. They usually carry about 20 tonnes worth of goods. The cost usually covers the total expenses, which includes escort, tolls, waystations, and so on.
A large trade convoy, essentially 50+ wagons, would be 80–200 Clips, with an upper limit of over 100 tonnes.
This features Kingdom-scale commerce, heavy escort, and armed or military riders.
My previous businesses had many of these involved.
For those who are looking at the cheaper side or for construction purposes, an ox cart would only cost about 1.50–3.00 Clips per 100 km of travel, and it can lift about 3 tonnes.
While it is slower, it is still preferred by certain artisans.
Sea transportation is a lot more straightforward, as it is not as well used in the Northwest part of Eariel. It is also measured per 100 kilometers.
A rowing ferry is the most common method, and it costs 0.10–0.30 Clips per person.
It’s useful for river crossing or short upstream/downstream hops.
River barges carry cargo and are hired, so they cost more—about 1.50–4.00 Clips—and they can carry up to 50 tonnes worth of goods.
These are often active around wide or long-running rivers, such as the River Serpentis.
This mode also features the cheapest bulk per kilometer.
If one owns a river barge, it would only cost 0.50–1.20 Clips, much less for the same value.
Naturally, a noble river barge would cost more for private hire.
From my findings, it would cost about 8.00–20.00 Clips, but such a vessel would be heavily decorated and would not be lacking in staff or protection. This is the standard sea travel method for many Nobles.
There are also a few other modes to consider, such as a passenger river vessel, which is 0.40–1.00 Clips per seat and can hold 20–60 people. It operates on scheduled service on major rivers and is a lot more comfortable than normal ferries.
Coastal cogs are also useful for cargo and can carry about 100 tonnes worth of weight, while trade galleons can carry up to 500 tonnes. Some of these vessels, like the latter, also have passenger cabins that should cost about 8.00–25.00 Clips per person.
The private cabins, armed escorts, and fresh meals make the price worth it.
There are also noble charter vessels which cost 200–600 Clips per voyage. They’re fully chartered, with a captain, a crew, and several armed guards included.
This would be the preference of those in Higher Nobility.
Naval escorts cost money, after all.
Each convoy would spend about 15.00–40.00 Clips per day on such necessities alone.
Beyond these, one also has to consider the several tolls and customs along the trade or travel routes. There are different types of tolls and fees, and they are collected by different kinds of authorities spread across the Kingdom or Continent.
For example, the city gate toll, which is calculated per wagon, collects 0.05–0.20 Clips per entry.
These fees are collected by the Kingdom’s customs officers.
As for any main road waystation toll, which is charged per caravan, each waystation demands 0.50–2.00 Clips.
These monies are collected by the Guild/Kingdom joint levy.
Mountain pass tolls get a fee of 1.00–5.00 Clips per heavy load, and this is enforced by certain mountain clan agreements or the Kingdom’s authorities.
When it comes to sea routes, there exist river locks or bridge tolls, costing 0.10–0.50 Clips per vessel/wagon. These are enforced by the local noble of the area or a Guild authority.
For commercial vessels, each docking attracts a port entry fee of 2.00–15.00 Clips. This is overseen by the Kingdom’s Port Authority and Mariners’ Compact. Naturally, for foreign goods, there are also customs declarations, which charge about 2–8% of the declared cargo value.
This is supervised by the Kingdom’s customs or Guild oversight, all depending on jurisdiction.
Other things, such as a Merchant Guild handling fee, would cost anywhere between 1–3% of cargo value, and this is supervised by the respective Merchant & Trade Guild. There is also the mandatory naval transit license for continent-wide travel, which involves a fee of 50–200 Clips per voyage. These licenses are state-issued and are overseen by the Mariners’ Compact.
Of course, there will be certain individuals or organizations who refuse to get these licenses or will forge their documentation.
There are also pirates who roam the seas unchecked.
This is why each Kingdom, especially those who dwell in riverine areas, must develop regulations and a competent administrative authority to deal with such issues.
I have delved into all of these specifics for a reason.
Although many of these prices are affordable, the distance that is required to reach my desired destination is over fifty thousand kilometers.
This is essentially more than ten Randalorion Kingdoms stacked on each other.
A normal transportation vessel would take months, if not an entire year, before I can get to my destination... and that is being generous.
As such, I require something more extraordinary.
In the absence of Temporal Tunnels, that leaves me with one more alternative. The third and most efficient transportation available to me at the moment...
... Magivore Travel!
Considering the situation of the Randalorion Kingdom, this is the best method of transportation as agreed upon by the Nobles and upper echelon of society. As long as one possesses the means, this is the method they will utilize.
I also used this method when I traveled through the Randalorion Kingdom as a wanderer.
The issue is simply the cost.
Magivores are simply too expensive!
Due to their effectiveness in many areas, such as combat, travel, or even providing Special Resources, a huge premium is placed on these extraordinary creatures.
This is more so the case since they do not consume normal means and require special conditions to be bred. All of these cost money, and so it is of no surprise that Magivore travel in and of itself would be considered the most expensive type of travel.
It is mobile, fast, and reliable.
Even if one doesn’t use such a method for direct transportation, it is also utilized in express deliveries and mail. The interactions I have had with Regulus Heathcliff and my other comrades over the years have been done using Magivore Express Mail Delivery, since it is much faster—even if it costs more.
Now, when considering cost... this is the complicated part.
There are two main ways to look at mainstream Magivore travel: purchasing a Magivore or chartering one for the ride.
Renting is completely nonexistent for Magivore travel.
As a wanderer, I purchased a Magivore for my travels, but this isn’t something I can even dare to consider now. Not only am I heading into a strange new land—one where I would have to gather my bearings from scratch—but I would also have no need for such a Magivore once I reach Dustinville, since I am enrolling in the University.
It would be a waste to purchase a Magivore which I would only require for the long journey.
Considering the expense required to feed, shelter, and secure it—not to mention the fines I would surely have to pay for rearing such a creature—the cost isn’t worth it. At least, it’s not something I can maintain when I don’t have a stable source of income to support me.
In that case, we would simply have to charter a Magivore.
However, a single trip with a Magivore with a single passenger is costly enough. I have to consider how much it would cost for six people (me, Seth, Ciel, Leon, Uncle Damon, and Klein) to board a Magivore over such a far distance. Such a thing is difficult to find, as many extremely fast Magivores available for charter only carry one or two people, including the rider.
Most of them only allow a maximum of three.
This is because most of these Magivores are used for express deliveries and mail.
The great cost of Magivore travel also means not too many will charter one to begin with, so the passenger capacity is usually very limited.
The only exception to this are merchant caravans, which possess a lot of space for both passengers and goods. However, these caravans tend to have a lot of stops and will take a lot of time before reaching our destination.
There’s also the fact that most Magivore travel operates within a specific region; my required destination is too far.
Thus, the journey to Dustinville will likely require more than one round of Magivore travel.
I expected all of this, but who would have thought things would be so difficult to actually implement when the time came?
Thankfully, if there’s something we don’t lack... it’s funds.
With my sum of over 17 million Ecliptics, while it is difficult, it is still possible to find a proper Magivore to charter that will take all six of us to the closest destination to Dustinville. From that place, we will simply have to charter another Magivore, and then another.
I reckon it will take us about three to five Magivore travels before we finally reach our destination.
However, I am not in any way anxious.
I welcome the journey.
[A/N: This Chapter had a lot of information regarding the transport economics of the world, as well as its implications on future travels. I plan to make up for my lack of detail in this aspect, as well as other areas, in this volume. If you have issues with this, or you would like for me to tone it down a little, let me know.]
