Chapter 293: A New Way of Cooperation
"20% above market price?"
Ralph contemplated for a moment, making Paris feel anxious.
Unexpectedly, Ralph didn't make things difficult and simply nodded with a smile, saying:
"That's unnecessary. We never raise prices suddenly in the Bay Territory. Each crystal is 1000 gold coins, which is also our purchasing price."
Hearing this, Paris was overjoyed internally, though he kept a calm facade.
Just then, Matthew spoke up:
"Is your territory preparing for battle? Why not purchase some arrows as well?"
Hearing Matthew's question, Paris's heart skipped a beat, but fearing a reversal on the spatial crystal deal, he quickly replied:
"Oh, we are short on funds and manpower, making it hard to buy and transport a large number of arrows."
"So, we can only use inferior arrows made in our territory."
"Next time, we will come to the Bay Territory with more people and funds."
"At that time, I hope the Lord can reserve some for us, and we can pay a deposit in advance."
"Although we have some iron mines in our territory, the quality is poor, the output is low, and the technology is lacking, far inferior to what the Lord has here…"
Matthew blinked, appreciating Paris's performance and adaptability, deciding not to push further:
"Oh, is that so? Then that's easy!"
"We don't just produce high-quality arrows in the Bay Territory; we also manufacture premium arrowheads."
"Arrowheads cost only a third of the full arrow price. You can take 100,000 arrowheads back with you."
Hearing this, Paris felt his joy vanish, replaced by a surge of unease, but he maintained his calm demeanor and said:
"Ah, that's great. With these arrowheads, we can handle the subsequent processing ourselves."
"However, with this, our prepared funds are still…"
Raising his hand slightly, Matthew displayed the privilege of nobility, interrupting Paris:
"It's no big deal. Next time, just bring more high-quality herbs from the Dark Forest."
"Though there are plenty of herbs in the Dark Forest, high-quality magical herbs are found only deeper inside."
"Although we've set up a druid greenhouse, we lack seeds and samples to cultivate more magical herbs…"
Paris felt his heart settle slightly.
Asking for something in return was good!
Unconditional generosity was unsettling!
Yet Paris still doubted that this seemingly straightforward lord was as simple as he appeared.
However, Paris didn't hesitate to promise:
"No problem. We have many high-quality magical herbs there."
"Since the Lord offers better prices, we're happy to do business with you."
Paris didn't know that during this conversation, Matthew had already gauged his limits.
The spatial crystals were crucial!
"It seems they are planning to execute an underground base combat strategy."
Having completed his probing, Matthew now understood the current state of the Ayle Elf Kingdom.
Constantly suppressed by the Kol Elf Kingdom, the Ayle Elf Kingdom, weakened in both national strength and military power, could no longer train sufficient high-tier combat forces.
This meant they could no longer reliably hold their defensive line.
They were now trying every means to strengthen their defenses.
Constructing hidden, fortified underground bases was one of their plans.
Matthew also knew that this seemingly naïve plan did help extend the Ayle Elf Kingdom's lifespan.
Relying on hidden, fortified underground bases, the Ayle Elf Kingdom managed to hold off the Kol Elf Kingdom's forces.
However, the constantly defensive Ayle Elf Kingdom eventually fell due to the enormous gap in military numbers and strength.
This downfall was only about ten years away.
After annexing the Ayle Elf Kingdom, the Kol Elf Kingdom would unify the northern elf kingdoms.
It would become a vast, resource-rich elf empire with millions of elves.
Knowing what the Kol Elf Kingdom would do in the future, Matthew was more than happy to throw a wrench in their plans now.
Matthew casually waved his hand and turned away with Yaya.
As he left, Matthew signaled Ralph, who understood immediately and said:
"Actually, if your military mission is urgent, we can offer some assistance."
"We have various stored materials that we don't currently need and can lend you some."
"Of course, this comes with conditions; you must sign a magical contract with us."
"Within a month, you must repay the debt with sufficient gold coins or high-quality magical plants or materials."
"If you break the contract, you and your subordinates must work for the Bay Territory for five years as a precaution."
Seeing Ralph's offer, Paris recalled the tense situation back home and didn't hesitate to agree:
"Thank you for your support, Lord Ralph. We will fulfill the contract."
Under Annie's gaze, Paris continued:
"Additionally, if possible, we would need the Bay Territory's patrol soldiers to transport the goods to the east coast."
"Our team will help us bring the goods back…"
"Of course, these transport costs can also be included in the contract."
Surprisingly, Ralph seemed pleased with the deal and casually replied:
"Oh, no need. We've built a dock on the east coast with a large teleportation array. You only need to pay the teleportation fee."
"However, do you have large ships?"
"If possible, we'd like to purchase some basic shipbuilding technology for 5000 gold coins or equivalent materials…"
Basic shipbuilding technology?
Paris, who initially didn't want to complicate things, suddenly felt tempted.
He couldn't help it!
Their family was currently in dire need of resources!
If they could bring back more combat supplies, they could save lives in critical moments!
Gritting his teeth, Paris exchanged a glance with Annie, and without much hesitation, they agreed.
Ralph, having tasted success, nodded to them and, after signing the magical contract, led them back to the warehouse.
Paris and Annie looked at the warehouses filled with various supplies, feeling both excited and helpless.
The items were excellent!
But unfortunately, they didn't belong to them!
From a distance, Matthew smiled knowingly at their conflicted expressions:
"With this, the Bay Territory's naval power can finally take off!"
As for whether the Silverleaf Family or the Ayle Elf Kingdom would contribute to the Bay Territory's development as Matthew envisioned.
Matthew wasn't worried at all.
Because they had no choice but to comply!