Chapter 358: Matthew's "Open Plot"
In theory, the Ail Elves should be able to resist the Cole Elf Kingdom.
Whether in military combat strength or magic technology, they ought to be quite formidable.
Why, then, were they so concerned with "Vitality Potions," such a basic potion?
The answer, in fact, was simple!
Because spellcasters were scarce!
It was the contradiction between the cost and necessity of spellcasters!
Even the Cole Elf Kingdom, which boasted the greatest power across the western continent, and had more spellcasters than any other country, still had a small number compared to their population of hundreds of millions.
These situations that required risking one's life on the battlefield mostly had to be filled by other types of professionals.
After all, becoming a spellcaster was a rare talent.
Even the Cole Elf Kingdom could not put forth as much effort as Bay Territory to cultivate spellcasters.
Because spellcasters were rare, the cost of magical resources naturally became exorbitant.
Not only due to the materials but also because of the labor invested!
On a national level, spellcasters were considered the "cherished force" and "akin to the ruling class."
How could they possibly become laborers producing magical potions?
Basic Healing Potions were an essential strategic reserve.
Naturally, the price could not be too low!
Fifty silver coins was already squeezed to the lowest possible price.
Because of this, adventurers without connections found it difficult to buy even at that price.
If this was true for basic healing potions, then items like enchanted gear, which required even more time, effort, and resources, were out of reach.
This was one reason Bay Territory attracted so many adventurers to follow its lead obediently.
If even the Cole Elf Kingdom faced such a situation, the Ail Elves, who were under enormous pressure from them,
would naturally struggle even more with the cost and resource allocation for spellcasters.
If they could purchase large quantities of cheap "Vitality Potions" in Bay Territory, it would significantly alleviate the Ail Elves' burden.
The saved manpower and resources could be redirected to higher-efficiency, more urgent tasks.
For instance, cultivating higher-quality magical plants that could yield dozens to hundreds of gold coins within a week.
Whereas using the same resources and manpower for Basic Healing Potions would only bring a few gold coins.
Parry and Annie were well aware of this, which is why they seemed so excited.
Parry slightly licked his lips without noticing—he had unconsciously picked up this habit after spending time in the human world—and said with feigned surprise:
"Oh? Vitality Potions that rival Basic Healing Potions, now that is indeed a valuable commodity!"
"I thought the right to sell such good stuff had already been divided up."
Steward Ralph, standing by with a silent smile, certainly wouldn't reveal the truth to them.
Currently, Bay Territory had 12,000 "voluntary" troll contributors.
Every day, 4,000 trolls "sacrificed themselves," producing a total of 160,000 Vitality Potions!
The glass factory, which was expanded urgently to make bottles for the potions, now employed 3,000 workers and was still recruiting.
Aside from storing 10,000 bottles, the remaining 150,000 were divided between the adventurers and the Thorn Chamber of Commerce.
If they wanted some, how much could they even get?
Understanding their intentions, Matthew smiled and shook his head before saying:
"Haha, honestly, we've put a lot of effort into selling these Vitality Potions."
"If you can help us move some, we'd be more than grateful."
After all, with Bay Territory's recent activities, they were bound to draw more attention.
The vast number of Vitality Potions being continuously sold would inevitably attract inquiries.
If production kept increasing, many would likely take an interest in Bay Territory's golden goose.
In fact, quite a few people had already approached the Thorn Chamber of Commerce, but they were all rebuffed by the newly empowered Adam Smith.
So, if the Ail Elves could help digest Bay Territory's increasing production, it would solve a significant issue.
Parry's heart pounded. He hesitated, fearing unexpected complications but also understanding the opportunity at hand.
Meeting with Lord Matthew and receiving his goodwill—
If Matthew felt that his goodwill was being rejected, he might become furious.
However, buying large quantities of Vitality Potions could expose their identities.
When that happened, Bay Territory might refuse to trade with them due to pressure from the Cole Elf Kingdom.
This sort of thing had happened many times!
While Parry hesitated, Annie suddenly excitedly agreed:
"If Lord Matthew honors us so, we are more than willing to contribute to Bay Territory's development."
"After purchasing other supplies, we have 200,000 gold coins left, and we'd like to buy 500,000 Vitality Potions..."
Annie didn't think too much because she knew full well, "If you don't want anyone to find out, don't do it."
Their dealings with Bay Territory would eventually be discovered.
When that happened, there would be no guarantee the trades could continue.
So, they might as well accumulate more resources now to ease their burden.
Without any hesitation, Matthew smiled and nodded:
"No problem, just coordinate with Steward Ralph. You don't need to rush off—you could first enjoy the various types of delicacies we have in Bay Territory."
Despite Matthew's invitation, Parry and Annie, with their differing thoughts, ultimately chose not to stay.
They wanted to complete the transaction as quickly as possible, to avoid unexpected complications. Moreover, the kingdom urgently needed these supplies.
After handling their business, Steward Ralph watched them leave with a thoughtful expression, quickly returning to the study and asking curiously:
"Their identities seem mysterious. Should we investigate further?"
But Matthew, aware of the methods of the Cole Elf Kingdom, smiled and shook his head:
"As long as they pay in full, and there's no imperial prohibition, they're just a large trading caravan—a generous one at that."
Seeing Steward Ralph nod thoughtfully, Matthew didn't forget to comfort and advise him:
"Our top priority is to develop the territory as fast as possible."
"Once we're strong and secure, many problems will no longer be issues."
Seeing that Matthew had his own plans, Steward Ralph unhesitatingly chose to trust him and went off to handle other matters.
Matthew silently studied the map of the western continent, his eyes settling on the Ail Elves' location, murmuring:
"Whatever you want, I will provide, until you're entirely reliant on what I supply!"
The wonderful power of industrial-scale production was about to make its voice heard in this world!