Chapter 357: Mutual Probing
Seeing Matthew smiling, Parry and Annie couldn't help but feel immensely curious.
Bay Territory was just too peculiar.
In just over two months, the scale and population of Bay Territory had expanded dramatically. The population had increased tenfold, and the territory itself had grown several times over.
This time, they hadn't come from Bloodmoon City but from the eastern coast in the north.
Along the way, they had also been attacked by roaming barbarians.
Fortunately, their numbers were large, and their strength formidable, so they easily handled the trouble.
After that, they encountered the adventurers on the eastern coast.
Unlike the adventurers they had seen elsewhere, the adventurers employed by Bay Territory not only had no intention of coveting their cargo or wealth but were also more than willing to escort their convoy.
Moreover, along the way, they actively engaged in battles and were eager to capture the marauding barbarians that attacked.
Why capture the barbarians?
Steward Parry specifically asked the adventurers and received an unexpected answer.
"Bay Territory lacks population and manpower. They offer 1 gold coin to purchase these roaming barbarian slaves, regardless of gender, age, or strength."
"Moreover, there are different additional rewards based on the barbarians' strength."
"Recently, the number of barbarians has been increasing. They can enter through the mouth of the Silvermoon River to the port, avoiding staying too long in the Silvermoon River Plains."
"If we accompany you, we can receive a bounty from Bay Territory, and the barbarians will even deliver themselves to us..."
In talking with the adventurers, Parry and Annie gradually understood the unique style of Bay Territory.
Even these adventurers were willing to share many details about Bay Territory without keeping anything secret.
This was very strange indeed!
What was even stranger was this Lord Matthew!
As a promising Arcanist, instead of studying in Seventon, the sacred place all spellcasters aspired to, he had come to this remote eastern province to carve out new land.
This completely overturned their perception of Arcanists.
The Netheril Empire and its Arcanists, once allies of the Cole Elf Kingdom,
were feared and resented by the Ail Elves for their strength and cruelty.
Until recent decades, everything had changed.
The Cole Elf Kingdom had grown increasingly wary of the Netheril Empire.
Other nations and forces, including the Netheril Empire itself, might not be able to sense it,
but the Ail Elves, who had suffered losses and been deceived, could see it clearly.
That's why, after much discussion and research, the Ail Elves chose to ally with the Netheril Empire.
And Matthew, this unconventional Arcanist, had been under their quiet scrutiny for the past two months.
Of course, they hadn't blindly sent people to spy, as they did with other factions,
because it simply wasn't necessary!
Most of Bay Territory was not hidden, with their actions and plans posted on public notice boards at the city gates.
While the Ail Elves had made multiple arrangements across the Netheril Empire and even other kingdoms, after learning that Bay Territory could sell weapons, magic potions, and even magical tools, they valued Bay Territory even more!
"Welcome to both of you. Are you enjoying your time in Bay Territory?"
"I heard from Steward Ralph that you brought many magical live plants urgently needed by Bay Territory."
"Thank you both for supporting the development of Bay Territory. Is there anything you would like to take back with you?"
"We have launched many new products in Bay Territory. If your purchase volume is large enough, you can even get a corresponding discount."
Seeing that Matthew was not at all avoiding the topic of business, the two relaxed slightly, recognizing the difference between humans and elves.
Even in urgent times, elves would engage in polite small talk.
Humans, on the other hand, often preferred getting straight to the point!
Parry, without much thought, took the inventory list handed over by Steward Ralph, glanced at it briefly, and said cheerfully:
"The iron bows, longswords, and arrows we purchased last time were excellent and well-received by our warriors."
"So, this time, we need more weapons: 10,000 iron bows, 30,000 longswords, and 500,000 arrows."
The request was not huge.
Even though it was a transaction worth nearly 500,000 gold coins!
The smile on Matthew's face did not change, but he understood that Parry was still testing the waters.
While others might not know much about the Ail Elves, Matthew, who had visited them, knew very well.
Although the Ail Elves were being oppressed by the Cole Elf Kingdom and losing territory,
they still occupied about a third of the Netheril Empire, with a population of nearly sixty million elves—such a small request was impossible.
However, this was only natural.
This was only their second meeting and transaction; if they were too demanding,
Matthew would have to consider whether they had other motives.
Although it was not a small order, it was only about a week's output for Bay Territory's military factory. Matthew said directly:
"No problem. Because you support Bay Territory so much, I'll give you a 20% discount—you only need to pay 400,000 gold coins!"
"The goods are already in our warehouse. You can pick them up on your way out."
"In fact, if our total transaction volume exceeds 2 million gold coins in the future, Bay Territory will even provide a large teleportation array for free, to eliminate some transportation hassles."
The two benefits Matthew offered genuinely surprised and delighted Parry.
Saving money was certainly good; it meant that their relationship had deepened.
The large teleportation array was even more exciting. They had such means but couldn't openly use them for fear of drawing trouble.
But if Bay Territory offered it, it was entirely different.
It would save a lot of time and manpower while also avoiding many risks!
This time, they had made the right bet!
Parry nodded repeatedly:
"Thank you, Lord. This time, we were in a rush and didn't bring enough goods. Next time, we will definitely bring more materials needed by Bay Territory."
Annie, who had been silent beside them, suddenly thought of something and quickly chimed in:
"That's right! Bay Territory is so hospitable, and its goods are of such quality."
"When we return, we will make sure to spread the word and bring more people here to purchase."
Naturally, Matthew did not expose their intentions. After thanking them briefly, seeing that they seemed eager to leave, he asked with a smile:
"Actually, our Vitality Potion is also quite remarkable—it's slightly more effective than basic healing potions, and I can offer it at 40 silver coins per bottle."
"Of course, this price is a gesture of goodwill, as the cost of brewing these potions is not low."
"Still, I want to expand my market. If you two are interested..."
Their eyes lit up!