Southward Voyage and a Visit

Count Colt then added, "The letter contains a trade agreement. I intend to rent a port in Count Black's territory as a transit point for my southbound trading fleets. The specific rental plan is in the letter. In May, I will have Alex personally visit Viscount Black to discuss this matter. Another issue is the enclaves of the Northern Frontier nobles in the eastern counties. These enclaves have been constantly interfered with by the local nobles of the eastern counties. I want to resolve this issue through Count Black. I only need him to act as an intermediary to gather these nobles. The specific solution will be negotiated by our Iron Birch Family."

"I will deliver it to Count Black in Suffolk County as soon as possible," Victor solemnly promised.

"Earl Brian's recent situation is not very good, but I believe there is a basis for cooperation between us. I think you can understand that, Victor. I am also worried that there might be problems if someone else is sent to deliver the message, so I believe that it is most appropriate for you, a Northern Frontier nobles from the east, to be the messenger."

"In a sense, I am indeed the most suitable choice."

"It just so happens that the Iron Birch's fleet is also heading south for trade. You can go south with them, which is much faster than going south via the Blackwater River. You can also experience the fun of sea routes."

"Then... Uncle... um... Uncle, may I take my ship with me and go with the southbound fleet? My ship has been reinforced and is sufficient for coastal routes. Once we reach Suffolk County, I can then enter the inland waterways."

Victor originally blurted out "Your Excellency the Count," but Count Colt forced him to change his mind under his watchful eye.

"No problem. If you have ships capable of long-distance sea voyages, you can have them join the Iron Birch Territory's fleet to participate in southward trade. However, the cargo holds reserved for you on the fleet will have to be cancelled."

"Yes, Uncle. It is exactly what I've been hoping for that the ships from the Two Rivers Territory could participate in the southward fleet. I must do my best to complete this mission just for that."

After all, the most important thing in sea navigation is the route. The fact that the ships of the Two Rivers Territory can follow the fleet of the Iron Birch Territory southward means that this route is open to Victor, which will save Victor a lot of manpower and resources to open up the route.

"Then I'll leave it to you, Victor."

After saying that, Count Colt handed Victor a large mailbox.

Victor couldn't help but complain that his uncle-in-law's letter was really long.

Early the next morning, Victor set off for Northwind City, where he would take his ship and sail south with the Iron Birch Territory's fleet.

Alex and Veronica came together to see Victor off. Victor initially thought that only Alex would come to see him off, but he didn't expect Veronica to come as well.

Today, Veronica changed into a black hunting outfit, a stark contrast to her previous clothes, but in Victor's eyes, they were equally beautiful.

The two walked side by side, with Alex in front, unable to join the conversation. If he got too close, Veronica would shoo him away with a look.

Perhaps because he was accompanied by his beloved, Victor felt that he had arrived at the Northwind City docks very quickly. The fleet was ready to depart. After Victor boarded his ship, he waved goodbye to Alex and Veronica.

As the dock receded into the distance, Victor felt a pang of reluctance. Although they had only been together for a day, his relationship with Veronica had progressed rapidly, leading to feelings of separation anxiety.

Victor patted his face, knowing he had to pull himself out of this state; after all, there were still many things to do, and he couldn't afford to get caught up in romantic feelings.

In the following days, perhaps because it was early spring, the wind and waves were not too big, and the fleet sailed smoothly. Victor also fully experienced the special features of sea voyage. This route opened up by the Iron Birch Territory did not get close to the coastline, but was actually quite far away. He didn't know why.

Finally, on the morning of April 9th, the fleet arrived at the coast of Suffolk County and anchored near Sunset City, the county seat of Suffolk County. It was here that Victor parted ways with the Iron Birch Territory County fleet. The fleet continued south, while Victor led his ship toward Sunset City.

Sunset City was not only the county seat of Suffolk County, but also the most important city in Blackburn's territory, where he lived for many years.

After arriving at Count Black's castle, Victor requested to visit the Count.

When he learned that Count Black was temporarily away from the mansion, Victor could only wander around Sunset City.

Sunset City is comparable in size to Northwind City. Victor also saw the Gorn Trading Company here. Unfortunately, Victor didn't have anything he needed to buy at the moment. However, as a high-level customer, Victor directly accessed a lot of recent intelligence from the East.

The situation in the east is indeed somewhat chaotic. Several Northern Frontier nobles have enclaves in the eastern county, but the development of these enclaves is not going smoothly. Nobles along the way are unwilling to open roads for the Northern Frontier nobles, which has led to a lot of friction between the two sides.

Victor understood why Count Colt was so eager to contact Count Black, because Count Black was absolutely capable of changing the situation.

Soon, as evening approached, Count Black returned home, and Victor's request to visit was granted. Victor took the letter and went directly to Count Black.

Blackburn personally received Victor in his study, and Victor briefly explained the main contents of the letter to Count Black.

After Count Black opened the mailbox and saw the long letter, he did not read it immediately. Instead, he began to talk with Victor.

Count Black first congratulated Victor on his promotion to Victor and then asked for his opinion on the current situation in the eastern counties. Victor replied bluntly that it was best to try to de-escalate the tension and avoid any conflict between the two sides.

Victor now understands why the Northern Frontier nobles are exchanging territories throughout the duchy. These enclaves are not large and may not be suitable for large-scale development, but they can also serve as strategic strongholds. Victor has discovered that these enclaves are well-located and have good transportation access. When a coup is launched in the future, as long as a small army is stationed in these enclaves, it can restrain the private armies of the nobles in the surrounding territories and reduce the possibility of these private armies participating in the war.

Count Black is now in a bad situation. He supported his grandson Mora in his struggle for the position of Grand Duke, but ultimately failed miserably, wasting all the resources he invested.

Grand Duke Mora continued to relentlessly suppress the nobles who had once stood against him. Count Black suffered the most from this suppression. Although he was not demoted, his territory was reduced and his caravans were restricted, which was unbearable for him. This was the basis for Count Black's cooperation with Count Colt.