Postwar Trade
Santos led his troops into Green Shade Pass, and from then on, the most important pass of Black Pine Territory was firmly controlled by the army of the Two Rivers Territory.
After taking control of Green Shade Pass, Santos did not continue to penetrate deeper into Black Pine Territory. This was also explained in Victor's letter: as long as Markut held power in Black Pine Territory, the army in Two Rivers Territory only needed to maintain its existence.
After Santos helped Markut disarm the Green Shade Pass garrison, Markut found Santos.
"Regimental Commander Santos, thank you for your help. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't have been able to take control of Black Pine Territory so quickly."
"Viscount Markut, you are a good friend of Viscount Victor, and we are only doing this at the Viscount's request. You don't need to be so polite."
"After all, as per the Viscount's request, it's really inconvenient for us to interfere in the affairs of Black Pine Territory. If you need anything, please let me know."
Seeing Santos's attitude, Markut breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried that the army of the Two Rivers Territory might not stop at the point proposed in Victor's letter, but instead would further invade Black Pine Territory.
After all, the key areas of Black Pine Territory are now in the hands of the Two Rivers Territory army, and he and his father, both former viscounts of Black Pine Territory, are under the control of this Santos Regimental Commander.
Even so, Markut knew that now was not the time to put on airs. After all, he still needed someone's help, and according to Victor's plan, before the Northern Alliance Army completely defeated Grand Duke Mora, the Two Rivers Territory would continue to garrison troops in Black Pine Territory for a long time. The arrangement of the garrison was also the responsibility of this Regimental Commander Santos. Maintaining a good relationship with him would also help the future development of Black Pine Territory.
"That's right, Regimental Commander Santos, you know that the army in the territory was previously under my father's control, so I couldn't trust them too much."
My own army has only just begun recruiting, and most of them were previously peasants, hunters, or even serfs. Apart from wielding swords, they are not qualified soldiers at all. I hope that you can select some officers to train my soldiers and turn them into competent soldiers."
Santos naturally wouldn't refuse this, as it was also part of the crackdown on Black Pine Territory.
"Of course, Viscount Markut, we will certainly fulfill your request."
I will assign a detachment to remain in Black Pine Territory as a garrison while providing training for your army.
Furthermore, as per the Viscount's orders, I will transfer the complete weaponry and equipment of my two detachments to you as a congratulatory gift for your assumption of the Viscount's title.
Upon hearing this, Markut was overjoyed. This was indeed a great gift. It should be noted that the armor coverage rate of the Two Rivers Territory army was almost 100%. Even the archers wore a set of iron-plated leather armor. The weapons and equipment of these two detachments alone consisted of no less than four or five hundred sets of iron armor. Buying them from the merchant guild would cost at least two thousand gold.
"Thank you so much. These alone can arm 1,000 people. With the equipment in the territory's stockpile, I will soon be able to restore the Black Pine Territory army to its original size."
Santos gestured to stop Markut from speaking further, and continued, "The Viscount has also granted you permission to purchase standard equipment from the Two Rivers Territory. I personally suggest that you do not use the weapons and equipment in your territory's inventory, since a good set of weapons and armor can greatly enhance the combat effectiveness of soldiers."
And as you know, His Excellency the Viscount has requested troops from Blackpine Territory. To facilitate coordination with our Mesopotamian army, I also suggest you purchase our standard weapons and equipment. Here is a list and price list from our Mesopotamian arsenal."
After saying that, Santos handed Markut a beautifully decorated parchment scroll.
Upon hearing this, Markut smiled wryly. Having just experienced an internal strife, Black Pine Territory's finances would definitely be affected in the short term. Even if he made a small fortune while clearing the territory, he would still have to use it to recruit new troops and restore production in the territory. Purchasing military equipment would be extremely difficult. However, since this was Victor's good intention, he really couldn't refuse.
Markut reached out and took the list, opened it and began to look at it. His expression quickly turned to one of surprise. After quickly flipping through the list, he hurriedly looked up at Santos: "Regimental Commander Santos, what are the prices on this price list?"
Santos smiled slightly, after all, he was just as surprised when he first learned the ex-factory price of the weapons and armor at the Arms Factory.
"Viscount Markut, please don't be surprised. As you are a good friend of the Viscount, at the Viscount's request, all the weapons and equipment sold to you by our Arms Factory are at cost price. Please don't think it's expensive. The weapons and equipment produced by the Arms Factory in the Two Rivers Territory are definitely worth more than their price."
After receiving Santos's affirmative reply, Markut looked at the list excitedly. "How could I think it's expensive? It should be too cheap. Victor is so generous."
Markut calculated that, according to the prices on the list, he could arm a full-strength infantry battalion of 1,000 men with half-body iron armor for only 1,800 gold. It should be noted that previously, the Black Pine Territory infantry battalion would cost 1,500 gold just to purchase leather armor produced within the territory, not including weapons. It can be said that the prices on this price list are incredibly reasonable.
Santos did not respond. It should be noted that the prices on this price list were about 40% higher than the prices for their internal military procurement. It can only be said that after solving the raw material problem, the Mesopotamian Arms Factory not only achieved a breakthrough in production capacity, but also reduced its costs to a new low.
"Furthermore, His Excellency the Viscount said that, considering you, Viscount Markut, have just assumed the position and may not be financially well-off, we support you in using the special products of Black Pine Territory to settle the debt. In other words, you can trade timber for these weapons and equipment."
"Here's another list, of other products that Two Rivers Territory can provide, which can also be purchased with timber as payment. You can choose to buy them if you need them." After saying that, Santos handed Markut another list.
Markut eagerly opened the list, and sure enough, the items on it were much cheaper than he had imagined. There were important materials such as iron and cloth, as well as many tools that could be used in production, such as logging axes, iron pots, and heavy plows. Markut did the math in his head and realized that buying these tools directly was even cheaper than purchasing raw materials and producing them himself.
Markut was deeply moved. He hadn't expected Victor to be so generous, not only helping him inherit the title but also offering so many favorable conditions to help him develop his territory. With these inexpensive supplies, he was sure he could quickly win back the hearts and minds of the people in his territory.
As expected, his choice was right; standing with Victor brought him immense benefits.
"Victor, I really don't know how to thank you. As long as I am here, the Black Pine Family will always be the Golden Sunflower Family's most steadfast ally!"