Maps Show the Way

Victor turned his head in the direction of Count Black's gaze and saw a Cavalry riding out from Count Black's ranks.

The knight was not tall, had a scar on his chin, and looked somewhat haggard after taking off his helmet. It seemed to be due to the long journey. Even after resting for a night, he still looked like this, which showed that he had put in a lot of effort to get here from the south.

He dismounted, walked over, stood in front of the two men, and bowed to Victor.

"Viscount Victor, I am Viscount Ferry Viscount Saltwood. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Victor was surprised that this nobleman, who was also a viscount, was so humble in his presence. It seemed that Count Lloyd was under a lot of pressure, otherwise he would not have behaved like this.

However, Victor found that Viscount Ferry was not very eloquent, and his words were dry and lacked negotiation skills.

Count Black noticed Victor's confusion, coughed twice to interrupt Viscount Ferry, and said, "Viscount Ferry came here mainly to deliver a message to me on behalf of Count Lloyd. Count Lloyd is indeed facing some difficulties, but the Great Oak Territory has limited resources, and I alone am not enough. So I hope you can lend a hand, Victor!"

"Of course, no problem. I certainly don't lack weapons and equipment here. I can provide a certain amount of weapons and equipment."

Victor also felt that Count Lloyd probably didn't have many options, given the recent grim situation within the duchy and the fact that everyone was increasing their military preparedness.

Even if Count Lloyd had the money, he would likely find it difficult to break through the blockade imposed by the Duchy and other southern nobles to purchase enough weapons.

Victor noticed that after he finished speaking, Viscount Ferry's tense expression immediately relaxed a lot, indicating that this matter had put a lot of pressure on the viscount.

"Viscount Victor, thank you for your help. Please rest assured that we will purchase this batch of equipment at the market price plus 20%, and you will definitely not suffer any losses."

Viscount Ferry answered readily and offered very generous terms, suggesting that he had likely been advised by Count Lloyd beforehand.

Then Viscount Ferry cautiously asked Victor, "Viscount Victor, how many weapons can you sell us?"

Victor thought for a moment, then looked at the Sun and simply called out to his captain of the guard, "Bring the things over here!"

Soon, several guards brought some items and began to work in front of the three.

Count Black and Viscount Ferry watched curiously, wondering what Victor had these people prepare.

Soon a tent-like structure was erected, but it was empty all around, with a table and chairs placed inside.

This is exactly what Victor made based on camping equipment from his previous life: a simple canopy and folding chairs. It's not difficult to make; even an ordinary carpenter could do it.

There are similar things in this world, but none are as ingenious as Victor. They are only lacking in some subtle design details.

Victor pointed to these things and said to the two men, "Count and Viscount Ferry, why don't we sit down and have a chat? After all, it's almost noon and the Sun is getting stronger."

Victor led the two of them under the canopy and sat them down in chairs. The two were very curious about the canopy that could block out the sunlight so completely.

Victor pointed to the canopy overhead, "Speaking of which, this canopy also benefited from the power of Baron Ferry." Viscount Ferry was somewhat bewildered; this veteran military nobleman had no idea why Victor would say such a thing.

Victor continued, "I brushed varnish extracted from the bark of the Salt-leaf Tree onto the back of this sisal, and then applied a layer of lacquer from the lacquer tree to achieve the rainproof and sunproof functions of this curtain."

Both of them clicked their tongues in amazement, but they both knew that wasn't the point. They both looked at Victor, wanting to know what Victor was up to.

Victor instinctively spread a map out on the table, which immediately caught the attention of both men. Both were well-traveled and knowledgeable, but this was the first time they had ever seen such a detailed map.

Viscount Ferry couldn't help but stroke it, and Victor didn't stop him. Just as Viscount Ferry was touching and looking at it, Count Black said, "Is this a map of the duchy? But it's incomplete. It only Eastern Region. The Southern Region, Northern Region, and Central Region are only partially shown, and the western region is completely missing."

Victor nodded. "That's right. This map is mainly of the Eastern Region, but I've included the parts that border the east!"

Viscount Ferry pointed to a location on the map and asked, "Viscount Victor, does this symbol represent altitude?"

Victor looked at the spot Baron Ferry was pointing to, surprised that this man could actually distinguish the function of contour lines. It seemed he was not just a theorist.

"That's right, these are called contour lines, which represent the height of this mountain."

Viscount Ferry nodded and continued to examine the map intently.

"Viscount Ferry, I can give you a copy of this map. How about we continue our previous conversation?"

Viscount Ferry quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, Viscount Victor, I was too presumptuous."

"No, the reason I created such an exquisite map is for military use. I understand its significance all too well!"

"Don't forget to give me a copy!" Count Black reminded him.

"Don't worry, Count Black, he will certainly not forget you."

"Viscount Ferry, my question is, once I have provided the weapons and equipment, how do you intend to transport them back to Cornwall County?"

Viscount Ferry understood Victor's meaning and quickly pointed to the map, replying, "Actually, there are two ways. One is by sea, transporting goods from Boler County to Suffolk County, then south to the coast of Cornwall County, and then overland to Ironvine Territory. The other is by land, traveling south from Boler County into Cornwall County, but this involves a section of forest road, followed by river transport, from where it goes directly west to Ironvine Territory."