Building Materials Arrive

Victor watched the departing figures with a sliver of anticipation in his heart.

"Victor, if you dislike slaves so much, why don't you simply abolish them in your territory?"

"Number 1, I didn't expect you to ask me such a question. Yes, my past experiences made me detest this system, but I don't believe I have the strength to challenge this world. I need time, I need companions. Now, I'm starting to find them. But these are just my wishes. We have more important matters to attend to now."

That afternoon, the fleet was scheduled to set sail on its return journey.

Victor rode his horse to the docks and, from a distance, saw Captain Jack arguing with Powell.

Soon, Powell noticed Victor. He then tugged at Captain Jack, drawing his attention to Victor as well. The two immediately ended their argument and walked towards Victor.

Victor looked at them and asked directly, "What happened? Are there any problems with the fleet?"

"My Lord, the fleet was all arranged. Both the horses and the herdsmen were on board and ready to depart. But then, the esteemed steward Powell stopped me, insisting I make room for a few more ships to transport sheep and hay. This delay means the fleet might barely set sail by tomorrow morning," Captain Jack said, puffing out his chest indignantly.

Powell quickly explained to Victor, "My Lord, it's not like that. We've found there are too many sheep in the territory. Even if we mobilize all the herdsmen to gather hay, it will be difficult to accumulate enough feed for these sheep to survive the winter. That's why I thought it would be best to send a batch of sheep back to Bole County, where there's plenty of feed."

Victor smiled, "I understand, Powell. Your intentions are good, but we've already set the departure time for the fleet. Don't make things difficult for Captain Jack. Besides, I have a way to gather enough feed to ensure all the livestock survive the winter. Just let Captain Jack take the fleet and depart."

"I understand, my Lord," Powell could only abandon his idea at this point.

Captain Jack immediately brightened up. "My Lord, there's one more thing I need to report. Look at that troop transport ship over there."

Victor followed the direction of Jack's finger and saw a troop transport ship docked by the pier on the west side of the docks. It looked like one of the three that had run aground earlier.

"Lord Victor, while I was preparing the fleet for departure, I discovered damage to the hull of this ship, likely caused during the previous grounding. I could only find someone to make a simple repair. Our current conditions make it difficult to fix it properly. To prevent any accidents, I don't plan to take this ship with us. After we return to the territory, I'll bring a group of shipwrights to give it a thorough repair. This ship can still be used and can be kept here as a ferry."

Victor nodded, "I trust your judgment completely. The fleet is in your hands from now on, Captain Jack. There's one more thing I need you to do."

"Please, my Lord," the Captain replied.

"I believe the conditions in the territory are suitable for attempting to build a maritime fleet. Please contact your old friends and invite them to Golden Sunflower Territory to help prepare for this undertaking."

"Of course, my Lord. They will surely be very willing to serve you," Captain Jack said excitedly, perhaps for his old friends, or perhaps for the chance to sail the seas once more.

Victor stood on the dock, watching the departing fleet. The next return would be in twenty days, and he expected the territory to have changed significantly by then.

A day later, a group of cavalry entered Victor's territory from the north. They encountered patrol cavalry and presented their tokens. It turned out to be troops from Black Pine Territory, led by Macut Blackpine himself.

Upon receiving the news, Victor hurried to greet them.

Macut was already aware that Victor had inherited the barony. Coupled with the visible development of the territory, he adopted a humble demeanor, greeting Victor with respectful language: "Esteemed Baron Victor, it has been a long time. Macut of Black Pine Territory has come to fulfill our commercial contract."

"You're too formal, Macut. We're friends," Victor said, stepping forward to clasp Macut's arm and lead him back to the camp, inquiring about recent events as they walked.

"Your arrival indicates that the log rafting in Black Pine Territory went smoothly. You should be delivering the first batch of light yew wood soon, shouldn't you?" Victor asked directly.

"Please rest assured, Baron. Although this is our first time rafting logs, we've proceeded relatively smoothly based on your previous advice. The Great Fish River is very suitable for log rafting – the current is abundant but not too fast, and there are few reefs. Our log drivers are still not very skilled at the process, and they often get stranded on the sandy shores," Macut replied.

"Take your time. Be careful. If any workers get injured, it will significantly impact the work progress," Victor cautioned.

"Now that we've discovered this low-cost transportation method of log rafting, we've signed supply contracts with several nobles along the river, generating considerable income for our family. Therefore, we highly value experienced workers and offer them relatively high compensation," Macut added.

"That's wonderful news. I may need to purchase another batch of lumber. Please check if you can accept the previous price and provide me with another shipment of light yew wood, half the previous quantity."

"Victor, you are too kind. Rest assured, your needs will always be our top priority. The first batch of light yew wood is expected to arrive this afternoon, totaling 4,000 logs. We mobilized over 500 loggers for this. Afterward, shipments will arrive every two days. Including the second order you placed with me, I will calculate the price per log. All deliveries should be completed before the river freezes."

Victor was pleased but also curious. The light yew wood they had agreed upon was standardized at a height of 5 meters and a diameter of 40 centimeters. Judging by these figures, it was clear that the plants in this world were truly magical. He wondered about the sheer size of the forests near Black Pine Territory to be able to provide such quantities of lumber at such a low price. He resolved to visit Black Pine Territory someday to see the vast, endless black forest for himself.

Afterward, they enjoyed each other's company. Victor invited Macut to tour his territory and briefed him on the events that had transpired recently. Macut was greatly astonished and, upon learning that Victor had captured over 4,000 herdsman slaves alone, expressed his profound admiration.

Every noble family in the northern territories captured barbarians as herdsman slaves. However, considering population and food limitations, they would never exceed half of the territory's population. Victor, on the other hand, had captured so many herdsmen right from the start, truly demonstrating his boldness and capability.

In the afternoon, as continuous rafts of logs arrived at Victor's docks along the Great Fish River, the first batch of lumber was delivered under the joint witness of Macut and Victor.

Macut and Victor agreed that cavalry would be dispatched daily from Black Pine Territory to Two Rivers Territory, carrying horses for the log drivers to ride back. Victor would be responsible for feeding the horses and providing food and lodging for the workers. Macut then departed Two Rivers Territory, returning to Black Pine Territory. Before leaving, he also invited Victor to visit Black Pine Territory, and Victor promised to do so after the winter.