Audience with the Grand Duke

"However, sir, even if this grain can be used to offset the cost of money, will it be enough?"

Pelei interrupted Count Lagos, who was happily contemplating how to spend the money once it arrived.

Count Lagos looked at Pelei suspiciously. "What mischief are you up to now, kid?"

"Look, old man, besides the grain and this Silver Maple, all we have in cash is a lot of gold."

The national treasury is not well-funded, and there are many expenses to cover. At the very least, there are the costs of replenishing the Sixth Legion's losses, paying the pensions of the Court Noble, and repaying loans owed to the merchant guilds.

Count Lagos saw what Pelei was up to again, but he didn't interrupt. Pelei was a quick-witted fellow; he might have some better ideas.

"The compensation for the Sixth Legion's losses can be postponed for now. I contacted Count Sibeth before, and he agreed to provide the Sixth Legion with supplies and compensation."

The Count Lagos told Pelei about his plans with the Count Sibeth and the commander of the Turas Legion Commander.

"As expected of the Prime Minister, this deal was well done. This will allow the Western nobles led by Count Sibeth to place even more bets on the Duchy and pay more attention to this Civil War."

However, my thinking is this: it would be a huge loss to exchange this Silver Maple directly, given its poor condition; the Great Merchant Guilds would definitely try to lower the price.

"You mean?"

"How about distributing it as an annual allowance, half Silver Maple and half gold coins? I think that would minimize any complaints."

"At the original exchange rate?"

"Yes, it's still 1:5."

Count Lagos scratched his head. "Alright, that is indeed a solution. If you think it's okay, I have no objection."

After all, Pelei himself was Court Noble, and if he didn't care, the Count Lagos would certainly not object. This would save the national treasury 5,000 gold coins, which was no small sum; it would be enough to form a Cavalry battalion.

"And this grain, I've built several grain depots in Blackwater City and announced that I've purchased tons of it. We can borrow more money from the Chamber of Commerce, or even borrow from two more companies if necessary."

Count Lagos was taken aback by Pelei's idea. He immediately stood up and said, "Are you trying to lie?"

"Grandpa, don't say that. The difference between tons isn't that much. Can we have them check? I have good relationships with some grain merchants in Blackwater City. At worst, we can just transfer a little bit from them."

Wouldn't borrowing more money make the national treasury more abundant? Wouldn't military spending also be more plentiful?

Count Lagos sat down and thought for a moment. "Then let's give it a try. I'll leave this to you. You'll be in charge of communicating with those chambers of commerce."

"Okay, no problem, I'll do what I suggest."

However, I have one small request: I must keep this grain in custody during this period, and no one else may touch it except for its use as military rations.

Count Lagos stared intently at Pelei, making him somewhat uncomfortable, causing him to fidget in his chair.

"What exactly are you trying to do? Don't take advantage of the trust that Mora and I have in you to do something bad."

Pelei protested loudly, "Old man, how can you say that about me? I've been running around for the sake of the Duchy and Mora's cause lately. Even Old Man Bjorn praised me as a pillar of the Duchy!"

"Alright, I'll trust you this once. Once the money is in your account, it will all be sent to the national treasury. As for how to store the grain, you can discuss that with the people from the Chamber of Commerce later!"

"Alright, leave it to me!"

Pelei stood up. "I'll go to the palace first to see Mora. Just wait for my good news!"

After saying that, Pelei pushed open the door and left.

Count Lagos sat there, shaking his head. He knew Pelei must have his own ulterior motives, but he didn't care.

As long as Pelei can secure this loan, he doesn't mind taking a little for himself, since the Count Lagos has many collaborations with the Chamber of Commerce and has made a lot of money buying low and selling high from the properties of independent nobles.

Pelei went directly to the Maple Leaf Palace. Although it was already dark, he was quickly led into the inner hall by a palace attendant after he announced his arrival.

Upon entering the inner sanctuary, Mora was already waiting there in a bathrobe.

Pelei bowed directly to Mora did not return the bow but instead walked over and hugged him.

"Pelei, you've worked hard these past few days. I received the letter you sent me through the inner guard. You did a fantastic job in Blackwater City and didn't let me down."

Pelei felt a warmth in his heart when he heard Mora say that. Although Mora was not a very good person, he was a really good friend to him.

Many people opposed his appointment as Lord Governor of York County, including the Count Lagos, but Mora overruled the objections and made him the Lord Governor.

He also drew two squads from the Imperial Guard Legion to serve as his personal guards, and assigned several Silver Maple Secret Guards to protect him closely.

If it weren't for this group of people protecting him, he would have been killed long ago, given his rampant grain price speculation in Blackwater City.

"I have fulfilled my mission, Your Majesty."

By the way, Grandpa Bjorn asked me to tell you that this year's harvest from the 'orchard' has been brought back in full. Geis will be leading two squadrons back to Silver Maple City soon; they'll go to battle with you and protect you.

Mora was surprised.

"Huh, why is that old guy Bjorn so easy to talk to? He wouldn't even let me move the 'Orchard' garrison before."

The garrison of the 'Orchard' consists of three regiments, with a total strength of [number missing], responsible for protecting the Silver Maple Ducal House, the most precious treasure of the Silver Maple Forest Duchy. This force is composed of elite troops raised by the Ducal House's own wealth, and they never interfere in the affairs of the Duchy, but simply guard the Silver Maple Forest.

Mora was genuinely surprised that he was able to leave his post and fight under his command.