Profiting from War

Upon hearing Hank's words, John's face turned ashen, and he began circling Hank on the deck.

After a while, just Hank was about to shout to stop John suddenly stomped his foot and stopped.

"No, I have to move the Chamber of Commerce immediately. We can't stay in Sunset City anymore. We'll start moving tomorrow. Hank, are you coming with me? I know a baron from Blue Moon Bay in the East Sea Alliance. He can help us merchants move out, but we'll have to pay him some money."

John said with a reluctant expression that although his merchant guild was only a small one, with only one ship traveling between the Grand Duchy of Vera and the East Sea Alliance to do business, it mainly traded specialty products.

For John, moving directly would not necessarily lead to the complete collapse of his business, but he would definitely have to rebuild his channels and business from scratch, which would be a very difficult choice.

But Hank shook his head. "Little John, I think you don't need to be in such a hurry. Why don't you stay with me and take another look?"

Hank sounded relaxed, as if he didn't care at all about what was happening.

This relaxed attitude provoked John, who said loudly, "Hank, don't be so stubborn. Do you know there's going to be a war? It's in Suffolk County."

That Rotten Tree Beach is only 50 kilometers away from Sunset City by land. Even by sea, it would take a fleet a day to get there.

Since Count Black established the Coastal Defense Fleet, the East Sea Alliance has been kept out of the open sea.

In order to develop Sunset City's role as a trade hub and to facilitate port construction, Count Black demolished the entire city wall of Sunset City, leaving it in ruins.

"When the Cavalry of the Northern Frontier Allied Army reach the walls of Sunset City, a single assault will send them storming the city, and all our businesses and assets will be gone."

Hank patted John on the shoulder, signaling him to calm down.

"John, you're right, that's the truth. If an army were to enter Sunset City, everything would be destroyed in the process."

However, I have some news for you; after hearing it, you might not be so pessimistic.

John was drawn in by Hank's words and leaned closer to listen carefully.

"As you know, I am from a branch of the Oak family, but my father was an illegitimate child and did not inherit the family name or wealth."

However, he had a good relationship with his elder brother, who was the true heir. He eventually became a high-ranking civil official in Great Oak Territory, and my father also rose to prominence under his tutelage.

So our two families have always had a very good relationship and personal connection. My uncle's son is not doing so well. Although he carries the family name, he can only work as a small manager at the Sunset City dock.

I call him brother. I've been in contact with him, and just last night, I got some news from him.

The landing force of the Northern Alliance Army has begun landing and is probably almost done. They have built a huge temporary barracks at Rotten Tree Beach, but they have no intention of launching an attack. They are just squatting in the barracks doing nothing.

Moreover, just yesterday, the First Legion, directly subordinate to the Duchy, arrived in Sunset City. They have now entered Sunset City and will soon begin their northward march.

Moreover, Count Black has issued a summons to the nobles of the three eastern counties, and a large number of noble private armies will soon arrive in Sunset City.

I believe that even if these troops are all substandard, their numbers are still several times greater than the enemy's. Combined with the First Legion and the army of Great Oak Territory, they should be able to withstand the landing Northern Frontier Allied Army.

Sunset City is the heart of Great Oak Territory, Count Black will certainly defend it with all his might. So, little John, you don't need to worry about anything. We can take this opportunity to make a fortune.

After listening to Hank's analysis, John felt it made sense, while Hank attracted him with a profitable business deal.

He asked curiously, "Hank, what kind of business are you talking about?"

Hank said mysteriously, "I know where in Sunset City you can find the most white and black cloth. We can work together to wrap up these fabrics, and once the war is over, the armies will definitely buy them in large quantities."

John knew the tradition of the Grand Duchy of Vera, where funerals were decorated with lots of white and black cloth. Hank guessed that he thought there would be a lot of deaths after the war, which would definitely create a lot of demand, and he wanted to make money from it.

"How about it? This deal is pretty good, isn't it? I've calculated it. We estimate it will cost 100 gold coins to buy this batch of fabric. I can't come up with that amount by myself, but if the two of us work together, it should be no problem."

"When the time comes, we can sell a caravan that accompanies the army and make at least a 50% profit."

To be honest, John was indeed tempted. In his view, the success rate and return on this business were not low. Moreover, even if the war was large-scale, if a major battle broke out, the outcome would be decided in ten days to half a month, and their investment would not be tied up for too long.

"But Hank, why don't we sell directly to those nobles and the army? It's definitely more profitable than selling to the caravans that accompany the army. We might even get a 100% profit."

Hank patted John on the shoulder, "You were just scared and wanted to run away, how come you're so bold now? Do you think you can mess with the military caravan? How dare we bypass them to do business with the army?"

They all obtained their military service qualifications by pulling strings with nobles. How dare our small family and small business compete with them for business?

If the caravan sends guards or joins forces with an army to rob us, we'll lose both our people and our goods. It's better to be a middleman and live a more stable life."

Hearing what Hank said, John also suppressed his own little thoughts.

"You're so experienced, I'll listen to you."

"That's right, your dad and I are old friends, I would never lie to you."

At Rotten Tree Beach, Victor's Southern Marching Legion had already built a fairly complete Temporary Camp. A trench had been dug outside the wooden fence that stretched for several kilometers, extending all the way into the sea and surrounding the temporary dock. Several camp gates were equipped with a large number of barricades.

The camp was in an irregular trapezoidal shape, with two small hills at the front corners. Not only were watchtowers and arrow towers built on them, but also high platforms were specially constructed to set up Bed Crossbow and Catapult.

Victor was standing on a high platform, observing the scene in the distance. Just five kilometers to the south of the Temporary Camp, a large number of noble private armies had begun to gather.

"So, how many people have arrived so far?"

James stood next to Victor and reported directly, "Our Ranger Cavalry have discovered that a total of 8 noble families have arrived here with their private armies, forming 3 regiments, about 100 men."

Meanwhile, about 15 kilometers away, in the nearest noble territory, a large army was also discovered gathered. There were at least 5 to 6 noble families, with a force of about three regiments, numbering around 100 men.

These nobles were mostly minor and middle-ranking nobles, with few Cavalry. Only Blacklin led a Light Cavalry force of three or four hundred men. When they first arrived, they fought with our scouts. Later, we mobilized a large battalion and gave them a sound beating. Now they dare not send out any troops."

After hearing James's words, Victor smiled happily. He guessed that Blacklin must be feeling quite distressed. For these inland nobles, a Cavalry force of a few hundred men was already a very precious force, and they naturally dared not squander it like the Northern Frontier nobles.

"Have you found any weaknesses in their formation that you could exploit?"

Victor asked another question.

"Of course there are. We found that the Blacklin family's camp and most of the other nobles' camps are quite far away. Only one is close to them. However, the Blacklin family brought a lot of troops. Together with the other noble's camp, there is at least one regiment and two battalions of troops, about 6,000 to 7,000 people."

Victor nodded. "I remember the intelligence provided by the Great Oak Territory mentioned this Blacklin family. Their crest is a plum tree, and their specialty, the Blacklin, is very delicious. It was even offered as tribute to the Silver Maple Ducal House."

"Since the Civil War, this family has stopped obeying Count Black's orders. How about we start with them? James, Ron isn't back yet, I'll give you his Cavalry as well. Are you confident you can take them down and give our army a head start?"

Upon hearing this, James immediately patted his chest happily, "Victor, don't worry, leave it to me. I'll take them down cleanly and efficiently."