Marriage Contract and Investment

Victor arrived in Wood Fort Town with Alex and Baron Brown. Now Victor no longer had to live in the temporary room at the office; his villa in Wood Fort Town was finally completed.

Victor led the two into the villa. Because it had been built less than half a month ago, the interior of the villa was still very empty. The furniture was basically complete, but there were almost no decorations, not even a single painting.

When Victor noticed that Alex and Baron Brown were looking around the interior of the villa, even though he didn't care about such things, he felt a little embarrassed. "I just finished building this villa, and many things are not ready yet. Even the furniture is barely gathered."

Alex said, "Victor, you really need a lady to help you manage these things. Even our family's direct business associates live better than you."

"There's no other way. I've been living in temporary accommodations while expanding my territory. I only built this villa now that I have a little more money. There's also a manor on the east side of Wood Fort Town. The site has been chosen, but it hasn't been built yet. It definitely won't be like this when you come back next year."

"However, Victor, you do have the air of Northern Frontier nobles. I heard my grandfather say that when the duchy first began to expand northward, the Northlands nobles lived very simply, just like you. Basically, every family lived in a castle, and every year they had to fight a siege against the Barbarians," Baron Brown said with a smile.

The group didn't dwell on these issues any longer. It was already 3 PM, so Victor instructed his servants, Michael and Paru, to tell the kitchen to prepare dinner while he continued discussing the marriage with the two of them.

"Alex, I still need to talk to my family, but don't worry, I have the absolute right to decide my own marriage. I agree to the marriage with Viscount Benjamin's Miss Veronica, as long as we can meet in advance."

"I believe you, Victor. Besides, my sister has only just turned sixteen, and my aunt doesn't want to marry her off too early. At most, we'll just enter into a marriage contract, so there's plenty of time. We can take it slow. Next, Victor, I'd like to talk to you about what this marriage contract can bring you. This is our way of showing our sincerity."

"Then I'll excuse myself for a moment. My role as an intermediary is complete." Baron Brown stood up and left.

"Baron Brown, I have informed Baron James. He will be arriving soon. You can all tour the Wood Fort Town together." Victor instructed Michael to lead Baron Brown to a nearby room to rest and wait for James.

After Alex saw Victor return to his room, he continued, "Whether it's myself, Viscount Benjamin, or even my father, Count Colt, we are all very satisfied with your abilities and the strength of the Golden Sunflower Family. We all believe you deserve more support and assistance."

"But we also need to ensure that our investment is guaranteed, which is why we proposed this marriage. I believe you can understand. Veronica is an exceptionally outstanding girl. Many Northern Frontier nobles have proposed marriage to my uncle."

"I can understand this. For me, this marriage can help me better integrate into the group of Northern Frontier nobles, so it is entirely beneficial to me."

"Victor, it's always so comfortable talking to you. You're always so rational. Let me tell you what we can offer you: First, the Iron Birch Territory will provide you with 50 sets of Iron Knight Armor and 200 warhorses annually to help you build and maintain your Heavy Cavalry force. Second, we will give you 20% of the shares in the Iron Birch and Golden Pear Northern Frontier Chamber of Commerce, roughly one-twentieth of the total shares. However, this 20% cannot be traded and can only be held, yielding approximately 1400 gold annually. Additionally, if you trade within the Three Counties of the Northern Frontier, you can utilize the Northern Frontier Chamber of Commerce Guild's channels. In return, you..." First, you need to provide military support to the Northern Frontier Chamber of Commerce, sending 200 Cavalry or 500 infantrymen annually to escort their caravans. Second, if you later attack the Steppe Barbarians, you must provide substantial spoils such as chieftain heads; Iron Birch Territory can then claim merit from the Noble Council on your behalf. Third, Iron Birch Territory's southward trade fleet will have 500 cubic meters of cargo space reserved for you annually; you will be responsible for procuring the goods yourself—you should know how profitable this trade is. Fourth, and most importantly, all resources of the Northern Frontier Noble Alliance will be open to you; you can purchase them at market price without any other conditions.

Victor and Number One analyzed the five points together. From any perspective, they were all extremely advantageous. The first point, needless to say, would directly improve the army's strength. The second point, while seemingly restrictive, only yielded 1,400 gold per year, but it granted Victor direct access to the trade rights and channels of the Three Counties of the Northern Frontier, which was crucial for him, significantly reducing investment in the future trade of the Two Rivers Territory. The third point, defeating Barbarians would earn merit, which was beneficial for applying for expansion rights or upgrading titles. The fourth point, the enormous profits of maritime trade were self-evident; a 500-cubic-meter ship could transport 100 to 200 horses, which could be sold to the southern islands for five or six times the profit. The fifth point was resource sharing among the Northern Frontier nobles, meaning Victor would no longer be subject to quantity restrictions when purchasing Iron Birch Wood.

These five points would greatly benefit the development of the Two Rivers Territory, Victor neither wanted to nor could refuse them. Even if Veronica were a 500-pound female Tyrannosaurus Rex right now, Victor would still be willing to accept them.

"These conditions are too generous, so I have even less reason to refuse. If possible, I will personally visit Golden Pear Territory next spring as a way of expressing my gratitude to Viscount Benjamin."

"There's no need to go to Golden Pear Territory. From April 5th to 15th next year, you can come directly to Iron Birch Territory. My uncle's family will also be visiting Iron Birch Territory at that time, and my father will also like to see you."

"Then I will respectfully accept your offer. It's settled then. I will arrive at Iron Birch Territory as soon as possible, between April 5th and 15th next year."

Both were very happy after reaching an agreement, and Victor wrote a letter of greeting to Viscount Benjamin on the spot, which was delivered by Alex.

Afterwards, Victor and Alex exchanged updates on their recent situations and the political situation in the duchy. By evening, Baron Brown and James returned to the villa, and the four of them had a dinner together. Fortunately, Victor had high standards for food, and his kitchen was excellent. Alex and Brown both praised the dishes at the dinner. After the dinner, the four of them went back to their rooms to rest and agreed that Victor would take them on a tour of the territory the next day.