Lifeblood

Karl could almost foresee what would happen next: once their shops were established, with their strong capital and supply chain, they could easily squeeze out any emerging small workshops and merchants in the area with low prices, thus forming a monopoly.

How long can the so-called "low price" last? Won't they be able to dictate the price? The lifeline of Carnford's residents will be in someone else's hands.

Even more frightening is that by then, these merchants will have enormous bargaining power, and can even use it to blackmail the Lord's Residence, demanding trade privileges, tax exemptions, and even the power to interfere in local politics!

This is not a timely help, but rather opportunistic exploitation, an attempt to impose a seemingly glamorous but actually oppressive economic shackle on Carnford.

Karl's mind raced, but his smile remained unchanged, appearing even more "gentle."

He tapped the armrest of his chair lightly with his finger, speaking calmly as if merely confirming details, "Mr. Grimm is indeed very thoughtful, offering exactly what we need most. Your esteemed company is willing to supply it at below-market prices; this gesture is truly commendable, however..."

He shifted his tone slightly, asking seemingly casually, "But I wonder how long this 'low price' can be maintained? Is the operation of the shop entirely the responsibility of your chamber of commerce? If in the future... well, for example, there's a shortage of goods, or price fluctuations within the region, how will the selling price be adjusted?"

When Grimm heard Karl's question, he tried his best to remain calm, but a subtle tremor flashed in the depths of his eyes.

He knew perfectly well that the young Lord had seen through his scheme.

However, he still held a sliver of certainty in his heart that the predicament Carnford was facing was very real. Tens of thousands of hungry mouths and a territory in dire need of rebuilding could not be sustained by the Lord's Residence alone in the short term.

Even if Lord Karl saw through their scheme, he had no choice but to accept their terms, at most negotiating the details.

He believed that the urgency of reality would force Karl to compromise.

However, Karl's next words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing his wishful thinking.

The smile on Karl's face faded, replaced by an undeniable authority and a clearly defined calm.

He leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze fixed on Grimm, and said slowly, "Mr. Grimm, I appreciate your 'good intentions,' but I hope you understand a basic principle: whether in Carnford or in other territories, some things must be directly controlled by the Lord's Residence. There is no room for negotiation. You should understand that, right?"

He emphasized the word "must," and then went straight to the point. "Take food, for example."

Grimm felt a chill run down his spine, realizing he had just thought of it.

Before he could react, Karl continued, his tone almost sarcastic as he retorted, "Do you really think that I, Carnford, must now be completely dependent on your caravan's food supply? And just how low can your 'low price' go?"

He dropped a bombshell on Grimm: "I may tell you that Count Earl Rochefort, in order to help us through this difficult time, has promised to provide us with a stable supply of grain at a price of one Silver coin per hundred kilograms of rye."

Karl was bluffing, betting that Grimm couldn't verify the information and that he knew Grimes had a close relationship with the Count.

The price of one Silver coin is astonishingly low, almost at cost or even slightly below cost. Even if he were the Count's own son, he would never offer such a low price.

Sure enough, when Grimm heard the price "one Silver coin," his eyes widened instantly, and for the first time, an expression of disbelief and a hint of panic appeared on his face!

This price is practically a loss-making donation! He quickly calculated in his mind that if this were true, then their chamber of commerce's plan to use grain as a breakthrough and bargaining chip would be completely unworkable! They simply couldn't offer a lower price that would still be profitable!

Moreover, considering the well-known close relationship between Karl and Earl Rochefort, Karl's ability to enter the Governor's Office in Fran City without prior notice was an honor that even many nobles did not have, Grimm almost immediately believed this claim.

Given the Count's unwavering support for Karl, providing grain at prices far below market value, it is entirely possible!

Thinking of this, beads of sweat appeared on Grimm's forehead, and his previous confidence and calculation vanished in an instant.

He had initially thought Carnford was a lamb to the slaughter, but he hadn't expected the other party to have such strong backing and to have such a clear and firm bottom line.

Seeing that his bluff had worked, Karl sneered inwardly, but maintained a calm demeanor as if he were in control of the situation.

He decided to seize the opportunity to completely dispel the other party's unrealistic fantasies and continued, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable force of fact. "Take salt for example, Mr. Grimm. You should know very well that Carnford is only ten kilometers from Amber Bay, and there is an inexhaustible supply of high-quality sea salt."

"We have already begun rebuilding Amber Bay Wharf. In coastal areas, smuggled salt is rampant, and salt prices have never been high. What reason do you think we have to rely on your expensive rock salt or well salt, which you transport from the distant inland, in the long run?"

He paused, not giving Grimm a chance to think and refute, and then threw out another bombshell reason. "And then there's the ironware. The Sauron have just suffered a crushing defeat at our hands, and they are absolutely incapable of organizing another large-scale invasion in the short term."

"Then, this vast land in the Northern Territory, including those mining areas once controlled by the Sauron, is now ours for the taking. Plenty of easily exploitable open-pit iron ore is waiting for us to mine and smelt. In time, we can achieve complete self-sufficiency in iron products, and even have the capacity to export them."

Karl took in the subtle shock and frustration on Grimm's face, knowing that his series of "combination punches" had completely shaken his opponent's confidence.

He pressed his advantage, softening his tone slightly and adopting a clear stance of "drawing a line," but his core position remained as firm as iron. "Therefore, Mr. Grimm, we must redefine the basis and scope of our cooperation regarding the trade in key commodities such as food, salt, and iron."

"Carnford welcomes businessmen and investment, but all business activities must be conducted within the framework of the rules set by the Lord's Residence. We can cooperate for mutual benefit, but the leading role and the final interpretation right must be firmly in my hands."

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp, and delivered his final, unambiguous conclusion. "My stance is clear: if we cooperate and abide by my rules, Carnford will thrive, and your caravan will also make some money."

"But if anyone harbors delusions, attempting to seize life from Carnford's weakness and gain undeserved benefits..." Karl's voice turned cold, "Then you'll have to go back to where you came from. The gates of Carnford do not welcome such 'partners'."

Grimm took a deep breath, his inner calculations completely shattered.

He took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat beading on his forehead. His attitude became more humble and submissive than ever before, and he quickly bowed, saying, "Yes... yes... Your Excellency is very insightful. It was my oversight that led me astray."

"Everything... everything will be done as you wish, sir! Our Southern United Commerce is fully willing to contribute our due share to the prosperity and stability of Carnford under the rules you have set."

He knew that his original plan to control the vital industry, reap huge profits, and gain the right to speak had completely failed.

Faced with this young yet shrewd, principled, and powerful Lord, he could only adjust his strategy and seek out permitted and tangible business opportunities within the circle defined by Karl.