Chapter 701: 698. Changing Tactics
On Sunday, September 33, at noon, inside a secret chamber in the Temple of Wealth in Night-Kirin City, Landen learned that the fact he had a dedicated freight network in the Basin had practically become common knowledge.
Mr. Giant Tree was rather pleased as he shared what he knew, offering it as a gesture of goodwill toward Night-Kirin City. "Lord Landen, don't be surprised. The Human Race and the Beastmen have been at odds for far too long. There have been no secrets between them for ages.
"Especially since the Dragon Race controls both the Sea Beastmen and the Dragon Kingdom. The two sides are deeply intertwined. All they need to do is set up a few Chambers of Commerce in each other's territory and regularly buy local specialties to learn how goods are moving.
"And Night-Kirin City's plans in Hindukush are practically an open secret: uniting the interests of the local Beastmen and isolating the Beastmen Royal Court. Once such a plan is put into action, every side is bound to notice."
There was nothing wrong with Giant Tree's analysis. Landen had never thought his plans could escape the notice of the Beastmen Royal Court and the Imperial Capital. Still, he hadn't expected the two to catch on so quickly.
"Marquis Landen hopes to bring lasting peace to the Gallop Plains, not prolonged conflict and hatred," Landen explained in the secret chamber under the alias "Mr. White Wolf."
"Of course. My friends and I understand his actions very well. I believe any family familiar with the history of the Gallop Plains would understand, too," Giant Tree said. "But understanding doesn't mean supporting him, much less refraining from manipulating the situation so the war unfolds exactly as one side wishes."
"Right. Each side only acts