NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 53: Preparation Begins
Chapter 53: Preparation Begins
The decision to target the Lawrences was twofold: firstly, their proximity to the mine—only twenty to thirty miles—meant they were bound to notice something eventually; secondly, the Lawrences were strong, yet weak.
Indeed, they were strong because, as one of the thirty remaining barons in the Northern Province, their power was unquestionable. With twenty years of development, their influence in the Maine Valley was significant. Suppressing the Lawrences would likely ensure dominance over the entire region, including the other two noble families.
On the other hand, they were weak in that their forces included only about a hundred apprentice knights, over thirty knights, and one grand knight. This made them an ideal target compared to the Emerson family.
With a plan in mind, Thor wasted no time. He quickly summoned Ryan and issued instructions. In the following days, a large shipment of black iron armor was transported to the territory. The amount was significantly more than before.
At the end of the month, when Rachos Assad arrived, he was stunned by what he saw.
"My friend, you can't be serious!" Rachos Assad gasped, his breathing heavy with excitement.
The recent trade route had opened a new world for him, revealing endless business opportunities. Just one trade journey had earned him a profit of over five hundred gold coins. Even after giving Thor seventy percent, the remaining amount thrilled him. But what he saw now was even more surprising: not only had Thor delivered the promised one hundred sets of black iron armor, but there were an additional hundred sets and three sets of silver armor.
Silver armor! The mere thought of its value made Rachos' breath quicken.
"Two hundred sets of black iron armor and three sets of silver armor!" Thor announced. "You can sell them, but I have a condition for you."
"My friend, just say it!" Rachos responded eagerly.
Thor explained his plan to Rachos in detail.
"My friend, are you serious?" Rachos asked, eyes widening with disbelief.
Thor wanted him to inform Baron Lawrence about the large iron mine and the dwarfs. It sounded insane, and Rachos couldn't fathom the reasoning behind it.
"Of course!" Thor assured him. "Just do as I say!"
Rachos, though bewildered, agreed, suppressing the wild thoughts racing through his mind.
The next day, Rachos Assad left Eagle Ridge with a large load of goods, heading towards various territories. This time, he refrained from selling the silver armor, only parting with a hundred sets of black iron armor, saving the rest for later.
Upon reaching the Lawrence Barony:
"Oh, my friend!" exclaimed Pape Lawrence, greeting Rachos warmly.
Rachos returned the embrace.
"Baron Lawrence, I've brought something you'll love!" Rachos announced excitedly.
"Oh, could it be the silver armor from the goblins?" Pape Lawrence asked, eyes lighting up with anticipation.
"Yes, Baron Lawrence, three sets of genuine silver armor. Life Goddess above, other lords offered four hundred gold coins, but I saved them for you because we're friends," Rachos replied.
"Wonderful! Indeed, we are friends!" Pape Lawrence beamed, inviting Rachos to a grand dinner.
Recently, Pape had been eyeing a group of minotaurs and needed plenty of armor and weapons. The prices in Loren City were exorbitant, but a month ago, Rachos had brought twenty sets of black iron armor, which were not only affordable but of excellent quality. Although he hadn't been able to purchase silver armor then, he had hoped Rachos might bring more.
Now, with two hundred sets of black iron armor and three sets of silver armor, his hopes were more than fulfilled.