"The weapons and equipnt you delivered are very satisfactory. I believe we can establish a long-term partnership," Daniel says, representing Princess Catherine, officially sealing the deal with Henwell after inspecting the goods.
Henwell conservatively estimates that the business with the Kingdom of Billie could bring him nearly a million gold coins annually. This is by far Henwell's most lucrative venture.
It's only natural, though. In modern society, securing a stable and discreet partnership with the elite of a major nation could easily yield billions annually. Especially when most of this money cos from the sale of weapons and equipnt. Indeed, throughout history, even in other worlds, the profit from arms trade is jaw-dropping.
Next, Daniel expresses interest in acquiring more sophisticated equipnt. This is clearly intended to arm high-level forces, like a small knight regint. Henwell has been waiting for this request! In fact, facilitating this deal was primarily to prompt such a demand.
Henwell sighs, "Ah, Sir Daniel! As you know, these weapons and equipnt co through special channels. I do have so fine workshops in the Peace Haven territory, capable of crafting premium weapons."
"The challenge lies in obtaining high-quality tals, especially those special tals. These are strictly controlled materials by various nations, making acquisition increasingly difficult. Smuggling can only yield enough for a few pieces, but for larger quantities, it's simply impossible."
Daniel understands this predicant. tals used for knight-grade equipnt, while not possessing the extraordinary attributes of Bloodsteel or Thundersteel, still far exceed common steel in quality.
They are considered premium tals, sitting between ordinary and extraordinary. From mining to refining, these tals are strictly controlled by the state, making large-scale smuggling unrealistic.
Seeing Daniel's disappointed expression, Henwell chuckles, "How about this? You provide with the slting formulas for a few special tals, and I'll set up a slting workshop myself to produce these tals. Then, combined with my precision weapon workshop, I can confidently say that providing you with a dozen sets of premium equipnt each month won't be an issue."
Daniel's eyes widen, "You're dreaming! How could we possibly hand over such strategic materials to you?"
Henwell shrugs, "You know they're strategic materials, don't you? Similarly, those complete sets of premium equipnt are also strategic resources! Without this thod, how long do you think it will take you to gather the equipnt you need? Conservatively, you want to form a small knight regint of a few hundred. Most of these individuals probably lack genuine knight-grade equipnt.
"Relying on pieceal acquisitions would take years. Plus, the scattered equipnt you gather poses another issue. They lack systemization and the convenience of standardized maintenance. Does a ragtag knight regint really have combat power? You understand this better than I do. After all, the kingdom has two standard knight regints!"
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The implication is clear: if you want to succeed, those two standard knight regints might end up opposing you. You must have the capability to counter them, or at least to maneuver effectively.
Daniel catches the underlying ssage in Henwell's words. After a long silence, he states that he needs to report this issue as he can't make the decision himself. Henwell advises them to hurry, as slting these special tals isn't sothing that can be done overnight. The sooner they give him an answer, the sooner Henwell can deliver the weapons and equipnt to them.
Henwell is brimming with confidence about this deal. Ever since he learned of Princess Catherine's ambitions, he has been planning for this mont. He already possesses the ability to slt high-quality steel; what he's missing are the formulas for these advanced alloys. These are the results of centuries of accumulated knowledge from the kingdom and duchies, holding significant value as a reference.
Under normal circumstances, acquiring such formulas would be nearly impossible for Henwell, no matter how much money he spent or how many people he enlisted. But now, the opportunity is right in front of him. Princess Catherine is in a weakened position. After the successful alliance with Arius, her situation within the country has worsened.
Whether it's for self-preservation, future aspirations for the throne, or ensuring a favorable outco if her bid fails, Princess Catherine needs a formidable ard force. Although Henwell doesn't have high hopes for her success, it doesn't stop him from doing business with her.
This isn't like the feudal dynasties before his ti, where failure in a bid for the throne ant death. As long as she survives the struggle, even if she fails, the victor would likely offer so form of compensation. If she's weak, she might settle into a life of wealth.
But if she's strong, like Count Lowel of the Vorry Duchy, who, despite his father's failed power grab, was still granted the title of Northern Count, Catherine could secure a duchess title with her influence and support.
This is why Catherine is building a private, secretive ard force. If she has troops and commanders at her disposal, the new king would avoid the risk of a civil war by not pushing her to the brink. Henwell sees this as a pri opportunity to acquire those special alloy formulas.
A few days later, Daniel sends soone to et with Henwell. To his surprise, it is Catherine herself who arrives, disguised and determined.
Staring intently at Henwell, Catherine declares, "I can give you what you want, but since you know its value, you must provide us with standard equipnt for an entire legion at no cost, and also pay a million gold coins!"
Henwell nods slightly, "Deal! I won't charge for the weapons and equipnt for the next three months. As for the gold coins, I'll pay two hundred thousand upfront. I need to see if I can actually produce the alloys from the formulas you provide."
Catherine pulls out two pieces of parchnt from her chest and hands them to Henwell. Without pausing to feel the warmth of Catherine‘s chest on the parchnt, Henwell examines them carefully.
These are formulas for two alloys: Mountainsteel and Greensteel, both crucial to the Kingdom of Billie. Mountainsteel, in particular, is limited in supply and exceptional in performance, exclusively reserved for the two knight regints. The rest is divided among the royal family and major nobles.
As for Greensteel, Henwell has only heard of it. Its performance is superior, but the process is too complex for mass production. This alloy is almost touching the threshold of transcendent tal. Its na might not be as renowned as Mountainsteel, but it's actually the superior alloy, one of the kingdom's most closely guarded secrets.
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