The Vastness of Magical Destiny

Chapter 63 - 63 15 Cooperation

?Chapter 63: Chapter 15: Cooperation Chapter 63: Chapter 15: Cooperation “Judging by what Mr. Caffrey implied, it seems that there are some people willing to settle in Our Caucasus?” Puber joined the conversation, as he too sensed the hidden message in the other party’s words.

“Well, that cannot be confirmed at the moment, but I can provide a piece of information for Baron Sir,” Mr. Caffrey replied.

Komer listened attentively.

“Perhaps Baron Sir had heard before coming to Caucasus, that the conflict in the North has escalated, with the beastmen invading the south in greater numbers than ever before, surpassing any previous scale. The Kingdom of Nicosia has also been attacked, and the Nicosia Duchy, Meine City-State, Susoer City-State, and Myron Duchy to the West have fallen. Refugees from these regions have moved southwards in droves and are now stuck at the borders between Naples, Medea, and Netherland, numbering up to hundreds of thousands,” Mr. Caffrey explained.

“However, the countries and regions like Naples, Medea, and Netherland simply cannot bear the pressure of such a large population. They have set up checkpoints at the borders, prohibiting these people from seeking refuge, and only those with relatives willing to vouch for them can enter. As a result, the vast majority of refugees are trapped between a few small towns on the border. Now every country is trying to figure out how to solve this big problem. If Baron Sir is interested, he might want to take a look. There may be many opportunities in this,” he added succinctly.

The fat man spoke very concisely, clarifying the situation in just a few sentences.

Like awakening from a dream, Komer and Puber exchanged excited glances, struggling to contain their surprise. However, having been lords for so long, and accustomed to contemplating quietly, Komer was able to settle his thoughts and analyze the situation. “Mr. Caffrey, the news you bring is indeed an opportunity worth anticipating. However, I’d like to ask, isn’t the Kingdom of Nicosia taking any measures to alleviate this contradiction?” Komer inquired.

Shrugging his shoulders and spreading his hands in helplessness, the fat merchant replied, “Unfortunately, the Kingdom of Nicosia is now overwhelmed as well. Although the kingdom’s army has managed to halt the beastmen’s southward advance in the North, the army itself has suffered significant losses. I’m afraid His Majesty the King of your country is also quite troubled. At least to my knowledge, the kingdom has not offered any assistance or constructive suggestions.”

“Hmm, Mr. Caffrey, pardon my boldness, but even if we can recruit some people, they would have to travel from the distant North to Our Caucasus. Not only would they have to pass through the kingdom’s territory, but also through several other countries and regions. Do you think they would agree to let these people we recruit pass through?” Komer asked.

Seeing the substantial opportunity brought to his own side, Puber’s tone also became much more cordial.

“Well, that is indeed a problem. However, I think at least the countries currently holding up at the border would certainly agree, as having so many refugees stuck at their borders is a pressure and burden on them. It would be beneficial to disperse some of them. But from there to the kingdom and some other countries and regions, that work would need to be done by Baron Sir,” the fat merchant said after some thought. “However, if Baron Sir needs my help, I would be willing to serve you.”

With a knowing smile, Komer stood up and replied with a smile, “Good, I appreciate straightforward people like Mr. Caffrey. A merchant’s life revolves around interests; I understand that. But Mr. Caffrey probably also knows that I, Komer, came empty-handed to this impoverished Caucasus and, although I’d like to provide ample compensation, I’m afraid I might disappoint you with my meager funds.”

“I heard that Baron Sir and Count Ramla Reese are father and son. Haven’t you considered borrowing funds through the Count to ease your current predicament?” asked the fat man, his clever eyes rolling continuously as he rubbed his hands together.

“Oh, Mr. Ramla and I have no financial dealings, and I don’t have such intentions at the moment,” Komer replied, his smile stiffening slightly. Sensing the tension, the astute Caffrey quickly changed the subject.

“I have another suggestion. I heard that Lord is planning to develop a mine to the south. If the mine really has enough development value, I would be willing to join as an investor. May I have the pleasure of viewing the development survey map and materials of that mine?” he inquired.

Komer could not deny the cunning of the other party. Before coming, they had probably thought through various scenarios, step by step compelling him into a trap. But this was also what he needed. The initial investment for the Fine iron mine would indeed be very large, and so far, neither Komer nor Puber had come up with a practical and effective way to solve this problem.

Of course, a merchant’s appetite would certainly not be small, but if it could solve the current problems of both sides, even if the merchant’s conditions were a bit harsh, Komer felt it was acceptable.

“Very well, Puber, go and bring the preliminary survey data of the mine for Mr. Caffrey to have a look. I believe Mr. Caffrey will be interested. With a good start, maybe Mr. Caffrey will introduce more friends to come invest in our Caucasus. What do you say, Mr. Caffrey?” Komer nodded his head, ignoring Puber’s reluctant expression, and continued speaking.

Seeing that the other party reluctantly handed over the survey data and some maps to him, Caffrey simply glanced through a few of the most critical documents and confirmed that this was indeed a huge Fine iron mine. If mined, it would yield considerable profits.

“What do you think, Mr. Caffrey? I believe our preliminary investigation data is quite satisfactory, isn’t it?” Komer asked in surprise, seeing no change in Caffrey’s expression.

“Well, pardon my frankness, Lord Baron, this mine has a large mineral deposit. Should it be mined, it could indeed reap a generous return. However, its location is too close to the Barbarian Territory to the south. Mining there is likely to attract the hostility of the barbarians, and the risk is great. Also, for a mine of this scale, in light of your current financial condition, Lord Baron, I wonder if you can afford such an investment?” Caffrey was fully revealing his business nature by then.

“Hmm, let’s not beat around the bush, Mr. Caffrey. The initial investment for this mine indeed requires a significant amount of funds. Given my current situation, it would be difficult to bear it alone. However, I believe in the vastness of the Caucasus, there should be some who are willing to invest. I don’t think there should be too big of a problem. As for the issue with the barbarians that you mentioned, I can assure you, I will take care of it. If I can’t do that much, then this mine will lose its value for development,” Komer responded generously, not disguising his predicament.

“Excellent, I admire Baron’s straightforwardness. I have a proposition if the Baron would accept it. My friends and I are willing to invest 200,000 Gold Shields as an initial input. We will have a 30 percent share in the mine, but the issue with the barbarians will be the responsibility of the Baron to resolve entirely. Additionally, I am also willing to use my and my friends’ connections, at no cost, to help you with the recruitment of refugees, which can be considered as a deposit we pay for the rights. What do you think?”

Caffrey smiled, revealing a set of white teeth.

“Fifteen percent, that’s the highest I can go. Mr. Caffrey, I’m sure you’ve noticed the mine contains only Fine iron ore, enough for mining for more than twenty years. You must understand the value in that,” Puber interjected before Komer could speak, his tone determined.

“Twenty-five percent! The transportation conditions in the Caucasus are too poor, and many other aspects will require further investment later on. We may not see any revenue during this period, the risk is too high, this is already the limit,” Caffrey firmly shook his head, squeezing the words out from his lips.

“Twenty percent! That’s final. And Mr. Caffrey and your friends must also commit to building an ironmaking workshop in Ugru Town to meet our Caucasus’s ever-growing need for ironware,” Puber said, his face slightly red and his voice pitch altering with intensity.

“Alright, it’s a deal, but on one condition: we’ll have to see if the Caucasus has enough population and market to consume our output. Furthermore, this is just a preliminary cooperation plan. There are many details I still need to discuss with my friends. I hope the Baron understands,” Caffrey also stood up and shouted.

“Very well, Ilot, bring that bottle of wine from your room, we should toast to our successful collaboration!” Komer also stood up and high-fived the corpulent merchant in celebration.

“Why use my wine? Why not your own?” Ilot grumbled reluctantly, dragging himself to get up and muttering as he walked out.