Amber Sword

Chapter 1080: Chapter 258: A War Without Gunpowder (Part 2)_3

Other specialties such as alchemy materials, wood, fur, and some curios are minor; only Tama praised him once for them. By the way, Tama has recently advanced another level in alchemy, reaching Level 12, as concluded by Brand from the quality of the Dragon Blood Potion he helped brew. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

Lastly, the main focus is the expansion of Griss Port, which has now added two berths for large ships and a newly built pier, transforming from a once calm little port. Its future task is to maintain the increasingly prosperous commercial activities. The port’s renovation took considerable manpower, but Romantic did not conscript the citizens, opting instead for hired labor, which not only avoided the dissatisfaction common among other lords but also earned unanimous praise.

Currently, Brand’s reputation within the territory is hindered only by the issue of legitimacy, as the residents worry war might still happen. In other aspects, most people have recognized this wise and merciful lord—at least he’s countless times more benevolent than Gruding.

On the other hand, the expenditure on hired labor was ultimately recouped through food supplies, with Romantic intentionally leaving a small portion among the populace. As she put it: letting small money stay in the hands of hardworking people will generate more small money, and Romantic just needs to earn it back when the time comes—as if the money was originally in her pocket.

However, the wealth of the territory means Brand’s wealth, and he doesn’t mind her doing whatever she pleases.

"...The current situation in the territory is roughly as it is because the North is in crisis, Count Rangdenier is at risk of being drawn into the war with Duke Viero and might not be able to return quickly to deal with us. Although the situation in Erune is unstable now, it gives Tonyger a chance to catch its breath," Antitina paused after saying this, slightly raising her gaze to look at Brand. Tonyger can now be described as flourishing, everything is on the right track, and everyone present couldn’t help but feel hopeful hearing this. Most of those who originally followed Brand had hit a dead end, never imagining they would reach this point today. Yet this miraculous young man has indeed led them step by step through thorns and hardships towards a way out. Speaking of which, when Count Rangdenier’s army pressed on, who would have thought this young man would bring alliances with the Druids, Tree Elves, and Centaurs from the Black Forest?

Everything that has happened in the past few months seems like a dreamlike miracle to everyone present. freēwēbnovel.com

But this miracle has indeed happened and is happening right now.

So next, they seem to have created an established fact. Occupying this territory, becoming a true lord, perhaps each of them could have the status of house servants, no longer wandering mercenaries, adventurers, rangers, vagabonds, or any other identity.

Brand lightly nodded to Antitina.

"Just half a month ago, each one of us gave our utmost effort, sweat, and even blood sacrifice to help this newborn territory walk out from the shadow of war. You might think we could finally breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy peaceful days while the nobles are preoccupied."

Everyone subconsciously nodded.

"But what I have to tell you is quite the opposite," Brand shook his head, "Next, I am about to embark on a journey to Ambeser, the outcome of which I cannot foresee, but I am certain that when I return here again, Tonyger will be embroiled in a real war."

"This war will be incomparable to the ones you’ve seen before; those prior wars are merely trivial in comparison. This war will involve the entire kingdom’s two largest factions and several princes, countless powerful and influential lords fighting for it, the knights you’ve seen and admired will be mere casualties on the battlefield, and every enemy you face will be capable of crushing you like an ant."

"And these powerful enemies are likely to unite to exterminate us. Next, Tonyger will have to walk a path that is unimaginably difficult, filled with thorns, surrounded by formidable foes, and even unwelcoming to the entire kingdom of Erune."