Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World - Chapter 457

Chapter 457: I, the Dwarf Prince, Making Money

Stanford’s return to Lakeheart Town caused a moderate stir, as he was the first fleet commander to return among the three fleets.

As soon as he arrived at the lord’s mansion, word of his return spread, and various people who were allowed into the lord’s mansion came to see the famous adventurer. However, they were not immediately granted an audience with the adventurer himself but were ushered into the waiting room by the servants.

The adventurer himself was currently in a small reception room next to the lord’s office, having a detailed discussion with Paul Grayman.

The lord had a general understanding of the northern exploration fleet’s experiences.

“So, most of your team is still in the native tribes up north?”

“Yes, Lord Grayman, I plan to organize another fleet soon to go north and bring them back. Please support me in this endeavor. They are heroes who have made indelible contributions to the geographical exploration of the Northwest Bay and the Kingdom of Ordo. We must not abandon them.”

Stanford earnestly pleaded with Paul.

Paul replied solemnly, “Captain Stanford, the word ‘abandon’ is not in my dictionary! I assure you, you will soon have a brand-new fleet, fully equipped and staffed, carrying a large supply of provisions, and under your command, to bring our heroes home.”

Paul continued to comfort him, “Please allow me to express my deepest sorrow for those brave soldiers who sacrificed themselves. Their names will be engraved in the Hall of Heroes, remembered and mourned by future generations. Their families will be well cared for, free from hunger and cold.”

Stanford stood up and bowed deeply to Paul, “I thank you on behalf of those fallen comrades.”

He had visited the Hall of Heroes and mourned there too. The names etched in marble were those of Alda’s soldiers who had fallen in various wars: the Pirate Extermination War, the Baylding Rebellion, the Usurper’s War… Now, that place would bear the names of non-military personnel, not dead from war, but equally venerable.

Perhaps… his name might also appear there one day if his adventurous life continued.

“Stanford! Stanford!”

“Ah? Yes, Lord Grayman.”

The count’s gentle call pulled his thoughts back from his reverie.

“How are the spirits of the people you brought back?”

From their previous conversation, Paul knew that those who returned first had crossed the Rocky Mountains with the intention to die, not expecting to return alive, only wishing to be buried closer to their homeland.

“In the forests near Northwatch Town, when we realized we were at the edge of Alda, everyone was ecstatic, crying tears of joy. But now their emotions have stabilized, and they’re all eagerly wanting to return home to see their families.”

“They will, very soon,” Paul assured.

After Stanford sat down again, he suggested to Paul, “Lord Grayman, perhaps you could establish a few permanent trading posts along the coastline there. Beyond the Rocky Mountains to the north lies vast forests and grasslands, which are far from the barren wastelands people imagine. The ground is covered with precious trees rarely seen by humans, and the earth beneath is rich with inexhaustible mineral resources. The fur of the animals in the forest will definitely drive all the ladies of Ordo crazy. In short, a vast treasure trove lies before us.”

Paul nodded, “I will seriously consider your suggestion. The Administration Council will soon organize experts to study the sailing logs and mapping data you brought back, and then decide on the locations. If possible, I hope to expand our territory there, not just establish trading posts.”

He laughed self-deprecatingly, “Haha, which lord wouldn’t want more land under his rule?”

“But!” Paul suddenly changed the subject: “If we venture there, might we come into conflict with the local natives?”

“It is very likely, even inevitable,” Stanford admitted. “However, if you can offer them more, the conflict might be resolved within a manageable scope. The life of the local natives is very primitive, far more dreadful than Alda was years ago. Moreover, their concept of territory is different from ours. Even if it were the same, their regard for the land would not exceed their need for more urgent things. A few hundred kilograms of iron ingots, several large bags of salt, a few boxes of fabric, oh, and porcelain, might just be enough for them to acknowledge your sovereignty over a large expanse of land.”

“If that’s the case, then that’s wonderful.”

Paul hoped his influence could extend further, but he was not inclined to use violence. As a transmigrator, he inherently preferred the approach of “if distant people are not submissive, then attract them by cultivating virtue.” Of course, this “virtue” was not the Confucian ethics, but through advanced productivity and social relations, creating a powerful attraction, like a magnet drawing iron filings.

“If you refuse to change or integrate, fine, I won’t bother you. You can enjoy yourself on your own little patch of land, but eventually, as you watch others’ lives improve, one day, you will seek change yourself.”

“But, I must warn you.”

Stanford’s tone became more serious.

“From my observations, the orcs of the plains seem to have a significant influence over this region.”

“Orcs of the plains?” Paul was surprised.

“Yes, and there might be an even worse situation. The dwarves of the Rocky Mountains might also be in contact with these creatures.”

Dwarves. Paul had heard of this race from Stanford’s earlier narration. It was through the territory of the dwarves that they had crossed the Rocky Mountains.

Paul had intended to ask Stanford to elaborate on the dwarves later, but now the adventurer brought them up again.

“You must have heard the rumors,” Stanford’s expression grew more somber. “In the northeast of the kingdom, small groups of orcs occasionally attack human villages, then mysteriously disappear. That corresponds to the eastern section of the Rocky Mountains. As far as I know, dwarves also live there.”

Paul stared at him: “Are you suggesting those orcs are let loose by the dwarves?”

“Just a guess, because based on our experience crossing the mountains, the Rocky Mountains are very perilous. The dwarves have shaped the landscape over hundreds, perhaps thousands of years, with mazes, traps, and strongholds everywhere. Without their permission and guidance, it’s extremely difficult, if not impossible, for outsiders to pass. However, it’s also possible that the orcs found a naturally formed path unknown to the dwarves, considering the vastness of the Rocky Mountains. But, if the former guess is true…”

Paul’s brow furrowed.

If Stanford’s first guess was correct, then Alda was also at risk of attack.

The Rocky Mountains… would no longer be an effective barrier.