103: The Promised Land

Chapter 102: The Promised Land

It wasn’t long before Godwin had assembled all the core personnel.

After he explained the full story,

Jessica and Bruce immediately stepped forward to carefully examine the map.

Both agreed that the land was precisely the outpost used by the Supreme Council to monitor Qingfeng Valley.

If Amn’s high-ranking officials were to construct a fortress there in the future, then they would have to break through this fortress to advance into eastern Amn.

Otherwise, their rear supply lines would be continuously plundered by enemy forces and could even be completely cut off at any time.

Arthur had initially felt that his judgment of being choked might have been overly cautious,

but unexpectedly, Jessica and Bruce’s conclusions were even more severe than his.

Catherine added from the side, “Sir, I don’t understand military matters.”

“But this is by no means alarmist talk.”

“Even if Amn’s high-ranking officials bear no ill will towards us, or rather, buying that land is merely an expansion by the Little Finger Merchant Guild,”

“but once they set up a checkpoint there and charge tolls to passing merchants, or sell various necessities, they can make a fortune.”

“At that time, how should we respond?”

“If they collect tolls, we also have to levy customs duties, and with this back and forth, merchants will have no profit and naturally won’t come anymore.”

“If they sell various necessities to merchants, then our similar businesses will surely be impacted.”

“But to intervene militarily would undoubtedly be declaring war on all of Amn.”

“If we resort to the Council, with the Little Finger Merchant Guild’s background, our chances of winning are slim, and it will only end up as a muddled account.”

Arthur nodded, “I’m more curious about who this land belongs to and why it can be sold.”

“Paul, you’re more familiar with the situation in this area. Do you have any ideas?”

Catherine turned to Paul and asked.

Paul was frowning tightly, his gaze fixed on the map, and he only looked up when he heard the question.

“Sir, everyone, the person who could devise such a scheme is truly malicious.”

He first sighed with emotion, then continued, “Regardless of why this land can be sold for now,”

“from a geographical perspective, it is located precisely between the Whispering Place and Lookout Fort.”

“I speculate that the person who wants this land probably also wants to sell the grain from the Whispering Place to Lookout Fort, no, he wants to sell the grain to Qingfeng Valley.”

“Sir, you previously said that the land in Qingfeng Valley has become barren due to dark forces.”

“So, until the land recovers, the people’s livelihood, grain, can only be purchased from outside.”

“Originally, we could have reached an agreement with the Whispering Place to obtain grain at a lower price.”

“But once a third party is in the middle, who knows what kind of trouble will arise.”

At this point, Paul moved to the table,

and pointed to two other locations on the map, then explained, “Including these two places I just pointed out, these three places are all disputed territories.”

“The Bull Family and the Kalinshan Remnants have been fighting for generations over this, and the root cause is here.”

“But only this sold land is also tied to Qingfeng Valley.”

His words made everyone’s gaze focus on the map again.

“Most of this land is forest, and more than half of the forest belongs to Qingfeng Valley, with only that small plain belonging to the two great families.”

Because of this, we also have a claim to it.

“The two great families agreeing to sell this disputed land are probably convinced that the Little Finger Merchant Guild doesn’t understand the underlying relationships and thinks they’ve gotten a great deal.”

“Even if something happens later, the money is already in hand, so there’s no reason to give it back.”

“Furthermore, that place is often harassed by monsters from the forest.”

“Whether during the Kalinshan rule or the Bull Family’s control, strange occurrences were frequent.”

“So this land has become a hot potato. Neither of the two great families wants to take it, but they also can’t stand to see the other touch it.”

Paul’s words made the whole story much clearer.

Jessica couldn’t help but curse, “Those damned bastards.”

“I don’t know whether to say they’re far-sighted or that they can’t stand to see others do well.”

“We haven’t even set foot in Qingfeng Valley yet, and they’re already planning how to contain us.”

Godwin, however, stroked his chin and analyzed, “Perhaps that place isn’t meant to restrain us.”

“What do you mean by that?” Arthur pressed.

Godwin shook his head, “Nothing, Sir, perhaps I’m just overthinking.”

“I believe we should send someone to stop this transaction, or simply buy this land ourselves.”

“Since we have a claim, we have a stronger moral advantage.”

“That’s what I think too.” Arthur said, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.

Before he could even ask, Catherine proactively stepped forward, “I’ll handle this, Sir.”

“I’ll go too.” Paul immediately followed, “I’m quite familiar with the situation of the two great families and can assist Ms. Catherine.”

Catherine nodded, indicating her approval.

Arthur immediately approved their request and informed them of the price offered by the Black Goat Caravan in the intelligence.

He instructed them to negotiate with the other party based on this price and ensure they secured the deal.

Since this trip required taking most of the Pioneer Group’s assets,

he also had Jessica and Bruce select personnel to escort the two of them.

The departure time was set for early tomorrow morning.

Once everything was arranged, Godwin specifically cautioned Catherine and Paul, “You two must proceed with caution.”

“Also, I think those nobles in the west probably have other motives for wanting to buy this land.”

Paul interjected, “Sir, are you worried that someone wants to use this place as a springboard to seize our achievements after we establish a foothold in Qingfeng Valley?”

Godwin nodded, “I hope I’m just overthinking.”

“But I always feel that this matter is very fishy.”

“If Sir Arthur hadn’t discovered it in time, even if we took Qingfeng Valley, we would be in a very passive situation.”

Catherine didn’t fully understand Godwin’s words at first, but after Paul’s analysis, she finally realized.

Now, after hearing Godwin’s words, she broke out in a cold sweat.

She always felt there was a large, invisible hand manipulating their destiny.

‘I will never let them succeed.’ Catherine vowed.

Paul, however, became worried, “For this trip, the accompanying personnel include Vice Captain Valok, Ranger Laserlan, and four Chult children, as well as five civilians.”

“To dispatch so many people at once, I’m worried—”

“You don’t need to worry about that.” Godwin waved his hand, “Sir Arthur has his own way of dealing with Night Mist.”

“As for your concern about enemies taking advantage of our weakness?”

“Although we don’t have many soldiers, the civilians have also received training throughout this journey.”

“Although there is indeed a gap compared to regular troops, their morale is high now, and they are united, so they are not easily defeated.”

“I’m afraid the enemy won’t come from the front, but will—”

Godwin smiled faintly and said, “Don’t worry, they’ll only do that once you secure that land.”

“No, more precisely, those hidden blades will truly stab us when we are close to pacifying Qingfeng Valley.”