Rise In Calradia

"who is the next?"

Byron sat on his throne, with his wife Nelda sitting on the seat next to him. At this time, she was pregnant again, her belly was obviously bulging, and she was caressing the fetus in her belly like a loving mother.

"Mr. Feriono, the leader of the dyers' guild in Jerkara and city councilor, is waiting for your summons."

At this time, Fatis was more than ten pounds heavier than before. Apparently, his life as a minister next to Byron made him a little neglectful of exercise, but his reputation for being handsome has not been affected by this.

After all, everyone now knows that Fatis is the most trusted advisor and lord of Duke Byron. He often takes Byron's place when Byron is busy or doesn't want to go somewhere, and he can naturally go there. He was treated with courtesy in all courts.

"Oh? He hasn't been here for a while. Please invite him in!"

Hearing the name, Bai Ge glanced in the direction of the door with interest, then nodded and sat up straighter.

Not long after, a potbellied businessman walked in. It was hard for Byron to believe that less than two years ago, this old fat man was still a thin old man. He was so thin that Byron was worried that he would be blown away by the wind when he stood there.

It seems that wealth can indeed change something.

"What good things has my dear Feriono brought me?" Byron looked at this wealthy businessman with a smile. This is a knowledgeable guy who understands his tastes. Every time he comes, he can bring something that will impress Byron. It was a gift that Byron was satisfied with, so Byron was willing to "take care" of him a little more.

“My lord the Duke, protector of all honest merchants in Rhodok, may the sailing ships bring you wealth, from the river Pollak (the main river in Vikia) to the mouth of the River Self (the mouth of Djerkara) .”

The businessman bowed respectfully, and then presented the plate covered with red cloth.

"I present to you a tribute from the Dyeing and Weaving Guild to thank you for your kindness. This is a small gesture from all the dyers. I hope you like it."

Johnny carried the tray back to Bai Ge. This once immature attendant was now a qualified castle steward, and Bai Ge did let him serve as the steward's deputy and manage some of the trivial matters in life for him.

Johnny opened the red cloth and saw a tray full of jewelry lying quietly on the tray like beauties waiting to be favored. The reflected sunlight looked so dazzling.

“Rubies and sapphires from the mountains, diamonds and opals from the deserts of the far south, jade and agate imported from the mysterious East, complemented by the best-quality garnets and turquoises in the hands of northerners, and crystals from overseas. I know that all of this combined is not as good as one percent of your beautiful lady’s appearance, but please allow me to offer you these jewels to add some color to your family.”

"You are really flattering." Nelda is no longer the young girl she used to be. She will not blush and feel embarrassed because of a few exaggerated compliments. But even for her as a duchess today, this The gift is not without weight. "I like this gift very much, but whether I accept it or not depends on my husband's wishes." At this point, Nelda looked at Byron.

Byron could see the anticipation in her eyes, but he also knew that Nelda would not object to it as long as it was his decision. So he nodded slightly and looked at Feriono again.

"What can I do for the merchants of Jerkara? I think that as the lord of this city, I am quite competent."

Byron's words were not self-praising as a person in power. Under his governance, Djerkhala was indeed prosperous. After this land belonged to Swadia, the northern market completely opened its doors to local merchants. Byron also encouraged the production and sale of velvet and other dyed fabrics.

He lowered the already low dyeing and weaving tax by one-third, and connected the north-south trade route. The area from Jalkara to Uxhall is either his territory, the vassals under his control, or the allies who have reached a customs union offensive and defensive agreement with him, while the area from Uxhall to Suno The trade routes have also been opened with the permission of Earl Craggs. Merchants in the south can reach their destinations and receive generous rewards as long as they pay half of the previous taxes.

As for safety, it is not a problem. The Peony mercenaries have now taken over the security **** rights of this north-south trade route. As long as these guards are paid "a small sum of money (about one-tenth of the value of the trade goods, there is no need to Worried about the bandits and robbers along the way and the "rogue knights" privateers who came from nowhere.

In addition, as one of the most important lords of Swadia at the moment, Byron spared no effort to promote southern velvet products on various occasions. He would wear one at every banquet he visited. Wear a velvet dress from Jerkara and give the host a few bottles of beautifully packaged "Earl" brand wine, all of which are fine Veruga products. Now all the famous bards in Swadia have a beautiful cloak given to them by Byron.

With his efforts, commerce in various parts of the south became increasingly prosperous, and the people gradually began to side with him and began to support him. After the merchants made a lot of money, they naturally had to know how to "share" and presented precious gifts to the Duke.

Of course, there are also those ignorant things, but their end is usually not very good.

"My respected lord, everyone in Rhodok can see your dedication and your protection of ordinary people like us. But great lord, UU Readingｗww.uukanshu.com I must report a piece of bad news to you. , a caravan in our city was attacked by the hateful Nord sea pirates after sailing away from the coast. The people on the ship were either killed or taken prisoner, and all the goods were robbed. I pray to you, my Lord, please save your people!"

Feriono suddenly looked so sad that he was about to cry, and cried to Byron about their experience.

"Nord Sea pirates? Are you sure? How did they say they ended up near the coast of Rhodok?"

Byron was stunned for a moment, then confirmed again.

"This... we only found the wreckage of the ship, but judging from the corpses and the oral accounts of the survivors, there is no doubt that they should be Nord's pirates." Feriono said with some uncertainty.

"Tell Mathilde to see which blind captain is causing trouble on the edge of my territory, and ask him to return the prisoners and property quickly, or I will drown them all at sea!"

Byron made a gesture and whispered a few instructions to Fatis, then stood up and announced with a serious face:

"Our patrol is right on the coast. The pirates in the north don't often go so far. This is definitely the disguise of the remaining "rebellious" Roddocks! Don't worry, Feriono, my friend, they don't They will continue to be arrogant, and my army will make them pay for what they have done! These stubborn rebels will eventually succumb under the iron cavalry of Swadia!"

Byron looked at the many guests and court officials below and said righteously.

"Long live the Duke, long live the protector of honest merchants!"

Listening to the cheers of the businessmen, Byron couldn't help but laugh. If the war didn't come, he would take the initiative to look for it.