Unified Market

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

The conference for distributing the spoils of victory concluded, and the various lords gradually left Sente. The victors, elated and eager, hurried back to claim their impending wealth and lands, while the defeated hung their heads low, contemplating how to mitigate their losses.

Many did not even bother to bid farewell at the Duke's residence, reflecting the low prestige of the new Duke, Henry. The war had inevitably caused a significant decline in the Fraule family's reputation in the Northwest Bay.

This was Henry's own issue, and Paul had no intention of offering help. In fact, in some respects, Paul welcomed this situation. He had no desire to serve another high-and-mighty lord to keep him in check.

...

Hal Duke and his attendant Arthur were walking down the main street of Sente.

"Incredible!" Arthur exclaimed, "There's no sign of the recent war here. Are the soldiers in the Northwest Bay all gentlemen? Sir, what do you think?"

"What can I say? Not every army in the world is like a band of brigands. This is the quality expected of a proper military force. Do you think only our Watchers can achieve this? That's quite arrogant."

The young attendant stuck out his tongue.

The two arrived at the entrance of the Duke's residence. Duke Sir Hal explained their purpose to the doorman.

"The Deputy Commander of the Watchers?"

The doorman, seeing the nameplate, did not dare to be negligent but apologetically said, "My lord, the Duke is currently entertaining important guests and is not available to see you. Could you please choose another time to visit?"

"Oh..." It seemed the new Duke was very busy, which did not surprise Hal Duke.

"Please be sure to inform the Duke that we came to visit."

"Certainly, rest assured."

Hal Duke turned to leave and inadvertently saw a familiar face.

"Owen Schröder? You old rascal!"

Hearing the familiar voice, the newcomer looked over.

"Hal? What are you doing in Sente?"

Schröder came up and gave Hal Duke a bear hug. "Haha, it's been over a year since we last met."

Hal Duke also sighed, "Yes, it's been half a year since our last correspondence. Why are you here?"

Schröder explained, "After returning to my homeland, I served under Earl Grayman of Alden. Our Earl participated in the war against the usurper. The meeting regarding post-war matters with the other lords just concluded, and I have not yet had the chance to return."

"I see." Hal Duke understood. His old friend's enthusiasm had evidently not waned, despite his previous claim of retiring to a pastoral life.

"So..." Schröder asked, "What brings you to the Duke's residence?"

"The Northwest Duke has been replaced, hasn't he..."

Schröder immediately put a finger to his lips, signaling for silence.

Hal Duke quickly corrected himself, "Oh, I misspoke. Please forgive me. The new Duke has ascended, and I was sent by Commander to confirm the Duke's attitude towards our Watchers."

"Have you completed your visit then?"

"Unfortunately, the Duke is busy with guests and cannot see me at the moment. Wait a minute, you also seem to be visiting the Duke's residence. Could it be that you are the Duke's important guest?"

"No, no!" Schröder quickly waved his hand, "The Duke is meeting with my Earl. I am merely accompanying him. Why don't you come in with me?"

Hal Duke was delighted, "If that's the case, I'll take you up on that offer!"

The two, accompanied by attendant Arthur, arrived at the door. The doorman, recognizing Schröder, bowed and greeted them. Seeing the close relationship between Hal Duke and Schröder, he did not stop them.

In the Duke's residence hall, Paul was pitching his plan to Malon and Henry.

"We should establish a unified market in the Northwest Bay. Only by doing so can we better develop the economy and improve the lives of all classes."

Henry showed some interest, "A unified market?"

"Yes!" Paul explained, "Currently, each territory is mostly self-sufficient. For instance, the fruits produced in Manda often rot away because they can't be consumed. Meanwhile, Alden and Byerldine have abundant minerals and iron that can only be used locally or sold to nearby territories. If we establish a unified market, everyone can sell their surplus goods to others, benefiting from both money and resources, which will improve everyone's situation."

"Indeed!" Henry was intrigued. A new official often seeks to make a mark quickly, and he wanted to accomplish something to enhance his reputation. "How do you propose we establish this unified market?"

Paul outlined his ideas, "The first priority is road construction. The roads from Fish Tail Town to Sente are in terrible condition. When it rains, they become impassable. This is in a supposedly prosperous area under the Duke's rule. Imagine the condition of roads in other territories. With such poor transportation, how can we facilitate trade?"

"Second, we need to reduce or even eliminate tariffs between the Northwest territories. I've investigated, and there are over fifty checkpoints. A merchant traveling from Alden to Sente, even taking the shortest route, is subjected to extortion ten times."

Paul picked up a piece of paper from the table, "This paper is produced in Alden, but in Sente, it costs ten times more than in Alden Town."

"Goodness!" Henry, as a noble, was not particularly concerned about the prices of everyday items but was shocked. "These merchants are truly greedy, a bunch of vampires."

"No, Duke, you're wrong. Merchants do not earn more in Sente than in Alden Town. They raise prices to cover road tolls, entry taxes, and transportation fees; otherwise, they would incur losses."

Paul lamented, "The proliferation of checkpoints has crippled trade in the Northwest Bay. It's like tying up a person's limbs and stopping blood flow. It's worse than poor weather."

Malon and Henry nodded in agreement, "That makes some sense. But according to your plan, reducing or eliminating tariffs would significantly reduce income for the lords."

Paul countered, "The lost income can be offset by commercial taxes. Eliminating tariffs will attract more merchants to trade within the territories. Will there be a shortage of tax revenue? The more merchants sell, the more taxes they'll pay!"

"So I propose," Paul laid out his intention, "that we jointly advocate for the establishment of an organization."

Henry and Malon exchanged glances and asked Paul in unison, "What organization?"

"A Customs Union!"

(End of the Chapter)

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