Exchange

Derek and Sir Kloya retreated to the interior of the house, where some matters were not suited for public discussion.

"Uncle Kloya, the warhorses I have… are not from the North," Derek began. "Besides this, I also deal in weapons, armor, and labor. These are my businesses."

"Warhorses are more expensive in the South, and the West is too far. But you got these from even further North? The prices are cheaper, but weapons and armor, if they are smuggled to that region, the capital will certainly take notice and it could be very risky. The monasteries would also be alarmed. It's quite challenging."

Kloya stroked his chin, thinking deeply. While he harbored grievances, he was pragmatic about business. There were many who traded with the barbarians in the North, and if Derek had a way to bring in warhorses, there would be welcome.

However, transporting weapons and armor was another matter entirely. It was risky without the backing of a significant figure.

Derek interrupted at the right moment, "I only need labor, food, and ore. That shouldn't be too difficult."

"The source of the warhorses I understand. But where do the weapons and armor come from?"

"The South, some unexpected sources. Our trade routes have some overlap, so…"

Derek was vague, but Kloya wasn't interested in digging deeper. Secrecy was standard in such trades.

"Then there's no problem. Many people come to the North to deal in weapons. Adding one more isn't a big deal. From now on, I'll source my weapons from you, as long as it's not above market price."

Kloya was quite agreeable. After all, buying from anyone was still buying, and he could use his connections to help Derek enter some markets. As a flag captain of the Pires' knights, his status was significant.

Derek thanked him again. With Kloya's promise, many things could now proceed more smoothly. They enjoyed a grand feast at Kloya's estate that night, during which Kloya shared a lot of useful information. As one of the prominent nobles of the North, Pires' Earl not only held a title but was also a high-ranking official in the North, so he had access to much valuable intelligence. For example, some of the great nobles were stockpiling war materials, and even Pires' Earl was expanding his knightly order. Though the pace was slow, indicating it might not be urgently needed in the short term.

These pieces of information were very useful to Derek. The next day, he left behind a contact point and took his leave.

Back in the city of Watchtower, he placed orders for iron ore and pig iron from various merchants. The blacksmith's forge in the city had become more of a stronghold, with real business being rare. It mainly forged ore, supplied some resources, and kept a small team of soldiers for minor mercenary jobs. The focus was on expanding connections and building a reputation.

Derek visited frequently, sometimes leaving Simon in charge, and other times handling less urgent matters personally. Influenced by Adrian's suggestion, he was much bolder in his actions. He even visited the Goat Trading Company to arrange for a batch of goods. Unfortunately, Vincent the steward was absent, or else he could have discussed more business.

After ten days, Derek returned to the mountain base. He noticed a few new unfamiliar slaves and immediately asked the remaining assistant, Little True, "Did Lloyd come by?"

True, who had been thoroughly loyal after Derek's strong persuasion, now helped train new recruits and handled some simple management tasks.

"Yes, I heard he encountered a group of easy targets who tried to sneak through without following the rules. He caught them, and these slaves are the result."

"How many people are there?"

Derek noticed a batch of unfamiliar faces working at the blacksmith's shop and inquired about them.

"There are 22 people. I heard some managed to escape; otherwise, we would have had at least 50 slaves."

"Was it a slave convoy? It's a shame they ran away," Derek guessed their identity, noting that slave traders were rarer in the North compared to the South.

Little True seized the opportunity to speak, "Lloyd's people said that each slave is priced at five gold coins. These are trained, seasoned slaves, not raw ones. In the South, they go for over ten gold coins each."

Derek wasn't concerned about the five gold coins; in the North, a sturdy adult slave typically cost six or seven gold coins. However, with Lloyd unable to act previously, the captives from the raids were priced at just one gold coin each. A sudden price increase made Derek consider if there were other reasons behind it.

"Three gold coins each. Tell Lloyd's people if they don't agree, we'll take all the slaves back. If they do agree, offer some compensation, maybe lower the weapon prices a bit or include some extras. You handle it."

He needed to dispel any other intentions Lloyd might have and set the price himself, which was the rule. Yet, he didn't want to alienate Lloyd; offering compensation showed goodwill, though it couldn't fully compensate for the loss.

Opening the panel, Derek began selecting from the newly added profiles. Most were slaves, and especially the new ones had already appeared on the panel, indicating their obedience and some level of loyalty.

After all, Derek's business was highly profitable, and he wouldn't shortchange his subordinates. Even slaves needed to be well-fed and cared for to work effectively.

Of course, punishment and incentives were also essential; a balance of both was crucial. He quickly passed over the new arrivals, who still needed to prove their loyalty. Instead, he focused on the previously captured slaves, including those from merchant convoys, mountain dwellers, and other unfortunate souls.

Among the thirty or so slaves, five or six had already appeared on the panel consistently, showing they had resigned to their fate and established basic loyalty. Derek walked around the camp with his attendants, occasionally pointing out a slave and questioning them.

"Fight for me and earn your freedom with merit, or labor here until death?"

Clearly, everyone preferred to take a chance rather than remain enslaved for life. Derek wouldn't assign them other duties yet. They would stay close, train, fight, and have their rebellious traits worn down through routine, eventually being given other responsibilities.

He could monitor them at all times. If any suddenly disappeared from the panel, he could address it immediately. Moreover, considering others' views was important; a slave given a chance could not be treated the same as free-born individuals. Otherwise, morale would falter.

Giving slaves the hope of escaping their misery, or even becoming overseers, was a significant morale booster for the remaining slaves. Derek took the opportunity to motivate them:

"Everyone listen up, work hard and stay loyal, and you'll have a chance at freedom, even a chance to rise and prosper. Otherwise, you'll die here."

Derek used this chance to boost morale and encourage his slaves.