The Customs Union

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

"Customs Union?"

Malon and Henry both asked in surprise.

Paul nodded, "Yes, a Customs Union. Members of the union would establish a unified tax policy, eliminate checkpoints within their territories, and abolish consumption taxes and internal tariffs, allowing goods to flow freely."

Malon quickly understood the implications of Paul's proposal. If such a Customs Union and its associated tax exemptions were established, it would greatly benefit both Alden and Byerldine. Currently, these regions are not wealthy, and the industries developed under Paul's management are heavily reliant on exports, particularly the canning industry, which depends on imported fruits, vegetables, and meats. Removing the tariffs would be mutually beneficial.

Paul added, "Of course, we still need to retain tariffs on goods from outside the union to protect our own estates and various industries."

"Hmm... That does sound promising," Henry mused, contemplating the potential benefits and drawbacks of keeping some tariffs.

Paul tempted him further, "Your Grace, if you support my proposal, I can make some agricultural machinery available to your territory..."

Henry's interest was piqued. "Oh? Are you talking about that amazing 'harvester'?"

During his travels with the anti-usurper alliance, Henry had heard about a remarkable farming machine from Alden that could harvest vast areas of grain with just a mule and a person.

"Not just harvesters," Paul smiled, "but also tillers, threshers—machines that separate grains from stalks and then separate the grains from the husks, seed drills that can plant multiple rows at once, as well as chaff cutters, root cutters, and mills."

One unfamiliar machine after another left Henry stunned. He asked, "Good heavens, Paul, do you have a whole team of machinists working for you?"

Paul nodded, "Well, I did recruit quite a few machinists from the south, who've helped me bring some of my ideas to life."

Besides Guy Burns, Hansel had recruited many out-of-work machinists from various places, who contributed greatly to Alden and Byerldine' agricultural modernization.

"Oh, no wonder, your ideas are impressive."

Henry's astonishment was palpable, but Paul silently smirked, knowing that his knowledge of these machines came from his previous life's research on their designs and functions.

During his army's march to Sente, Paul had noticed that Dukedom of Manda was an ideal location for agricultural development—fertile land, flat terrain, and abundant water resources.

This inspired him to turn Manda into a "Great Granary" while dedicating his directly controlled lands to future industrial development.

Despite the tempting offer, Henry did not immediately agree, "Paul, I'll have to think this over. I think it's best to gather more people for discussion."

"Of course, of course," Paul agreed, "Such matters should not be rushed. Take your time and discuss it thoroughly."

At this moment, the voice of the guard announced, "Lord Owen Schroeder is here—"

Henry was pleased, "Sir Schroeder has finally arrived. Paul, you're making your soldiers stay outside the city; Sir Schroeder's temperament is rather peculiar, preferring to stay with the lower-ranking soldiers. It's not convenient to discuss matters with him."

Paul shook his head, "Stationing them inside the city would undermine their combat spirit. It's not advisable, absolutely not."

As they spoke, Schroeder entered, accompanied by two individuals. Paul and Malon did not recognize them, but Henry immediately stood up, "Isn't this Sir Hal Duke of the Watcher Legion? What brings you to Sente?"

Paul and Malon exchanged glances, "Watcher Legion?"

They knew this was a legion stationed in the northeastern region of the kingdom's Neron Valley, directly loyal to the King, tasked with defending against orc invasions from the Great Plains.

Schroeder greeted Paul and the others and introduced the new arrivals, "Yes, these are Sir Hal Duke from the Watcher Legion and his attendant Arthur. Sir Duke is an old friend from my service in the Watcher Legion."

Paul recalled that Schroeder had previously served in the Watcher Legion and had mentioned in casual conversations that he had retired to his hometown due to strained relations with the northeastern lords.

Hal Duke and his attendant Arthur greeted everyone, and Duke turned to Paul, "Earl Paul Grayman, I had heard about you from Sir Schroeder, but seeing you so young still surprises me."

"Ha ha, thank you for your compliment."

Henry invited Schroeder and Hal to sit, while Arthur stood behind Hal.

Paul said, "Please allow Sir Hal to stay for a moment while we discuss our matters. It won't take long. The Duke feels that many knights and troops from Manda followed Maltz during the rebellion and are not to be trusted. He plans to form a new unit and is considering borrowing some troops from us to safeguard the territory. I'm not opposed in principle. What do you think?"

Schroeder considered it briefly and replied, "I support this. Training new soldiers takes time, but there's the issue of supplies..."

Henry interjected, "You needn't worry about that. Alden's military will handle the supplies here."

Paul continued, "How about selecting two battalions, totaling over a thousand men?"

Schroeder nodded, "That's feasible. Your Grace, what do you think?"

Henry, somewhat pained, said, "A thousand men will suffice."

Paul had discussed Alden's military provisions with him, and although it was a significant number, the Duke could afford to feed a thousand men.

Thus, they proceeded to discuss the details of the troop deployment.

After finishing the discussion on the stationed troops, Henry turned to Hal Duke with a touch of respect and asked, "May I ask what brings you to Sente?"

Hal Duke first congratulated Henry on his new title and then stated his purpose, "I came to confirm your view on our Watcher Legion."

(End of the Chapter)

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