Pirate Kingship-Chapter 818 - 503: Rising with the Winds, Dragons Among the Clouds
"The religious war has begun, and the church is in chaos! Thanks to the creator's continuous fragmentation, the opportunity I've been waiting for has finally arrived!"
Byron finally received this long-awaited news from August, and couldn't help but feel overjoyed.
He glanced back at the three women engrossed in a lively conversation, choosing not to interrupt their bonding as mothers and daughters-in-law.
In fact, his mother Heather, both in appearance and temperament, had a more innocent and youthful presence than Violet and Catherine, like a Mermaid Princess straight out of a fairy tale.
Aside from the fact that when she passed away, considering the growth cycle of merfolk, she was originally very young. If this were the modern era, Prince Sorenburg would definitely get at least three years' imprisonment.
On the other hand, she perfectly avoided the "aging catalyst" that worries all mothers: children not eating, being naughty, lifting girls' skirts, academic struggles, teenage rebellion, career setbacks...
Upon waking up, her son, who had only been born a few years earlier, had miraculously grown into an independent adult.
Not only had he become successful and self-reliant, but he had also brought double joy, securing two excellent daughters-in-law in one go who were already engaged.
This was a perfect demonstration of "winning without effort."
At this moment, she was chatting endlessly with the two daughters-in-law (adopted daughters), determined to make up for the maternal love Byron missed, probably starting with caring for the next generation.
"Forget it, let mom enjoy these happy moments for a while longer.
Later, when the Old Witch's Cursing Finger is lifted, she will probably only hear bad news about the Mermaid Kingdom from Saranthe.
I just spotted in the Secret Arcane Art 'Alice's Pillow Tale Book' a piece of Black Sorcery called 'The Little Match Girl.'
As long as a match or any flammable or explosive material is lit, everyone around can see the little girl's grandmother.
Hopefully, this trick won't be used in our own home."
Byron picked up the "Frozen Frog" from the ground and walked out of the living room.
As soon as he was out of Heather's sight, his expression turned serious, immediately taking out the pre-prepared contingency plan.
Using the Golden Law, he ordered the Pioneer Guiding Colonial Trading Company and all major concealed commercial conglomerates:
"From now on, allocate an additional budget beyond the original 'food acquisition plan' to continue increasing food purchases.
As long as the price premium is within one hundred percent, it is acceptable. We are not short of money right now."
He notified a series of armament companies, like Rhine Metal, and dummy companies to fully stock up and send business personnel to actively engage with the Protestant Princes.
Even small batches of bolt-action rifles aren't entirely off the table for sale.
The Church Traditionalists owe the Lancaster Family a blood debt, without their support, the York Family wouldn't cause a ripple, and if we don't stab them at a critical moment, it would be an injustice.
Then, using the Pirate Code of Black Sails Harbor, he informed pirate groups, privateer ships, and great pirates scattered across the sea:
"Although food's value is too low as a main cargo for ocean transport, immediately block the 'First Circulation Zone' and enforce wartime control.
From today, not a single grain of corn or potato is allowed to be shipped back to the Old Continent."
He then issued announcements to Westwind Express, various partnered shipowners, and third-party local chambers of commerce, and freight companies:
"Ships returning from the Old Continent should carry as many immigrants as possible, and the fare for all refugees and contract slaves will be covered by the Pioneer Guiding Colonial Trading Company, transferring their personal relations as well.
Additionally, we invite all kinds of technical personnel from the Old Continent to actively join the Count of Torrentfort, offering generous treatment, including a permanently owned residence upon employment."
Finally, he didn't forget to use Mr. Wednesday, the behind-the-scenes owner of Financial Street, to notify online futures exchanges:
"Food futures are about to surge, get ready for a lucrative windfall.
If done well, we might not even have to pay for the grain ourselves, as there will be generous souls willing to foot the bill for us."
He arranged for Bruh and other members of the Demonic Banquet Council to follow up and monitor all activities, reporting to him at any time.
Byron had long foreseen this unprecedented-scale religious unrest on the Old Continent.
After successfully looting the Treasure Fleet and securing significant cash flow, he had been quietly stockpiling various strategic resources, primarily food.
They say, "Antiques in peaceful times, gold in chaotic times," but in reality, the hardest currency during war is food.
This isn't an industrial product that can be produced on demand; it needs to follow seasonal cycles. Once a famine hits, even if you're sitting on a mountain of gold or silver, bulk buying might not be possible; preparation is necessary.
Byron stood atop Edge Fortress, looking toward a row of massive warehouses at the edge of Torrent Fortress, full of confidence:
"Once the most basic food issue is solved,
what comes next as the most crucial? Of course, it's talent!
High-value individuals who have the means will find any way to flee conflict zones for places that offer refuge and protect their properties.
Buying food at a premium during this critical moment isn't just about increasing reserves; it's about inciting widespread panic, preventing others from securing supplies.
They'll have no choice but to let refugees flood into the colony en masse.
Besides the usual stream of contract slaves, beggars, and criminals, there will be many destitute nobles, fallen landlords, asset owners, and numerous free Transcendents not skilled in combat.
