Warhammer Divine Throne-Chapter 772 - 342, Deals, Deals Everywhere (Part 1)
"It’s a White Wolf God Cloak blessed by Yurik, this cloak is covered in frost, effectively repelling most attacks," Boris said softly. "Made from the finest White Wolf wool from the Midland Territory."
"Thank you very much." This gift was indeed nice, Laine had heard before that only the bravest followers of Yurik could earn such a reward. A White Wolf God Cloak is made when one of Yurik’s champion warriors bravely hunts a White Wolf alone in the forest, and dedicates it to Yurik, then its pelt is transformed into the White Wolf God Cloak by the White Wolf Church.
This cloak has great defensive qualities, yet Laine was a bit worried; if the female knight wore this cloak for too long, would she get rheumatism when she grew old?
Thinking for a moment, Laine realized this was a needless worry. Surya had an outstanding talent, and he need not worry about her being unable to withstand a bit of chill. The reason Surya fought less alongside him and needed protection was mainly due to her young age; she was only twenty-four or twenty-five years old, unlike Veronica and Teresa who were older with more growth time, thus able to assist Laine.
At its core, Laine grew too fast; he ultimately was a Genetic Primarch, few could keep up with him.
After walking a bit more, Boris Prince-Elector sighed softly, "Sometimes I envy you, Laine. Your territory is a new place where you hold absolute authority; what you say goes. Since becoming Prince-Elector and Duke of Midland, I’ve handled countless affairs; I think you understand, Laine. Many Great Nobles of White Wolf City can trace their lineage back over a thousand years to the Rat-Slayer Emperor Mandred or even Charlemagne. Every internal affair exhausts much of my energy."
"I understand," Laine knew exactly how complex the relationships among the Empire’s nobles were.
They continued a few steps further; as evening approached, they began their return.
"Laine, before coming here, we had a meeting; the Empire wants to trade more Wood Elf potions and Half-Elf Warhorses from you," Boris contemplated for a moment and finally tentatively spoke, "What are your thoughts on this?"
The Grand Master of the White Wolf Knight Order, Axel, nodded repeatedly, "We very much need Elf Warhorses, desperately."
The main source of White Wolf Knight Corps’ horses are mountain breeds reared in the Northern Empire, adept at traversing mountain paths, adaptable and fast, though they lack endurance; carrying fully armed White Wolf Knights often fatigued them.
"I’ve exported quite a few Wood Elf potions already; as for Half-Elf Warhorses... we’ll have to wait until those young horses in my stable mature," Laine knew Boris was probing, and he deflected the question skillfully.
The main agenda emerged; Lake God Witch Mogiana set her sights on Laine. Mogiana understood Boris Prince-Elector wouldn’t make this series of moves without reason; he surely had something to discuss with Laine.
Brittania strictly prohibits exporting Pure-blood Elf Warhorses as a national policy; the Empire naturally wouldn’t challenge this. Yet, imperial knights desperately desired quality horse breeds. In the past, when they sought horses in Brittania, they either faced extortion or were ignored.
Finally, with Laine, a Lord who conducts normal trade, the Empire naturally wanted to open a breach.
The preciousness of Wood Elf potions has been emphasized previously, and there’s no need to reiterate.
Laine’s wedding is the perfect occasion; in front of this prominent human hero of the Old World, factions found an excellent excuse to gather. Despite inevitable fierce debates, bloody conflict and complete breakdown were effectively prevented. Representatives from factions who might not meet for decades sit together, attempting friendly negotiations.
No doubt, from the arrival of each faction to the start of Laine’s wedding, this window was filled with behind-the-scenes deals, conspiracies, and extortion; Laine knew of several verbal promises and formal agreements made.
These transactions hid behind the celebrations of Laine’s imminent wedding.
The most crucial agreement was the trade agreement signed by Duke Boldro Bodric, Count Glamorgan Laine, Duke of Winford Francois, and High Elf Supreme Grandmaster Tygris. This contract is expected to bring Laine at least two thousand Gold Crowns annually, and benefits Francois too.
However, Duke Boldro Bodric’s gains surpass all; signing the trade agreement means the High Elf Inner Ring Kingdom will establish a second stable trade outlet aside from Marinburg! This marks a historic moment for Bodric since becoming Duke of Boldro!
The trade agreement is verbally reached; Laine will go to Helunhilde in two days to discuss the specifics with Francois and Bodric.
The Empire proactively approached for negotiation; Laine furrowed his brow, contemplating the feasibility of this endeavor: "What can the Empire offer me?" 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎
"People! The people you need!"
......
Two days later, in Brittania, at the capital of Winford Duchy, Helunhilde.
"Is this the city of His Grace the Duke Francois? Wow, it’s big, really big!" Laine’s adoptive father Norman expressed with wonder, like a country folk visiting the city, admiring the garden-like metropolis before his eyes.
