Chapter 207: Developing a New Technology (2)


    While the dwarves devoted themselves to research, Ghiin revisited his ns and assessed the state of the estate.


    Thanks to the numerous forges that had been built, the production of iron ingots was proceeding at an overwhelming pace. However, mass production of weapons and tools was still being restrained.


    This was because he intended to use a newly developed alloy once its creation was sessful.


    “Once this seeds, it’ll bring about a massive change.”


    Its strength matched that of steel, but its weight was less than half.


    If all items requiring iron could be reced with this alloy, from military strength to civilian life, everything would undergo a significant transformation.


    “We have plenty of iron ore. Once mass production begins, arming all the residents of the estate within a year won’t be difficult. But other resources are still severelycking.”


    Building forges and cksmiths inrge quantities wasn’t the end of the story. The territory had expanded rapidly, and the poption had grown just as fast.


    Raising everything to the standard Ghiin envisioned was inevitably fraught with challenges.


    “Even after iming newnds, they’re all in shambles…”


    In Cabaldi’s estate, it was necessary to construct essential facilities, such as self-sufficient farnds and residences.


    Facilities aside, the supply of other resources posed another issue. Food and iron alone couldn’t solve everything.


    “It’s time to lift the blockade on the estate and focus on trade. I’ll need to look into other kingdoms, not just domestic exchanges.”


    Ultimately, the resources theycked would have to be acquired through trade. By doing so, Ghiin hoped to stabilize the precarious economic bnce of the estate, which had been growing at an unnatural rate.


    As he meticulously rechecked his ns and busied himself with the estate’s development, ude came rushing in, breathless.


    The moment Ghiin saw ude, he scowled and stepped back.


    “What? What’s the problem this time?”


    “I haven’t even said anything yet.”


    “Whenever you show up, something always goes wrong. You’re like a walking disaster ma.”


    ude looked at him with an incredulous expression.


    “It’s not that things go wrong because I show up. I show up because something’s gone wrong. And most of the time, the problems arise because of your overambitious ns.”


    “Fine, let’s go with that. So, what is it? What’s the issue this time?”


    “It’s not a problem… The elf ves we’ve been waiting for have finally arrived.”


    “Oh! They’ve arrived?”


    At those words, Ghiin’s face lit up, and he jumped to his feet. In truth, he’d been so preupied with stabilizing and developing the estate that he hadpletely forgotten about them.


    Without dy, he rushed to meet the ve trader.


    The trader, upon seeing Ghiin, acted noticeably differently from before, cing a hand on his chest and bowing deeply, beginning his words with praise.


    “Oh! The noble son of the Northern Margrave, Zwalter Ferdium, the rightful heir of the glorious Ferdium family, the ruler and protector of Fenris, the undefeated victor, the executor of the Goddess’s will, a lord of exalted virtues and wise judgment, respected by all for his remarkable leadership—Baron Fenris, the one and only in the North, it is an honor to meet you.”


    “…….”


    Silence nketed the surroundings. Unlike before, the greeting was excessively formal, overly adorned with ttery.


    It was obvious, even at a nce, that the man was groveling with every fiber of his being.


    Ghiin, who had been quietly gazing at the ve merchant with a piercing look, finally spoke.


    “……Are things tough for youtely?”


    “……Yes.”


    “You’re earning good money, so what’s the problem?”


    “Could I… perhaps receive payment in food instead of gold coins?”


    Ghiin smirked faintly. He had a pretty good idea of what was going on.


    The ve merchant standing here was none other than the representative of the ve traders introduced by the Marquis of Branford.


    It was no exaggeration to say that they controlled thergest ve tradework in the kingdom. Naturally, that meant they had arge number of dependents to care for, along with an endless number of ves to feed.


    With the current hard times, business likely wasn’t booming, and feeding all those mouths must have been an absolute nightmare.


    Ghiin wasn’t one to miss an opportunity like this. He was a man who knew how to save ruthlessly when necessary.


    “Alright, I’ll give the payment in the form of food. But only at half the agreed price.”


    “Excuse me?”


    “I’m saying I’ll only give you food worth half of the promised payment. If you don’t like it, just take the full payment in gold. I was going to reduce it to 30%, but I figured all your ves might starve to death, so I’m being generous. See how soft-hearted I am?”


    “Ugh….”


    The ve merchant looked as if he was about to cry from frustration.


    Elf vesmanded astronomical prices. The batch he brought this time alone numbered over 200.


    Selling them at half price would be a massive loss.


    But there was no other way. These days, getting hold of food was like plucking a star from the sky.


    “…Fine. I’ll ept your terms.”


    The ve merchant agreed, swallowing back tears. Even with only half the payment, it would be enough to survive through the year.


    Ghiin patted the merchant on the shoulder and spoke in aforting tone.


    “You’ve made a wise decision. Didn’t I say you’d hear some surprising news from me soon?”


    “Yes… When I first heard the news of the war, I thought it was all over. But then I heard you won, and I was honestly shocked. The knights didn’t even seem in good shape before…”


    “That’s why you should pay attention to what I say from now on. So, where are the elves?”


    “They’re waiting at the temporary barracks outside the castle. I’ve alreadypleted the handover with the estate’s administrator.”


    ude handed a document to Ghiin right away. It was a ledger detailing the elves’ purchase prices and personal information.


    Ghiin gave the document a quick nce before nodding.


    “Alright, ude, head over first and guide the elves to their amodations. Make sure to take care of their immediate needs. I’ll finish up the transaction and join youter.”


    “Understood.”


    The ve merchant and his workers, hauling numerous carts, moved toward the food storage.


    Even at half their value, the elves’ prices were exorbitant, so the amount of food being handed over was staggering.


    Ghiin meticulously checked the quantities of food. Normally, he would let minor discrepancies slide, but this deal involved a substantial payment, so he had to ensure everything was in order.


    Watching him, the ve merchant began to sweat nervously.


    ‘What kind of lord personally verifies everyst detail? He must really hate being scammed to go this far.’


    The merchant, who had been considering sneaking in a bit more food, immediately gave up on the idea. With Ghiin’s sharp eyes glued to the process, there was no chance of pulling it off.


    Seeing Ghiin’s meticulousness, the merchant suddenly found himself worrying about something else.


    “Uh… my lord, have you ever purchased elf ves before?”


    At this, Ghiin tilted his head slightly and replied, “No, this is my first time buying them.”


    “So… you haven’t spent much time around them or lived with them either, I take it?”


    “Well… I’ve encountered them briefly before.”


    In his previous life, Ghiin had known elves for quite some time. But those were extraordinaryrades who had fought alongside him against cmities, not ves.


    As for elf ves, the only ones he had seen were dancers presented to him when he was treated as the King of Mercenaries. Even then, he had no interest and thus no real interaction with them.


    His life had been far too exhausting and demanding to care about such matters.


    Seeing Ghiin’s response, the ve merchant cautiously spoke, gauging his reaction.


    “Well… since the payment has beenpleted, I’ll take my leave now.”


    “Why? You must be tired. Why not rest for a day before heading back?”


    “No, no, I’m much too busy. I’ll be able toe a bit sooner next time.”


    The additional ves Ghiin had requested were mostly craftsmen or generalborers to bolster the poption.


    Compared to non-human ves, they were far easier to transport and procure.


    Noticing the merchant’s sudden rush to leave, Ghiin gave a slightly puzzled nod.


    “Well, if you’re that busy, I suppose I can’t stop you. Don’t go too far, though.”


    “Ah, also… you do know that elves, like dwarves, can be quite difficult to handle, right? They live longer than humans, so many of them are older. And since they’re so expensive, they’re used to being treated well.”


    “Elves likely have their own pride. Treat them well, and they’ll be fine. The dwarves have opened their hearts to us and are livingfortably in our estate now.”


    It was the sort ofment that would make the dwarves faint if they overheard it, but Ghiin said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


    Hearing this, however, the ve merchant’s expression softened with relief.


    “Yes, that’s everything I needed to exin. I’m really leaving now. Hey, hey, let’s go quickly!”


    The ve trader hurriedly disappeared, urging the workers to drag the carts of provisions along.


    Ghiine, who had been silently watching him, stroked his chin, narrowing his eyes.


    “Ah, that guy… he’s acting suspicious. Did he bring some sick elves or something?”


    There was no mention of anything like that on the list. Still, something felt off. Just as Ghiine was about to turn around and verify it, ude came running, panting heavily.


    “Where’s that damn ve trader? Has he already run off?”


    “He left.”


    ude furrowed his brows tightly, took a deep breath, and then looked at Ghiine.


    “We’ve got a problem.”


    “Ugh, what’s the problem this time?”


    “You need to see it for yourself.”


    ude’s serious tone left Ghiine and the others curious as they followed him.


    When they arrived at the open space in front of the lodgings, everyone was ovee with an inexplicable feeling.


    ‘Is this… supposed to be an elf?’


    Elven ves were typically something only the wealthy and high-status individuals could even hope toy eyes on. Most were hidden away in mansions and treasured like rare jewels.


    Many people lived their entire lives without ever seeing one in person.


    Thus, the image of elves in most people’s minds was shaped by stories and books: a mysterious and noble race, beautiful and ageless, gentle and deeply connected to nature.


    But the elves standing before them defied all expectations.


    “Hey, bring more booze! Let’s party like there’s no tomorrow to celebrate our arrival!”


    “Thump! Thump! Ugh, am I getting too old? My joints hurt; I can’t dance like I used to.”


    “Is there any more alcohol? I want to drink my fill and get a good night’s sleep today. Tomorrow, let’s really cut loose!”


    The scene was utter chaos. It felt more like a rowdy group of idlers on a pic than anything else.


    True, they were as beautiful as the rumors imed, regardless of gender. But their vibe waspletely off.


    Since Ghiine hadn’t specified any particr gender, the group was evenly mixed between men and women.


    The problem was that every single one of them looked… strange, regardless of gender.


    “Pfffft! I’m a chain smoker, so you’ll have to provide me with the best tobo every day.”


    “Ah, I’m tipsy. Finished my drink already. When’s mealtime? I only eat fine wine and veal, you know.”


    “I can’t sleep without a luxury bed. This ce looks kind of shabby.”


    Some were puffing away on cigarettes, blowing clouds of smoke, while others, seemingly already drunk, were stumbling about.


    One elf had copsed, snoring loudly, while another group danced energetically, caught up in the moment.


    The ones who stayed still weren’t any better. If anything, their condition was even worse.


    They exudedziness and apathy from every pore. Their faces bore the weariness of lives beaten down to the point of exhaustion.


    Even Ghiine, who rarely blinked an eye at anything, was left speechless for once.


    “W-What is this? These are supposed to be elves? Did they just p some pointy ears on people?”


    When Ghiine turned to ude with a flustered expression, ude responded with an equally incredulous look.


    “I thought the same thing, so I checked. They are elves. You’re always acting like you know everything, but you didn’t know this and bought them anyway?”


    “How was I supposed to know something like this! The elves I know aren’t like that!”


    “Why are you taking it out on me? You’re the one who got scammed, Lord!”


    “Scammed? Me? Scammed?”


    As Ghiine looked around in disbelief, his aides hesitantly nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, Kaor was clutching his stomach,ughing so hard he was out of breath.


    “Kahaha! Even the mighty lord can get swindled, huh? What are these? Elves? More like orcs in elf costumes! Pwahahaha! Gah! What the—!”


    Before Kaor could finishughing, an enraged Ghiine delivered a flying kick squarely to his gut.


    “You dareugh? You find this funny? Do you know how much money I spent, and this is the situation you’re grinning about?”


    Even as he was stomped on, Kaor couldn’t stopughing.


    He had never seen the lord so flustered before. It was simply too much to resist.


    “Pwahaha! Y-You got scammed l-like an idiot…! Ow! Oww! Hahaha! Stop hitting me… Ahahaha! Wait, why does it feel like your foot’s getting bigger?”


    At some point, Belinda joined in, delivering a kick of her own. Seeing this, ude and Wendy also approached and started stomping on Kaor.


    Even Alfoi, who hade to spectate, cautiously joined in with a strong kick. After some hesitation, Piote followed suit.


    ‘Goddess, forgive my sins. I’ve been under so much stresstely.’


    When even the usually gentle Piote joined in, nothing could hold them back anymore. Soon, everyone in the vicinity was taking turns kicking Kaor.


    “Ugh! What the hell! Why are there so many feet! I swear, I’ll remember all your shoes— Gah! Stop! Stop kicking! Ah, dammit! What’s happening! Why are you doing this!”


    It was as if no one wanted to miss the chance to vent their frustrations, and they all stomped with fervent enthusiasm.


    Eventually, Kaor let out a loud scream and rolled across the ground, writhing in pain.