Chapter 422 Aiwass: I Know Everything
“…I understand.”
Aiwass took a deep breath and held the little crow curled up in his arms with both hands.
He lowered his head, extended his index finger to tease Crowhead, and casually said, "You've given the Star Antimony people a large order. The alchemists have never seen such a scene... They thought big business was coming, so they kept increasing the scale of apprentice recruitment and expanding production.
"And the king of Xingti's generation, Valentine VII, initially failed to recognize the problem. He blindly increased state funding for alchemists, training a large number of extraordinary people to become alchemists.
"—Soon, the alchemists were overloaded. The market was quickly saturated... or rather, they were saturated with the orders you gave them.
"Alchemists continue to graduate from the academy, and the state needs to provide these young alchemists with a steady stream of funding. A third-level alchemist can receive two hundred gold coins per month. However, the market is already saturated, leading to an oversupply of alchemical products within Star Antimony."
"The experimentation and development of alchemical products requires a massive investment. However, if there are enough peers with similar research progress, it's very likely that their competitors will have already completed production while they're still halfway through their research. Consequently, their research is either scrapped or forced to be released to market in an incomplete state... Am I right?"
"—You are indeed extremely wise, Minister."
Grandet acquiesced gently, even adding, "With an oversupply of goods and declining quality, we must lower the purchase price. You should understand that this is not our fault. It was the King's fault for being too impatient, and it is not our turn to compensate."
“Yes, so you reduced the size of your order.”
Aiwass stroked the crow and whispered, “And this is what triggered it all.
"In the alchemy business, if you don't become a market leader, you're basically losing money. More and more young alchemists, attracted by the lucrative profits, are actively or passively investing in the industry, quickly putting pressure on Xingti's finances.
"The Royal Alchemy Association's status and influence had greatly increased during the previous decades of exorbitant profits. However, King Xingti lacked the power of authority and was unable to forcibly control the situation. This made it difficult for Xingti to abolish the sponsorship system or reduce funding... Therefore, they opted to increase taxes, which directly led to an increase in tax revenue.
"Even so, the overabundance of alchemists has caused the cost of materials to continue to rise. A large number of low-level alchemists are squeezing each other out of the market, causing everyone's income to decline. Alchemy workshops are closing down, alchemists are out of work...they are gradually becoming irritable. And their method of trying to reduce the pressure within the industry is to use their power to shift the pressure onto the botanists who provide the materials."
Therefore, the "King" was constantly being forced to lower prices by the Alchemy Association, even to the point where they couldn't make any money at all, and were even losing money selling materials.
They can only sell to channels other than designated suppliers... The "King" who chose to bring goods from the Ascension Ceremony is likely more than one person, and he's not the only one trying to smuggle them overseas. There are many more like him, and this will further increase the cost of alchemical products.
It is for this reason that Xingti has been able to smuggle large quantities of alchemical products into Avalon through its connections with Lloyd's and Minister Droste.
——Because they have so much stockpiled goods over there that it’s driving them crazy.
The Goblin Chamber of Commerce essentially monopolized the trade ports, and even if they could seize the shipping routes, it would be difficult to reopen markets in other countries. Furthermore, they knew virtually nothing about those unfamiliar markets, and entering the industry rashly would likely only result in losses.
Even in this situation, Xingti still decided to start from Avalon and open the western route.
This shows that they have been pushed to their limit.
The Star Antimony seemed incredibly powerful, but they were on the brink of disintegration.
They couldn't afford even the slightest defeat, so they never dared to engage in a true war with the Iris. Instead, they launched a surprise attack with the entire nation's might and seized Avalon. After taking Avalon, they completely ignored the land...
One of the main reasons is to obtain the "claim" of the Silver Dragon's followers.
With this name and the guarantee of the pillar god, they could contact other countries and conduct trade.
After all, news across the ocean is difficult to circulate in a timely manner, but the apostles can transmit it freely within the temple.
The Star Antimony people could only actively engage in trade if they obtained the protection and approval of the Apostles. They chose to seek the Pillar God's protection, presumably to avoid being targeted and interfered with by the elves. Furthermore, they likely realized the Crown Lord's dissatisfaction with Avalon and realized this was a good opportunity for NTR.
Another reason is that all they want is the western port of Avalon.
That wasn't Glass Island—Glass Island was in the southeast corner of Avalon.
That's why Glass Island was abandoned and became so desolate... Aiwass initially thought it was due to the influence of Shadow Sky Master. But now it seems that's not entirely the case.
Because the Star Antimony people's sights are not on the Glass Island at all!
Its fundamental purpose is to resolve domestic pressure.
They can cooperate with Avalon, just as Emma mentioned.
In this worldline, Avalon is now thriving. Aiwass's influence is immense, and Grand Arbiter Meg survives the Red Phase's demise. The Star Antimony people, unwilling to directly wage war against Avalon, opt for cooperation.
In the original world line, they could have done the same thing - Star Antimony provided the supply, and Avalon was responsible for consumption; relying on its good relationship with the elves, Avalon could also take the initiative to establish shipping routes to the west, and even open up trade channels between the Star Antimony people and the Theocracy.
——But in order to avoid being backstabbed by Avalon in the future, Xingti chose to directly flatten Avalon.
While Avalon's weakness certainly contributed to the Star's confidence in a quick victory, the fundamental reason was that the internal pressure on Star was nearing its breaking point. Therefore, they had to take the risk of offending the Crown Lord and choose this dangerous path.
Because if you don’t do it, you will die too.
"The countermeasure they prepared for the griffins," Aiwass suddenly said, "is that gargoyle army."
Hearing this, Grandet showed a look of surprise for the first time: "You even know... this?"
Given his deep thoughts, that expression might have been a deliberate one—after all, he could have easily hidden his surprise. His choice to show it was also a form of flattery.
Flattery for the proud heart.
Aiwass could see all this clearly. But he chose to follow Grandet and smiled arrogantly: "I know everything.
"For example, I know you're in trouble too. Your three plantations on the southern continent have all encountered resistance from local armed groups, and you must have suffered considerable losses recently."
Grandet was really shocked when he heard what Aiwass said.
Because he hasn't told anyone about this, and even asked his employees to keep it secret - that is to say, Aiwass's spies can even reach the southern continent.
In fact, this is a reputation-enhancing task for Grandet.
A group of relatively intelligent trolls, said to have "escaped from the laboratory and thus become civilized," are trying to save their ignorant compatriots from the plantation. In fact, this group of trolls, seemingly seeking freedom, are actually a force sponsored by the "good lords" of the ancient Parthian Empire.
But Aiwass would definitely not give this information to Grandet.
He just smiled slightly and raised the crow in his hand slightly.
The crow's ruby-like pupils stared at Grandet, making him suddenly feel a chill.
Gray-green was too weak to even realize that the crow was abnormal.
But Grandet, who has reached the fifth level of wisdom, can realize that the "crow" is the deep darkness like an abyss and a whirlpool.
"—I've already told you, I know everything."
Aiwass's mouth curled up slightly, and he whispered Grandet's real name: "Grandet Dead Eye... or, 'The One Hidden in the Horse's Belly'."
Upon hearing this, Grandet's pupils suddenly shrank.
He looked up in astonishment, at the shadow cast by Aiwass, and at the faint reddish-purple light flowing in Aiwass's pupils. Then he looked at the "crow" that he could not see through at all and only felt fear.
Grandet felt a sense of fear for the first time in a long time. Fine beads of cold sweat broke out on his back.
Was it this "crow" who told him?
...But to be honest, that's pretty much all Aiwass knows.
Although he'd vaguely heard some backstory on forums, like the part about how he was hidden in a horse's belly as a child, which incidentally cured him of the plague but also made him incredibly ugly, Aiwass wasn't sure the details were absolutely correct, nor did he know the whole story. To avoid being exposed, he chose not to share any details, only sharing the absolutely accurate fragments he knew.
There is no need to say more. The more you say, the more mistakes you make.
Smart people will figure out the rest on their own.
"Now, let's get back to the topic."
Aiwass leaned back, a faint smile on his face, and said calmly, "Let's get straight to the point... What are you asking for?"
Exactly the same problem as before.
But this time, Grandet gave an honest answer.
"...I originally intended to convince you to establish the Goblin Chamber of Commerce in Avalon."
Grandet spoke in a low voice, took out a handkerchief that looked extremely expensive from the craftsmanship, and wiped his sweat: "But now it seems that you must have your own ideas.
"I still hope that Avalon can open a trading port. Midsummer County, west of Avalon, has a good port and is very suitable for conversion into a commercial city.
"As long as you're willing and the port expansion in Shengxia County is complete... I can allocate three merchant groups to provide at least eight million tons of import and export cargo annually. Of course, if it's inconvenient for you, I can also send people to repair the port."
"What about the cost?"
Aiwass asked with a smile, looking quite worried. "Avalon's finances haven't been very good lately. Star Antimony has promised to fund the construction of our port and railway."
"You're right—since we're using it, then naturally we're the ones paying for it."
Grandet wiped his sweat off his face again and said with a polite and elegant smile, "As soon as you sign the engineering documents, I will send people to start construction. In addition to the port in Midsummer County, we can also help expand Lloyd's Harbor and Queen's Harbor. I will send my engineering team, half of whom are extraordinary people, and the work will be completed in two months at most."
"But our Avalon is still quite long from east to west... Should the goods in between occupy the old railway?"
Aiwass asked casually.
When Grandet heard what Iverson asked, he was finally able to confirm that Iverson also wanted to establish a country.
——As long as you want!
Losing some money or something... that's not a big deal. As long as Avalon can negotiate, the Star Antimony people will have to pay back all the lost money.
"Three new railways," Grandet held up three fingers. "From west to east, through all the major cities. They'll connect any city with three or more bishops stationed there. I'll finance it, and I'll find the people to build it. It should be finished next summer—and we can also provide Star Antimony's most advanced locomotives, selling ten of them to Avalon at cost."
"Twenty," advised Aiwass, "or twenty-five—our steam trains are too slow and hard to carry freight."
"Only ten, and only ten."
Grandet shook his head, his attitude very firm: "Minister, you can also ask an alchemist to analyze the technology."
"Is it okay to pay in installments?"
Aiwass smiled and said, "As you know, Avalon's financial situation is not very good... If too much money is allocated at once, I may not be able to negotiate it. All decisions in Avalon must be approved by the Round Table, and it is not up to His Majesty and I to decide alone."
"That's easy. You can find someone to talk to me later. Just come directly to Ms. Gray-Green."
Grandet smiled and put the subject aside for the moment: "After all, I dare not get too close to Countess Emma. I might lose those lovely little gold coins in the blink of an eye.
"But in order to let our construction team in... you still have to pass a law allowing foreigners to enter Avalon. There are still quite a few trolls among my construction team."
"Oh, of course."
Aiwass nodded, knowing that this would come to pass sooner or later.
But he still said reservedly: "But I have to discuss this with His Majesty personally... After all, this goes against the tradition of Avalon."
"Oh, by the way, Minister—I heard that the Moriarty family has been engaged in business for generations," Grandet said with a respectful and polite smile. "Avalon's economy is not doing well now... I guess the economy is also quite tight, right?"
"Hmm... I don't know. After all, I don't really care about the family business."
Aiwass smiled.
This is a rare truth.
But Grandet found it hard to believe.
He lowered his voice and gestured with the number six: "I can personally provide the Moriarty Consortium with an interest-free loan of six million Star Antimony Gold Coins for twenty years..."
--How many?
Aiwass was startled.
This is almost half of Avalon’s annual military expenditure!
Judging from what Grandet meant, this seemed to be a personal kickback to Aiwass.
It was not until then that Aiwass finally realized what his position meant.
He really wasn't that interested in money...but it would be a waste not to take the money, and it could also help Isabel replenish the treasury.
So Aiwass nodded and promised: "I will give you an answer before Queen Sophia's funeral is over."
Hearing this, Grandet stood up from his chair.
This fifth-level, world-renowned warrior was extremely polite and respectful, performing a standard, and therefore ridiculous, knight's salute towards Aiwas, who was only at the third level.
"—Yes, Minister."
It's not a salute to strength.
But it is a salute to power.
An update of more than 7,000 words has been completed!
(End of this chapter)
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