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Chapter 454: Early Recruitment
It is well-known that the Eastern Province is a remote corner of the Netheril Empire.
The glory of the Saimonton Council and various magical organizations does not shine upon this eastern region.
The most fundamental reason is the scarcity of spellcasters in the Eastern Province, naturally leading to a lack of voice in imperial affairs and limited resource allocation.
Besides the lack of spellcaster resources, various dangers also contribute to the Eastern Province's relative "poverty."
Noble lords must allocate substantial resources to maintain armies to stave off greater threats.
Currently, the beleaguered Third and Eighth Legions have no choice but to lower their noble posture and issue a plea for aid to the Eastern Province.
The Eastern Province Council, in their unique fashion, immediately made this situation public.
With a sly chuckle, 343 curiously flipped through the supply list placed on Matthew's desk. Noticing the materials prepared for the Eighth Legion, he nonchalantly remarked:
"If everyone wishes to assist, please provide feedback to the council, and let us deliberate properly..."
Matthew found the Eastern Province's approach novel and, with a glint of expectation, asked:
"What typically happens in such situations?"
Reviewing the supply list for materials provided by Bay Territory, 343 gleefully selected several new resources and casually ordered from Bloodmoon City. He replied:
"Hmm, that depends on what the other party offers. It's all about negotiation."
Matthew blinked in surprise, curiously asking:
"So, you're saying it's ostensibly about sentiment but essentially about terms?"
"Exactly. If their conditions are acceptable, given the Eastern Province's frugal style, we'll certainly lend a hand."
"Moreover, this could serve as an opportunity to preemptively initiate imperial recruitment and resolve this matter altogether."
Seeing 343 nod, Matthew immediately began pondering.
What benefits could Bay Territory derive from this situation?
Or how could they gain more?
Matthew's straightforward and practical mindset didn't hinder his willingness to engage with other territories.
Matthew clearly understood that for Bay Territory to continue developing, it needed to attract more people and establish a more resounding reputation.
Currently, people might only remember Bay Territory, but soon it would become their lifeline.
"Whatever the assistance, Bay Territory must step up!"
Pleased with Matthew's stance, 343 cheerfully reported his attitude to Knight Harley.
As for Lord Annie, she was still happily burning through funds in the laboratory...
Watching 343's gleeful departure, Matthew hesitated briefly before summoning Steward Ralph.
"Immediately gather basic information on other territories, particularly those led by spellcasting lords."
"Arrange for the soldiers to conduct training against orc and troll armies. We'll soon have an opportunity to act."
Upon hearing of "early recruitment" from Matthew, Steward Ralph's face lit up with delight:
"If that's the case, this time we can indeed make a move, and we mustn't appear stingy."
Ralph quickly made arrangements, spreading the news of impending battle across Bay Territory.
Soldiers intensified their training, while numerous adventurers grew curious, incessantly probing for information.
After stirring up interest and drawing attention within and beyond Bay Territory, Matthew discreetly mobilized a team and re-entered the Underground World.
New experiments and imminent battles signified one thing:
More massive expenditures!
Thus, Matthew led a small unit back to the gold mine.
This time, Matthew brought pre-prepared materials and established soundproof and motion-isolating magic circles.
Using this setup, Matthew and his mining squad began extracting gold.
The mining squad included draconic kobolds, loyal excavation golems, elite soldiers as guards, and magic circles for material transport.
Using magic circles for bulk material transport is usually a losing proposition, but gold is an exception.
Watching large chunks of gold stacked by engineering golems and transported back to Bay Territory via magic circles, Matthew's face beamed with satisfaction.
Even though this area wasn't under Bay Territory's control,
It didn't stop Matthew from secretly mining these veins.
In fact, this inspired Matthew with a new idea: if he could solve the energy issues for engineering golems,
Could he extend this practice to other mines?
Silently committing this plan to memory, Matthew surveyed and concealed the surrounding environment.
Confirming no signs of intelligent life activity, he returned to Bay Territory.
Brilliantly gleaming gold ores rolled into the elemental forge under Yaya's gleeful gaze, melting into bright golden liquid.
These gold ingots, after simple processing, flowed into pre-prepared molds, cooling into the familiar gold coins.
As long as specifications, weight, and purity were met, coins minted by any lord could circulate freely among major kingdoms.
Typically, gold's value as an expensive alchemical material ensures its high worth.
Even with large gold discoveries, its value remains stable.
Thus, Matthew could confidently process and "digest" this gold without fear of exposing the mine.
After all, many lords engage in such practices.
"Hehe, based on current conditions, we can increase monthly revenue by 3 million gold coins."
"With this, our monthly income can reach 10 million gold coins."
"Deducting 2 million for adventurers' underground exploration,"
"3 million for large-scale cultivation of Oriental Redleaf Mulberries,"
"1 million for territorial expansion and infrastructure,"
"500,000 for laboratory research,"
"500,000 for Professional training and material purchases..."
"Total expenses amount to 8.5 million gold coins..."
"Why does it feel like the more we earn, the more we spend?"
Originally cheerful, Yaya's mood dampened after tallying the numbers.
Matthew, familiar with her temperament, knew she'd move past it soon and instead focused on another issue.
"The gap in Destiny's Power has widened again..."