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Chapter 506: "You're All Useless!"
Even though the Archmage's voice, amplified through [Message Spell], reached every Arcanist in the hall,
Matthew couldn't help but admire how spellcasters used magic to solve everyday problems and create new conveniences.
However, these innovations and developments were always limited in scope.
Simply put, they remained tricks used exclusively among spellcasters and never benefitted the general populace.
Tens of thousands of spellcasters dictated the entire market.
Without profit, there was no motivation.
"Innovation and imitation, no wonder they don't waste effort. Tsk, tsk..."
As Matthew pondered this, the entire assembly hall fell into silence.
Not a single Arcanist lord responded to the Archmage's call.
The reason was obvious—every Arcanist lord present had "done their homework."
In the past, the Dwarven Kingdom's battle supplies mostly consisted of enchanted weapons and equipment, high-grade golems, and war constructs.
High-value items like weapons, armor, and gear were things the Dwarven Kingdom could produce themselves, and with exceptional quality.
The remaining supplies were primarily consumables such as bows, crossbow bolts, food, and low-grade healing potions.
Although the total order value was high, the profit margins were abysmally low.
Moreover, fulfilling the order required a massive amount of raw materials, manpower, and effort.
After the war, much of the production equipment would likely become obsolete or even result in losses.
High risk, low reward.
Even if the supplies were produced, selling them to the war-torn western hills would yield at least double the price.
So, even with large-scale spellcasting machinery like mage towers, the Arcanist lords wouldn't waste their time.
The Archmage scanned the room, his face devoid of anger as many expected. Instead, he calmly asked:
"Is there truly no Arcanist lord willing to step forward? Supporting the Dwarven Kingdom benefits the entire empire!"
Seeing that most remained silent, Morduncan sighed internally.
He wanted to assist the Dwarven Kingdom. During his past adventures in the Underdark,
he had gotten along quite well with the boastful dwarves, witnessed the cunning malice of drow elves, and experienced the ruthlessness of duergar.
Unfortunately, as he wasn't a lord and his finances were in shambles, he was powerless to help.
The meeting hall sank into an awkward silence.
The atmosphere became particularly stifling and embarrassing.
Many were eager to see Archmage Cronorman's "humiliation."
Imagine the renowned Archmage failing to secure support from any Arcanist—that would surely stir rumors.
"I am willing!"
A clear voice suddenly echoed throughout the hall.
Everyone turned simultaneously to see Matthew's handsome face and confident smile, immediately realizing what was happening.
Matthew was clearly Cronorman's contingency plan, stepping in to save the situation.
Morduncan, who had been preparing to reluctantly support the Archmage, stared in shock at the standing Matthew.
He couldn't believe Matthew had such an enormous appetite!
Or was this move orchestrated by Archmage Cronorman?
Facing countless scrutinizing gazes, Matthew, who had withstood a deity's direct attention, felt no pressure at all. Instead, he confidently announced:
"We of Bay Territory are willing to support the Dwarven Kingdom."
Who was he?
Where was Bay Territory?
Many Arcanist lords, unfamiliar with Matthew or his territory, were filled with curiosity.
Most of them spent their days buried in spell research and experiments, so it wasn't surprising they didn't know Matthew or Bay Territory.
However, after today, they would remember both.
Before anyone could speak, Cronorman calmly turned to Matthew and asked:
"The Dwarven Kingdom's war is expected to last approximately two years."
"To support them, at least 10 million gold coins' worth of battle supplies must be provided each month."
"During critical moments, the demand for supplies could even double."
"Arcanist Matthew, does Bay Territory have the production capacity to meet such demands?"
The sheer volume of supplies, though lucrative, meant profits of only about 35%.
Given the scale of production required, even a count's territory would struggle to manage it; a marquis might barely handle it.
Soon, many Arcanist lords received intelligence reports about Matthew and Bay Territory through their respective channels.
A baron!
A remote, underdeveloped wilderness on the empire's frontier!
How could such a small place even dream of taking on such a massive responsibility?
The order's value rivaled the annual revenue of a marquisate with millions of citizens.
For a baron to take this on—it was absurd!
Many Arcanist lords smirked, their expressions full of schadenfreude, treating this as an amusing spectacle.
Yet those who understood Bay Territory's situation were busy analyzing Cronorman and Matthew's motives.
Was this really just about supporting the Dwarven Kingdom?
Impossible!
Matthew shrugged nonchalantly and calmly recited a series of statistics:
"Bay Territory produces over a million Vitality Potions every month."
"Additionally, we manufacture over 300,000 Adventurer's Kits monthly, which are sold across the empire, guaranteed in quality."
"The latest batch of modified Adventurer's Portable Cabins will also be sold in Seventon. Over the past six months, Bay Territory has sold 50,000 units."
"We've supplied the 3rd and 8th legions with roughly 20 million gold coins' worth of battle supplies, earning unanimous trust from frontline soldiers."
"Furthermore, we've signed a 5-million-gold coin supply order with Ambassador Manhammer, and the first shipment is ready."
"So yes, Bay Territory has substantial production capabilities."
Vitality Potions?
Adventurer's Kits?
Adventurer's Portable Cabins?
All of these were produced in Bay Territory?
Many Arcanist lords' first reaction was disbelief, but they quickly realized Matthew had no reason to lie—not in front of so many witnesses.
If this were true, how on earth had Matthew and Bay Territory accomplished it?
At that moment, Matthew spoke again, his tone tinged with helplessness:
"However, to meet the Dwarven Kingdom's monthly 10-million-gold coin order, we still lack many resources."
Before other Arcanist lords could interject, the visibly disappointed Cronorman calmly responded:
"As long as you help fulfill the empire's support mission, you may propose any condition—so long as it's not too outrageous."
Matthew, seeing his plan unfolding perfectly, didn't hold back.
"I gave you all the chance, but you're all useless!"