Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 308: Unified Market

The meeting to distribute the spoils of victory had concluded. The lords left Center one after another. The victors departed with pride, eager to take over the wealth and lands soon to be theirs, while the defeated left with their heads hung low, contemplating how to minimize their losses.

Many didn’t even bother to bid farewell at the Duke’s residence before departing, which clearly indicated the low esteem in which the new Duke Henry was held. The Ferdinand family’s prestige in the Northwest Bay had inevitably plummeted due to this war.

This was Henry’s problem now, and Paul had no intention of offering unsolicited help. In some respects, Paul was pleased with this situation. He certainly didn’t want another powerful figure to suppress him.

…

Hal Duke and his attendant Arthur walked down the streets of Center City, leading their horses.

“Incredible!” exclaimed Arthur. “It looks as though the city hasn’t even been touched by war. Could the soldiers of the Northwest Bay be gentlemen?”

“What else? Don’t imagine every army in the world as bandits. This is the quality a proper army should possess. Do you think only our Watchers Legion can achieve this?” replied Hal.

The young attendant stuck out his tongue playfully.

“Deputy Commander of the Watchers Legion?”

The doorman, recognizing the title, was respectful but regretfully said, “My Lord, the Duke is entertaining an important guest and cannot meet you now. Could you possibly come back at another time?”

“Oh…” Hal Duke was not surprised. “Please make sure to inform the Duke of our visit.”

“Certainly, my Lord.”

As Hal Duke turned to leave, he noticed a familiar face.

“Owen Schroeder? Is that you, old chap?”

The person recognized the familiar voice and looked up.

“Hal? What brings you to Center City?”

Schroeder approached for a bear hug. “Haha, it’s been over a year since we last met.”

Hal Duke also expressed his sentiments. “Indeed, and it’s been six months since our last correspondence. What brings you here?”

Schroeder explained, “After returning home, I served under Count Grayman of Alda. We participated in this war to overthrow the usurper. Just finished a meeting with the lords about post-war affairs and haven’t had the chance to leave yet.”

“I see,” Hal Duke understood. His old friend’s passion was still burning. They had parted with Schroeder intending to retire to a quiet life.

“So…” Schroeder asked, “you’re here at the Duke’s residence to…?”

“The Northwestern Duke has been replaced…”

Schroeder quickly put a finger to his lips, signaling discretion.

Hal Duke corrected himself, “Oh, my mistake. The new Duke has ascended. I was sent by the Commander to gauge the new Duke’s attitude towards our Watchers Legion.”

“You’ve finished your visit?”

“Unfortunately, the Duke is busy with a guest and couldn’t see me… Wait, you seem to be here for the Duke too. Don’t tell me you’re the important guest?”

“No, no!” Schroeder waved his hands, “The Duke is meeting my Lord, who has already gone in. I’m just accompanying him. Why don’t you come in with me?”

Hal Duke was delighted, “If it’s possible, then I would be much obliged!”

Thus, the two, along with attendant Arthur, approached the entrance. The doorman, recognizing Schroeder, allowed them in, seeing the camaraderie between the two.

Inside the Duke’s hall, Paul was pitching his plan to Malron and Henry.

“We should establish a unified market in the Northwest Bay. Only then can we truly develop the economy here and improve the lives of all social strata.”

Henry, slightly intrigued, asked, “A unified market?”

“Yes!” Paul explained, “Currently, each territory is self-sufficient. For example, Manda (Duke Ferdinand’s territory) produces an excess of fruits that go to waste if not consumed. Our Alda and Baylding have abundant mineral resources and produce a lot of iron, but we can only consume so much or export to nearby territories. With a unified market, everyone can sell their surplus elsewhere, benefiting all. Wouldn’t that improve everyone’s lives?”

“That makes sense!” Henry, keen to make an impact as a new official, showed interest. “How do we facilitate this unified market?”

Paul outlined his plan, “The first priority is road construction. The roads from Fish Tail Town to Center are in dire shape, worsening in the rain. This is in one of the most developed areas of the Duke’s territories. Imagine the state of roads elsewhere. How can we have efficient trade with such poor transport?”

“Secondly, we need to lower or even abolish tariffs between territories in the Northwest. I’ve found that there are over fifty checkpoints in the Northwest Bay. A merchant traveling from Alda to Center City, even on the shortest route, gets extorted ten times.”

Paul picked up a paper, “This paper is produced in Alda, but the price in Center is ten times higher than in Lakeheart Town.”

“By the Light!” Henry, a noble unfamiliar with daily commodity prices, was shocked. “These merchants are heartless, a bunch of vampires.”

“No, Duke, you’re mistaken. The merchants don’t profit more in Center than in Lakeheart Town. The road tolls, city entrance taxes, transport costs, and other miscellaneous expenses mean they’d operate at a loss if they didn’t raise prices.”

Paul passionately said, “The multitude of checkpoints paralyzes commercial traffic in the Northwest Bay, akin to binding a person’s limbs, preventing blood flow. It’s worse than bad weather.”

Malron and Henry nodded in agreement, “It does sound reasonable… But if we lower or cancel tariffs between territories, wouldn’t the lords lose a significant revenue source?”

Paul countered, “The lost revenue could be compensated through a sales tax. Removing tariffs would attract more merchants to do business within the territories. More sales mean more taxes!”

“So, I suggest,” Paul revealed his intent, “that we initiate an organization.”

Henry and Malron exchanged glances, asking simultaneously, “What organization?”

“A Customs Union!”

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