Chapter 86 - Strategizing

I'm ill, Larchen. Investigator lady said looking at him. I think its some kind of.. flu.

What do you think of the new trade deal ? Will it be any use ? Larchen said.

It'll be fine, you worry too much, we need the food, they need the cash.. I don't see any issue with it..

And with that, we'll get new soldiers on other side of course. We must use the gap in time between now and then to plan something. He reached for something to drink.. Isn't it amazing, we've brewed this on our own, with crops we've grown... But now, we must get serious... really serious. I'm thinking for calling out for mercenaries, anyone who like to join... who has cultivating skills. Maybe give the leadership to the elder and roam around with you.

You are thinking what would i do without you ... ? Then you'd be right... i really like to have you around, since you are a machine, i must be some kind of masochist.. What is with me.. and you.. really ? It could be interpreted strangely, i bet people are making gossip.. My students would never respect me...
What have i been reduced to, dating an inanimate object...

Ehm,.. at the start of every fall season, these areas under goes changes. Worker moves to shore regions, as the ships come in, and with it customers.. And with that comes the drugs, that's why they need the cash... And the bandits come out..

So .. You want some patrols out ? The city north is too far here.. Shoreline also is riddled with the expedition force remnants, deserters... not to mention the tribals..

We've to gain some trust in the region, this will let us be the.. regulator, without anyone noticing, since everyone is too busy...

Well, in those roads there will be significant amount of goods being moved.. If we could apply a protection toll... We'd probably make the money we'll lose. Some of
it at least. We'll also declare some drugs illegal and confesticate them...

Why ?

Why else, they re planning to use to make their warriors berserk.. i've been doubting the way they fight, dying for no reason, they are probably just setting the stage..

Oh, that's a revelation. But why wait until now ?

Cause they don't have any.. Plus, they probably need to rest... in between the sessions, cultivate some energy.. stabilize their bodies.. Sharpen their senses.. Gather support, make promises to village elders.. Cause some fear via loyalty or resource distribution. Make contingencies and designs.. gather information..

And how are our fortunes, since you seem to strategize a lot .. Larchen asked..

They have fed their men to meat grinder... It will certainly make us lacking in our discipline. But they are probably making weapons and arrays right now. They probably also trying to find out your backing, and your enemies.. For not to anger stronger factions and see if they can gather some help.. I'm pretty sure, they are doing all these as if they are doing homework..

What about the city north ?

They have a strange mayor... who is an.. activist.. his name is.. Shan Xriei..

Activist ? like how ?

Protection of art.. Ensuring business standards for environment..

OH......

He even sent us an inquiry to ask if we're using solar energy devices.. to rate our camp for environment safety.. How many fires our camp is making... It seems its visible even from their city sometimes..

Uh.

I couldn't turn him down, since we are low on resources.. The city produces lots, of the stuff we need.. including some technology. They are good hunters, they have an established system, while we are just learning. They've celebrated the collapse of the rule of expedition force.. Since they've brought many ilnesses with
them.. But i suspect, this environmental act is a ploy, to get rid of us also, the next unwanted invaders..

We'll need that workforce to make a navy later, we can't attack the city... Ugh... lots of battles ahead.. Sure you wouldn't be rather somewhere else ?

No i'm a salty dog.. i'm fine, although i didn't plan to stay here originally. History repeats itself, remember Larchen.. since i'm your elder.. Grow your cultivation as best as you can.. train regularly... world is a harsh place...