Leveling Up My Husband to the Max

The territory that Count Nasto controlled was a developed and wealthy land located between the Eastern and Western lands of the empire. Because of its fertile lands, they often produced surplus crops, of which a predetermined amount would be imported to the Thales duchy every year.

But there was a serious drawback importing crops from Nasto. It was too expensive. Count Nasto took advantage of the Thales’ condition to make excessive profits.

‘And yet we import weapons from a place like that?’ Of course, it was much less a choice than implied. Of the territories of the empire, only Nasto had enough surplus to sell, but considering the fact that they changed crop prices as they saw fit, it wasn’t likely they would be fair when it came to weapon prices either.

“Do the people of that land sell their weapons at a reasonable price?”

Heinreich gave a bitter smile as he answered Amber. “The price is the same as market price. But the quality of the weapons are not upto that standard. They intentionally sell us weapons that are worn or flawed.”

“So that wasn’t the only problem when it came to the state of the knights’ weapons.” Amber let out a sigh.

“Yes, but even so, the only place we can import weapons is from them. Count Nasto would interfere whenever we tried to trade with other territories.”

As the one who held the most influence and power in the surrounding area, it was understandable that other nobles would keep an eye on Count Nasto’s reactions to their actions.

“Since we’re the ones that need weapons the most, they were not willing to let us easily go.”

Even though Amber was someone that didn’t have any affection for the Eastern Lands, she still couldn’t help the anger she felt growing towards Count Nasto.

“Shall we focus on something else rather than weapons and armor?”

“No, we have to support the knights first.” Though the knights were the pride of the Eastern Lands, the fact that they would leave for battle in the Kale kingdom was also another problem. She wasn’t willing to let them go with worn weapons when it was such a dangerous place. “What should I do…”

Amber stared at the empty tea cup and fell into deep thought.

Heinreich refilled Amber’s tea cup with refined movements. Amber closed her eyes as she sipped the warm tea.

‘Should we negotiate with Count Nasto? No, I’m sure that little snake won’t listen. On top of that, the people of the Eastern Lands don’t have anything worthy of trade for their people yet.’ Amber emptied two more cups of tea.

“If Count Nastro isn’t willing to hold fair trade, then there is no other choice but to find someplace else.” After a long silence, Amber finally spoke.

“Do you really think there is such a place?” Heinreich asked in a hesitant tone. She let out a sigh and set down her cup.

“There is a place I know. We will have to send a letter alongside the one to the Freya family.”

Amber asked Heinreich to bring paper and pen and prepared the letter right then and there.

“Can you personally ensure the delivery of this letter? Once there, the other party will take care of the rest.”

“If I assign the delivery to one of the knights that serve the Duke, it won’t be difficult to send a single letter discreetly.” Heinreich spoke as he put away the letter into his pocket.

“Buy food provisions in small amounts from other territories. And tell Count Nasto that we feel too heavy a burden after exceeding the amount received each year.” Even though it was a weak excuse, it would work if it was just this once.

“While food is important, make sure to import firewood, thick clothing, and blankets so there won’t be citizens freezing to death. Once winter passes, we can store the clothing and blankets in the castle. If there’s still money left, then it would be a good idea to buy some animal fat.”

Amber remembered the hardships the Eastern Lands suffered from her memories and pinpointed the necessities. At the orders that came out one after the other, Heinreich was unable to answer immediately.