Chapter VI Construction of Wharves
When Drea's "Cangyun" returned to Hedington again, it was followed by three large merchant ships laden with various materials.
Reed fulfilled his promise, which marked the official establishment of a trade route between Headington and the Lowville Chamber of Commerce.
In the future, the three merchant ships will be responsible for purchasing all kinds of goods from Hydington and the surrounding area, and bringing all the things needed here from Manas Island. For Beddington, who made a living from trade, it was obviously extremely fortunate to be able to take such a big backer at a time of decline.
In addition, there was even better news that Javier, who had come with the ship, was to set up a branch of the Chamber of Commerce in Hydington to handle various affairs and open up trade.
And with the expansion of the trade scope of the Lowville Chamber of Commerce, Beddington can naturally take a ride on the wind and develop its own business, which will benefit both sides. Therefore, compared to Raymond's group of "caravans" who have not done business with the outside world so far, they are much more popular.
On the night of the fleet's arrival, Charlotte hosted a banquet for Javier, and Raymond was invited to attend.
It can be seen that Beddington attaches great importance to this "savior" that he has been looking forward to with great difficulty, and Charlotte and the four committee members almost all paid attention to Javier, while Raymond, who had just saved Beddington not long ago, was left out in the cold.
But Raymond didn't care, he didn't care much about this kind of superficial stuff unless there was an actual need, just as he never took Haken's provocation to heart in the first place.
Besides, a group of people talking about business there is really boring. At this time, Raymond regretted why he didn't bring Rickett, at least he could explain what those guys were talking about.
At this time, I heard Morini ask: "I wonder what Mr. Javier's plans are to enter our Hydington this time?"
Javier said: "I was entrusted by His Excellency Reed to set up a branch of this Chamber of Commerce in Hydington, in order to expand the trade of our Chamber of Commerce in the continent of Veronica with this as the center. I believe that our cooperation will definitely bring great benefits to each other. ”
Charlotte and the others were overjoyed, and hurriedly raised their glasses to drink with Javier. For Headington, who is now short of money, this is more than anything else.
Then, Javier raised his glass to Raymond, who was outside the wandering object on the side, and said, "Of course, this is also thanks to Mr. Raymond. Without you, there would be no safe environment in Headington, and of course we wouldn't dare to come. ”
"Haha, you're so polite. Raymond replied hurriedly.
Seeing this scene in their eyes, Charlotte and the others all knew it. Javier's move is obviously not to exclude Raymond, in addition to showing Reed's support for Raymond, it is also a hint that their cooperation with Beddington will never be carried out without Raymond.
The three of Lambert quietly exchanged glances, but neither spoke. Since the last time they ate deflated at Raymond's place, the three of them have been much more honest for a while, and there is no excuse to find fault.
Javier added, "After Settling down in Headington, in addition to regular trade with you, I also want to gradually expand my business to nearby towns. We're new to the city, so we'd like to ask Mayor Charlotte to help us get a little bit of an introduction. ”
Charlotte said without hesitation: "Of course there is no problem. You just happened to be here as I was planning to visit Alston and Farak in two days. They are the two closest towns to Headington, and we have always had a good relationship, but trade has been interrupted for a long time due to the bandits. ”
"I went to see their mayor this time, hoping to resume our trade as soon as possible. Mr. Javier, if you are interested, may wish to come with me. ”
Javier said happily: "Of course it's good, I don't know what the situation is in these two towns?"
Charlotte explains: "Alston is located west of Headington and is also a coastal town, but its main production is agricultural products, and because of the very good terrain around Alston, they have developed three large farms, which have always been mainly produced by grain, livestock and vegetables. ”
"In fact, during the time when Headington was cut off from the outside world by the robbers, we relied on Alston for food. We used fishing boats to reach Auston by sea and secretly bring food back to the city so that we would not starve for most of the year. ”
When Javier heard this, he couldn't help but wonder: "Since you can take the sea route, why don't you try to use this route to do business?"
Morini said: "How can it be so easy, you must know that we do not have merchant ships for ocean trade, only some old fishing boats that can sail in the coastal waters, and it is difficult to travel for a long time, and reaching Auston is almost the limit." So you can only deliver food once in a while, and nothing else can be done. ”
"And, unlike us in Beddington, Alston has a very poor quality port that is not suitable for mooring large sea vessels. ”
Charlotte said, "Yes, Mr. Diric, the mayor of Alston, he has been selling us grain at a very good price for most of the year, and it can be said that he is the benefactor of our whole Beddington. I must thank him well for this trip. ”
"It's really admirable to be able to take the risk to help you in such a situation. Javier nodded, "So, what about another town?"
Charlotte said: "The city of Farak is located to the north of us, at the foot of the Mana Mountains. This town is mainly for crystal production, and there is also a fire magic crystal mine. ”
Javier was surprised, "What, it actually produces fire magic crystals? Then this town must be very rich." ”
Charlotte shook her head: "No, their Fire Demon Crystals are of very poor quality, and their mana content is very low, so they can't be used at all. Moreover, the ore veins are located in the deep mountains, there are many monsters, and it is inconvenient to mine, so there is almost no sales, and it has long been discontinued. However, their crystals are very pure and popular. ”
"This is the nearest town to Headington in the nearby area, and because of its proximity, we have always had a good relationship with the three cities, and I am sure they will be willing to do business with you. ”
Javier said, "So please." ”
Seeing that Raymond had not spoken, Depero finally couldn't help but say: "Mr. Raymond is also the leader of a caravan, but he has been in Hydington for so long, but he has never seen you even once in business, I don't know what your plans are?"
In fact, everyone now knows that Raymond's so-called caravan is really very watery, and Depero deliberately asked this, naturally wanting to make him ugly. Since you can't challenge Raymond head-on, it's good to disgust you.
Sure enough, hearing him say this, Lambert and Fanning both looked like they were watching a good show.
Charlotte looked at both sides worriedly, and was about to speak, but heard Raymond say slowly: "Me? But shouldn't you build a dock before you start working together? I don't think that beach can be very efficient, you three?"
"Ahh
Since Headington used to be mainly traded by land, and never developed sea, only some fishing boats, so it did not repair the wharf at all, but relied on the bay as a natural harbor, and directly used that beach to make up the number.
This point was inconvenient when Raymond and the others arrived, and the Cangyun alone was a ship, and it was not known how troublesome it was to load and unload the goods. In the future, with the cooperation between Hydington and Reed, the port will definitely get busier and busier, and if it still depends on that beach, the so-called trade clouds will be a big joke.
However, so much had happened in the past few days, and the establishment of trade with Reed had made them so happy that they had forgotten even such basic things.
Now, instead of asking Raymond, a layman, to remind him, the three of Lambert couldn't help but be so embarrassed that they wanted to find a crack in the ground to get into.
After all, it was his companion, and Morini didn't want to embarrass the three of them too much, so he hurriedly said: "No way, what Headington lacks most now is money, even if we want to repair, we are powerless." ”
"No problem, I'm willing to fund your construction of this dock. Raymond said unexpectedly.
"What?" said a few people in surprise.
"You... Are you serious?" he didn't expect to be so generous that Depero couldn't believe his ears.
Raymond smiled slightly: "Of course, I also have a ship doing business with Reed, and of course I hope to have more convenient facilities." Now that I have the money, you have the workers, and we live in the same town, what reason is there not to cooperate?"
Raymond did this, naturally, not on a whim, or suddenly out of kindness. He was not good at business, but he had a long vision, so he was keenly aware of the importance of the docks in Hydington in the future.
Thanks to Reed's support, shipping will become more and more important in Hydington in the future, and the wharf is naturally the most direct reflection of this change. It can be said that whoever controls the terminal will have the most direct influence on maritime transportation. The reason why Raymond is willing to invest in the construction of the dock is for the management of the wharf.
Just as Freddie was able to recognize the benefits of investing in Heidington's various industries from the political factor, Raymond also used his talent to grasp the stakes behind the construction of the docks.
I didn't know that Raymond had already turned so many thoughts in his heart in an instant, how could the three of Lambert see the trick, Depero was about to agree, Charlotte suddenly said: "Wait a minute." ”
Then, he said to Javier: "After all, the dock is mainly used by us, and it is too unfair to let Mr. Raymond pay for it." Why don't we also give a part, Mr. Javier?"
Raymond couldn't help but praise in his heart, but he didn't expect Charlotte to understand his intentions in an instant, and he also cleverly thought of pulling Javier and the three parties jointly funded to disperse the control of the dock, which is naturally less risky than having one family control it.
Being able to see through her intentions in a short period of time and think of ways to deal with them, Charlotte's mind is quite good, which shows that this mayor who seems to be overturned is actually much smarter than the three jumping clowns.
Javier also glanced at Charlotte with some surprise, how shrewd he was, and of course he saw through Raymond's intentions, so he was also surprised by Charlotte's eagerness.
A few thoughts turned in his heart, and Javier smiled: "Of course, of course, we are willing to contribute." Let this pier be a testament to our cooperation. ”
Although the intention was seen through, Raymond did not feel frustrated at all, he did not expect to dominate the dock alone, and the joint funding of the three parties was the best means, in the current situation, Raymond could have a voice here, it was enough.
I didn't know that the three parties had a secret confrontation in a short period of time just now, and Lambert and the others were still secretly shouting that it was a pity, and this kind of injustice was left to Raymond to be the boss, why Charlotte and Javier also intervened.
After that, the banquet ended quickly.
After leaving the town hall, Raymond walked to the building where he lived. Suddenly, a voice came from behind: "Mr. Raymond, please wait. ”
Raymond turned his head to see that it was Javier. The unassuming merchant hurried from behind and walked side by side with Raymond.
Knowing that he must have something to say, Raymond didn't speak, waiting for the other party's next step.
After a while, Javier finally spoke: "It's a nice town, quiet, beautiful, and although it is a little poor, sooner or later, everything will be fine." ”
"Yes, we're here, thanks to Mr. Reed. I don't know what he meant, Raymond replied casually.
Javier smiled and glanced at Raymond: "However, although this place is good, it is only the corner of the vast Veronica continent, if you go deeper inward, you will definitely find a better scenery, isn't Mr. Raymond not interested at all?"
Listening to the other party's meaning, Javier seemed to be hinting at something, and Raymond said quietly: "We went to the ocean, and it was not easy to settle here, and we just want to recuperate at present." ”
"But I always felt that Mr. Raymond would not be a man who lived in such a small place. ”
As he spoke, without waiting for Raymond to answer, Javier said, "Your Excellency Reed has entrusted me to convey to you that he will fully support you, please remember this. ”
With that, he turned and left.
Watching Javier's back fade into the night, Raymond's eyes narrowed.
Interesting, is it a hint that I don't rest on my laurels? It seems that Reed introduced himself here for a purpose that is not as simple as "thanks".
But it's okay, let's use each other, and see who can get the most and who can get what they really want.
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