After completing the handover, Robson led Viscount Luke straight to the training grounds.

’This will be my main source of revenue from now on,’ Lord Robson thought. ’If I set it up right, I can continuously churn out elite soldiers. In the future, this could even be the cornerstone upon which I build my domain.’

It was a well-known fact that the Southern Nobles of the Frank Kingdom were exceptionally rich. They engaged in year-round trade with the Southern Countries, and every one of them was rolling in money.

That was precisely why the King and the Northern Nobles had joined forces to suppress them militarily. Otherwise, the southerners would have all the advantages, leaving nothing for anyone else.

However, none of this hindered Robson, as Odogin was a Southern Clan itself.

Besides, it was currently wartime. No king would suppress a noble for building up their armaments during a war.

’As long as I hand over that last batch of cavalry, I can start building my reputation. With Viscount Luke acting as the middleman, won’t the money just come rolling in?’

Viscount Fuman could have served a similar purpose, but he didn’t have the backing of a behemoth like the Gutierrez family.

But at that moment, Viscount Luke wasn’t thinking along those lines. In fact, it hadn’t even crossed his mind that Robson wanted to discuss helping him train soldiers.

"Sir Robson, I heard you killed a group of the Northern Bear Race a while ago?" Viscount Luke mentioned offhandedly.

This was the main purpose of his visit. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

To the Human Race, many of the races from the Beastman Empire were themselves valuable natural resources. For example, Minotaur hides, various pelts, and even some races that were themselves precious magical materials. The Beastman Imperial Family, for instance, carried the bloodline of the ancient Beast God.

Reselling these items in the Southern Countries brought enormous profits, and this was essentially the core of the Gutierrez family’s transnational trade.

As for any moral burden? That was a joke. The Beastman Empire and the Frank Kingdom had been mortal enemies for a century; such hatred could not be erased, no matter how many generations passed.

Besides, one couldn’t deny that the goods from the Beastman Empire were truly high-quality, comparable to materials from low-level magical beasts.

For nobles in wartime, military funds primarily came from two sources.

The first was the military funding allocated by the kingdom. However, due to transit losses and all sorts of miscellaneous expenses, not much actually reached the hands of the nobles on the front lines.

The second source of income was spoils of war. The kingdom’s control over the division of these spoils wasn’t strict. The nobles would basically hold their own private meetings to divvy them up, then submit a token report to their superiors.

"It was just a stroke of luck, and it was all thanks to the Earl’s help," Robson said with a chuckle.

If Viscount Luke hadn’t brought it up, he would have almost forgotten about it.

These goods from the Beastman Empire were incredibly popular in the Southern Kingdom, especially among high society.

’Since Viscount Luke brought it up, I have to sell them for a good price. Mentioning the Earl was a reminder for him not to push the price down too much. I have other connections, after all.’

Unfortunately, Robson was clearly overthinking things. Viscount Luke was here to negotiate for these bear pelts on behalf of the Gutierrez Commerce Association and had no intention of lowballing him.

Even at the standard profit margins, the trade was already incredibly lucrative. Moreover, Robson had now become a commander in his own right. Viscount Luke’s plan this time was to establish a permanent outpost in Qimo Fortress to conduct long-term business.

Although Viscount Luke had only met Robson once, his years of experience told him, ’This guy commands elite soldiers and has a sharp mind. He’ll never come back from a battlefield empty-handed.’

This was where the massive scale of the Gutierrez Commerce Association became an advantage. No matter how great Robson’s spoils were, they could buy all of it at market price.

"It is a testament to your talent at such a young age, Sir. As it happens, the Gutierrez Commerce Association has been collecting such pelts recently. We are willing to purchase them at a price of one silver coin per pelt. I wonder if you would be willing to part with them?" Viscount Luke asked with a smile.

Robson understood immediately. ’As expected of a major commerce association,’ he thought. ’They’re very straightforward in their dealings.’

According to the regulations of the Human Alliance, one silver coin was equal to one hundred copper coins, and ten silver coins were equal to one gold coin.

Typically, five copper coins could buy a kilogram of wheat flour, which was more than enough to eat until one was stuffed.

Of course, the calculation wasn’t that simple. When Robson arranged meals for his men, salt and oil were essential. On the battlefield, these things determined a soldier’s combat effectiveness and stamina.

Without enough fat in their diet, they would get hungry after just a few steps. That definitely wouldn’t do.

The price Viscount Luke offered was perfectly fair, and he even seemed to have come with the intention of making a friend.

"We’re all friends here. Surely you know me by now, Viscount," Robson said with a smile.

’As long as the money’s right, we’re brothers. No need to talk about money; that would just hurt our feelings.’

’If the price wasn’t right, that would be a different story. But it is, isn’t it?’

"Sir, I actually have one other small request," said Viscount Luke.

"Please speak freely, Viscount," Robson said.

’He can say what he wants,’ Robson thought. ’Whether or not I’ll actually help is another matter entirely.’

"You may not be aware, but within the Gutierrez family, we have our own performance targets.

As you know, matters like this are generally difficult to arrange.

Therefore, I was hoping we could establish a deeper cooperation regarding our future trade in spoils of war. What do you think?" Viscount Luke asked.

"Well... Viscount, future circumstances may be different. You know, Qimo Fortress is a collective entity, and I don’t necessarily speak for the majority," Robson said with a frown.

’No wonder Viscount Luke was being so generous,’ he thought. ’He’s after exclusive purchasing rights.’

Something like exclusive rights needed to be negotiated clearly. It was highly tied to a noble’s personal reputation, especially when dealing with a great clan of the kingdom like the Gutierrez. The slightest misstep could lead to ruin and disgrace.

’In any case, if they want exclusive rights, they’ll have to show more sincerity. This current deal alone definitely isn’t enough.’

"Of course. I believe I can give the gentlemen under your command a satisfactory answer.

We can complete the purchases at the average market price of the time. All we ask for is the right of first refusal at a matching price," said Viscount Luke.

The Gutierrez were, after all, a great family and possessed a natural confidence in this regard.

"May I ask what the Gutierrez Commerce Association’s trade procedures are? As you know, the government bureaucrats can’t be trusted. We need more stable logistics," Robson inquired.

Robson had been wracking his brains trying to supply his troops according to his own standards.

If he relied solely on the bureaucratic system in the rear to guarantee his food supply, Robson feared he and his men would starve. He had to find another way.

The problem was, on the front lines, it was a place where money couldn’t always buy what you needed.

The Gutierrez Commerce Association was an excellent solution. As long as he established this connection, he would no longer have to worry about having gold coins in his pocket with nowhere to spend them.

"Rest assured, Sir. The Association is willing to provide any and all assistance to the brave warriors defending the kingdom. It is our duty. You need only provide a list, and we will bill you according to the prices in the south," said Viscount Luke.

Hearing this, Robson let out a long sigh of relief. Only now had he finally secured his logistical resources.