How to Survive in the Roanoke Colony-Chapter 171: Shadows at Core Banks (2)

It wasn't for nothing that there were disruptions in the supply of materials for the cathedral construction. This letter was written at least a few weeks ago.

'Come to think of it, Raleigh recently...

...said he saw debris from a French ship washed ashore.

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There must have been a battle nearby.

The French might just think it was the work of pirates, but it was more likely due to systematic interference by the Spanish.

France is a country that has signed a peace treaty with Spain. If France learns the truth and Henri IV lodges a formal protest, it would become difficult for them to continue such attacks.

But they must know that too?

Moreover, what is the 'next stage' mentioned in the letter...

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

Suddenly, footsteps are heard from outside.

As I rise, someone urgently opens the door with a knock. It was Manteo.

"It's serious. Just now, merchants from the port of trade were whispering news..."

"What is it, Manteo?"

"The Spanish are setting up a base at Core Banks!"

"What? When did you hear this?"

"Just now! A passing French merchant ship confirmed Spanish flags flying at Core Banks!"

"What's the scale?"

"At least 200 people... to be precise, it was in the direction of Cape Lookout."

"Contact Vicente immediately."

Core Banks is less than 100 kilometers from Croatoan Island.

200 Spaniards are starting to build a base in such a place? Can we stop them immediately?

"Exactly what did they see? Did you ask whether their base is well-constructed, if they are really Spanish, things like that?"

"Of course. They seem to have just started fortification, so to proceed with landing and attack now..."

...It's too late.

If the enemies number around 200, we'd need to mobilize hundreds of troops too.

To think we noticed so late that an enemy base was being built right in front of us. It's because all the natives around wanted to settle near Chesapeake Bay, leaving the land empty.

Additionally, with most ships redirected to gift trade, there were gaps in the surveillance network.

They've squeezed through that gap.

"...For now, let's send a ship to the area to check. The warship we currently have is?"

"We have the Nautilus. Vicente returned with the Voyager not too long ago..."

"Then tell Vicente to take the Nautilus and go check. It's an urgent situation."

I skimmed through the report from Florida again.

'And mentioned 'the next stage.' Pay attention.'

'The next stage' has arrived.

I don't know what its ultimate purpose is, but... the uneasiness wouldn't subside.

Trade with England and France was the bridge connecting us with both countries. Especially with France, when we haven't even established formal diplomacy yet...

'Wait.'

"Manteo."

"...Yes?"

"You and Hewett take turns managing the port of trade, right?"

"Yes, that's generally the case, but..."

"Let's go to the port of trade together. Please gather the merchants from France. Call Oitotan too."

"What's happening?"

I recall the reason England and Scotland established diplomatic relations with us. And I consider what situation Henri IV is under.

"...A French ship has come here, but our ship has never gone to France."

"Pardon? Well, that would be natural..."

Manteo asks as if it's obvious in response to my words. I nodded to him and answered.

"Then, let's send one this time."

"Th... what?"

Perhaps this was an opportunity.

==

After reaching a very important conclusion about the New World last time, Henri IV was smiling gleefully as his strategy proved right.

'Surely there is a powerful Christian empire beyond there.'

Perhaps, the history of Christianity being spread there might not be short.

The more he thought about their mature wine production and preservation techniques, the more it seemed so.

Plus, looking at them importing crucifixes and various artifacts?

It was clear that the possibility of this 'Emperor' being a staunch Protestant was not high.

An empire outside Europe with a long history of Christian dissemination...

"Hu, huhuhu..."

"...What are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking pleasant thoughts, Maximilien."

Henri IV's genius brain quickly surmised that after the Emperor of that place contacted the European world, he was building a European-style cathedral, and ordered his royal merchants.

'Put building materials and various decorations on the sales list immediately! No, just put those on it!'

Tick.

"I'm thinking about 'this.' This curious coin of black and white."

As a result, dozens of Othello chips were placed before him.

The exquisite wine exchanged for the remaining chips was in his hand.

And flawless, shining fur was draped over his shoulders.

Though it was not cold weather at all, Henri stubbornly wore fur. It wasn't simple ostentation but for promotion, just as Elizabeth once did.

Similarly, as a result of showcasing that "Chesapeake Scuppernong" wine at every banquet, it came to be known in France by nicknames like 'the King's Banquet Wine' and enjoyed popularity.

That's all money.

Elizabeth might have made a fortune selling Shine Muscat and various grapes to the nobility, but that was just a seasonal business.

But this wine was different. The charm of this uniquely intense and sweet wine was that it could be distributed at any time.

The royal merchants sent by Henri IV were making enormous profits by hoarding Virginia's fur and wine with funds received from him.

Additionally, by taking hefty navigation taxes from ships heading to Virginia across the Atlantic through various decrees and bills, this too was a decent side income.

Of course, since he wasn't exclusively distributing and selling New World products like Elizabeth, there was some leakage in revenue, but...

This was good enough.

Quite a lot of resources were consumed in newly establishing distribution networks and supply contracts for materials from various regions to send large quantities of building materials to the New World. But that's fine.

Soon, that deficit will be filled.

If only there isn't an absurd situation where all the merchant ships he sent are captured by pirates without exception.

"Huhu, huhuhuhuh."

"Are you that pleased?"

"Of course. Isn't our long-standing financial problem about to be resolved!"

Henri IV believed so without a doubt.

And several months later.

He lost the world.