Chapter 759: Mission to Misty Valley

The conqueror army's usual road-building mode attracted countless Cormyr people to stop and watch.

There were purple dragon patrols patrolling along the way, merchants along the way, and farmers working on the land.

They were all shocked by the terrifying speed of road construction. In the hands of the conqueror army, building roads was even easier than those farmers reclaiming wasteland.

The road-building team was still divided into two parts. The first half was manpower and spells, using stone to mud, magic removal, mud to stone and stone shaping to repair those uneven or narrow locations and make them relatively flat.

Then the corresponding dog-headed man caster smashed down the paving spell of the day, and it seemed as if there was a big hand that further flattened and widened the road surface, and then all the soil and stone and pure mud turned into blue-gray asphalt roads.

The flat, clean and regular appearance made people happy at first sight.

Another thing that amazed the Cormyrs was that the Conqueror Army, which consisted of nearly 100,000 people and animals, could actually obey orders and really had the shadow of an army. They had only seen this situation in the Purple Dragon Legion.

On the way back, Gavin basically had no chance to travel with the Conqueror Army.

First, the Conqueror Army had already taken shape, with a complete operating model from top to bottom, and there were very few things that needed him to deal with personally.

Second, the stall was large, and it took up a little time in this place and a little time in that place, and there would not be much left after it was divided.

Third, the road they were going to take next was owned by someone, so he had to go ahead and communicate with the local landlords.

While the Conqueror Army was still struggling to move forward in the rocky land, Gavin had already had tea and chatted with the Regent Lady Alaselin in Tifton, discussing the Conqueror Army's passing, and at the same time reached some consensus, shelved disputes, and looked for cooperation points.

Although they are indeed in a competitive relationship, it is an internal competition and has not yet reached the point of being on the verge of a fight, and Gavin's sights have long been no longer limited to the Rockland.

Simply put, the Baron of Rockland is no longer enough to fully match his current identity.

When he handles affairs with a far higher vision than this, he will naturally be successful.

Even the Regent Lady, who was quite hostile to him at the beginning, couldn't help but smile when he left, indicating that she was quite satisfied with the meeting.

From top to bottom, Gavin has taken care of everything, so when the Conqueror Army passes through here, there will naturally be no trouble.

And Gavin rushed to the next stop, which is also the last stop, Misty Valley.

After the city of Tifton, this trade route is no longer a high road, but the Moon Sea Highway.

This road crosses the entire Cormanthor Great Forest and directly reaches the Far Mountain City on the southern coast of the Moon Sea, so it is called the Moon Sea Highway.

The main body of Misty Valley is on this road, where there is a long and narrow and huge clearing in the forest.

This clearing in the forest was not cultivated by humans, but was the masterpiece of a falling meteor. This huge meteor hit the elven forest obliquely thousands of years ago, and plowed a burn mark more than 200 kilometers long and 60 to 70 kilometers wide.

No trees grew in the traces left by the falling meteor, but when humans and elves signed a covenant and Li Shi reclaimed the land here, they found that the land here was surprisingly fertile.

This place is considered to be a gift from Mother Earth, Chauntia, to humans. People here respect her very much. Her statues and altars can be seen everywhere here. The Golden Sheaf Monastery further confirms this. This monastery dedicated to Mother Earth has ten square kilometers of blessed fields. Just like Gavin uses the magic fields of wind and rain, the output here is always the highest in the whole of Faerun.

It is said that the food stored in this monastery can feed the people of the entire valley for a whole year. The Golden Sheaf of Ale produced here is even more famous in Faerun and is widely praised, especially by the dwarves of the spirit race.

In addition, they also produce a highly distilled liquor called White Sheaves, which has such a high alcohol content that it can make people who drink it burn directly like a sheave of wheat in summer. It also has a very high audience.

Gavin has a good relationship with this monastery. It was the Grand Inquisitor of the Hammer of Justice Abbey who led the way. He used his ability to destroy evil to destroy and refine the various evil cursed items sealed in this monastery, turning them into useful magic equipment.

However, the priests of the Golden Sheave Abbey are not good at this ability. Even though the history here is longer than that of the Hammer of Light Abbey, the evil cursed items they took out are not more than one-third of those of the Hammer of Light Abbey, and there is no unique equipment like the Hammer of the Rising Sun. There is nothing worth Gavin's attention, and he treats it as a trivial matter.

The most significant thing about this matter is that it put him in touch with the largest granary in the valley. Gavin got most of his food from here. He spent 500,000 gold coins to buy 5,000 tons of food. The purchase agreement had already been signed by both parties. In order to prevent any complications, Gavin even paid the money first. However, the food has not been shipped away yet and is currently in the granary of the Golden Sheaf Monastery.

Because this is not military food shipped to Cesk, but food for the Conqueror's army to spend the winter. They will go to the Three Rivers with the Conqueror's army.

All in all, the Misty Valley is a lucky valley. Not only does it have fertile land, the dense forest of the Cormanthor Forest is the best barrier. On the outside, there are also packages such as Shadow Valley, Dagger Valley, Deep Forest Valley, Bow Valley and Battle Valley. , isolating the two major forces of Zhentarim and Sambia from the outside.

The Moonsea Highway is an important part of the trade between the Kingdom of Cormyr and the Moonsea region, bringing a lot of extra wealth to the people here.

The only trouble is coming from their west, that is, in the direction of Tifanton. On the Thunder Peak Mountains, there seems to be no shortage of bugbears, orcs, gnolls, goblins, hobgoblins or monsters worse and more unpleasant than them. , from time to time some of them would come down, causing considerable trouble to the residents here, forcing them to maintain a relatively large cavalry force to patrol and guard this place.

Generally speaking, life here is very relaxed and comfortable. There are a lot of pastoral scenery and prosperous commerce, which makes the people here lazy, confident and not conservative.

Ashabandan Town is the capital of Misty Valley. Just like Ethebra, the capital of Battle Valley, it is not even a city. At best, it is a larger town. It is also the only town in Misty Valley. The rest They are either villages, settlements or manors, scattered over a narrow strip of land based entirely on farming needs.

According to Misty Valley's own statistics, the total population of the entire valley is less than half of what it was at the peak of the Conqueror's Army, only about 25,000 people. In view of the fact that their residents are too scattered, some residents live in the surrounding forests. Due to the secluded life, this number may be higher, but it will definitely not exceed 50,000.

Therefore, for Misty Valley, it is definitely a big deal for the conqueror's army to pass through this place, and they pay great attention to it.

When Gavin appeared in this town, he was recognized immediately. Countless children ran along the Moon-Sea Highway, shouting as they ran, "The conqueror is coming, the conqueror is coming, the conqueror is coming."

"Where, where, where?"

"He is the legendary conqueror? He is too young. He is clearly a child who has not even started to grow a beard!"

"The other person is a half-elf. It's not strange that he doesn't have a beard. His actual age may be much older than he looks."

"Is his army of conquerors really as huge as the legend says? So magical? Even if those tree people are willing to tow trucks for him, and the elves drive horses for him, and he has livestock and trucks as far as the eye can see?"

"You ask me, who am I asking? I haven't seen it."

"No need to guess. It won't be long before we can see it with our own eyes. It is said that they have left the rocky area and passed Tiffanydon. They will enter our Misty Valley in a day or two. He must be looking for someone when he comes this time." Our top legislators are discussing the matter of borrowing the road.”

"What's there to discuss? They say it as if we can refuse. They have more people than we have in the entire valley combined."

"It's a good thing that you are not a conqueror, otherwise you would be a believer of the lord of tyranny, an out-and-out tyrant. This is called etiquette. You know what it means to be polite before fighting."

"I don't know. This is the first time I heard this term. What does it mean?"

"Read more of Ms. Strategy's teachings when you have time. There are many useful things in them."

"I'm not going to join the army and fight, so why should I understand the teachings of a war god? I can be a pacifist."

"Who said that Ms. Strategy's teachings are all for teaching war? Many of the things in it are also very useful for doing business and dealing with people. Haven't you heard that shopping malls are like battlefields? You are not interested in money, right? "

"Ha...Ms. Strategy's teachings actually have this effect? ​​Then I'll have to take a closer look when I have time. Even a pacifist has to eat, right?"

Countless Misty Valley residents poked their heads out of the doorways or windows of shops along the street, curiously looking at the legendary conqueror, whispering and sharing their own hearsay.

The town is shaped like a semi-cross. It is located on the west side of the Asaba River, which is the origin of its name, and the Moon-Sea Highway passes through the middle of the town.

This commercial road is naturally the most prosperous part of the street. Various shops, hotels, pubs, restaurants, joy halls, etc. are all crowded on this street.

A middle-aged man with a build comparable to that of Bede walked up to Gavin quickly. He laughed heartily before anyone arrived: "It is really an honor for us to come here, Lord Conqueror. I have heard about you a long time ago." My name is that I have never had a chance to see it. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Harisk Malone. I have been appreciated by the people of Misty Valley represented by six council members. I am now the highest council member of Misty Valley.

Help coordinate and resolve some troubles in Misty Valley and minor disputes between neighbors.

Please allow me, on behalf of the innocent people of Misty, to warmly welcome your arrival. I have already ordered people to prepare a banquet, and please move on. "

Not only is this person's body shape comparable to that of Bede, but his smile is also printed in the same mold. His fat face always smiles, giving people the feeling of smiling before he speaks. His words are simple and sincere. It's like every word comes from the inside.

This is simply a businessman, not a powerful warrior or politician.

Gavin knew that the other party was indeed the supreme ruler of the Misty Valley. The black scepter in his hand had the ability to deploy the Misty Valley Cavalry, the only fighting force in the Misty Valley. Behind him were several powerful warriors like shadows. Accompany.

Like other valleys in the valley, the political system here is also very fragmented. There are no lords, but six councilors elected by the people. They are usually not the most powerful, but the most prestigious and well-connected in the Misty Valley. , usually the eldest, and then the sixth member is elected by the six-person parliament, who is the highest member of the Misty Valley.

However, he only has the power to decide on small daily matters. For big matters that really involve the whole valley, he has to summon the other six members to convene a parliament.

Gavin responded with a smile: "The Supreme Councilor is really too unfamiliar. You can just call me Sir. I am Sir Vizeme, who was conferred by Lord Ilmet."

Putting aside a series of names, of course it is to shorten the distance between the two parties and represent that they are a member of the valley.

"Then you're welcome, Sir please." Harisk laughed loudly. He was also a well-trained person, and he could taste a lot of things from this title.

Ashabandan is just a small town, only a few kilometers from beginning to end. The group arrived at the residence of the Supreme Councilor with little effort.

Rather than a mansion, it is more appropriate to call it a shop, because it is also located on Yuehai Highway and has a double-story structure. It is filled with a dazzling array of various products. It is a bit more like a grocery store in nature, with five or six Famous shop assistants come and go here.

The only difference from other shops is that this shop has two entrances, and there is a large yard behind it, and there is a two-story building inside.

As if feeling the doubts in Gavin's expression, the top councilor Harisk explained with a smile: "Our folk customs in Misty Valley are simple and we don't have so many political objects. Building a separate parliament hall is a waste of people and money. Thanks to people's love, I am willing to build a parliament hall in my house." We have to discuss matters in our small shop, so we can only entertain Sir here. Please don’t misunderstand Sir, we have no intention of neglect.”

"I now somewhat understand why you were elected as the highest councilor of Misty Valley. I have only seen public seeking private interests before, but I have never seen private affairs serve the public good." Gavin praised sincerely, "This is my greatest honor. ”

"Jazz is over-reputed." Harisk laughed with a red face. "Actually, I also benefited from this matter. After all, when dealing with some official business, some people would drop by my store to browse. Some Some people are grateful and buy goods from me that are not urgently needed.

This has brought me additional customers, making my place the best shop in the Misty Valley, and making me the richest person in the entire Misty Valley.

With all this, what else am I not satisfied with? "

Obviously, this is the proudest and most proud place for the highest councilor of Misty Valley. After all, it is a double harvest of fame and fortune.

Few rulers can achieve his level.

"This also fully shows that the residents of Misty Valley recognize your handling of affairs." Gavin said with a smile, "Otherwise, let alone buying goods from you, even if you have more window glass, it will not be enough for people to smash it. !”

"No wonder the glass in my shop is always broken once or twice a month. It turns out that this is the root cause. This shows that some villagers are still resentful of the affairs I handle and there are still areas that need improvement." Harisk There was a trace of distress on the fat face, but he was probably pretending. How could such a shrewd person not know why the window glass of his house was smashed.

It is not difficult to track it down, but still pretending not to know, or attributing the cause to yourself, is also a kind of kindness.

It shows that this person is not only fat, but also has a broad heart, and can tolerate things that ordinary people cannot tolerate.

Gavin said in a half-joking tone: "What a coincidence, we have developed a type of steel glass that can withstand severe impacts, let alone stones. Even if it is bombarded with a sledgehammer, if it is not strong enough to rival a giant, , and it’s difficult to blast them to pieces, so why don’t I send a batch to the top congressman so that you can rest easy in the future.”

"Oh?" Harisk's eyes lit up, but this kind of light is unique to that kind of businessman, especially when he sees a business opportunity, he asked repeatedly, "I wonder how much this kind of steel glass costs? Can it be produced in batches? ? Can I buy some and sell them in my store?”

"Sorry, the current production of this kind of steel glass is limited. It is mainly for personal use. It will not be sold in the market in a short period of time. I can only donate part to the top congressman in a friendly capacity." Gavin was not putting it off, but air. Glass has many uses in his hands, not to mention that it is just an accessory product now. Even if he can build a furnace for mass production in the later period, it will mostly be for personal use before the production is increased on a large scale.

And this kind of brand-new product often has huge performance that can be exploited.

At present, they are only using the tempered properties of air glass, and have not yet had time to experiment with magic fusion capabilities. If once it shows good element fusion properties and shows its prominence in magic manufacturing, ordinary people may want to use it. To get this kind of glass, they have to wait until they find a cheaper mass production method and the output explodes.

"That's really a pity." Harisk sighed with regret, "If that's the case, then I'll thank Sir for his kindness first. I think it's better to use ordinary glass."

Gavin was curious and asked, "Can I ask why?"

Harrisk answered without thinking, "Someone smashed my glass, which means that the affairs I handled were not truly fair and just, and all the valley residents were satisfied. Replacing the glass with stronger ones did not solve any problems. Their resentment remained. If they could not break the glass, they would smash the buildings or goods, or even turn their attention to me personally. Instead of doing this, it is better to leave the glass for them to smash and vent their resentment.

At the same time, it also made me realize that I still have shortcomings and should not be arrogant. I should be more cautious and careful in dealing with every dispute among the valley residents to ensure true fairness and justice, so that everyone is satisfied with the results of the handling."