Chapter 700: Volume Twenty: Wolf in the Atlantic - Eight: Add Head
"According to Mr. Baski, that piece of land is quite large, at least a thousand square kilometers, so I was quite surprised," Komer nodded as if he had understood something. "What a shame, such a large piece of land turns out to be worthless."
"Indeed, Mr. Karadin, it is a pity. The Flanders Valley was originally a fertile valley situated between two mountain ridges, not only full of orchards, but also an important flax production area. It was the ancestral territory of the Marquis of Solomon, and in the end, it was mortgaged to the Barbarossa Family. The Iberian Kingdom was furious over the deal, but under the pressure of the Barbarossa Family, they ultimately accepted the transaction, agreeing to enfeoff the new owner of that land with noble status. However, this is completely nominal and meaningless. If the Gdansk Fortress hadn’t been destroyed, a giveaway? Hmm, even Kapok Castle and Crystal Castle wouldn’t be grand enough to be added as a bonus," Kamado said with a hint of contempt. "Do you think Baski would be that generous?"
"Hmm, I see. I also found it not quite believable, which is why I came to seek your opinion," Komer responded with a smile.
"However, Mr. Karadin, Kapok Castle and Crystal Castle, along with their associated pastures and forests, are indeed excellent. 500,000 gold shields is a great deal. If you really intend to purchase a property in Athens, I advise you to consider it. The area is close to the suburbs of Athens City and suitably distanced for either residency or investment. But I suggest you refuse Flanders Valley; it’s worthless. However, you could try to push down the price for Kapok Castle and Crystal Castle, Baski might accept between 400,000 to 450,000 gold shields."
A peculiar smile appeared on Kamado’s lips. "This loan was personally handled by Baski, and now because all the Athenians want to drive down the price to purchase those two castles, and deliberately don’t want to take over, the Barbarossa Family internally considers this loan to be a bad deal, putting significant pressure on Baski to handle these properties, making him quite uncomfortable. He is eager to restore his image within the family, and thus he won’t be too particular about the price."
Nodding in understanding, Komer was actually more interested in that parcel of land in the northwest of the Iberian Kingdom—more than a thousand square kilometers, sizable enough to be considered a substantial territory. Hadn’t he always hoped to find an appropriate entry point in the south of the Continent? Here was such an ideal location, ready-made, though he didn’t know the specific circumstances there yet.
"Mr. Kamado, if Flanders Valley has been occupied by barbarians, it would be meaningless. So why would Baski dare offer it as a supplement to the deal? Doesn’t he fear that a little inquiry on my part would reveal the truth? Isn’t that a kind of mockery?" Komer inquired with feigned nonchalance.