Colonization
Translator: Cinder Translations
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As the small meeting in the lord's office was about to adjourn, a guard reported that Captain Stanford from the Northern Exploration Team had arrived.
"Has he returned?" Paul displayed an expression of surprise. The three overseas exploration teams had been silent in the west, and the east had only received a few letters. Only the Northern Exploration Team had returned twice.
"Quickly let him in," Paul instructed the guard and asked everyone, "Aren't you all going to join me in welcoming this remarkable adventurer?"
Old Ford, Hansel, Cecil, and others all nodded in agreement, "It's our honor, Lord Grayman!"
A moment later, Stanford pushed the door open and entered. Upon seeing the many officials present, he immediately became reserved. "I'm sorry, gentlemen. Are you discussing something important? I can come back later."
Paul quickly stopped him, "Oh, no. The most important thing here is to welcome our heroic adventurer. Please take a seat, Captain Stanford." He pointed to an empty chair nearby.
Stanford's face flushed, and he soon broke into a hearty laugh. "It's a pleasure to meet you all." He walked over to the chair and sat down.
He lowered his voice, saying, "Lord Grayman, I heard on my way to Alden Town that you encountered... something very dangerous. I hope you weren't harmed."
"Thank you for your concern, Stanford." Paul said lightly, showing no anger on his face. "It was just a group of petty thieves. I'm in perfect health now, without a scratch. By the way, how did the first group of team members left with the natives fare?"
"Thanks for your concern. They're doing well, and they all returned with the ship this time."
Among the officials present, some were unfamiliar to Stanford. Paul introduced them one by one. The crowd unanimously requested Captain Stanford to recount his adventures during the expedition.
As Stanford reminisced, he shared tales of his journey. The officials were particularly interested in the land aspects—the magnificent primeval forests, the endless white ice fields, and the strange and unheard-of flora and fauna—all of which captivated Paul and the others. Last time, Stanford and his team mainly explored the sea and coast; this time, they had ventured deep into the ice fields, gathering a wealth of local information.
They learned the names the locals used for the lands they traversed. Starting from the western edge of the Rocky Mountains and heading north, they passed through the Tranquil Plains, the Lucky Forest, and the Black Water Basin. To the east of these three regions lay the Great Plains, and to the north was the endless expanse of ice.
After he finished recounting his experiences, everyone lingered over the colorful adventures of the exploration team.
Hansel sighed, "This world is far more vast than we imagined. I wonder what remarkable stories the other two exploration teams will uncover."
Paul said, "Stanford, I've carefully considered your proposal about establishing a trading post there. I think it's a great idea." He looked around, asking everyone, "What do you think?"
"We all believe a trading post is a good idea," Old Ford spoke on behalf of the group.
The Council of Affairs valued commercial development, and since valuable timber, medicinal herbs, and animal pelts came from the northern Rocky Mountains, there was no reason to overlook them, especially given the potential for great profit.
Paul smiled at Old Ford, saying, "In that case, the Council will coordinate and send a few teams of merchants—official ones, or volunteers from the community—to accompany Stanford's fleet to the north next time."
The Council official nodded in agreement.
"Lord Grayman, there's something you need to hear from me first," Stanford said. "Several local tribes wish to learn our agricultural techniques."
"I visited their fields, and their agriculture is still quite primitive, almost at the slash-and-burn stage. They're very interested in the grains we brought—such as wheat and rice—and that's why they made this request."
This was indeed unexpected. Paul fell into contemplation. Was the local agriculture that backward?
A few seconds later, he looked up and asked, "What do you all think?"
Hansel thought for a moment and replied, "Teaching them is no problem, but it shouldn't be free. We should ask for some compensation, like... land."
Stanford wholeheartedly agreed with Hansel's suggestion: "That's a fantastic deal. The land there, especially in the Black Water Basin, may be in the far north, but it boasts the most fertile land I've ever seen in my life. Unlike our land, their soil is black, as if blessed by a deity, with exceptionally large plants bearing abundant fruits. When I personally inspected it, I felt like I could squeeze oil from the soil just by grabbing a handful."
Is it that miraculous? The people in the room looked at each other in astonishment.
Paul's enthusiasm began to rise. Stanford had mentioned last time that the indigenous tribes valued land far less than the human countries to the south of the Rocky Mountains. They didn't prioritize land over more urgent necessities. A few hundred pounds of iron ingots, several bags of salt, boxes of cloth, or exquisite porcelain could make them acknowledge you as the owner of a vast territory.
Heaven grants no blessings without effort! This phrase suddenly popped into Paul's mind.
This... should it be considered overseas colonization? Ah, am I finally embarking on this path?
Putting aside the precious natural resources, if what Stanford said is true, establishing large-scale, mechanized mega-farms on that fertile land would significantly enhance the grain supply for the Northwest Bay.
Wait a moment, a flash of inspiration struck Paul.
Overseas colonization requires people! And a lot of people. Thinking back to European colonization in Earth's history, many involved criminals and outcasts. If I borrow this method, wouldn't it solve one of our current dilemmas?
He jumped to his feet, gazing at everyone with a serious expression. "I've made up my mind! We will expand the Grayman family's territory through the sea, reaching out to the vast lands beyond the Rocky Mountains! We will spread human civilization and the glory of Aldor to the wilderness."
"Lord Grayman is brilliant!"
"Your ancestors are proud of you!"
"It's been a long time since the kingdom has had a lord with such pioneering spirit."
Old Ford led the officials in showering Paul with praise.
Among those seated, aside from Ladia Setia, all were men, and what man could resist the allure of glorious conquests?
(End of the Chapter)
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