Otaku Translation: The Amber Sword V3C34

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Chapter 34: Expansion (Part 15)

The originated from the abundant silver reserves beneath . This vein extended from the into , forming only a small part of the but benefiting immensely.

In reality, the main silver mining area was near on the eastern side of Graharl Mountain at . Shafrend’s mines merely grazed the edge of this vein.

Tonygel’s reputation as a backwater wasn’t unfounded—

“Antietta, tell me about Shafrend,” Brandon asked.

The noblewoman’s dark eyes lit up slightly. Was the lord planning to seize the silver mines? She immediately responded, “Sir Brandon, Shafrend has long been one of Tonygel’s most important sources of income. Back in the , the previous lord built a fortress here for mining and transporting silver. Over time, it grew into today’s Shafrend town.”

“The Year of the Burrowing Beast,” Brandon mentally calculated, “that was about thirty years ago?”

Antietta nodded. “The highest-ranking officials in this mining town are an executive officer and a clerk. However, I discovered that these two don’t report to Grudin but are directly appointed by . Thus, despite producing nearly fifteen tons of silver annually, our baron receives little.”

“Grudin must have been such a pitiful lord,” Brandon thought, feeling a twinge of sympathy. He smiled, “So, you’re suggesting I take a bite out of Earl Jandel’s cheese, Antietta?”

The girl smiled back, “Haven’t we already nibbled, Sir Brandon?”

Brandon turned to see Yuta’s gaze also fixed on him. Though the mercenary leader maintained a facade of composure, her green eyes betrayed a hint of anxiety. Seeing Frein and Clenxia receive assignments, Yuta didn’t want her group left out or sold out. Despite the young lord’s apparent amiability, she harbored skepticism and disdain for nobles, knowing their treachery firsthand.

Yuta rasped, “My lord, allow me to capture Shafrend. I know the situation there—only a hundred soldiers guard the mines. My people and I can handle it easily.”

But Brandon replied, “Shafrend is too close to . Our other knight likely watches keenly. Even if captured, maintaining control would be difficult.”

The mercenary leader fell silent.

“Can’t we consider other options? Use the ?” Antietta asked, “Or do we distrust them?”

Not distrust, Brandon thought. The oath swore to the gods ensured the cave dwellers wouldn’t dare break it openly.

But capturing Shafrend was for mining. If Palas harassed them intermittently, it’d be unbearable.

“How large is the food shortage?” he asked.

“Seventeen thousand bushels,” Antietta promptly answered.

Most units in were imperial, making Brandon uncomfortable. One bushel of grain equaled approximately twenty-seven kilograms. Calculating, he found the shortfall nearing five hundred thousand kilograms—a significant amount.

“Considering our people and ’s reserves, how long can the territory hold?”

Antietta frowned slightly, “Sir Brandon, based on data alone, two months. Considering unaccounted reserves, no more than three months.”

“So, roughly a two-month gap?”

The girl nodded.

Brandon considered, “No problem. Recruit soldiers as usual. Provide Beru with land, people, and funds. Same for Yuta and Frein—but delay the alchemical workshop.”

Antietta nodded again, mentioning it casually since Tonygel lacked amber stones.

“Roma’s plans must wait too,” Brandon added.

Roma’s voice echoed from the hall, “Naturally, Brandon. Pursuing those now is meaningless.” She sounded undeterred.

“Ensure we can sustain upcoming battles. Allocate budgets as you see fit. Just ensure we aren’t driven into Black Forest.”

This remark made the girls present smile faintly.

Antietta, however, massaged her temples, wishing she could retreat to Black Forest. Only momentarily, though. “Sir Brandon, any ideas?”

“Silver mines, of course,” Brandon smiled. “With such a prize nearby, we’d be remiss not to act, right?”

“But—?”

Metissa caught on, “You mean, approach differently, my lord?” The Silver Elf princess looked up, silver eyes flashing with understanding.

Brandon approvingly regarded her, “Yes. You and Cinnabar accompany me to meet Earl Jandel’s men.” Turning to Yuta, he said, “Commander Yuta, join us—”

Yuta paused, then raised her head, “Shall I bring men?”

“Yes, but not many,” Brandon considered, “Twenty to thirty should suffice.”

The mercenary leader silently nodded, yet felt oddly diminished despite his youth. It wasn’t just status—this young lord possessed an aura of natural superiority.

Uncertain, Yuta subconsciously believed he’d behave similarly before a king. Though absurd, her instincts affirmed it.

Regardless, Brandon’s assignment relieved her. She immediately excused herself to gather her troops.

Antietta watched her leave, “Am I going too?” the noblewoman asked, reluctant to leave after finally settling down.

“Stay,” Brandon noticed her reluctance, “and draft a plan for me.”

“What plan?”

“Rebuilding Cold Fir City.”

“Ah?” the girl’s eyes widened.

Brandon expected her surprise; it was part of his initial plans. Preventing historical tragedies meant ensuring Cold Fir City could withstand invasions if Princess Grifine didn’t marry . Future royalist armies would sweep south, and Cold Fir needed to become Eruin’s final bastion, especially protecting —his future hope.

Geographically, Cold Fir was ideal—west to the sea, east linking Shafrend’s silver mines, central to Tonygel and Valhalla. Though not ideal as a capital due to Valhalla’s presence, it would serve as a crucial hub and stronghold.

In Brandon’s mind, Cold Fir must become a fortress, but elsewhere. He instructed Tagib and his cave dwellers to find a suitable northern location—large enough for a future mega-fortress and defensible.

North of lay rolling hills. Brandon trusted the cave dwellers’ abilities to find a spot. Though not skilled in siege warfare, they were excellent builders underground.

He refocused, seeing Antietta’s puzzled look, “Don’t be surprised. This isn’t immediate. We have one to two years to draft a long-term plan.”

Building a fortress in one to two years seemed implausible in the real world but feasible in Vonder with magic aiding construction.

Completing a city in that time was challenging, but achieving a basic structure was manageable.

“What should I do?” Antietta inhaled deeply. Building a city involved myriad aspects, making her doubt her capabilities.

“No worries. Observe Cold Fir City and recall . Study past methods and consider our needs.”

The new Cold Fir City would be a fortress, Brandon emphasized. Then continued, “Chael should assist you. Though a mage, most possess basic engineering knowledge—”

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