BXBX NOVEL Chapter 157: Allies
The Yadava merchants were also given the leeway to move through the Empire lands to reach the port cities of the Empire for a fee and some tax. It was lucrative enough for the merchants to spend a little to sell to the European and Arabian merchants in the ports.
Meanwhile, the Yadavas also experienced a boom in the trade between their own cities as the new roads were being laid in the Kingdom with the help of the supervisors and specialists sent by the Empire.
The Emperor had sent almost 30 supervisors to look after the road-building efforts in the Kingdom. The first major road was built directly to the Kingdom\'s palace to the border city of the Empire.
This allowed Chandrapur, the capital of Yadava Kingdom merchants, to access the Empire\'s market with ease.
Naiki and Akhil Holkar were in charge of the road-building process.
They had an eye-opening experience working with the supervisors from the Empire. They did their job with utmost efficiency.
They thought that the supervisors job was to ensure that the work was done but it was far from that. The supervisor managed the workers, tested the road method, and ensured that the workers took breaks and kept track of the progress, weather, etc. that would affect the roadwork.
"Hmm, the roads were built so fast," exclaimed Akhil Holkar as he inspected the road.
They had adopted the same method as the Empire, with rests for the horses and sheds for people.
"Indeed, they did the major road construction pretty quickly. I didn\'t think that their road construction method would be so cheap and fast." agreed Naiki, tagging alongside Akhil for inspection.
"It was a good thing; we accept the Emperor\'s deal," sighed Akhil with relief.
"We needed allies like the Empire, as we are in between the kingdoms that want to take our lands."
"Yes, but did you hear about the Qutbs joining hands with the Mughals to take down the Marathas?" Akhil asked, turning to Naiki.
"I heard about it. It is going to be tough for Marathas to pull through this mess."
A string of carts passed by the Major Road. The carts were covered very properly and armed men sat in them with many goods.
It was being led by a group of cavalry in front guarding the caravan. Although it looked like a normal merchant caravan with a mercenary.
Akhil and Naiki got out of their way of the caravan. It was a caravan from the Empire going to the Qutb sultanate.
A few days ago, Akhil and Naiki were in a meeting with the Queen about the trade reports of the month after the trade deal with the Empire had begun. They noticed a huge increase in revenue and were discussing how to further increase it and utilize it\'s maximum potential.
"As expected, Harsha will be a good ally for us." Gauri exclaimed, skimming through the reports compiled by them.
Akhil had some other news to share.
"Your Highness, there is some new measurement system that is used by the merchants of the Empire." He began with a curt bow. "I think adopting it into our system would make the process of buying raw materials and finished goods from the kingdom easier for the Empire\'s merchant."
"New measurement system? Hmm.. Let me think about it but I think it falls under classified information. We have to contact the Empire before making any purchases."
"Yes, your Highness. Should I send a letter to the Empire." Akhil asked confidently.
"You may."
"Hoooo… You don\'t really have to do that."
A voice pierced through the conversation as their heads quickly shifted to the source.
Akhil and Naiki were frozen at the sight.
It was a man in black clothes with red highlights. His face was covered with a mask. The man stood in the study room with a relaxed posture as he stared at Gauri with an interested look.
Gauri quickly took out her sword, resting beside her desk at the sight of the man. She didn\'t detect him coming inside the room. The air around the man told her that he wasn\'t an ordinary person.
"Who are you!!" She asked, pointing the sword at the man.
"My apologies, Queen. I may have disturbed your talks. I serve His Majesty, Harsha Deva Raya." He spoke.
"Huh? Harsha."
"Yes, I have come here to ask your permission for something."
Gauri was surprised at the polite manner in which he spoke. "What do you need and did Harsha send you?"
"No, His Majesty didn\'t send me. I came out of my volition since you seem like a good ally for Empire."
Gauri didn\'t feel any threat from the man and quickly sheathed her sword. "What permission do you need?"
"So, we need to pass through the kingdom towards the northern border of the Qutb sultanate and hope the kingdom won\'t interfere in our affairs during the transit." He said, smiling behind his mask.
Gauri thought for a while. The man in front of her was definitely capable of infiltrating the palace easily. If he wanted to do it discreetly, he could have done it without her permission.
"Why ask me? You could have done it even without informing me! You seem to be capable of it!" She spoke coldly, eyeing his demeanour.
"Trust between allies is important, Queen. It is His Majesty\'s first step into the Empireship. He has yet to learn it\'s importance. You seem to be a trustworthy individual and in love with his Majesty based on my investigation." He said, chuckling lightly.
"So, I felt like revealing it to you." He smirked.
Gauri winced at the information. She had no idea that he was investigating her.
"Sure, I shall cooperate." She agreed.
"Very well. I shall take my leave, Queen. I shall also inform the Emperor about the measurement system." He said as he walked out of the room silently, like a shadow disappearing from the light.
Akhil and Naiki finally heaved a sigh of relief after the man left. They were frozen at the bloodlust emitting from the man. They couldn\'t move a muscle in his presence.
They both had a single thought.
\'What a monster!\'