Chapter 376: Please, Master, Save Me (Part 1)
Seeing the misunderstanding, Lynn shook his head. "This is certainly not slave trading. I simply want to provide these wretched people, who are suffering terribly, an opportunity to escape their plight."
Lynn did indeed need people right now. The Adamantium vein deep in the Blue Mountains required miners. In Novigrad, as Dandelion's business continued to flourish, he needed to hire more employees. And, if he were to be granted a piece of land after Esterad's campaign to reclaim his throne, he would naturally need subjects.
The majority of non-humans who were willing to integrate into human society simply wanted to live a good life. As long as they could survive and their safety was guaranteed, they would not join the Scoia'tael. These non-humans had far fewer political demands than humans and were thus easier to govern.
Oberstein seemed to be deep in thought. "If you want people to leave their homes, an appealing job alone isn't enough," he said thoughtfully. "Especially for the non-humans living in Kaedwen. They have suffered enough from deception, ostracism, and abuse. They no longer believe good things can happen to them."
Lynn paused, realizing this was a valid point.
The Trade Prince continued, "I actually have a better idea, though I'm not sure if you would be able to accept it."
Lynn gestured for him to continue.
A sharp glint flashed in Oberstein's eyes. "It's simple, really. Since they don't believe in good things, we'll make bad things happen."
"You must know something of our nation's history. My country is a mercenary's paradise. When Kovir and Poviss faced the combined onslaught of the Redanian and Kaedweni armies, they still managed to achieve a miraculous and stunning victory, and they did it by relying on mercenary companies."
"My country has long-term employment contracts with several of the best mercenary groups. And as a multinational corporation, Rustbelt Trading naturally has its own exclusive mercenary company."
Lynn's brow furrowed slightly. Hearing this, he could already guess what the other man's plan was.
Oberstein smiled and continued, "My plan is to have Rustbelt Trading's exclusive mercenary company disguise themselves as bandits and attack those non-human settlements."
"Once the non-humans' homes are razed to the ground and they have nowhere to turn for help, they will sign a contract even if it's offered by the devil himself, with tears of blood in their eyes."
"As for the Kaedweni army, there's no need to worry. As long as they don't attack Kaedweni villages and towns, the army won't be called in."
Lynn had to admit, Oberstein's suggestion was compelling. It also seemed to have a certain feasibility.
But after careful consideration, Lynn ultimately abandoned the proposal. He could not bring himself to destroy the homes that non-humans relied on to survive, all for the sake of 'saving' them. What was the difference between this and how Song Jiang 'lured' Qin Ming to join his bandit gang?
Moreover, while the proposal sounded good in theory, it had a major flaw in practice. Even putting aside the possibility of the mercenaries hired by Rustbelt Trading leaking the plan, what if something went wrong while they were impersonating bandits and burning down villages? The variables were too great, and the unforeseen consequences of an accident could be too severe.
So, after a final deliberation, Lynn asked the Trade Prince to stick to the first plan. The non-humans in Kaedwen were free to come if they wished. If they were truly unwilling, then he would simply have to respect their choice.
Oberstein had no objections. After all, Lynn was the employer, and what the employer says, goes.
But Oberstein then thought of another issue: "So, Master Lynn, do you want us to bring the people directly to Novigrad? Or would you designate a meeting point?"
"Do you have a base of operations within Kaedwen?" Lynn asked.
"Yes, but I don't recommend it. Even a small number of non-humans appearing outside the settlements could cause trouble if a Kaedweni sees them," the Trade Prince added, perhaps concerned about being misunderstood by Lynn. "I certainly don't mean to discriminate against non-humans, but Kaedwen's racism... you know, I don't need to say more, do I?"
Oberstein thought for a moment and then continued, "But if you plan to set the delivery location near Kaedwen, would you be open to Yspaden, which borders Kaedwen?"
Yspaden, north of Kaedwen, was an exclave belonging to Kovir and Poviss. After the 'Separation of Poviss,' while it still nominally acknowledged the leadership of Kovir and Poviss, it had achieved de facto independence. However, as long as politics were not discussed, Koviri people and caravans could still pass through Yspaden unhindered.
"We have a base in the southern part of Yspaden, in a castle called Roruka."
"We can house the non-humans we rescue in Roruka. You can send someone to Roruka to pick them up, or we can deliver them to you every so often."
Lynn saw no problem with this. "Yes, let's do that."
Novigrad was separated from the Kingdom of Kaedwen by the entire Kingdom of Redania. Looking at a map, it might not seem that far, but this was a backward era with terrible transportation. Without even the steam engines, travel depended entirely on horse-drawn carriages and walking. Even setting aside the risk of bandits in the wilderness, walking through two entire nations would be fraught with difficulty.
Lynn naturally did not expect Rustbelt Trading to deliver every few dozen or so non-humans they rescued to Novigrad. That would require a horrifying amount of financial and human resources. This was why he had asked if they had a base in Kaedwen. Since they had a base in southern Yspaden, not far from Kaedwen, it was a perfectly acceptable solution. Once they had gathered enough people, they could transport them to Novigrad all at once.
Lynn and Oberstein then discussed the remaining details before he left the Rustbelt Trading headquarters.
Just as he stepped out of the building and onto the street, he felt his speaking stone vibrate within his runic leather pouch. Lynn turned into an alley and walked to its depths. Looking around and seeing no one, he took out the speaking stone.
"Triss?"
The red-haired beauty's voice came through the stone. "It's me. Are you able to speak right now?"
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