The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 198: The Grand Purchase
Compared to weapons and armor, the delegations show little interest in auxiliary war supplies.
Take, for instance, the tactical backpack Henwell specifically developed for combat. It contains two pairs of socks, a clean bandage roll, a bottle of antiseptic, a bottle of hemostatic agent, insulated gloves, and a thermal blanket.
Additionally, the backpack can hold three days' worth of rations, and the external loops can carry a water pouch.
Henwell even considered ergonomic principles when designing this backpack to minimize the burden on the body, making it extremely useful for long-distance operations. Despite its practicality, the tactical backpack is affordably priced at just two gold coins, with very low production costs.
To Henwell's surprise, there is little interest in these tactical backpacks, even from the grand duke's delegation. This is perplexing, given that Henwell's own legion is fully equipped with higher-quality versions of these backpacks, containing richer supplies such as jerky and candy—high-calorie emergency foods.
Clearly, these are life-saving packs, and the price isn't outrageous. A standard longsword costs over four gold coins, so two gold coins for a backpack isn't much, especially considering its utility.
Henwell soon realizes the reason for the lack of interest. The military strategies here heavily rely on logistics and strategic nodes, avoiding long-distance raids and maneuvers. As a result, they view these backpacks as impractical luxuries.
However, not everyone overlooks their value.
Fabio's delegation immediately recognizes the potential of these backpacks, as the Iron Wall Legion excels in raids and maneuvers. They're keenly aware of the importance of equipment that allows their forces to operate independently for extended periods.
Fabio's delegation immediately inquires if Henwell offers anything superior. The backpacks come in three tiers: the basic model for two gold coins, a slightly better version for four gold coins, and the premium model for ten gold coins.
The top-tier tactical backpack not only contains more supplies but is also crafted from soft leather, making it more durable and providing some level of protection when fully packed.
Fabio's representative doesn't hesitate and orders forty thousand of the best tactical backpacks and twenty thousand of the mid-range ones.
This order, totaling 480,000 gold coins, catches the attention of other delegations, sparking their interest. Seeing the Iron Wall Legion's confidence in purchasing these backpacks suggests they hold significant value. Consequently, other delegations also decide to purchase some to test their effectiveness.
However, Henwell remains skeptical about the large scale sales of these tactical backpacks. Their true value is realized only when purchased in large quantities and used by units capable of rapid maneuvers. Otherwise, they merely ease logistical burdens.
Despite Henwell's enthusiastic recommendations, Count Jansen only buys five thousand mid-range backpacks to equip one regiment as an experiment. This highlights the long journey ahead for this world in understanding the nuances of warfare.
In addition to the tactical backpacks, Henwell's attempt to market military boots also falls flat. In Henwell's view, even in the age of advanced technology, military boots are crucial. In an era where transportation relies heavily on foot travel, a good pair of boots can dramatically impact a military's effectiveness.
Yet, the delegation representatives show little interest, purchasing only a few.
Once again, it's Fabio's delegation that clears out Henwell's stock. The Iron Wall Legion understands the critical role boots play in rapid movements, and after trying them on, they don't even ask the price before buying in bulk. Like with the tactical backpacks, they establish a long-term procurement agreement with Henwell.
Meanwhile, Henwell's jerky and candy are dismissed by most as trivial products, leading to limited purchases. Even the Iron Wall Legion's representatives fail to recognize their importance this time around.
The procurement of military supplies is nearly complete, and now the focus shifts to larger items—specifically, the Grand Carriage developed by Henwell's carriage factory.
After several generations of improvements, Henwell has finalized the design and named it the Grand Carriage, which comes in three variants: two-wheel, four-wheel, and six-wheel.
The two-wheel carriage is primarily for short-distance transport, offering limited load capacity. However, it boasts many advantages: it's affordable, easy to maintain and repair, has excellent maneuverability, and is simple to operate. These carriages are ideal for small trade groups engaging in short trips and for family outings, priced at twenty gold coins each.
The four-wheel carriage excels in load capacity, capable of carrying up to a ton with minimal strain on the horses. It has more drawbacks, such as average maneuverability, higher cost, challenging maintenance, and requiring skilled handling.
Long-distance trade caravans favor these carriages due to their high load capacity, which means greater trade volume. Despite the steep price of nearly a hundred gold coins per carriage, the increased cargo capacity can quickly offset the cost difference.
This time, the delegations aren't stingy, and after experiencing the carriages, they place substantial orders.
Almost all nobles request customizations, wanting carriages primarily for passenger transport. Henwell seizes this opportunity to capitalize on their wealth, showcasing over a dozen sample carriages with various interior styles and offering personalized customization services.
Of course, these come at an additional cost.
The final six-wheel carriage boasts a load capacity exceeding three tons. Its strength lies in its load capacity, while the rest are drawbacks. Few in the delegations express interest in these, as Henwell primarily developed them for transporting heavy equipment. Others view these house-like carriages as curiosities, ordering one or two to show off back home.
These orders, along with Peace Haven's internal purchases, are enough to keep the six-wheel carriage production line operational.
When it comes to potions, the delegations purchase a significant amount, primarily for wartime use.
They pay little attention to medicines for civilian life. Tools and equipment related to agriculture and the needs of the common people aren't on their radar at all.
Instead, they're captivated by more novel items, with clocks and watches being at the forefront of their interests.
The nobles are fascinated by Peace Haven's timekeeping devices. Of course, their interest isn't driven by a desire to enhance productivity; they simply feel that such exquisite items are befitting their status.
Without hesitation, they start buying various clocks and watches, not even bothering to ask about the price. In just one day, orders have piled up, stretching delivery dates to a year out.
However, these items are indeed challenging to produce, and the craftsmen at the clock factory are still in training. What Henwell initially intended to be everyday items have turned into luxury goods, with demand far outstripping supply.
The intricate craft of making pocket watches, is a skill only Henwell has mastered.
As a result, Henwell finds himself dedicating over an hour each day to personally crafting these items, working overtime as an artisan.
Chapter 198: The Grand Purchase
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