Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

Chapter 209: Bait

The roads spread across the horizon, patrol cavalry occasionally coming into view. There was nothing but a mat of green pastures sprawling all over the place.

Pedestrians moved in their lane with goods in their hands in the cool winds of the morning.

Some merchant caravans moved through the roads with no guard or mercenaries for protection, as the patrols were so strict they didn't need any extra protection from potential highway robberies and bandits.

"It's so beautiful," said David Costa, looking out of the carriage window. "I can't get enough of it, even after visiting last time."

General Barnabas sat silently reading a small book that he had brought to pass the time during his travels.

He pointed at something from the window.

"General.. Look at that temple. It's so beautiful."

He didn't mind the energetic attitude of David, as he was quite used to it. He knew he was a curious kid and despite growing up in nobility, he didn't have an arrogant attitude like the others.

'I didn't think. We would get a chance to renegotiate the spice deal with the Emperor so soon after it expired. He even stated there was a possibility of obtaining the paper.'

He thought.

'Those high-quality paper would sell at a huge margin in Europe.'

They were heading towards Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was the first time since the coronation ceremony had ended. The Emperor had called in a European delegation.

It was a big moment. It could potentially increase their influence in the region.

'Those Dutch bastards would surely get pissed. If we managed to secure a good deal for goods.'

He had a dark smirk.

"Anyway, General. Why did the Emperor invite us to the capital this time? Usually our deals are done in Goa, right?"

General shrugged.

"It could be a big deal this time and it would be a show of the powers to the other European nations."

"I see, but it doesn't feel right. Although I don't mind travelling to their capital. It is truly beautiful."

"Is it? These guys make beautiful things."

"General, I doubt you care to see. The temple in the capital is so beautiful. I want to visit but then the others wouldn't like it." He sighed.

Barnabas wasn't a super religious person either but deep down he had prejudice for the native traditions.

'I wonder what he sees in their religion.'

After a while of sightseeing. David turned to Barnabas and exclaimed.

"The Emperor is so scary," David shuddered, remembering the coronation ceremony.

Barnabas chuckled. "Is that so? He is younger than you."

"But—General. He looks scary and strong."

"That is true. He probably gets it from his father. He was a strong man as well."

It was a sour subject for Barnabas. Goa was taken by the former emperor under his nose. He could forget it but he had to acknowledge his strength.

"I see. Hope we get a favourable deal this time," smiled David.

"Yes, Yes. We can only wish for the best. We have some gifts as well to please the Emperor." He said it with a confident look. "I heard they like luxurious stuff from the west."

Meanwhile, in the Royal Palace of Hampi. A carriage had just passed through the huge gate, entering into the lush, sprawling garden stretching across, leaving a fresh scent of flowers.

Harsha had finally made it home after a long journey to the Yadava kingdom. He spent some time relaxing in the Yadava. It definitely helped to clear his mind. It was strangely mentally soothing to spend time with Gauri.

"It feels nice to return." He mumbled as he exited the carriage.

All the things were in order. The plans for the annexure of Qutb Sultanate were working fine.

"Will the army have begun its expeditions by now?" He asked Viswa,

"Surely, they must have already captured a couple of regions. Commander Rajagopala does things super quickly after all."

Viswa was the one that was tired mentally after the trip. He was constantly dragged around like a ragdoll by the demonic hag or Naiki. She took him around all the places the Emperor and the Queen of Yadavas went.

He was still mentally exhausted by her chatter even after so many days.

"Our plan should be working since Rakhtasura has done his part well. I hope to receive the good news from the commander as well."

"I have ensured that you won't be disappointed this time, Your Majesty."

Harsha smiled and walked into the palace.

He felt somewhat calm after returning. The palace was the place he had spent the most time after coming to this world.

It felt like home to him.

A man in black suddenly emerged beside Viswa and whispered something.

Harsha didn't really mind the sudden appearance, as he knew if it was hostile. Viswa would have cut the man by now.

Viswa had a smirk plastered on his face.

"Your Majesty, General Barnabas, is headed towards the capital just as expected."

Harsha chuckled.

"That's good. This would be the final nail in the coffin for them after all."

He sent out a message to the Portuguese general when he had left the Yadava kingdom.

Just a bit before he departed, Rakhtasura informed him of the battle of Surat.

With that information. He managed to predict the possible timeframes that the rebels and Marathas would try to invade the base in Daman.

Barnabas would be a challenge for them and Harsha didn't want to take any chances. He wanted to give them a perfect chance to drive the Portuguese out.

'If they failed after this. They would be just incompetent.'

His mind raced to find ways to separate Barnabas from the base.

Finally, it landed on the expired spice deal. The deal expired and they were looking to renegotiate a better deal.

But what would be a better deal for them?

He suddenly remembered the existence of the high-quality paper.

A smile formed on his face.

He sent out a letter in the very high-quality paper detailing that the Empire was willing to offer a lucrative deal to the Portuguese merchants.

Harsha put a final bait out. He would offer spices at a 15% discount from the current market price.

Just as he expected.

The Portuguese fell for it.