The recent integration of beastmen from the fourth department had brought additional manpower, allowing Kodiak to deploy a skilled contingent of breeders to the pens. The bolstered ranks now neared a hundred and fifty, making the management of the burgeoning livestock far more efficient with the addition of new workers.
"This significant increase in manpower has greatly facilitated the expansion of our breeding operations, setting us on a fast track to meet our rapid development goals," Kodiak explained, enthusiasm evident in his tone.
"Excellent!" Logan responded, his nod conveying approval. The resolution of the tribe's meat scarcity was a pressing concern, and Kodiak's report offered a glimmer of hope.
"Yet, we must scale our efforts even further," Logan added, his voice taking on a serious tone. "At the conclusion of this meeting, I will allocate an additional two hundred gold coins to your budget. Use these funds to acquire low-level monsters from the nearby camps, creatures that can be tamed and utilized as a substantial meat source. Aim for a diverse array of species."
Logan's strategic planning was evident; the Silver Mane Tribe had previously relied on large carnivorous monsters for sustenance. However, the consecutive years of famine had forced them to consume all such beasts to survive the harsh times.
"Just last year, we faced severe shortages, compelling us to slaughter every last one of our domesticated predators," Logan recalled, the memory tinged with regret.
"Now, with our finances somewhat stabilized, it's imperative that we reintroduce larger carnivores into our ranks," he declared, setting a clear directive. "We cannot rely solely on dragon rats and white rabbits for our meat supplies in the long term,."
Frankly, if Logan weren't bound by his duties as chief, he'd gladly trade his title for a permanent stay in Canyon City, feasting on its abundant meats for over twenty days, never wishing to return to the austere life of his tribe, which barely had any meat even for its chief.
Back in the tribe, the daily fare of black bread was a stark contrast, one that Logan found increasingly hard to stomach.
Upon hearing Logan describe the culinary riches of Canyon City, Jean, a woman often regarded as naïve by him, was astounded to learn about a ten cubic meter storage ring brimming with meat that he brought from the city. Logan, hearing her reaction, half-jokingly accused himself of pettiness for his food-envy.
Indeed, Logan harbored a fleeting thought of keeping such a bounty for himself, but dismissed it quickly. If word of this came from Jean, it might pass without much fuss, but if it seemed to originate from him, dissatisfaction among his people would surely ensue. He decided that compromising his reputation and the dignity of his leadership for mere culinary satisfaction was too great a sacrifice.
The mention of two hundred gold coins stirred a shock in the hall, particularly affecting Begon and Kodiak.
Begon, staring incredulously at Logan, struggled with the reality that his nephew had spent more than twenty days moonlighting as a shopkeeper only to return and allocate such a staggering sum to a mere animal pen, a decision he found recklessly generous. Normally, it took the tribe years to save an equivalent amount, money that was earmarked for essentials like food and water.
"This recent venture to Kasros Canyon was quite fruitful," Logan began, capturing the room's attention. "In collaboration with Jean,?the woman I introduced last night,?and her brother, we managed to earn a thousand gold coins in just over twenty days."
He paused to let the magnitude of that achievement sink in before continuing, "With Tyton, Kadia, and the others stationed in Canyon City, the tribe can consistently make a thousand gold coins every month if all remains well."
"This means," he added with a hint of solemnity yet not revealing too much, "there will be no famines in our future."
Logan chose his words carefully, avoiding the intricacies of their activities in Canyon City. He believed in the proverb that 'big trees attract the wind.' For the Silvermane Tribe, it was about quietly amassing resources, staying vigilant, and fortifying defenses without drawing undue attention.
Begon and the others were visibly stunned by the notion of earning a thousand gold coins monthly. Such income ensured more than just survival, it promised a comfortable life for the tribe.
Every gaze turned towards Logan, filled with respect and admiration. The chief had not only secured their immediate needs but had also paved the way for sustained prosperity.
Begon, typically outspoken, along with Reynolds, usually too overwhelmed to react, and Crow, among others, found new respect for their young chief. Since Logan's rise to power, he had not only doubled the tribe's population by annexing four tribes but had significantly bolstered its strength.
As the realization of their improved fortune settled in, Logan's tone grew stern. "It's crucial that none of you speak of our food supplies or the profits we're making monthly," he commanded.
"Three hundred and thirty thousand kilograms of grain could draw dangerous attention, especially now when the region is in chaos. If our rivals learn of our wealth, it won't be long before they unite against us, just as Duskin's coalition did before. This time, they might not just be driving away tigers to devour wolves, they'll come at us full force."
The weight of his words hung in the air, reinforcing the gravity of their situation and the need for discretion.
The meeting concluded swiftly, much to the delight of all present.
Kodiak gleamed with satisfaction as he collected the two hundred gold coins he had been promised. The shimmering pile, resplendent in its abundance and allure, was indeed a sight to behold, casting a light of mild envy on Begon and the other beastmen faces. It wasn't just the monetary value but the sheer brilliance of the gold that dazzled the eyes of those who witnessed it.
This not only confirmed the truth in Logan's words but also left the attendees of the meeting in high spirits as they vacated the hall, their hearts buoyed by the prospects of a promising new era for the Silvermane Tribe.