After receiving Otto's invitation, Count Zurich did not hesitate and quickly came to Eagle Castle.
The communication between the two parties was very pleasant. After a frank and sincere exchange, Otto learned that the other party really wanted to exchange territories.
Previously, Zurich was a vassal directly under King Louis and had a relatively high degree of freedom. After the Kingdom of Lotharingia fell and the Principality of Alemannia was established, several counties such as Zurich and St. Gallen were also included in the Duke of Alemannia and became Swabia and Alemannia. A vassal of the Duke.
Since Otto gained the favor of the Duke of Swabia through this war and diplomacy (gifts), and the married Sighard family was a trusted minister of the Duke of Swabia, the Earl of Zurich naturally felt tremendous pressure.
He knew very well that Otto would never give up the opportunity to expand his territory and power, and there would definitely be a war with the surrounding lords next.
Although the strength of the Zurich Territory has recovered in recent years, it is still not as good as the rapidly developing Argäu Territory, not to mention that Otto also has the support of the Sighard family.
The Count of Zurich also thought about joining forces with the Grodunning family of Bern to contain Otto's Aargau.
Although the Grodunning family suffered heavy losses in the battle with Otto, it is not known whether it was the Duke of Swabia who wanted to suppress Otto, or whether it was the political enemies of the Sighard family who were responsible for almost the entire war. The Rodoning family unexpectedly obtained the Earl of Neuchâtel, and their strength not only recovered, but even increased.
However, when faced with the Earl of Zurich's alliance proposal, the new head of the Grodunning family, Count Adar of Bern, refused without hesitation.
The reason for Adal's refusal was apparently that he had a good relationship with Argau, but in fact everyone knew that this cowardly Count of Bern really did not have the courage to confront Otto anymore.
The Grodunning family, which was most promising to achieve cooperation, refused to agree. Other surrounding lords also took advantage of the alliance between Otto and the Sighard family and refused to join forces with the Earl of Zurich.
When the knife was not placed on their necks, these short-sighted nobles did not care about the life and death of their neighbors, and many lords even wanted to take advantage of them.
Who prevented the Zurich Territory from having territorial conflicts with them, and who allowed Zurich to stand between Allgäu and Swabia. No matter how ambitious Otto is, there are many directions for expansion around him, and it may not be their turn yet.
The Earl of Zurich was desperate. He also knew very well that it was precisely because of Zurich's important position that Otto could not let go of the Zurich Territory.
It just so happened that while collecting information about Otto during this period, he also heard the rumor that Otto didn't seem to want the Earldom of Navel. It just so happened that he had also acquired some land in the Principality of Upper Burgundy before. With a turn of his head, in an instant, Came up with this perfect solution.
Doesn't Otto want Zurich but not Nahuel? Then go to Nahuel and give Zurich to Otto. Not only will the conflict between the two parties be avoided, but he can even be on good terms with Otto. It is a complete win-win for two birds with one stone.
Besides, the land in Upper Burgundy is a large plain. Isn't it better than the mountainous area in Zurich? No matter how you calculate it, you have made a profit.
The Earl of Zurich was so sincere and wanted to exchange sincerely that he even did not hesitate to tell Otto the unknown information about some nobles around Zurich. Otto was naturally relieved.
How could Otto refuse such a deal that benefits others and himself?
As the saying goes, one more enemy is worse than one more friend. Otto thinks it is good to be able to expand without resorting to war.
If word spreads, everyone will just think that Otto is a bit stupid. He exchanged a rich territory for a barren territory, and they will be much less wary of him.
As for the Grodunning family, Otto has plenty of time to slowly eat away at the timid Count Adal.
"Since His Excellency the Earl has said so, there is no reason for me not to agree. It's just that the Honfried family in Zurich has been running the business for many years. Although the land in Nahuel is relatively flat, it has not been developed on a large scale. This deal is still Your Excellency has suffered a loss.
However, I do have a pretty good deal, which can properly make up for your family's losses, which is a little bit of my appreciation. "
Otto's words surprised the Earl of Zurich. How did he suffer in this transaction? But he was not stupid, and he instantly understood that the other party was actually showing goodwill and wanted to be on good terms with him.
"My Gods, this transaction between me and Count Otto was completely taken advantage of by me. Your Excellency said this, and I feel a little sorry. Since Your Excellency the Count has a profitable business and is willing to take me with him, I will certainly not It will make you suffer."
The business Otto was talking about was, of course, soap.
After successfully making soap in the Swabian territory, Otto brought the craftsmen who participated in the production to Lafite Manor. The production process of this thing is so simple, so naturally he must be careful to leak it.
The few craftsmen who have mastered the method are safe at Lafite Manor.
This kind of high-end product for the aristocratic class does not require high production. Otto is planning to use the profits from the soap to subsidize the Swabian territory, and does not say that it must be produced in Swabia.
Of course, at the beginning, Otto really wanted to make both high-end soaps and low-end soaps, making Berg the "home of soap." However, when he later learned about the difficulty of obtaining animal fat, Otto gave up the low-end route.
Large-scale pig farming has not yet begun these days, and the German region is not a pastoral area, so how can there be so much animal fat available. The lack of a large amount of animal fat means that not only is the price high, but the output is also very limited, so you can only take the high-end route.
Otto took out a soap sample packaged in a beautiful wooden box and handed it to the Count of Zurich, and explained its specific uses.
Count Zurich opened the wooden box, sniffed it gently, and smiled on his face.
"I think many noble ladies will fall in love with this thing. By the way, what is this thing called?"
"Soap!"
"Soap? Lafite soap?" Earl Zurich thought of something.
"No, no, no." Otto shook his head. "This is Berg soap!"
Otto quickly reached an agreement with the Earl of Zurich. The Earl of Zurich helped Otto sell soap in the Principality of Upper Burgundy and the Kingdom of West Francia. The profit was 64% to both parties. At the same time, he helped Otto purchase some raw materials, such as pigs and cattle, at low prices. Otto promised to only supply goods to the Count of Zurich in the West Francia region.
As for the East Frankish region, Otto naturally left it for his allies, the Sighard family. Of course, there is also the Kingdom of Italy and distant Rome. These areas have to rely on the church.
When the Earl of Zurich left with a lot of satisfaction, Otto took the soap with him and went to visit Bishop Valens of the church.
After being back for so many days, this Bishop Valens was so calm that he didn't come to him. Then he would have to come to him himself.
