The Hollow Way is the primary trade route connecting the Vache Kingdom with the vast territories of the Nagan Empire. This relatively short but crucial route begins at the bustling port city of Hiki in the Vache Kingdom and extends to various strategic ports within the Nagan Empire. The route is well-established and heavily trafficked, serving as a vital artery for commerce and diplomacy between the two powerful nations.
The Hollow Way is favored by merchants and traders for its safety and efficiency, especially given the dangerous southern current from the Endos Depths that flows through the narrow sea between the Vache Kingdom and the Nagan Empire. This powerful current can easily drag smaller vessels off course or even capsize them, making the direct route extremely hazardous. As a result, most ships opt to pass through Hollow Haven, a strategically located hollow island that serves as a toll port controlled by the Vache Kingdom.
Despite the cost and mandatory inspections at Hollow Haven, the route through the island is considered far safer and more reliable. The saying "Better safe than sorry" is commonly associated with this trade route, emphasizing the importance of avoiding the treacherous southern current by taking the safer, albeit more expensive, path through Hollow Haven.
The Hollow Way is a key conduit for the exchange of goods, culture, and political influence between the Vache Kingdom and the Nagan Empire. The route’s existence ensures the steady flow of trade, strengthening the economic and diplomatic ties between these two powerful entities. Hollow Haven, the toll port island, plays a pivotal role in this dynamic, acting as both a gatekeeper and protector of the trade route.
The strategic location of Hollow Haven allows the Vache Kingdom to exercise control over this vital passage, ensuring that all ships passing through are inspected and taxed accordingly. This not only generates significant revenue for the kingdom but also ensures the safety of the ships and their valuable cargo. As a result, the Hollow Way is regarded as one of the most important and well-maintained trade routes in the region, facilitating the prosperity of both the Vache Kingdom and the Nagan Empire.
Type: Major International Trade Route
Location: Between the Vache Kingdom and the Nagan Empire
Endpoints: Hiki (Vache Kingdom) to various ports across the Nagan Empire
Notable Landmark: Hollow Haven (Toll Port Island)
Notable for: Southern Current; Safe Passage; Inspections and Tolls