NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 28: Expert in Drawing Pies (Part 2)
Chapter 28: Expert in Drawing Pies (Part 2)
"I can purchase 500 pounds of that material."
Thor's voice remained calm, even though he sensed a hint of murderous intent from Rachos Assad. He was unperturbed, confident that a mere disfavored offspring of the Assad family posed no threat.
Moreover, Thor trusted that Rachos wouldn't act rashly. And indeed, Rachos visibly trembled at Thor's words.
"What did you say?" Rachos blurted out, disbelief coloring his features.
"You know very well what I said, Lord Rachos," Thor replied, his smile unwavering.
"Are you serious?" Rachos took a deep breath, trying to steady himself before asking again.
"Here's fifty gold coins," Thor said, placing the coins on the table. "Consider it a deposit."
Rachos's breathing grew heavy at the sight of the gold, his expression shifting rapidly between hesitation and greed. Five hundred gold coins were a tempting offer, yet he was wary. Thor was from the Dresrosa family, and Rachos feared a trap.
Sensing Rachos's dilemma, Thor smiled and spoke more seriously, "Lord Rachos, if I'm not mistaken, you aren't favored by your family. Your coming-of-age gift was merely this small shop in Loren City. Do you really want to stay here forever?"
"What do you mean?" Rachos's face darkened, perceiving an insult.
"No, no, you've misunderstood," Thor said, waving his hand. "I mean we can cooperate."
"Cooperate?" Rachos's interest was piqued.
"Yes, cooperate. My lands require many supplies for construction. The Habsburg Chamber of Commerce is bleeding me dry with their prices, which are ten times the market rate. It's an affront to the Goddess of Life!"
Thor's indignation made Rachos's mouth twitch.
"Lord Thor, it's true they are exploiting us, but you must remember that the Habsburg Chamber of Commerce belongs to Marquis Raymond. Neither you nor I, nor even our families, can contend with a marquis," Rachos said with a sigh.
"No, no, you misunderstand again. I don't intend to fight the Habsburg Chamber of Commerce. You give your friend Thor Dresrosa some materials, and as a friend, I give you gold in return. It's a normal exchange between friends, right? Just like this time, my friend Lord Rachos gifted me some precious 'life essence,' and I gave him fifty gold coins. As long as we aren't trading slaves, the Habsburg Chamber of Commerce won't care."
Thor's explanation made Rachos understand. His expression turned mocking.
"Lord Thor, you truly are clever. You want me to smuggle for you while bearing all the risk. If caught, I'll be the one punished, not you."
"I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in such a partnership. Ram, see Lord Thor out."
Rachos stood, signaling the end of the meeting.
"Goodbye, Lord Rachos," Thor said, turning to leave. But he paused at the door. "Oh, one more thing."
"Lord Rachos, you might not know this, but I am Engel Dresrosa's ninth son. My father has entrusted me with a Grand Knight, fifty official knights, and hundreds of apprentice knight. I am confident I'll pass the kingdom's examination."
"I thought you would be eager to partner with a future baron. It seems I was mistaken. Farewell."
Thor turned to leave without hesitation.
"What?" Rachos was stunned. A Grand Knight, fifty official knights, and hundreds of apprentice knight—he understood what that meant.
"Lord Thor, wait!"
Rachos called out urgently.
"If you doubt me, you can visit Eagle Ridge," Thor replied, his smile confident.
Seeing Thor's assured demeanor, Rachos's emotions churned—disbelief, suspicion, envy, and jealousy. He envied Thor's position and opportunities. But he quickly suppressed these feelings, knowing what he needed.
Exhaling deeply, Rachos forced a smile.
"You're right, Lord Thor, my friend! This is merely a gift between friends. The 'life essence' you need will be delivered tomorrow. Where should we meet?"
Rachos's tone was now warm, like an old friend.
"Thank you, my friend. I think the Maple Leaf Estate, fifty miles outside Loren City, would be perfect," Thor said, relieved.
"Indeed, it is perfect!" Rachos agreed. "How about at dusk?"
"Of course, my friend."