NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 42: The Construction of Trade Routes
Chapter 42: The Construction of Trade Routes
Within the castle, a grand feast was underway. Plates of food were brought to the table, leaving Rachos Assad in awe. The dishes not only included pork from magical beasts but also meat from various first and second-tier magical creatures, all exceedingly valuable. Eating this food, Rachos felt like he was consuming gold coins, almost painfully extravagant. Several times, he wanted to speak up but held back.
However, after the banquet, Rachos couldn't contain himself any longer.
"My friend, thank you for your hospitality. It's truly an honor," he began. "But if I may be so bold, today's feast could have fetched a gold coin or two if sold. For Eagle Ridge, gold coins are the most crucial."
"No, no, my friend," Thor responded. "Gold coins are important, indeed, but hosting friends is even more important, isn't it? Moreover, my friend, I believe there's something even more valuable and suitable for you."
Hearing Thor's words, Rachos was initially ready to reply but then stopped, his eyes widening and his breathing growing heavy.
"Ryan, bring the items," Thor instructed.
"Yes!" Ryan quickly responded, running off. Moments later, knights carried in several wooden crates.
"What is this?" Rachos asked, puzzled by the crates.
"Open them and show my friend," Thor directed.
The knights opened the crates, revealing a glint of black metal. Rachos instinctively walked over and touched the items, his eyes widening further as he recognized their value.
"These are..."
"Finely crafted black iron armor forged by dwarf hands. Even in the Frostmoon Province, their value exceeds fifteen silver coins. Here in the Northern Province, I believe they could fetch forty or even fifty silver coins," Thor explained with a smile. "What do you think, my friend?"
Rachos was stunned, his breath catching as he looked at the rows of black iron armor. "You're not joking, my friend?"
"Joking? No. I can provide you with a hundred sets of this fine black iron armor. Moreover, I also have a set of silver armor," Thor replied.
At Thor's gesture, Ryan opened the final crate, revealing a silver gleam that almost made Rachos lose his balance. If the black iron armor was enticing, the silver armor was nearly mind-blowing. Silver armor was true magical equipment, a strategic resource that only appeared at auctions in Loren City of the Northern Province. Now it was before him, with Thor saying it was his to take.
Rachos's mind went blank as he processed this. His experienced eye could see the high quality of the armors, whether black iron or silver. Even his Assad family would find it hard to obtain such pieces, let alone transport them to the Northern Province.
"So, my friend, I promised to help you establish your trade routes. Now it's time to fulfill that promise. With these, the lords will eagerly buy from you," Thor continued, ignoring Rachos's stunned silence.
Gradually regaining his composure, Rachos's eyes still held a trace of shock. After taking a deep breath, he looked at Thor seriously. "Honestly, this is all so surprising. I feel like I'm dreaming! Allow me to confirm once more: these are truly for me?"
"Absolutely," Thor smiled. "But you'll need to offer a reasonable price to take them."
Excited, Rachos quickly responded, "Of course! For the black iron armor, I'll offer thirty, no, fifty silver coins per set! As for the silver armor, how about five hundred gold coins?"
Thor, however, shook his head, stopping Rachos before he could raise his bid. "My friend, you're too generous. But these prices are too high. Let's settle at thirty silver coins per black iron set, and three hundred gold coins for the silver armor, in line with the prices from the Habsburg Chamber of Commerce."
Rachos was momentarily stunned, thinking he had misheard. "Lord Thor, you...you..."
"We are friends. How could I let a friend overpay? These prices are just right, don't you think?" Thor explained with a smile, shaking his head.
Thor wasn't foolish; he was thinking long-term. The large iron mine would continuously produce black iron armor. There was no point in a one-time gain when a steady stream of profits was possible. Selling the black iron armor at thirty silver coins per set was lucrative for both parties, and it would help establish a stable trade route through Rachos. The true payoff would come later, when a complete trade route was in place.
"Thank you so much! Indeed, we are friends!" Rachos finally responded, his eyes full of gratitude.