Chapter 20: Mission to the Continent
Rolt didn’t mind Hela’s attitude; in fact, he considered it quite normal.
Even though Hela had asked him for help, a wise saying goes, “If you want a horse to run, you must feed it grass.”
If Hela wanted these merchants to assist her, she definitely had to provide them with some form of compensation.
Thus, this help was really a transaction.
He knew this principle well, and he believed Hela understood it too.
After sitting down in front of Hela, Rolt spoke up, “If you have any instructions, Your Ladyship, please don’t hesitate to tell me. I will not refuse anything I can do.”
He presented himself very humbly.
Not to mention that Hela was his client; her identity warranted such treatment as well.
Hela held three titles: the elegant young lady, a powerful Mage, and the steward of Your Majesty.
Especially the last title; he couldn’t possibly neglect serving her well!
Although she was a steward, it was essential to recognize who she served.
The term “steward” is easy to understand; it denotes a servant who manages the household affairs for their master.
And importantly, it hinged on the concept of “house.”
In a narrow sense, this “house” referred to the Avalon Royal Palace where Airael resided, as well as her various residences. Broadly, the entire Avalon belonged to Airael’s assets.
From this, one could understand just how much power Hela wielded, although currently, she was only responsible for matters concerning the royal palace and its residences.
However, even that was not to be underestimated.
“This matter is not difficult; it is a piece of cake for you. You won’t be shortchanged on rewards either,” Hela said with a slight smile.
She noticed Rolt had some worries, so her smile also had a comforting intention behind it.
“Well then, please instruct me, Your Ladyship,” Rolt replied, now dropping any hesitation.
With Hela saying this, there was no need for him to hold back. To do otherwise would only offend Hela, making things uncomfortable for himself.
Their conversation started on an unequal footing.
“Technically speaking, this isn’t something I want you to do; it’s a request from Your Majesty. Therefore, I hope you will treat this matter with seriousness.”
Hela did not follow Rolt’s words; instead, she emphasized Airael’s existence.
Regardless of the situation, she intended to maintain control over the conversation.
In other words, Rolt’s earlier statement, from Hela’s perspective, was an attempt to overshadow her.
Although they were in the Elven Merchant Association where Rolt was the host, in the context of the Elven Race, Airael, whom she represented, was the true master.
It was not Rolt asking for favors; it was Airael giving orders.
Though the end result might be similar, the implication was very different.
“Your Majesty!”
Upon hearing this, Rolt’s face was full of shock.
Hela smiled, pleased with Rolt’s reaction.
After a moment, Rolt regained his composure and said to Hela, “It is my honor to serve the most esteemed Your Majesty.”
Hela nodded at Rolt’s enthusiastic display and then explained Airael’s request: “Your Majesty is aware that your merchant association has very close trade relations with the races on the continent, especially humans. Since you are among those few in the Elven Race with close ties to the continent, Your Majesty intends for you to represent our kind during this mission.”
Hela paused her words, leaving Rolt somewhat puzzled: “A mission to the continent? What does Your Majesty want us to do?”
He felt it unlikely that he would be the one to undertake a mission like this.
“Don’t rush; I haven’t finished speaking yet. Your mission to the continent is, of course, related to trade. Your Majesty knows the continent is rich in resources; though the Elven Race has abundant resources, they don’t compare to what’s found on the continent. Hence, Your Majesty wishes to purchase a large quantity of resources from it, which is why you are to go discuss these matters.”
Once Hela finished, Rolt finally understood.
Politely put, it was a mission to the continent; in reality, it was about making business deals with humans.
Previously, they were doing deals for themselves; now, they were doing it for Airael, the Elven Queen.
Of course, describing Airael’s business endeavors could not just be called “business.” They had to be referred to as a “mission.”
Rolt understood this perfectly.
It all boiled down to the fact that Airael was incredibly esteemed.
“I understand, but purchasing so many resources will certainly require a large capital investment. While our association still has a fair amount of funds, I suspect it pales in comparison to what Your Majesty may require.”
“I’ve mentioned Your Majesty will not treat you unfairly. This matter certainly won’t draw on your funds—you can continue using your resources for your businesses. You simply must also work for Your Majesty, understand?”
“Understood! I understand!”
Seeing Hela’s displeasure, Rolt hurriedly nodded in agreement.
“The Queen will provide the funds; you will only need to do the legwork. As for those pirates at sea, you needn’t worry. Your Majesty will dispatch a guard to escort you. After all, you will be representatives sent by Your Majesty to the continent.”
As Hela finished speaking, a look of distaste crossed her face.
Merchants are indeed merchants, always thinking about wealth.
Naturally, Rolt was more than pleased to hear Hela say this.
“Rest assured, Your Majesty and Your Ladyship, I guarantee I will fulfill the tasks entrusted to me and deliver a perfect response to Your Majesty.”
Even though this endeavor wasn’t Rolt’s own choice—it was thrust upon him—once he heard of the advantages involved, he dismissed all concerns.
Being protected by the escort dispatched by the Queen to the human territory, though it still felt like business, at least now it had the flavor of a true mission.
This was a glorious matter.
While merchants lived for profit, they wouldn’t mind battling if they could gain fame.
Rolt had already made up his mind.
He would personally undertake this mission to the continent, and he would not let anyone else go in his place.
“Remember your words; if there are errors, you won’t escape unscathed.”
“Understood.”
Rolt shrugged it off.
In his eyes, this was nothing challenging—just a matter of running errands. He had done plenty of that in his youth.
After discussing some details with Rolt, Hela departed.
Rolt immediately ordered people to prepare for the mission as soon as she left.
Overseas trade requires ships; since they couldn’t delay the association’s original business, they needed to form a new fleet.
According to Airael’s wishes, this fleet couldn’t be small; otherwise, it wouldn’t be able to carry much cargo.
Furthermore, although they were going to conduct business, it didn’t change the fact that they represented the Queen’s fleet. If it was too small, it wouldn’t convey her majesty.
Thus, this preparation would also take some time.
