Chapter 24: Merchant Mori
Without mentioning the departing Shadow and Hank, under the soldiers’ clearance, Sally and the others smoothly entered the port area of Menas City.
As for the guards of Menas City who dared to come upon hearing the news, they were also included in the cleanup count.
Everyone had to make way for their team.
Typically responsible for order, the guards felt angry but had no voice.
You see, they normally would be the ones doing this kind of thing.
Now, being treated like this on their own territory was a feeling too bitter to share with outsiders.
Even if they spoke up, who would sympathize with them?
And judging by the spectacle in front of them, they knew they were up against beings they couldn’t afford to offend.
“Mr. Rolt, we’ve arrived.”
Upon reaching the boarding dock, Iis said to Rolt, who was seated inside.
Rolt stepped down from the carriage and smiled at Sally and Iis, saying, “Thank you for your trouble, Lady Sally, Captain Iis.”
“As your protection is our duty as the Queen’s envoy to the mainland,” Sally replied, in a completely official manner.
“Then, I hope Lady Sally will cooperate with me more in the future,” Rolt maintained his smile.
Afterwards, he ceased the pretense and directed his gaze to the grand ship before them.
Thinking of his current identity and the situation, a sense of pride welled up in him.
“Board the ship.”
With that, Rolt began walking toward the unique guard ship in front of him.
The uniqueness referred to how it was much larger than the surrounding guard ships; it was the main transport.
Sally and Iis followed suit and boarded the ship shortly after Rolt.
Due to limited space on the vessel, aside from Iis’s Royal Palace guards and a small number of Sally’s personal guards, the other soldiers had to board other escort ships.
Once on board, Rolt stood at the bow, watching the sailors busying themselves.
They were about to set sail.
It had been a long time since he had followed a trade fleet, a memory from ages past.
Today, he would embark again as the Queen’s envoy.
In an instant, his expression took on a solemnity.
Noticing the change in him, Sally and Iis exchanged confused glances.
They didn’t understand what Rolt was up to.
But soon, they didn’t concern themselves with it.
No matter what Rolt was doing, their job was simply to safely escort him to his destination and then bring him back safely.
Just like how Sally and Iis were oblivious to Rolt’s current thoughts, Rolt was equally unaware of the thoughts residing in their minds.
He had immersed himself in his own world.
This glorious mission made him realize his potential for advancement.
Because he had already walked into the eyes of the immensely esteemed Queen.
However, all of this hinged on one premise: he had to make the Queen satisfied with his abilities.
Thus, this mission he must complete successfully.
As the large fleet gathered at the port set sail, the crowd at the port gradually dispersed.
The port began to return to normal operations.
In the Elven Palace, while handling government affairs, Airael suddenly looked toward the east and smiled, “At this time, the envoy team should have already set out. I hope you won’t disappoint me, Rolt!”
As Rolt suspected, Airael indeed had plans regarding him.
Next, the development of the elves was inseparable from foreign trade, which would elevate the importance of these merchants.
And to ensure they would work diligently, she naturally had to offer them some benefits to motivate them.
However, among the numerous elven merchants, Rolt was not the only one; he was simply more prominent and therefore caught her eye.
If Rolt failed to meet her expectations, she could easily replace him and appoint someone else to his current position.
Thus, while this mission held great benefits for Rolt, the underlying risks were not to be underestimated.
While it wouldn’t cost Rolt his life, if he failed, he might end up with nothing.
The business world is akin to a battlefield; sometimes, this bloodless battlefield can be even more brutal.
When Rolt was in power, people wouldn’t dare to trouble him. Instead, they’d flatter him, seeking his favor.
But the moment he lost power, it would be easy to imagine the consequences.
After muttering to herself, Airael immersed herself back into her duties, swiftly reviewing the documents in her hands, marking anything unsatisfactory with her opinions scribbled down.
Meanwhile, Shadow returned to the inn with Hank.
In Shadow’s room, he turned to Hank and asked, “Hank, how much do you know about the Elven Merchant Association?”
“I don’t know much, only that it’s an organization formed by many elven merchants uniting together,” Hank replied honestly.
As a mercenary, he was mostly in contact with those elven merchants or fellow mercenary elves.
He really didn’t know a lot about the Elven Merchant Association.
“Have any of the merchants you’ve dealt with been from the Elven Merchant Association?”
After pondering, Shadow posed another question.
“Yes!” Hank nodded, affirming his answer.
“Great, then take me to find a merchant from the Elven Merchant Association whom you think is particularly profit-driven.”
“Understood.”
Although Hank was quite puzzled as to why they were doing this, he figured Shadow must have unknown tactics and agreed nonetheless.
Soon after returning to the inn, the two of them stepped out again, heading to a certain location within the city.
With Hank, a familiar guide, Shadow smoothly met the person he wanted to see.
A prominent merchant from the Elven Merchant Association—Mori.
In a delicate elven courtyard, Shadow, Hank, and Mori sat around a stone table on stone chairs.
Hank had already removed his hood, revealing his appearance; otherwise, Mori wouldn’t have met strangers like them.
As the host, Mori, gave Shadow a glance before focusing on Hank, smiling, “Hey there, Hank, long time no see! You still look as fierce as ever.”
Hank’s lips twitched.
Don’t be fooled by Mori’s friendly demeanor and good looks; all elves seem to have good appearances.
But despite Mori’s excellent looks, his heart was fiercely that of a businessman.
However, with matters needing his assistance, Hank could only speak along with him, “Big Brother Mori, I came to visit today because my brother has encountered difficulties and is hoping for your help.”
“If my little brother is in trouble, then naturally big brother should help as much as he can.”
Mori appeared unfazed, replying.
“Rest assured, Big Brother, I understand the rules.”
“So, what does my little brother need help with?”
Mori’s smile widened at the question.
