140 - The Freed S*aves Became Obsessed

Chapter 140: Obsessed Freed Slaves The Malicious Merchant, Bifen. A merchant who operates primarily around Aisengar, thriving on swindling the northerners. Conflicts arise with the residents at Lake Fortress. When Bifen discovers Ashies, he proposes selling her, only to be promptly refused. His so-called retaliation involves severing the periodic trade relations with Lake Fortress. The user’s task is to connect Lake Fortress with a new merchant. ‘And that new merchant is me.’ In the game, establishing a branch in the north and providing support were possible, but not anymore. It’s impractical to acquire properties and make preparations in reality like it was in the game, where a shop could appear instantly with the click of a button. Such needless efforts are unwelcome now. Thus, my chosen method is to find someone who can fulfill my role. “Hey, you piece of trash. Why on earth do I have to go with you?” Grumbled Rinbar, heaving a sigh of annoyance from inside the carriage’s luggage compartment. We were making our way from the village to a city within Aisengar. Our party consisted of a dwarf coachman, me, Ashies, and Rinbar. “Ferka was really eager to go. Why didn’t you just bring him instead?” Looks like he’s already on a first-name basis with Ferka, but I seem to be the only one he dislikes. “Ferka is repaying for past misdeeds. You, Rinbar, are accompanying me as a witness.” “A witness for what?” “As a testimony to my virtue as a benevolent slave merchant to the village people. Moreover, since this involves the village’s interest, someone should naturally come along, shouldn’t they? It wouldn’t make sense for just us outsiders to go.” “Well... you're right.” Even though he dislikes me, Rinbar reluctantly agrees, perhaps feeling a prick of conscience. He then glances at me, as if there’s something more he wants to say. “Feel free to speak your mind.” “So, is it true that for what we offered, we could get six months' worth of goods?” Seems they're curious whether they've been duped. “It’s true. It’s based on the geographical constraints of the north. In a more bustling trading area, the value would be much higher.” “Then that merchant was just exploiting us?” "He's been doing it continuously. Given your limited interactions with outsiders, determining the true value of goods would be nearly impossible for you." “That no good, conniving...” Feeling deeply wronged, Rinbar grinds his teeth, his face twisted in anger. Then, he releases a sigh, his expression softening as he turns to me with a look of gratitude. “Thanks... Because of you, we didn’t get swindled.” “Ha, it’s not really something to thank me for. This particular trade was an exceptionally extreme case. Fur aside, the wyvern’s wings are extremely rare materials.” “Really?” “Yes. He probably got greedy just seeing them. Had he restrained himself and been reasonable, he would’ve profited significantly. But his excessive greed led him to trip over his own feet.” Thanks to that, I got a chance to boost my favorability. “If you really want to thank me, perhaps you could help coax the chief into giving me some jewels.” “You’re hated because you just can’t help adding comments like that. I might view you differently if you just stayed quiet. Oh well, a slave merchant could be no different.” *** Arriving in Brunnd, the central city of Aisengar. Much like how tribes and metropolises coexist in Africa, it’s the same here in Aisengar. While traditional northerners uphold age-old customs, there are also civilized city dwellers living an ordinary urban life. Among them, Brunnd is the largest city in Aisengar. Though it pales compared to metropolises elsewhere. “How do you like it? It feels different from Doomheim, doesn’t it?” “Yeah...” “Each city has its unique characteristics. Traveling between different cities can be quite enjoyable.” “What are you, my dad...?” How clueless. This kind of trivial communication is crucial. Though main stories are important, the simplistic, mundane experiences that can only be gained from daily life contribute significantly to Ashies’s emancipation. “Rami... My dad...?” “Haha, I’m closer than a father to you, as your master.” “Let’s drop the nonsense, what’s your business here?” “There’s a place I need to visit.” Expanding a successful restaurant to other regions by establishing franchises for revenue generation. The same applies to merchants. Each region offers different business opportunities, hence big merchant associations have branches even in such extreme locales. The place I’m visiting is Seol Un Hwe. The Aisengar branch of Cheonsang Lu. A massive building reminiscent of an igloo. Inside, beastmen indigenous to polar regions conducted business. A sea elephant, looking utterly weary of everything in the world, approached. “What brings you here?” “I’m here to see the branch manager.” "Hmm, I haven't seen you before… Did you set an appointment?" "I didn't set an appointment.” "Do you think our branch manager is someone with all the free time in the world? Don’t bother us anymore and just leave." The sea elephant, showing evident annoyance, sighed openly, gesturing me away dismissively. Such a response was anticipated. ‘Which is why I came prepared.’ I produced an item I had meticulously hidden in my inner pocket. “That, that’s?!” The listless sea elephant was taken aback with shock. An octagonal crest adorned with a white fox. A token that only those trusted by Cheono Yuhwa can possess, granting them free access to Cheonsang Lu. “I’m from Cheonsang Lu, dispatched here. I’m here to meet the branch manager... Am I permitted to enter?” Dispatch from the secret envoy. *** "Welcome, esteemed envoy! The journey here must have been arduous through such treacherous lands. Though it may be modest, please make yourself comfortable!" The polar bear beastman who managed Seol Un Hwe seated me at the place of honor. In possession of a token that grants a private audience with Yuhwa, the only other person I know who has this is Hilde. No mere branch manager could refuse a meeting with someone who holds such a token. To him, I am now an envoy sent by Yuhwa. If you had contacted us in advance, we would have given you the utmost reception..." "No need for special hospitality. I'm here on business." "Business, you say...?" "Haha, there's no need to worry. It's not what you think. Anyone personally selected by the merchant lord surely handles things well." "Oh, of course~ That goes without saying." The branch manager sighs in relief, his anxiety easing. Indeed, Yuhwa's personnel are generally competent. If one can foresee the future outcome of their hires as Yuhwa does, subpar employees would be an anomaly. "So, what brings you, the envoy, all the way to Aisengar?" "The merchant lord wishes to expand business. Opening up trade routes with the Aisengar tribes to broaden the trading network." "With those savages, you mean?" "What? Savages? Has this bear said it all?" Rinbar shoots up from his seat in anger. "Sir, the envoy. Who is this...?" "He’s a Nosgard residing in Lake Fortress. He’s my companion." "My apologies. It was a slip of the tongue. I sincerely apologize." The branch manager bows. Even here, beastmen like him face discrimination, and he wastes no time belittling others when he gets the chance. It’s rare to find someone as equal-opportunity as myself. "Let’s return to the main topic. Seol Un Hwe desires to trade with the tribes in Aisengar, purchasing the byproducts of their beast hunts and providing goods of equal value." "And why should we...?" "Hmm, if things go well, I might mention to the merchant lord how capable the branch manager of Aisengar is..." "Ahem! Indeed, the byproducts from northern beasts are high in value. It happens to be something we've had our eyes on as well." At least he’s perceptive enough to catch on. "Then we should proceed immediately." "Well... We’d like to do so, but...” "Is it because of Bifen?" The branch manager nods. He takes a sip of water before continuing. "It’s not entirely incorrect. The traders, including Bifen, primarily operate in the north. However, they alone pose no real threat. We’re a branch of Cheonsang Lu, after all." "Then what’s the issue?" "It’s the backing of Great Chieftain Zeke that’s the problem." Zeke Snowspine. The Great Chieftain of Frost Hollow, the largest tribe in Aisengar. "Aiming to trade with the northerners while opposing Zeke is contradictory. Many northerners follow him. Moreover, clashing with him might impact our ongoing operations..." "So it’s just a matter of dealing with Zeke." "Precisely. The beastmen of the polar regions are unmatched in adaptation here. Once the path is clear, transport will always be possible." "Great. It seems we’ve reached an understanding." Dealing with Zeke. Restructuring the tribal hierarchy in Aisengar. With Lake Fortress at the pinnacle. "However, Zeke is renowned as the strongest warrior in the north. If we provoke his anger—" "Shhh." I brought a finger to my lips. I dangled Yuhwa's token in front of the branch manager's eyes. "Are you questioning me now?" "N-No, it’s not that..." "The merchant lord sent me here. Questioning me is akin to questioning the merchant lord’s judgment. Would you like me to report your dissatisfaction to him?" "No! Absolutely not! The merchant lord must have his reasons. I'm sure it will work out splendidly! Absolutely!" I smiled broadly. “I’ll send word shortly. Please be prepared until then.” *** “Please travel safely!” I departed from Seol Un Hwe, receiving a courteous send-off from the branch manager. Everything went smoothly. Indeed, power is a marvelous thing. “You must be someone incredible. Even that bear, who seemed quite high-ranking, didn’t dare challenge you.” “It’s nothing grand. I merely borrowed someone else's power. The important part is what comes next.” A look of concern shadowed Rinbar's face. "Are you really thinking of taking on Zeke? As much as it pains my pride to admit, Zeke is the strongest among the Nosgard. Even the late Baskal barely stood a chance against him in his prime, never actually defeating him." “It’s alright. I have Ashies, who is stronger than I am.” Though Rinbar muttered, “Being stronger than you isn’t much to boast about...”, she didn’t dispute my claim. After all, she’s seen Ashies’s power firsthand. “No need to drag this out. We’ll head there directly.” Adishe: December 30, 2024, 8:08 PM "Father, you must ascend the throne! You'll be forced into royalty." 0 Gae and Goyang-i: January 10, 2025, 3:46 PM "What if she's a daughter, how would that work?" 0 Alkal: January 18, 2025, 11:52 AM "Why not?" 0 Gwanjang Elementary Grade 6 Haedal: January 14, 2025, 2:13 AM "Where’s all the pleasure gone and why do I only have a daughter now?" 0 Only registered members can post comments. 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Can't find any posts to eat with my appetite... 신작묵히는 게 취미 +1 +14 02.23 (๑ಕ̴ _̆ ಕ̴) ﾝ？ 02.23 The psychopath's daughter from the Three Kingdoms has arrived please request 02.23 How to refuse a perfect marriage, please request. 02.23 Please request the chef who cooks Joseon 02.23 Playing as King Danjong, please request +1 02.23 Computer review 02.23 Manager Kim 🥬 hates idols 🥬 request after episode 193 +1 02.23 Healing story recommendations please +23 02.23 1 hour +6 02.23 Re: 🥬 🥬 Revolution was not my taste 🥬 Completed version shake it up. Chapter 140: The Freed Slaves Become Obsessed (141/218)