The empire controlled the arms trade and exports decreased, which caused the price of firearms to rise, but it would not triple the original price. This must be the new mayor of Baker City who was doing something wrong. After returning from the smuggler Joyson, Luo
De has basically understood the situation. No wonder Iron Claw returned without success. Rhodes knew that in this case, he could not be blamed.
However, since he is here, he might as well go there and try his luck, Rhodes thought...
The next morning, Rhodes took Caroline, Lawrence and Celta to the municipal residence in Baker City. Caroline dressed up as a noble lady and appeared as Rhodes' cousin... Of course, she was originally a nobleman, with etiquette and temperament.
There is no need to teach anything above, and there will be no flaws. Lawrence appears as Rhodes's retinue, while Celta appears as a mercenary. Although these characters and their identities are different, they have similar experiences because of their similarities.
, several people can perform their respective roles very well.
Before stepping into the municipal official residence, Celta consciously put away his weapons and stood outside the door. As a mercenary, he had no right to enter this building. Lawrence and Caroline walked in without hesitation.
Unlike other lords' castles, Baker City is a seaport city, so its administrative residence looks more like a villa and mansion than a gloomy castle or fortress.
Entering from the gate decorated with bull statues, there were administrative personnel coming and going along the way. Occasionally, one or two nobles or bachelors with clean faces would nod and smile at Rhodes and his group, but most of them were in a hurry and ignored them.
Several strangers passed through a garden corridor, Rod, Caroline, and Lawrence came to a hall. The alderman's servant motioned for them to wait here, and he went to inform them.
"Guardian of the North of Kislev, High Lord of Blackhammer Castle Rhodes?"
While waiting for the mayor to meet, a man dressed as a wealthy businessman sat across from Rhodes and had a "passionate" conversation with him.
"Guardian of the North? Oh, no, it hasn't reached that level yet. The Guardian of the North is a group, not an individual. All the castle lords south of the Great Wall are members of this group. I can't speak for everyone. As for the general
Lord, it doesn’t count, it’s just a lord.”
Rhodes answered with a smile.
"Oh, let me introduce myself. My name is Tours Lane. I am the largest salt merchant and jeweler in Baker City. My family made a living here when this city was first built. Baker Port is a prosperous port.
The city that developed through this port is also a prosperous city. I have a brief understanding of your empire's journey. I can only say that you have come to the right place to purchase supplies."
The businessman named Tours said enthusiastically. This surprised Caroline and Lawrence. Along the way, they met some self-righteous and arrogant guys, but this gentleman seemed a little...
Enthusiasm goes too far.
Of course, Rhodes was not surprised. All businessmen value profit, and profit is the source and only motivation for their pursuit. Before he came in, he had already expressed the purpose of this meeting to the city lord, and he must have been around the mayor.
A well-informed person. Recalling what Joyson said before, Rhodes guessed that the businessman named Tours was probably like him. He was not familiar with the new officials and wanted to build relationships.
"Father". But Rhodes was very doubtful about his title of "biggest".
"Well, this is indeed a prosperous city. Compared to the north, this is a suitable place to live."
Rhodes answered politely.
"I heard that you just blocked a wave of beastman attacks in the north?"
Turs was looking for a topic. His eyes were like a mouse, moving rapidly, observing the people around Rhodes.
"Yes, very many, the largest Beastman force in decades."
Rhodes answered. This time, Caroline was honest. She didn't interrupt and just listened quietly. She behaved like a noble woman.
"How many?"
"Hundreds, probably more."
"It was indeed a disaster." Tours said, "But you defended the castle, and you still seem to have some strength."
"It's not enough. Humans still look so weak in front of all kinds of big horned beasts and werewolves, so I need to purchase a batch of supplies."
Rod answered.
"Well, I know. I am engaged in the trading industry. I have a certain understanding of the needs of various places."
Tours said with a smile.
"But you must be mentally prepared. Mayor Clyde is a very busy man. He just took office here last winter. He has to meet a lot of people every day. His temper may not be very good."
He came over and whispered.
"I'm mentally prepared."
Rhodes replied with a smile.
"That's good. However, as far as I know, there are a lot of people who want to talk to him recently, and, like you, most of them are about arms."
He spoke even softer. Rhodes could instinctively feel that this guy had something to talk to him about, otherwise he wouldn't approach him for no reason.
"So, did they succeed?"
Rhodes asked deliberately.
"What do you think?"
A mysterious smile appeared on Turs' lips.
"Can't guess."
"Then let me tell you, most of them failed." Tours said.
After a while, he moved over, next to Rhodes, and whispered: "But I can, I can help you get those things."
He was so close that Rhodes could smell the strong perfume emanating from his body. Men wearing perfume was what Rhode disliked the most, but in other people's territory, Rhodes tolerated it.
"The price can be negotiated, but it will definitely be lower than the price given to you by the mayor."
"Haha, how much?"
Rhodes smiled and asked in a low voice.
Turs quietly raised his arm and stretched out two fingers from his fat palm, "Twice." He said.
At this moment, the servant who had just entered walked out of the alderman's office and walked over to Rhodes.
"Lord, you can go in now. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting."
He said politely and then made a gesture of invitation.
Seeing this, Turs quickly took out a prepared note and stuffed it into Rhode's hand. "We will contact you again." He whispered, and then walked away with a smile. Lawrence and Ka were left behind.