chsdbacks Chapter 32 The Transaction is Completed
Chapter 32 The Transaction is Completed
"Most of the shipping routes that originally used Sapphire Bay as a hub have been abandoned."
"If it's the southern countries and the western islands, it's just that there's not a suitable transit point; there are still alternative routes."
"But as for the North... without a crucial transit port, most of the shipping routes to the North have been cut off."
"Only a very few powerful merchant guilds can afford to spend a great deal of money to invite spellcasters onto their ships in order to organize a caravan heading to the North."
"Therefore, most of the goods from the North can only travel by land, passing through the Ashk Empire to the South."
"Land routes are slow and cause significant damage, making it almost impossible to transport some precious goods that are difficult to preserve."
"And the Ashk Empire..."
At this point, even the usually composed Barga couldn't help but show a look of disgust.
"The lords and nobles of the Ashk Empire are insatiable. They will fleece any passing caravan, and many will even rob them outright."
"For a long time, there has been virtually no organization of land-based caravans."
Bairga couldn't help but mutter a complaint:
"Are these nobles blinded by greed? They insisted on monopolizing a business that was clearly a long-term, sustainable venture. Now that the business has stopped, aren't they also suffering losses?"
"Since it involves passing through multiple territories, this is unavoidable. After all, even if we don't eat it ourselves, we can't guarantee that other lords won't. In that case, it's better to strike first."
Allen gave a casual reply.
Although the worlds are different, the logic remains the same.
The same thing has happened countless times in the history of Earth.
In a unified country, this situation can be effectively curbed through the bureaucratic system and laws.
However, in times of chaos, or when large-scale trade between countries is involved, such behavior of one party profiting at the expense of the other is quite common.
The so-called "empire" in this world is nothing more than a collection of landed nobles. It doesn't even have a unified government; the territory is just a collection of small kingdoms owned by these nobles.
"Yes," Bairga sighed, "so if the Northern route could be restored, what a huge profit that would be."
……
After the meal, Allen had learned what he wanted to know, and the second expense was considered complete.
Barga originally wanted to take the oath first, but Allen wanted to go to his cabin first to collect the first fee.
So the three of them decided to take a walk and went down the cliff again, returning to the beach.
Upon seeing Captain Barga's return, all the sailors immediately stood up.
Although they were entertained and provided with food and fresh water, they were constantly worried because they were surrounded by kobolds and there were unseen fiddler crabs in the sea.
The captain's safe return brought them considerable relief.
This suggests that the captain has likely completed the negotiations, and they should be free from danger and combat.
Barga first returned to the crew, said a few words of reassurance, and then summoned his first mate, Tom.
"You can organize everyone to set up camp and rest here. The owner of Sapphire Bay wants to come and see our cabin."
Seeing the captain's calm demeanor, Tom knew that the captain had the situation under control, so he didn't say anything more and simply dragged over the small boat for docking.
Barga, Allen, and Solina boarded the ship. Barga seemed to have no intention of involving the sailors in the transaction, so he took the oars and prepared to row the ship himself.
"No, no need."
Allen stopped him, and then Barga felt a jolt beneath his feet as the small boat drifted toward the merchant ship on its own.
"This is……"
A thought struck him, and he glanced at the sea.
Sure enough, the shadow of a crab's shell could be vaguely seen underwater.
It's the fiddler crabs; they're pulling the boat!
Bairga understood. These fiddler crabs had indeed obeyed the orders of the Sapphire Bay master. Fortunately, they hadn't mistaken it for an accident and forced their way back to the ship after going ashore.
Otherwise, their ship would probably have sunk here.
Nothing unexpected happened after that. The three of them toured the cabins of the three ships and inspected all the cargo.
Barga made no attempt to hide anything, displaying all his goods.
Rather, it's because the owner of Sapphire Bay was eccentric in every way, and the fees he asked for were far too insignificant.
Barga was afraid that the other party would be dissatisfied and break the agreement because they did not see goods that suited their taste or were of sufficient value.
Just as mortals can abandon their vows at any time, non-human beings are not necessarily required to abide by agreements.
Ultimately, Allen chose a magic book.
Bairga glanced at it and found it perfectly reasonable.
This book is not the most valuable commodity, or even a relatively valuable one—because it is unlikely to fetch a good price in the southern countries.
That is something that is of almost no use to humans.
But since they are non-human beings, it is normal for them to ignore the most expensive things like gold artworks and choose things related to magic instead.
"That's a good option. So, is our first expense now paid?"
"Yes, yes, it's settled."
Allen stroked the magic book in his hand, very satisfied with the deal.
"However, there are many things in your shipment that interest me, so I hope to make a few more transactions."
Upon hearing this, Bairga's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that he was going to go back on his word?
"This isn't what we agreed on..."
"Don't be so quick to refuse." Allen handed the magic book to Solina, which was originally meant for her.
"We can offer other services instead, such as providing repair materials."
"Repair..." Bailgar paused for a moment, then understood what Allen was about to say.
"Your ship is already in a very bad state. We need to continue repairing it, but without suitable materials, it will take a long time... For example, the main material needed for that mast will require a lot of effort to find."
"What do you mean?"
"You tell me what materials you need, and I'll have my men find them for you. We can even help with repairs."
Upon hearing this, Bairga was immediately tempted.
Putting everything else aside, the treants under the command of this Sapphire Bay master are incredibly strong and enormous.
Their mere presence alone can greatly assist in the maintenance of large ships.
"Furthermore, I won't ask to choose whatever I want like I did this time. I will discuss reasonable prices with you and select the items I need."
"Thank you for your kindness. Well then... the deal is done."
Barga immediately agreed to the deal.
"Great, that's awesome."
Allen smiled.
"Then, please settle our third fee."
"Shall we begin like this?" Bairga asked tentatively.
"Let's begin like this."
"Oh well."
Bairga placed his hand on his chest as if making an oath, while secretly touching the magic amulet on his chest.
"I swear in the name of the ocean god, Charondir..."
Swearing an oath in the name of God is a solemn vow, and everyone fears the divine punishment for breaking the oath... Of course, most mortals are not worthy of the gods' attention.
"I will return to Sapphire Bay within a year. If I break this oath, may I perish in the raging waves of Calondir!"
"Okay, payment settled."
That's it... over?
Bairga touched the magic amulet on his chest, but there was no sign that it had been activated.
The other party didn't cast a curse?
Is it really just a vow made by a mortal?
While he was still in shock and uncertainty, he saw that Allen had already pulled Solina back and walked out of the cabin.
"Captain Barga, we should go and discuss the cargo price corresponding to the repair costs."
"Oh...oh, yes, I'm coming right away."