stjorthotic Chapter 159 Being Watched
Chapter 159 Being Watched
Summer June 14th.
[Mount Enhancement] Loading progress 13%.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Karl, who led the team to Frostfoil to exchange for gold coins, has returned.
Richard sat on the lord's throne, watching him direct the soldiers to bring in the boxes.
A dozen or so wooden crates were stacked against the wall. The moment they were pried open, the glittering gold coins were so dazzling that one could hardly open their eyes.
-- A full ten thousand!
There was also a small box placed separately next to Richard, filled with things Betty had bought at Frostfolk.
Pretty hair clips inlaid with rhinestones, brass mirrors, carved silver combs, and some high-end, exquisite candlesticks are all little trinkets that girls like.
Betty sidled up to Richard, tugging at his sleeve with her little hand, and chattered away about her experiences in Frostfoil Territory.
"master!"
"Frostfoil Territory truly lives up to its reputation as a Grand Duchy; there are so many people!"
"The market was also very lively. There was a street full of delicious food, and many people were performing on the street."
"I also saw two elves carrying bows and arrows. Their ears were long and pointed, somewhat like Xueyue's!"
Since becoming a Heavenly Singer, Betty has become much more cheerful and is no longer the girl who was afraid to speak loudly.
Richard was genuinely pleased by her radiant, confident, and lively appearance, and patted her little hand affectionately.
laughed:
"Let's go upstairs and put our things away first. We can talk about it later tonight. I need to discuss some serious matters with Carl."
Betty nodded obediently, picked up the small box, and quickly went upstairs, leaving behind a string of sweet laughter.
...
Betty's figure disappeared at the top of the stairs.
Richard then looked at Carl.
"Was the journey relatively smooth? Did you encounter any problems?"
Karl bowed and began his report.
"Return to my lord."
"The exchange process went smoothly. We sent the gold ore to the mint, and they didn't ask any questions or care which territory I was from. They took the ore and started smelting it right away. They smelted two large batches that day."
Richard nodded slightly.
Mints accept all coins and make their profit from the difference; there's no need to inquire about the source.
Speaking of which...
A strange look appeared on Karl's face.
"but..."
"The mint in Shuangmo is different from the one in the capital. They don't have a secret passage, and the main gate faces the street."
"After we got the gold coins, we were worried that someone was watching us and following us, so we planned to circle around a few times after leaving the city. But as soon as we left the city, we encountered an old man blocking the road."
"I thought it was a bandit robbery and almost let the Yunhe Express run us over. But the old man shouted that he wasn't a bandit and wanted to make a deal with us."
"The old man claimed to be a senior alchemist. He must have been keeping watch near the mint entrance and saw us come out and carry so many boxes."
"I just wanted to ask if we had any extra raw gold ore, because he said he needed gold for refining."
"I was thinking, since we don't have any alchemists at Chiffon, why don't we just ask him if he wants to stay at Chiffon? The old man agreed without even thinking about it, and he's waiting outside the camp now."
After listening to Karl's report.
Richard was speechless for a moment.
Anthony said that the capital's mint had very good security measures, and the access routes were extremely well hidden.
Moreover, the place to collect gold coins was located behind a large merchant house, so people who didn't know better might think it was a place to buy other supplies.
That's why Karl was sent to exchange 5,000 kilograms of raw gold ore this time.
But who would have thought that Shuangmo's mint branch was so lax that it was targeted as soon as it stepped out of the door? It's just outrageous!
I wonder if anyone else besides this old man will discover that Chiffon can be exchanged for gold coins.
...
As for this so-called alchemist...
This is also his own fault; he didn't tell Karl beforehand that the [Alchemist] class was among the unadjusted professions.
This profession is homebody type, with little combat capability, so it would be a waste to select people from the military.
He had already spoken to Irving, telling him to just pick someone from the crafts department to transfer to, so Karl didn't know yet.
However, Karl meant well, thinking that bringing back a high-level alchemist would strengthen the territory.
to be frank.
Such legitimate extraordinary professionals would be highly sought-after in any territory in the North.
Many territories are willing to offer high salaries or provide food to keep people employed.
Others want it.
He doesn't care.
But since we've brought them back, let's meet them.
...
Not long after, the castle guard led an old man in.
The man looked to be around sixty years old, with messy, gray hair. His coarse cloth robe was faded from washing, and he was hunched over, looking somewhat destitute.
Upon reaching the center of the hall, the old man bowed respectfully.
"My name is Simon, and I am a high-level extraordinary alchemist. Greetings, Lord Baron Chiffon."
After bowing, he straightened up, trying to make himself appear as dignified as possible.
"My lord, I served in Black Rook Castle for many years and was the personal apothecary and alchemist of Viscount Black Rook. I have written proof of this."
Upon hearing this, Karl's face revealed a hint of pride, as if he were showing off that he had gotten a great deal.
Richard understood.
Previously, Black Raven Territory was breached by orcs, and its people and serfs were either killed or fled, leaving the entire territory completely ruined.
Viscount Black Raven fled to Frostfowl Territory with his family for refuge. Apart from a title that was only in name, he had nothing left. Where would he get the money to pay the high salaries of his subordinates?
A classic case of "when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter."
Richard didn't speak, but just looked at him quietly, waiting for him to continue.
The current Chiffon Kingdom is no longer what it was when it was first established; the territory is gradually getting on track and the system is slowly being improved.
A diverse range of professions are flourishing.
They even have a basic medical system; if someone can't demonstrate value to Chiffon, they're not worth hiring.
...
Seeing Richard's expression, old Simon gave a bitter smile and a long sigh, his tone tinged with dejection.
"To be honest, after the Black Raven Territory was invaded by the orcs, even the Viscount himself was in trouble, so we could only go our separate ways."
"I've spent my whole life dealing with potions and magical materials, and I don't know how to do anything else. If you think highly of me, Lord, I'm willing to stay and serve you."
"I am testing a potion, but the recipe requires gold. I would be extremely grateful if you could give me some."
...
Richard remained completely unmoved.
He waved to the windowsill, and a little squirrel that was curled up there sunbathing scurried onto his hand, its little head gently rubbing against his palm.
Richard gently stroked its little upright ears with his fingertips. Last night, the maids had given all the little animals a good bath, and they were clean and odorless.
It feels much more comfortable to hold than when I grabbed it.
...
Karl saw that his lord was busy playing with the squirrel and leaving Simon aside, which made the scene a little awkward.
He quickly coughed lightly, breaking the silence in the hall, and said loudly to Simon:
"Don't just talk about wanting gold. Tell me what you can do and what skills you have, so that the lord can hear it."