- Fantasy Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence
- FLDI Chapter 28
Chapter 28: When It Comes to Making Promises, I’m a Professional (Part 2)
“For example, I could purchase five hundred pounds of that particular item.”
Thor’s calm voice filled the room, his expression still composed, even though he sensed the killing intent radiating from Racios Assad. Thor remained unfazed.
After all, Racios was merely an illegitimate son of the Assad family, posing no real threat to him.
More importantly, Thor was confident that Racios wouldn’t act recklessly.
And indeed, in the moment Thor’s words landed, Racios Assad’s body stiffened.
“What did you just say?”
The words slipped from his mouth, his expression a mixture of disbelief.
“I think you know exactly what I said, Racios,” Thor replied with a smile, his gaze fixed on him.
“Are you serious?”
Racios took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing thoughts before speaking again.
“This is fifty gold coins,” Thor said directly, pulling fifty gold coins from his pocket and placing them on the table. “Consider it a deposit.”
As he stared at the gold, Racios’ breathing became heavy. His expression flickered between various emotions—hesitation, temptation.
50 gold coins were a massive allure. If Thor weren’t a member of the Dresrosa family, Racios might have already agreed.
But Thor was from the Dresrosa family, a family with ties to the Assads that were far from friendly. Racios couldn’t be sure of Thor’s true intentions, and he dared not trust him so easily.
What if this was a trap to expose his smuggling of wildfire oil? If caught, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Yet, if he didn’t make the sale, Thor already knew about it. And 50 gold coins—how could he simply walk away from that?
Seeing Racios’ internal struggle, Thor chuckled softly, his expression turning serious.
“Racios, if I’m not mistaken, you’re not highly regarded in your family. Your coming-of-age gift was just this small shop in Lorren City. Do you really want to remain here for the rest of your life?”
Thor’s words broke through Racios’ hesitations.
Frowning, Racios’ expression darkened. He felt like Thor was mocking him.
“What are you implying?” Racios asked, his tone now stiff and defensive.
“No, no, you misunderstand me,” Thor said, waving his hand. “What I’m suggesting is that we can work together.”
“Work together?”
The phrase piqued Racios’ interest.
“Yes, cooperate. I, Thor Dresrosa, am currently developing my territory. You know how much material is needed for such an undertaking. But the Habs Trading Company is nothing more than a band of thieves! They’re charging ten times the market price for basic goods, bleeding my gold dry! It’s an insult to the Goddess of Life!”
Thor’s voice filled with righteous anger.
Hearing Thor’s frustration, Racios couldn’t help but twitch his lips.
“Sir Thor, I agree they’re exploiting the situation, but I must remind you—the Northern Province is controlled by Marquis Lehmann, and the Habs Trading Company belongs to him. Neither you nor I can compete with a marquis.”
Racios sighed, sounding resigned.
“No, Racios, you misunderstand again,” Thor corrected. “I never said we should challenge the Habs Trading Company. What I’m suggesting is simple—friends helping each other. You could ‘gift’ me certain items, and in return, I, as your friend, will ‘gift’ you some gold coins. For example, this time, my friend Racios kindly gave me some of his prized ‘life essence,’ and I, out of gratitude, gave him fifty gold coins. As long as we don’t touch the slave trade, I doubt the Habs Trading Company would care.”
Thor smiled as he explained.
Hearing this, Racios understood Thor’s plan.
A wry smile crossed Racios’ face.
“Sir Thor, you’re quite clever. You want me to smuggle the goods for you while taking none of the risk. If something goes wrong, I’ll be the one punished, not you.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not interested in such a deal,” Racios said coldly, standing up to end the conversation.
“Lamm, please show Sir Thor out.”
“Goodbye, Racios,” Thor said with a smile, shaking his head as he turned to leave. But just before walking out the door, he paused.
“Oh, one more thing,” Thor said. “Racios, I’m not sure if you know this, but I am the ninth son of Engel Dresrosa. Fortunately, I have earned my father’s favor. He’s given me a great knight, fifty full knights, and several hundred apprentice knights. I believe I’ll have no trouble passing the kingdom’s upcoming evaluation.”
“I had hoped that you, Racios, would want to cooperate with a future baron. But it seems I was mistaken. Farewell.”
With that, Thor turned and walked away without hesitation.
“What?!”
Racios’ eyes widened in shock. A great knight, fifty full knights, and several hundred apprentice knights? He knew exactly what that meant.
“Sir Thor, please wait!”
Racios called out quickly.
“If you don’t believe me, you’re welcome to visit Eagle Ridge anytime,” Thor said, turning back with a confident smile.
Racios stood there, his mind reeling.
Doubt, envy, and jealousy swirled within him. He couldn’t help but compare his situation to the young knight standing before him.
Envy and jealousy surged through him, but only for a moment. Racios quickly pushed those feelings down. He knew what he needed to do. This was, after all, why he had taken the risk of smuggling in the first place.
Taking a deep breath, Racios composed himself and smiled once again.
“You’re right, Sir Thor. We are friends, and this is merely a friendly exchange. The ‘life essence’ you seek will be ready tomorrow. Where would you like the exchange to take place?”
Racios’ tone was now warm and cordial, as if speaking to an old friend.
“Thank you, my friend. I think fifty miles outside Lorren City, at Maple Leaf Ridge, would be a good spot,” Thor suggested, smiling as well.
“Yes, that sounds perfect!”
“How about at dusk?” Thor asked.
“Of course, my friend,” Racios agreed.
……