Chapter 22: Wooden Merchant Union
-- Wooden Merchant Union Headquarters --
"Did I hear right?", Fang Zheng shouted in excitement, "The White Owl Brotherhood was wiped out?"
Arthur, Drake's butler and preparatory knight bodyguard, nodded, "Here is the helm of White Owl"
Fang Zheng sighed in admiration: "To think that he would take care of this matter the very next week I issued my concerns over this bandit group. It might be a group of bandits, but they have been active in the territory for the past ten years. No one managed to locate their hideout, not to mention storm it and wipe them off"
Arthur smiled: "My lord gave 200 gold coins to whoever would give the location of the hideout. One of their men was willing to betray his brother-in-arms for this sum. Drake then offered 100 more gold coins if he opened the gates. Attacking during night, with a trained cavalry, the White Owl Brotherhood bandits could not even put up a fight. These men have been intimidating merchants for the past decade. My lord's men have been fighting my lord on a daily basis. Fighting yetis is a common combat for them. Fighting bandits is like a walk in the park for them"
Fang Zheng nodded: "Still, it has only been eleven months since he took over the city, and yet he solved so many problems. It will take three months for the siege weapons to be built. I will oversee the process with the blacksmiths myself, may he stay assured of their quality"
Arthur then showed a letter: "My lord couldn't come himself as he has started isolated training. He wishes you to come during the expedition. Your knowledge in siege weapons could be very useful"
Fang Zheng: "I already told the Mayor, who I consider a friend, that fighting a Giant Python is madness. Even with siege weapons, there is always a risk of it rampaging its way through Frozen City. Why does he not request help from the Moonfall family?"
Arthur answered: "My lord has his reasons. At least read the letter he gave you. Perhaps it will motivate you to join"
Fang Zheng sighed and read the letter: "Mmh...If he puts it like that, then it might be doable indeed...I didn't know that this youth was this talented. Tell him that I agree when he comes out of his isolated training. Although I do value the tax cut he is offering me, I am an acolyte before a merchant. Is he willing to share part of the Python's flesh?"
Arthur smiled: "He knew you'd ask for it. He doesn't wish to share the Python's corpse. And anyway, it would be ruined from the fight. However, he is willing to give you this"
Fang Zheng's eyes widened.
Drake was very strong, but it wasn't his only quality. He had single-handedly designed the Red Keep (Frozen City's Castle) in a night. His architecture skill had reached 58 points of proficiency since then, making him a master already.
Designing plans for a fitting establishment for the Wooden Merchant Union in a medieval, under-developped territory was enough to rival average magical resources.
Fang Zheng smiled: "Then, I shall oblige"
Drake was willing to go to such lengths to earn the support of a beginner acolyte.
Five ballistae cost him 3000 gold coins, and the munitions cost him 1000 more gold coins. Besides the ballistae, he was planning on purchasing lethal poison, which would amount to 4000 more gold coins.
If not for White Owl Wealth, Drake might not have been able to afford so many expenses.
Meanwhile, Benjamin decided to return to the Ivory Tower, the Moonfall's ancestral keep in order to give his report. There was no way the main family would believe what was happening near Frozen City.
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