Chapter 7: Tulip Chamber of Commerce
According to the Radiant Empire's [Lord's Law], nobles who lost their land would be stripped of their title.
However, there was a way to regain their original title.
That was to rely on their own strength to reclaim their land.
Otherwise, even if the land was reclaimed, it would be rewarded to the new nobles who contributed to the reclamation, and not to the old lord.
This kind of survival of the fittest rule also ensured the metabolism of the Empire's noble system, preventing the emergence of nobles who only relied on their ancestors' protection to eat and wait for death.
The real Kahn Su Duo chose to go to Fallen Eagle City to look for Count Oman after his family was destroyed, and not to look for the Su Duo Family's lord, the Duke Of St. Hilde, because he had considered this point.
If he went to the Duke Of St. Hilde, even if the Duke sent troops to reclaim Icestone, he would not return it to the Su Duo Family.
But it was different if he went to his uncle, Count Oman. Although Count Oman would not help Kahn without asking for anything in return, he would definitely take into consideration his relationship with the Su Duo Family and take care of him.
At the very least, Icestone would return to the Su Duo Family.
And now, the real Kahn still did not know how his discussion with his uncle went, but Colin's fake Knight Of Kahn already had a sponsor.
"Mr. Oliver, thank you very much for your kind intentions. However, building an army capable of attacking cities and recruiting a mercenary group to escort merchant caravans are not the same. The cost of the two are completely different. "
"Of course I understand." Oliver chuckled, a strange light flashing in his eyes, "My father was once a quartermaster, but because of some mistakes he made, he was … removed from his position. However, I have some understanding of the cost of building a real army."
"Oh?" Colin finally looked at the fat merchant beside him.
If it was said that Oliver was a crazy speculator who did not know the immensity of heaven and earth in Colin's heart before, then now, he had turned into an extremely daring crazy speculator.
Although he knew that he was an impostor, Colin was still interested, wanting to probe the background of this ordinary-looking merchant.
"Then, how many gold coins can Mr. Oliver sponsor?"
"Hehe, well, of course I don't have that much money to build an army for you. Actually, it's our Chamber of Commerce that is interested in sponsoring you. "
"Chamber of Commerce?"
"Yes. Please allow me to reintroduce myself. I am one of the stewards of the Tulip Chamber of Commerce.
If you, Knight Of Kahn, are willing to accept the sponsorship of the Chamber of Commerce, I can submit an application to the President.
After that, the Chamber of Commerce will consider your strength and the cost of reclaiming Icestone City to determine the scale of the sponsorship. Of course, there is also the return after the matter is completed. "
"Tulip Chamber of Commerce?" Colin suddenly felt that the name of the Chamber of Commerce sounded familiar. After searching his memory for a while, he asked, "The Ice Lake Town from two years ago?"
"That's right!" Oliver straightened his chest and nodded proudly. "Two years ago, Baron Billy received the sponsorship of the Tulip Chamber of Commerce to reorganize his army and recapture Ice Lake Town."
The status of merchants in this world was not high. After all, no amount of money could buy a noble title.
However, it was clear that there were already some astute and bold merchants who were trying to use the gold coins in their hands to expand their influence.
The Tulip Chamber of Commerce seemed to be one of the best.
"Then, what kind of return did Baron Billy give your Chamber of Commerce?"
"My apologies, Knight Of Kahn, this is a trade secret. Please forgive me for not being able to reveal it to you."
"Alright." Colin rubbed his chin and changed the way he asked, "Then, what do you want from me?"
"Hehe, as for the specific conditions, we can discuss them in detail when you see our president," Oliver replied without missing a single detail.
"I need to think about it."
"Of course, once you have thought about it, you can come find me at any time." Oliver narrowed his small eyes and added with a smile, "However, I can assure you that whether it is the Duke Of St. Hilde or Count Oman, they will not be able to provide you with more favorable conditions than the Tulip Chamber of Commerce."
"But the help you provide will definitely not be able to compare to the Duke or the Count."
"Of course, but our appetites are also much smaller."
Colin nodded, suddenly feeling that this Tulip Chamber of Commerce was very interesting.
Although he was an impostor and did not need the other party's sponsorship, he still asked: "Does your Chamber of Commerce have a station in Fallen Eagle City?"
"Of course, it is next to the slave market in the western part of Fallen Eagle City. We will welcome your arrival at any time! "
Colin secretly made a note of this location in case he needed it in the future.
Then, he changed the topic and started chatting with Oliver about everything under the sun.
This Oliver had been doing business all year round and could be said to be experienced and knowledgeable. In addition, he was deliberately trying to curry favor with Colin. The two immediately chatted enthusiastically, as if they regretted not having met earlier.
Unknowingly, the night gradually deepened and the camp gradually quieted down. Most of the mercenaries had already gone to sleep.
Oliver tried his best to invite Colin to rest in his tent, but Colin slightly declined. Seeing that the other party's tent was indeed quite luxurious, he nodded and agreed.
Just as everyone was sleeping soundly, Colin was suddenly awakened by a faint sound.
He immediately stood up and listened attentively for a while. Then, he suddenly shook Oliver awake. "Wake up, wake up! Someone is approaching our camp! "
Oliver was also quite alert and hurriedly got up. But after listening carefully for a while, he asked doubtfully: "Really? Why didn't I hear anything? "
"Listen carefully again." Colin said confidently.
He found that his hearing was greatly enhanced at night. Even a small movement a kilometer away could not escape his ears.
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack! "
Sure enough, the mercenaries in charge of the night watch also discovered the enemy and immediately shouted.
"Calm down, don't panic! Light the torches, look for your companions, be on guard, and don't leave the camp! " The Firefox Mercenaries' Captain Sarroux's rough and loud voice immediately sounded, calming the chaotic camp.
"I'll go out and take a look." Oliver was worried about the safety of his goods. After hesitating for a moment, he ran out of the tent.
Colin followed him out and saw that the enemy who had rushed into the camp had already started fighting with the Firefox Mercenaries.
He did not join the battle. After all, Oliver did not pay him a commission. He did not need to risk his life for this fatty.
But after watching for a while, Colin was relieved.
The attackers should be a group of bandits. They were very weak and did not even have a warrior who was ranked.
There were not many of them, only about seventy to eighty people. He did not know where they got the courage to attack the camp of the Firefox Mercenaries, which had more than a hundred people.
After the initial panic, the Firefox Mercenary Group quickly regained their footing and forced the bandits to retreat.
In less than half an hour, this group of bandits finally broke down and fled in panic after leaving behind more than thirty corpses.
"Don't give chase, don't give chase!" Sarroux calmly shouted loudly, stopping those hot-headed fellows from chasing into the deep forest.
After the bandits ran out of sight, Sarroux began to arrange for people to clean up the battlefield.
Oliver also hurried to check on his goods and count the losses.
Colin quietly walked to a remote and dark corner, squatting in front of a bandit's corpse and taking out a dagger and a water bottle.
"Tch!"
"Gulp, gulp …"
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Kufsten
Kufsten Creation is hard, cheer me up!
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone