Chapitre 6: Buying Slaves
A few days later, they arrived at the imperial capital of the Faerie Kingdom.
"We're here, my lord," Edwin reminded as he steered the horse towards Maximus' carriage.
"Hmm, proceed as usual,"
Soon, they reached the city gate.
"This way, my lord."
Seeing the symbol of the Shadowcrest family, the guard didn't dare to be presumptuous as he led them to the special entrance.
This entrance was reserved primarily for nobles so they wouldn't have to wait in line with the commoners.
"Hmm," Edwin nodded at the guard and handed him some silver as the entrance fee.
Inside the city, a bustling scene greeted them, with wide, clean streets adorned with towering trees, making it feel like they had entered a fairy's realm.
Opening the carriage's window, Maximus looked outside.
"It truly is the capital city."
Observing the festive atmosphere with the people singing and dancing, it was clear that the banquet wasn't only for nobles.
It's a celebration that encompassed the entire Faerie Kingdom, or at least its capital.
"To the noble quarters," Maximus instructed Edwin.
All the nobles attending the banquet or coming to the imperial city had special accommodations to separate them from the commoners.
It must be said that the King of the Faerie Kingdom was considerate in this regard, ensuring that the arrogant nobles were kept apart.
---
Soon, they arrived at their accommodation.
"Welcome, Count Maximus," the steward smiled.
The steward had heard of this young man who had recently succeeded in his father's position.
There were even rumors that he wouldn't last and that some noble would take over his territory.
However, seeing that he was alive and well, the steward sighed.
Indeed, he was a son of a Tier 3 Earth Knight.
"When will the banquet start?"
"There are still 6 days before the banquet."
"Very well, then take us to our accommodations. It's been a long journey."
"This way, Count Maximus."
After a week of travel, although the carriage was comfortable, it was Maximus' first time enduring such a long journey.
---
Soon, Maximus and his guards were led to their accommodations.
It was a fully-fledged manor with everything inside.
"This is the 7th manor in the noble area, with over a hundred rooms and 3 main suites."
"There's also a stable for horses and servants to take care of the guests."
"In total, it costs 100 gold coins per day," the steward explained.
This noble area seemed to be quite costly, demanding a hefty price.
One had to know that Moonshadow City's monthly income is only thousands of gold coins.
Yet, such a sum was only enough for a few days.
Of course, such a yearly income was the net profit, subtracting all miscellaneous expenses, maintenance for the city, and the significant amount allocated to his father's training.
A Tier 3 Earth Knight training resource is such a huge expense that a city's income can barely cover it.
"Then we'll stay for 7 days," Maximus said, gesturing to Edwin.
"Here," Edwin took out 700 gold from the storage bag with a hint of heartache from his expression.
Such an enormous amount for just 7 days.
"Very well, please call on me if you require anything,"
---
The next day,
Yawn ~
Maximus yawned as he got up from sleep.
The long journey had taken a toll on his spirit.
"Now, what should I do today?"
There were still 5 days before the banquet, a little time to look for opportunities in the city.
Upon leaving his room, he saw Edwin and the other guards already prepared.
"Have you eaten?"
"We have, my lord."
After all, as guards, they needed to ensure they were always ready.
"Very well, I'll eat first. Prepare to take a stroll around the Imperial City."
---
In the afternoon, Maximus explored the city in detail.
The imperial city was truly remarkable.
Rare items that were hardly found in Moonshadow City were abundant here.
Take potions, for instance.
They were considered a rare commodity only available in Berrun City, yet they were everywhere here.
Of course, it wasn't entirely accurate.
Berrun City might be the source of potions, but there was no reason others couldn't buy from there and then resell them here.
Despite the perilous journey filled with danger, when profit margins were astronomical, many dared to take such a risk.
However, the price of such potions upon arrival here was staggering.
If the potion were priced at 10 gold in his system mall, 100 gold in Berrun City, it would be tripled here, costing 300 gold.
There were even black shops selling them for 500 gold.
As for how he could sell pure salt when other imported products were available, it was because he sold it at a much lower price.
The pure salt here was priced at 60 gold, causing him to clench his teeth at those greedy merchants.
Although he earned much more than them, he still felt scammed.
Selling them for half the price, those merchants earn double the profit.
Clearing his mind, Maximus continued to explore the city, identifying a potential venture he could pursue openly.
Soon, Maximus noticed two untapped markets, common wares, and wine.
From clothes, utensils, storage, ceramics, tools, personal items, paper, ink, etc.
Doing such business should be popular with the masses.
Furthermore, because of the law threshold, it should be relatively easy to protect.
Then there was wine; as the saying goes, a good wine can even make a noble poor.
With a wide array of top-quality wine in the system mall, this may become his primary source of income.
Feeling content with his exploration, Maximus thought of returning to his residence.
However, on his way back, he suddenly noticed a carriage filled with people.
"What is that?"
The original host had only been to this place a few times, so his knowledge was limited.
"It's a slave caravan; the route should just come here," Edwin explained.
"I heard it was backed by the Westle Kingdom, a formidable force stronger than the Faerie Kingdom."
"Let's take a look," Maximus said with curiosity.
This is his first encounter with slavery in this world.
However, instead of feeling pity, it piqued his interest.
Slowly but surely, he was being influenced by the ways of this world.
"Welcome, sir," A portly man greeted him, eyeing him like a piece of meat.
"Uh-"
Before he could respond, Edwin stepped forward, drawing his sword.
"Watch your eyes!"
"Calm down, gentlemen. I was merely admiring the demeanor of this lord."
"Hmph," Edwin snorted but kept his sword unsheathed.
"Calm down, Edwin," Maximus finally intervened, patting him on the shoulder.
Seeing Edwin's agitation subside, the portly man sighed in relief.
"Would you like me to introduce our products here?"
"No, I'll just browse casually,"
There was a significant variety of people here, ranging from knights to mages, from commoners to noblemen.
The background of this caravan was indeed frightening.
Soon, he spotted something of interest: a Tier 3 Earth Knight slave.
[Johnson: tier 3 Earth Knight (Crippled)]
[Smith: tier 3 Earth Knight (Crippled]
"Could you introduce these two?"
"You certainly have a keen eye, my lord."
"These two were once renowned generals of a fallen kingdom."
"Unfortunately, their defeat left them crippled."
"Tsk, tsk, what a loss,"
Indeed, such valuable Tier 3 Earth Knights were now reduced to a state worse than mortal.
"It is indeed unfortunate."
"How much are you asking for these two?"
His question suddenly drew the cold glances of the two crippled generals.
"You do have a perceptive eye, my lord."
"These two are available for a mere 10,000 gold coins each,"
"So much?"
After all, they were now mere mortals; how could they be so expensive?
"Lord, these were once glorious generals. Despite their injuries, their knowledge and experience could still win a few wars,"
"It's still too expensive!"
"This- how about 7,000 gold, My Lord?"
"Never mind, it seemed you have no sincerity."
Although Maximus had a lot of money, he was not a fool.
Buying two crippled mortals for their mere knowledge and experience, why doesn't he just hire a teacher?
"Wait! My Lord! How about 5,000 gold?"
Seeing Maximus was not moved, the portly man began to panic.
"No, 3,000 gold!"
"Cheaper," Maximus still shook his head.
"1,000 gold! This is my last price!"
Passing through a few kingdoms, this was the first time the portly man saw anyone interested in these two cripples.
If he didn't sell it soon, he feared that they would die on the way.
"Very well, I'll take these two," Maximus finally nodded in satisfaction, hiding his excitement.
He bought them not merely as advisors but as full-fledged generals.
With the system mall, healing them to their peak condition should not be a problem.
"Thank you for the business, my lord. I'll have them prepared for you,"
"No need, my guards will take over,"
"That's fine."
"Here is 2,000 gold,"
"Hahaha, a prosperous deal with you, my lord. Here is their magic contract,"
A magic contract was a binding spell that could control an individual life and death.
Although the two were mortal, with their experience, it was still better to be cautious.
"Hmm," Maximus accepted the contract and continued to look around.
One by one, he spotted various Tier 2 knights, but since they were uninjured, their price was higher, costing over ten thousand gold coins.
There were even tier 1 mages, being at the same price.
Coming to the final carriage, he suddenly noticed two girls covered in scars.
Although hidden by blemish, the two gave him a feeling similar to Hazel and Erica.
Seeing Maximus' interest, the portly man quickly introduced the two.
"These two are twin sisters, once prodigious talents from another fallen kingdom."
"Originally, they had promising futures, but their father, a Tier 4 Sky Knight, had perished in an adventure."
"Without protection, their once-coveted beauty and talent suddenly became commodities."
"Despite their resistance, they were besieged and eventually sold as slaves."
"What do you think, my lord? Are you interested?"
"Despite their scars, their beauty remains; simply dim the lights, and it'll be the same."
"Rest assured, they are clean." Seeing that Maximus was still silent, he added.
"Okay, no more talking; you're giving callus to my ears,"
Scanning the two with his system, Maximus was too busy to admire their status to listen to this greedy slave merchant.
[Name: Luna Silvermane]
[Strength: Tier 1 - Official Knight]
[Potential: Rank 2 - Uncommon]
[Fit: 75(94)]
[Name: Livia Silvermane]
[Strength: Tier 1 - Official Knight]
[Potential: Rank 2 - Uncommon]
[Fit: 75(94)]
Just this and his trip to the imperial capital is complete.
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
Lord_GrimR
Lord_GrimR Edited.
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone