章節 152: Chapter 152 - The Greatest Mine Of All Time
"Dwarves, Sonder," Vell explained, and he stretched his arm and pointed with his staff. "These are dwarves—you have must have heard of them, or heard stories about them, with their love for gold, gems, and treasures of all kinds."
"So, we're going to one of their cities?" Sonder asked.
"Sort of," Vell said thoughtfully. "It's less of a city and more of a massive mining complex. The greatest one on the planet, by my estimation. But it's also where many dwarves have built their homes, so it feels like a city in its own right."
Sonder glanced at the passing wagons. "Are these carts full of metals and jewels then?"
"Some, but not as many as you'd think," Vell replied, nodding at the distant fields. "The mine here is exceptionally rich, and it's drawn so many people that they've expanded beyond mining. Those farmlands we passed? They're owned by the dwarfs, though most of the farmers themselves aren't dwarves. The minerals in the soil make it incredibly fertile, perfect for growing crops. So alongside their gems and metals, they also trade in food, grain, and livestock. It's a whole ecosystem."
Sonder looked around at the bustling road. "If this place is as big as you say, then there must be other things too. Services, maybe?"
Vell grinned, pleased with her insight. "Exactly, Sonder. Merchants and traders come from everywhere, offering all kinds of goods and services. The dwarves here welcome anyone who can pay or, better yet, who can make them money. If you can secure a piece of land near the mines, you might even find yourself among the rich and dwarven elite. There aren't many failing businesses here. But be warned: if the dwarven lords and ladies decide someone else could run your business better, they'll replace you without hesitation. It's a harsh system, but it keeps their economy strong."
Sonder's thoughts drifted back to Vell's own habits. She remembered him paying generously, even extravagantly, for what she considered simple things: rooms at inns, clothes, food. She looked at him curiously.
"Vell… Are you rich?"
She had seen him hand over bags of money like it was nothing for things Sonder didn't think were that important or could be obtained with less of it.
Like clothing, food, or a room in an inn.
At her question, Vell's brow furrowed, and he looked at her sternly. "Sonder, where are your manners?"
Sonder lowered her head. "I'm sorry."
But Vell broke into a laugh. "Good. Just remember to never ask a dwarf about his wealth. Even hinting at someone's material status is considered a serious insult to them."
They walked on a bit further, the sounds of the dwarven carts and murmurs of voices filling the air. Finally, Vell added with a wink, "But yes, in most places, I'm considered reasonably well off."
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