Chapter 176 This man looks like a dog
It was the afternoon at the end of July, the sun was high in the sky, maybe it was too hot, the cicadas even barked weakly, but the chirping of birds became clearer. .
In the study room of Eagle Castle, the window was open, and the sunlight came in obliquely, creating an oblique square light spot.
At this moment, Raven was sitting on a lounge chair in the shadows, holding a fan in his hand, squinting his eyes slightly, looking at the sky outside the window in a daze, enjoying the tranquility of the summer afternoon.
The sky is clear blue, and the clouds float lazily, constantly changing shapes. At first it looks like a giant dragon, then suddenly it turns into a giant, and then it looks like a castle, with legs growing out of the castle. , and rolled into a ball of Yuanxiao.
Huh——
A gust of warm wind blew into the window, carrying the scent of jasmine, dispersing the somewhat dull air in the room. It also made Raven feel a little sleepy and couldn't help but yawn.
Xiao Bai, who was curled up next to Raven's legs, seemed to be infected. He also raised his head and opened his mouth wide, and couldn't help but flap his wings.
Raven touched Xiaobai's head. The hippogryph narrowed its eyes slightly and turned its neck, rubbing against Raven's palm, obediently like a dog.
Letting go of his hand, Raven picked up the wine glass on the small table next to him and took a sip of Angel Tears. The sweet and cold wine flowed into his throat, and he let out a pleasant sigh.
With only a semiconductor and a "chatterbox" missing, he looks like a retired old man.
But without semiconductors, someone can still tell stories.
Fiona sat on a chair, her light silver hair tied into a ball on the back of her head, revealing her smooth forehead. The glasses on the bridge of her nose were as thick as the bottom of a bottle, making her eyes look bright.
She was wearing a white shirt, a gray women's suit, and straight pencil pants. She had her legs together and a thick book on her lap.
Like a young kindergarten teacher telling stories in a kindergarten.
She twirled a corner of the page and spoke in a steady and clear voice: "... later generations would say this about Keynes III."
"Surrounded by a motorcade and flowers, he drove into the royal capital of the Nicholas Empire and witnessed the events of his life. The enemy will be destroyed, and he will finally enjoy his old age in the ruins of the enemy's country."
Leaven's hand waving the fan stiffened: "Wait a minute. , Didn’t Keynes III lose the Fourth Battle of Havarian?”
Fiona shook her head: “No, Lord Baron”
Raven rubbed his chin: "Then 'driving into the royal capital of Nicholas Empire surrounded by a motorcade and flowers', what's going on?"
"He was captured, and the king's standards for offering prisoners were very high."
"...witnessed the demise of his lifelong enemy, that is, Nicholas II of the Nicholas Empire died before him? "
"Yes. By the way, His Majesty Keynes III witnessed that famous coup, so Sa I came to the throne and founded the Insa Empire."
"..." Lei Wen was speechless for a long time and shook his head: "What a loss!"
The last sentence is the body in the enemy country. Shang An lived in his old age, which meant that Keynes III had been imprisoned and died in the Insa Empire.
It’s really powerful how a cultural person can harm others!
Leaven stretched out, curled his feet inward slightly, and changed into a more comfortable position and slumped in the recliner: "Go on."
But not everyone can Enjoying the leisure of summer, curling up at home like Raven and listening to stories about the history of the empire.
For example, at this moment, Gul'dan and Hyde were walking side by side under the scorching sun.
Their meeting on the road cannot be said to be a coincidence.
Gul'dan, who was walking in front, deliberately slowed down, and Hyde also tacitly caught up.
Despite the fierce quarrel between the Fox family and the Slater family, the superficial harmony must always be maintained.
Moreover, the two of them knew each other's goals well, and they needed to blend them in advance to avoid being defeated by Raven's price.
According to Hyde's expectation, the two should have been discussing in the carriage at this time.
Unfortunately, after the meeting, Gul'dan showed a rather arrogant attitude, and sent someone to ask Hyde to meet him in his carriage in an almost commanding tone.
Whether it was because of personal pride or the reputation of the Slater family, Hyde would not agree to such a request.
And Gul'dan did this out of selfish motives.
In the previous wars, Raven was the one who stood out the most and gained the greatest benefits; the only one who received the title of Viscount was Hyde.
But Guldan is already in his thirties, and Raven and Hyde are only in their early twenties!
So it was okay not to meet, but when they did meet, the jealousy hidden deep in his heart drove him to make such a twisted move.
Conversation is necessary, but since neither one is willing to go to the other's carriage, the only option is to ride side by side.
Hyde held his head high, riding a white war horse under his crotch, with short blond hair and a shining silver armor. He looked like a legendary paladin.
Gul'dan also raised his head and chest without hesitation. The dark enchanted plate armor matched his serious expression, which gave him a certain temperament.
Unfortunately, science in this world has not yet sprouted, and Gul'dan does not know the reason why black absorbs light. He just rode with Hyde for a while, and he was already sweating.
Originally, he wanted to pretend to be serious and force Hyde to speak first. But in this situation, Gul'dan couldn't help himself: "Hyde, does it feel good to officially become a noble? It's not like me. , it will take some time to inherit the family business.”
Hearing that this was Gul'dan showing off his identity as the earl's heir, Hyde said bluntly: "I believe this won't take long, Mr. Gul'dan, you don't have to worry."
Waiting for Gul'dan's reaction Coming over, Hyde immediately changed the subject: "This time, Mr. Gul'dan is also going to purchase granite."
Seeing Hyde take the initiative to bring up business, Gul'dan nodded: " The family castle needs to be expanded and maintained, so I took this opportunity to come out and take a look around.”
“The amount of goods I want is not small. If you want to build the Viscount Castle, you will only need more.”
"Granite is in short supply now. Raven is always an arrogant guy. If we come together, it will inevitably inflate his arrogance and spend unnecessary money."
Hyde felt a hint of contempt in his heart.
To say that Raven is somewhat arrogant, Hyde admits it.
But arrogance is not one of Raven's traits. The real arrogance is Gul'dan himself. Perhaps because of this, he will treat everyone who is stronger than him and refuses to bow to him. People are labeled "arrogant".
However, Hyde did not intend to be Gul'dan's life mentor, but asked: "What do you mean?"
Gul'dan raised his voice: "Now We have just experienced a war, and the province of Nord is filled with horse thieves and remnants of the Death Hand Order. Our two families can guarantee the trade security of the Griffith family.”
Nobles always hide half of what they say, and sometimes they need to understand it the other way around.
Hyde can understand Gul'dan's words. He wants to buy Raven's granite at a low price, otherwise he will send people to intercept the Griffith family's caravan. Anyway, now No. If the province of virtue is chaotic, just leave it to the horse thieves.
But Hyde did not intend to do this: "I think the security in Nord Province is very good. After all, it is governed by the Governor of Montreal, isn't it?"
"Hyde, Raven is just A little baron." Erdan's face was a little gloomy: "As a descendant of the earl family, you must be responsible."
Hide said: "Of course, as a noble, you must not only be responsible, but also have principles and maintain fairness and justice. Fair.”
This was not just a rejection, but a clear intention to stand on Raven's side.
After being rejected one after another, Gul'dan looked solemn, and then suddenly smiled like a spring breeze: "Hyde, you have three lovers, one of them is your personal maid, serving you for eleven years, her My brother also received a knighthood.”
The corner of Hyde's mouth twitched: "Gul'dan, this is not what a noble should say."
"I just envy you. A maid who is so loyal and caring is quite a person." It's hard to find. I heard that you are planning a new castle. He also specially reserved a room for her." Gul'dan looked at his fingers and smiled: "You said, if she encounters an accident, is defiled, or loses her life, then she will not be able to live in the new castle. What a pity it would be!”
This is already a naked threat. Hyde frowned slightly: "... Raven was able to obtain so many benefits before, not just by luck. If you want to take advantage of him, do you think you are worse than the Earl of Montreal? Is it awesome? ”
"You don't need to control it." Gul'dan looked down at Hyde and gave an ultimatum: "If you want to live your little life well, keep your mouth shut!"
Hyde tightened his grip. fist, but finally said no more.
When Gul'dan saw this, he laughed, tightened the reins and let his horse run wildly.
Two days later.
Gul'dan and Hyde came to Eagle Keep, and Raven prepared a sumptuous banquet to entertain them.
The moment they saw the Level 2 Magician Certification Medal on Raven's chest, both Gul'dan and Hyde were stunned.
They did not expect that Raven, who was only a first-level magician before, would be promoted to the second-level magician in just one year!
Especially Gul'dan, his sister Nancy is also a second-level magician, and has always been known as a genius, but even so, it took her three years to advance from the first level to the second level. !
Raven's talent was so good that it made him irritated.
Fortunately, both of them had seen the world, and they did not remain stunned for too long. They both opened their mouths to congratulate each other, but Hyde's congratulations were more sincere, while Gul'dan's words were a little insincere.
After the greetings, Raven took the two of them to the table.
The standard of the banquet was extremely high, and it was a grand gesture, and it also gave these two people enough face to represent the family. During this period, Gul'dan kept talking, commenting on the pros and cons of each dish. Of course, most of them were derogatory. .
Hyde was uncharacteristically quiet, and even gave Raven a suggestive look.
Facing Raven, who was only one year older than him, Hyde felt somewhat envious and jealous.
But compared to Gul'dan, Hyde has one advantage, that is, he knows his abilities and his father's vision far exceeds his, so he also adheres to Count Tyrone's teachings when facing Raven - Handling Good, not bad.
Seeing Hyde's eyes and matching Gul'dan's performance, Raven suddenly felt enlightened and made some preparations.
He was a little worried. He had just benefited from the Slater and Fox families before. This time, it was not good to ask for too high a price. But since Gul'dan came with bad intentions, Raven didn't have to worry about it. I have already begun to sharpen the knife in my heart.
After finishing the dessert, Gul'dan said: "Baron Raven's hospitality is thoughtful, but the Eagle Castle place is too small after all. We have many people, so it is not convenient to interrupt for too long, so we should just talk about business directly. Let’s do it.”
“I want two thousand pieces of granite.”
In fact, the reason why Guldan appeared here was because of the instruction of the Count of Montreal, which was to purchase granite. Shi also wanted to take the opportunity to get closer to Raven.
Before setting off, Montreal specifically told Gul'dan to calm down his arrogance.
But the more this happened, the more rebellious Gul'dan became - why should a little Raven be taken so seriously?
If everything Raven obtained was just a matter of luck, Gul'dan would not be like this. He knew that Raven had gained his current status, power and reputation by virtue of his strength, so he was even more hostile to Raven.
I can’t do it, why do you?
Hearing Gul'dan's words, Raven clicked his tongue and said awkwardly: "This... is a bit difficult to handle. Two thousand pieces of granite is the output of one and a half months. Now the schedule for granite has reached August next year.”
Gul'dan showed dissatisfaction: "Raven, don't forget how you obtained the Snow Maple Territory!"
Raven sneered in his heart. He and the Fox family could be said to have exchanged interests at that time. How come Gul'dan gets what he needs, as if it has become a charity from the Fox family?
“Oh, speaking of this, I would also like to thank the Count of Montreal.” “I tried my best to change the order of the goods and try to deliver them earlier.”
Raven lowered his head in thought.
Gul'dan smiled, turned his head and glanced at Hyde provocatively, thinking to himself, you are just too timid. Look, if you want to scare someone now, doesn't Raven still have to be obedient?
But Raven's next words made his smile freeze on his face.
"Then, what do you think, the end of July next year?"
Gul'dan's breathing became much heavier.
End of July? What’s the difference from August! ? Aren’t they all waiting for a year?
There was a trace of anger in his words: "Is this your attitude in repaying the Fox family?"
Raven explained: "I respect the Fox family very much and know that your family will not do anything that goes against the honor of the nobility. It's a matter of doing this to preserve the reputation of your family."
"If you have no representative. If we buy the granite in advance at a high price, wouldn’t it be said that the Fox family is bullying?”
Guldan felt depressed! A mouthful of fire: "What's the price?"
Raven knocked on the table:
"You have to pay more."
According to today's market price, the price of a piece of granite is as high as seventeen and six gold coins, which is nearly three times more than before the war. Two thousand yuan is nearly three hundred gold coins. Fifteen thousand gold coins.
More money, but I don’t know how much it will cost!
Gul'dan finally came up with his " trump card ", he cleared his throat: "Baron Raven, it is indeed worthy of praise to work hard for the development of the territory, but don't forget, no matter how good the goods are, they still need You can exchange money by transporting it out.”
“The Nord province is not very peaceful recently.”
Facing Gul'dan's threat, Lei Wen smiled: "You really hit the point, so in order to ensure the safety of the goods, I am also somewhat prepared."
As he said that, Lei Wen Wen suddenly whistled, and with the sound of flapping wings, Xiaobai's huge body stood on the open window.
Gul'dan took a breath: "Hippogryph?"
Then his eyes fell on Hyde.
The number of hippogryphs, especially those that can be ridden, is extremely rare. In the entire Nord province, only the Slater family is raising them on a large scale, but they should have been wiped out!
Where did Raven get it?
Hide was also quite surprised: "Baron Raven, this hippogryph is...?"
"My mount, Xiaobai." Raven said with a smile: "I know The journey now is not peaceful, but with Xiaobai here, I can finish my thoughts All kinds of troubles can be avoided - are you right?”
Of course this is a lie, Raven himself will not leave a good lord alone and expose himself to the caravan for reconnaissance. Leading the way, he would not leave Xiaobai to others to ride.
In this era, having a flying mount is like owning a luxury car.
And Lei Wen has always had a principle -
Cars and wives will not be loaned out.
Although he did not have a car or a wife in his previous life.
Gul'dan knew that a qualified hippogryph cavalry could detect the enemy's movements dozens of miles away, allowing the caravan to avoid them in advance.
The so-called trade routes are the freight routes that are the cheapest and most cost-effective for merchants. If you really see an ambush, you may have to take a detour. Although the cost is higher, it is better than being intercepted.
What's more, if the situation becomes urgent, the caravan can enter the town to temporarily camp and escape.
No matter how powerful Gul'dan is, he would not dare to allow his men to openly attack other lords' territories!
"...Very good, Raven, you are fine." Gul'dan gritted his teeth.
Lei Wen said: "Thank you for your compliment, I am indeed very good."
Gul'dan was choked and whispered: "Then tell me, how much money do you need? , are you willing to sell me granite?”
Raven said slowly: "It's not that I'm trying to shirk it, but as you know, granite is in short supply right now, and the order of reservations has already been arranged."
"Like Titu from Cambri County Viscount Lalune of Heathside, Viscount Lancaster of Lanshire, are all waiting. In addition, there are..."
A series of names sound ancient. Erdan had a headache, and he said impatiently: "You Just tell me, if I want spot goods within a month, how many gold coins will I need?"
The more anxious Gul'dan was, the more calmly Raven became, raising his fingers one by one: "Loss of work, compensation. Gold, prestige damage fee, mental damage fee to deal with the blame of each noble family..."
"Rough calculation, thirty point seventy four gold coins will be enough. I will erase the change for you, thirty gold coins one piece. .”
Two thousand pieces of granite, with a unit price of thirty gold coins, the total price is sixty thousand gold coins, which is nearly twice the market price!
Gul'dan's face turned red: "Raven, why don't you grab it!?"
"Oh, oh, don't be so excited, Mr. Gul'dan." Raven. Spreading his hands: "I'm not forcing you to do it now, All you need to do is book it in August next year according to the current market price. I promise to deliver it on time."
Guldan took a deep breath. If he didn't only have Level 2, he might even have Eric. Even if you can't beat him, you have already started to do it now!
Yes, he can indeed wait for another year, but does the Fox family have to wait too?
The Earl family lives not only by strength, but also by letting people see that they have strength. This strength needs to be demonstrated at all times and in all aspects.
Everything used must be the most expensive and best. The same thing must be obtained first.
Just like the Slater family, why do they have to give the position of viscount to Hyde?
This is also a flex of muscles, showing that the Slater family has enough influence in the Nord province and in the eyes of the royal family!
Guldan is the most arrogant and conceited person and will never allow the Fox family to fall behind others.
After thinking for a moment, Gul'dan was about to speak when Hyde, who had been silent, suddenly interjected: "In that case, I need 3,500 pieces of granite, priced at 30 gold coins, give it to me first, and pay in cash. .”
One hundred and five hundred gold coins.
Gul'dan glared at Hyde fiercely, but when he saw Hyde's innocent eyes, Gul'dan could only take a deep breath: "Thirty is thirty, two thousand dollars."
"Okay." Raven nodded decisively: "Then the Fox family should be ranked after the Slater family."
Gul'dan was really angry, and his voice broke slightly: "Why?"< br>
"Because Viscount Hyde's demand for goods is higher." Raven said: "When doing business, you must say what the merchant says. This is the mainland practice."
"...Thirty-two gold coins." Gul'dan quoted the price again.
"Sorry, it still doesn't work." Raven said.
Veins popped up on Guldan's forehead: "As you said, when doing business, you have to say what the merchant says. I bid higher than him, so why not?"
"But Viscount Hyde's total price It's higher." Lei Wen said plausibly: "He offered 100,500 gold coins. Even if you offer 32, it's only 64,000."
Gul'dan was speechless, clenched his fists and said: "Then, fifty-two gold coins each, total price 110,000, pay in cash!"
"Deal!" Raven clapped his hands, fearing that Gu Erdan regretted: "Come here, feed the young master cake!"
"No, make a contract for Master Guldan!"
At this time, Guldan's overheated brain gradually cooled down. After a while, I felt something was wrong.
What did I do?
Buy granite at three times the market price?
You know, the premium of granite is now three times more than usual. He spent more than nine times the price to buy two thousand pieces of granite!
One hundred and ten thousand gold coins... You know, the Fox family's annual net revenue is only over three hundred thousand gold coins!
If it were another person, he might have regretted on the spot and not taken advantage of him, but he is Gul'dan, the most honorable Gul'dan, and nothing can make him lose his face!
So he could only sign the contract with a dark face, and even ignored Raven's efforts to stay, and immediately stood up and left.
Bang——
Hearing the sound of the door being slammed, Raven looked at Hyde, and the two looked at each other and smiled.
Hide said: "I have helped you so much, can you give me a lower price? After all, my viscounty is newly built, so I don’t have much money to waste."
Lei Wen shook. Wagging his finger: "That's not possible, thirty gold coins, one It can’t be less, but I can accept installment payment.”
Hyde’s face was a little gloomy. He really wanted to be on good terms with Raven, but Earl Tyrone also taught him that one-sided passion cannot be regarded as friendship, Lei Wen. Wen did this, which was somewhat unkind.
With a bang, Raven opened a bottle of Angel Tears and poured a glass for Hyde: "Although the price cannot be low, I can guarantee that you will receive the granite no later than Gul'dan. "
"Oh?" Hyde's eyes lit up: "Have you ever As I said, the output of granite is only over a thousand pieces a month."
The smile on the corner of Lei Wen's mouth was meaningful: "How can we raise the price if we don't do this?"
< br>Yes, the method Raven used was the famous hunger marketing before time travel.
Granite is a stone after all. The collection itself does not have much technical content, and production capacity can be exploded by adding a lot of labor.
But Raven wouldn't do this kind of thing.
Production capacity is always insufficient, and there is always demand, so that products can be sold at high prices!
"Then I will give you 50% of the payment first, and then we will make another payment after the goods arrive." Since Raven's concession was enough, Hyde's grudge was gone.
"No problem." Raven's voice was relaxed and cheerful.
Gul'dan's 110,000 in cash and Hyde's 50,000 as a deposit add up to 160,000 gold coins.
Anyone who suddenly receives so much money would be happy, especially since Raven is in short supply of gold coins and needs money in many places.
It’s like completing a big deal just after taking on a car loan. Not only can the car loan be paid off, but it can also leave people with enough energy to choose a house!
Picking up the wine glass and standing up, Hyde raised his glass to Raven: "You are such a born noble!"
Leaven also raised his glass to him, then turned his head, His gaze fell on the window: "Hyde, what do you think that is?"
Hyde came forward and saw Gul'dan mounting his horse in despair, and he suddenly smiled.
His mood at the moment was as good as seeing a pretentious colleague being beaten up by society!
Leaven shook his glass: "This man looks like a dog."
......
(End of this chapter)