Chapter 24 Never let others decide your destiny
Looking at the trembling businessman's son who was kneeling in front of him, Hallet suddenly stood up and gracefully performed a standard aristocratic salute.
“Hello, Bernard. Although this is the first time we have met, I have already heard of your name.
As the owner of Roldan Chamber of Commerce, the most important thing is Heir, you have taken over part of the family business since you were sixteen.
By cooperating with the Traders Alliance, you have expanded the trade volume from Ascatla to Baldur's Gate by three times in just one year. times, profits also tripled.
When you were twenty-five years old, you were already an experienced businessman in his own right, and even expanded your business further north to Waterdeep City, Neverwinter City, and Luskan.
Because you pursue profit first, you never care whether the goods you buy or sell are legal or illegal, let alone who the transaction partner is.
It is this that makes you favored by your father.
This time, the reason why you personally took the risk is to escort a batch of valuable contraband to Calim Port in the south.
The main purpose is to reach a long-term supply agreement with the local thieves guild that controls smuggling channels, so as to ensure the smooth flow of the most important and most profitable trade route of the entire Roldan Chamber of Commerce.
But what you never expected was that you would be betrayed and betrayed by your blood relatives. "
"You...how do you know this? "Bernard's eyes widened in shock.
He couldn't believe that the other party knew him so well.
Especially those less legal businesses in the north are often very hidden. Only a few core members know about it.
Hallett explained with a smile: "I have many friends who are good at asking for information. So when accepting this business, I asked them to collect some information about you in advance. I have to say that as a businessman you are successful and excellent. But as the heir to a chamber of commerce, you are still a little lacking. ”
"What do you mean?" Bernard frowned in confusion.
“It’s very simple!
First of all, you are not ruthless enough to cut off those brothers and sisters who may pose a threat to your status in the first place.
Secondly, you are not at all Understand that it is not enough for a chamber of commerce to make a lot of money, it also needs minimum force protection.
But in order to pursue extreme profits, you did not hire adventurers and guards to protect yourself, and ignored safety.
Being caught by me this time is the best proof. ”
At this moment, Hallett was like an old-timer who was good at teaching and pointed out the fatal mistake made by the other party.
Just as he said.
In dragons and magic , monsters, bandits and all kinds of evil forces are everywhere in Faerun. If a chamber of commerce wants to develop and grow, it is not enough to just make money.
Smart businessmen will cooperate with some powerful local organizations, such as. Let's talk about the Mages Guild, the Thieves Guild, or the temple of a powerful god
Cooperating with them can often deter those who hide in the dark and plot evil.
No matter what happens, you will spend some money to hire adventurers and mercenaries to protect you.
But there was nothing on the captured merchant ship.
There is only a group of coolie sailors whose combat effectiveness is almost negligible.
After hearing these words, Bernard's face suddenly became very ugly, and he retorted loudly and emotionally: "What do you know! Do you think I don't want to? In order to make more profits, in order to win With my father’s approval, in order to defeat those brothers and sisters, I can only reduce costs to the maximum extent.”
Hallett sneered and shook his head: "Look, this is the most ridiculous and stupid part.
You work hard every year and hand over the money you earn at huge risks to the Chamber of Commerce.
Then your father will take part of the money and give it to your competing brothers and sisters, allowing them to find new business routes and develop new markets
As for them. ?
Always carefully hide the profits earned, and then use them to make allies, recruit and form forces that only serve you.
Finally, some of them are not even satisfied and want to kill you and replace you. Remember, never give the right to decide your own destiny to anyone, even if that person is your biological father.
Remember the motto of the merchants of Ascatra?
A businessman who only has wealth but no power is pathetic, because he will become fat in everyone's eyes.
Rights are never obtained through charity, but must be fought for with your own hands. ”
It must be said that "Bloody Hand" Hallett is a very smart and unique person. In just a few words, Bernard was rendered speechless. His whole figure seemed to have been hit hard. He looked both Frustrated and sluggish.
Because the young businessman knew that the other party did not say a word wrong.
After being silent for a long time, Bernard seemed to have accepted his fate. He raised his head and asked with a wry smile: "Can you tell me who the mole is who betrayed this route? What conditions did he or she offer you? ?"
"Sorry, I can't.
I'm a man of my word.
Since we agreed to keep every partner confidential, we naturally couldn't reveal any useful information.
But you are not without a chance.
If the client does not intend to fulfill his promise this time, then I will follow the usual practice and sign a new contract with you.
At that time, our relationship will change from enemies to allies, and you will also have a chance for revenge.
Okay, relax, I won’t kill you yet, so there’s no need to be so desperate.
Come, have something to eat and drink. I believe you must be hungry and thirsty already. "
After saying that, "Bloody Hands" Hallet pushed forward the seafood soup, rusk and wine glass placed in front of him, and then made a gesture of invitation.
Yes. It can be seen that he is in a very happy mood at the moment, and even shows a certain temperament, demeanor and knowledge that only a noble can have.
After all, knowledge has always been a very expensive and luxurious thing in Faerûn.
Ordinary people cannot even guarantee their basic livelihood and have no chance of education
Only wealthy businessmen and nobles could afford tutors or study in expensive colleges in big cities.
Based on this alone, it can be judged that the possibility of this pirate leader being of noble origin is quite high.
Gudong!
Looking at the food and drinks in front of them, the four prisoners began to swallow their saliva in unison, and their stomachs began to growl.
They had not eaten anything for a whole day, not even a drop of water, and they could not resist such temptation.
Just as Bernard cautiously reached out his hand to pick up the cold soup, he suddenly heard a voice coming from behind him.
"Don't touch that bowl, and don't put the contents in your mouth, if you don't want to die."
Instant!
Everyone present, including the pirates, turned their attention to the dark bushes where the sound came from.
About ten seconds or so, a human warrior wearing a helmet and chainmail, holding a short sword in one hand and a shield in the other, appeared in front of them. Within sight.
"Who are you? What do you mean by what you just said? Did my missing crew members die in your hands?" Hallett narrowed his eyes and asked.
At the same time, his pirates also took up weapons and surrounded the sudden stranger from both sides.
(End of this chapter)