Rein Hermes

After changing into formal attire at the inn, Rein and Canossa rode Steam Locomotive through the bustling streets to the private estate of Grand Duke Valentine, the top lord of the Mechanical City.

Tonight's auction is being organized by the Rosas Family. Ordinary goods will be auctioned at the auction house, while bulk goods will be traded in the banquet hall of the Duke's Mansion.

When Rein and his crew arrived in their Steam Locomotive, a long line of locomotives had already formed at the manor gate.

A long red carpet was laid out at the gate of the manor, which was surrounded by iron fences. One by one, wealthy businessmen and nobles dressed in gorgeous suits got off their motorcycles and signed in to enter the manor.

This auction is the largest since the founding of "City of Radiance." Because of the extensive publicity campaign that began two months in advance, it has attracted a large number of celebrities and wealthy individuals. Tonight, almost every well-known merchant guild in both empires has representatives, along with many other wealthy nobles hoping to find bargains.

After all, tonight's auction items are quite dazzling.

After the outbreak of the Black Tide, the hunters found countless rare treasures in the wasteland ruins. The auction brochures also featured many rare items, including ancient weapons, armor, high-level magic potions, and barbarian slaves—all priceless treasures.

Night has fallen.

A light rain was falling from the sky, and the clouds were hanging low.

Looking up, one can see the Lightning Serpent flashing and surging in the dark clouds, as if one could reach them from a high vantage point.

Raindrops pattered against the car window, each drop glistening and slipping into the cracks, leaving a long trail of water.

On the Steam Locomotive, Rein and Canossa sat on the back seat with its soft leather upholstery, looking out the window at the brightly lit, luxurious manor.

The two sat very close in the car, with Canossa's hand intimately linked with Rein's arm. Her thin black gauze dress did nothing to obstruct the exquisite touch, making Ren feel as if his arm was sinking into a warm and soft jade.

Although the atmosphere was ambiguous, neither of them had many romantic thoughts in their hearts.

There will definitely be a fierce battle tonight.

"Our people are ready. Once inside, they'll first locate Kolman's captured warrior, then lure out the few hidden top-tier Transcendent. The people outside will act immediately upon hearing the commotion."

"Um."

"Also, tonight is your first official appearance as the 'Lord of Black Dragon City,' so you'd better make a good impression."

"How should we perform?"

"Aren't you shameless? Well, our Black Dragon City is already shameless anyway. Just imagine yourself as an emperor of one of the two great empires."

"Oh"

The two chatted intermittently.

Even though he knew this manor was a trap, Rein remained completely calm.

Not to mention Bazel, who is already lurking in the darkness, there's also Canossa by his side. And if all else fails, there's "Pikachu" in the thunderclouds, who can instantly fly down at the slightest sign of conviction.

With such a luxurious lineup of bodyguards, the chances of him being instantly killed are extremely low unless Ten Great Legends act simultaneously.

Although the action plan had been finalized long ago, Rein's mind was still racing, deducing everything and guarding against any unexpected events.

Before long, the Steam Locomotive arrived at the manor gate.

"Let's go down too."

"Um."

Rein nodded, a domineering glint flashing in his eyes.

The driver opened the car door, got out first, and then very gentlemanly helped Canossa out.

Neither of them wore masks, and as soon as they got out of the car, they immediately attracted the attention of everyone around them.

Motorcycles were not allowed to enter the manor, and the guards and servants remained outside.

After getting out of the car, the two handed over the invitation at the entrance and then walked along the red carpet into the manor.

Canossa clung to Rein's arm like a little bird, making it clear at a glance that the two had a very special relationship.

Canossa's temperament was already exceptionally refined, and her beauty was renowned throughout both empires. Tonight, her black tulle gown stunned everyone's gaze.

The red carpet was originally a vibrant display of flowers, with various socialites and ladies dressed to the nines. But when she appeared, all the female guests present paled in comparison.

Canossa's stunning beauty was like the moon overshadowing a sky full of stars.

Rein, dressed in a domineering city lord's outfit, was equally eye-catching.

His High-tier Extraordinary and domineering aura allowed him to crush more than 90% of the people present; coupled with his top-class luxurious cloak and suit, he exuded the domineering aura of a superior from head to toe.

As Canossa said, "Black Dragon City" is invincible, and as its lord, Rein's status is no less than anyone else's!

Rein's eyes gleamed with a sharp light, and his steps were steady.

He was like a domineering lion striding down a red carpet, his imposing presence growing with every step. To him, everyone else seemed like rabbits, deer, or roe deer.

The sudden appearance of this "focus" surprised the onlookers, who began to whisper among themselves.

"Huh, who is that man? He looks unfamiliar."

"Since he's President Canossa's companion, he must be someone important. Strange, I don't recall anyone like him among the high-ranking nobles of the two great empires, and he's so young too."

"Judging from that person's attire, he seems to be a high-ranking lord."

"."

Canossa has a wide network of connections; she is familiar with almost all the presidents of the major merchant guilds in the two great empires of Sid.

Sure enough, not long after getting off the car, several familiar businessmen came to greet him.

"Oh my, President Canossa, it's been a long time! You've become even more beautiful."

"President, how have you been?"

"."

Several fat, big-eared presidents walked over with their bejeweled wives, each of them greeting them respectfully.

The "Black Gold Merchant Guild" holds a very high position among businessmen worldwide.

Black Gold is a "first-class chamber of commerce," while all other chambers of commerce combined can barely be considered "second-class."

In terms of both wealth and power, none of the wealthy merchants before them could rival a single finger of Canossa. Therefore, these guild leaders naturally displayed considerable humility before her.

Canossa was very approachable and nodded to the group.

Then, surprisingly, she didn't say much, but instead introduced the people in front of her to Rein, saying, "This is Chapman, the owner of the 'Black Flag Merchant Guild,' and that is Anthony, the owner of the 'Shark Merchant Guild.'"

After recounting his past, Rein nodded faintly.

Seeing Canossa's attitude, everyone was immediately puzzled.

Although merchants do not pay as much attention to formalities as the aristocracy, they are not lacking in basic etiquette.

Canossa's order of introductions clearly shows that someone of lower status is introducing others to someone of higher status.

This greatly shocked the group of chamber of commerce presidents.

Who exactly is this person that the president of the Black Gold Merchant Guild would introduce so solemnly?

The chubby man with the mustache, who seemed to have a vague idea of what was going on, used polite language and asked, "President Canossa, may I ask who this gentleman is?"

Canossa introduced, "This is His Majesty Rein Hermes, Lord of 'Black Dragon City'."

Finally, Rein was brought forward as the city lord for the first time, and the name "Black Dragon City" was revealed to the world for the first time.

"Your Majesty?"

This title is quite subtle.

Ordinary high-ranking nobles are not qualified to use this title, not even princes!

Aside from the emperors of the Sid Empire and the Omar Empire, the only other appropriate title for this is a respectful term used when referring to a deity.

Oh, and now there's also the King of the Radiant Kingdom.

Could it be that this "Rein Hermes" is also a king?

But what is this "Black Dragon City"? I've never heard of it before.

Could they be local tyrants who have declared themselves kings in some remote corner?

If it were an ordinary person introducing it like this, it wouldn't be a big deal, but coming from the mouth of Canossa J. Claufer, the vice president of the "Black Gold Merchant Guild," it's rather intriguing.

The merchants were all shrewd and knew that it would be impolite to pry into the matter at this time. They assumed that it was probably because they were out of touch with the world that this "Black Dragon City" was a "newly granted territory" somewhere between the two great empires.

Regardless, they all understood that the dashing young man before them was a top-tier nobleman.

Upon hearing Canossa's introduction, the group of merchants immediately stepped forward and bowed warmly and respectfully to Rein's breastplate, saying, "Lord Rein, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Rein nodded in acknowledgment, neither being impolite nor overly enthusiastic.

The group then escorted Rein and his companion into the manor's banquet hall.

However, it's one thing to greet acquaintances, but more importantly, it's about being driven by self-interest.

The group of chamber of commerce presidents came to greet Canossa with a purpose, of course.

Everyone is well aware of the Black Gold Merchant Guild's current predicament; both the two great empires and the Radiant Kingdom are relentlessly suppressing them. At this critical juncture, befriending Black Gold is hardly a wise choice.

However, the "Black Gold Merchant Guild" has another important "wealth code" in its hands.

After catching up and chatting.

Previously, Anthony, the president of the "Shark Merchant Guild," spoke directly and got straight to the point, "President Canossa, I would like to ask if your Shark Merchant Guild could distribute a portion of the [Black Mist Antidote Potion] auctioned this time? If you could grant us the agency rights for the seven southern provinces of Sid, the price is negotiable."

"Our 'Purple Thorn Merchant Guild' is also willing to cooperate with you."

The Golden Merchant Guild is also willing to cooperate.

"."

At this point, everyone rushed to speak.

The scene became quite lively.

People didn't know this before and thought the "black fog" was poisonous gas.

Now, a "Black Tide" has erupted west of the Alkolon Mountain Range. The soaring cultivation speed has made everyone realize that this "black mist" is a "special element" that can accelerate cultivation.

Moreover, it is a well-known fact that the most important hard currency now is the [Magic Crystal] obtained after killing zombies, which can be directly absorbed to enhance Extraordinary Cultivation, just like a magic core.

The only side effect is that the violent energy cannot be fully digested by the human body.

Absorbing it hastily can accumulate hidden damage and lead to bodily harm.

And now, the scientists at the Pharmacists Association are still engrossed in researching how to solve this hidden danger.

Even with increasingly advanced research equipment, based on the research progress of a new drug, it may take three to five years, or even ten to eight years, to develop a drug that can solve the side effects of the black fog.

But at this moment, to everyone's surprise, the "Black Gold Merchant Guild" had already listed a finished product—the [Black Mist Antidote Potion]!

Who knows where the Black Gold formula came from, but that medicine has been proven to be remarkably effective against the side effects of inhaling the black mist!

This is a huge business opportunity.

It's safe to say that whoever obtains the sales rights to this medicine can amass a fortune in a short period of time!

Moreover, this formula appears to be unique to Black Gold, which means it is an exclusive potion.

"Exclusivity" means "monopoly potential," "customizable pricing," and is a drug that will inevitably become a necessity for Transcendent in the future.

Even those who aren't businesspeople can understand the significance of this!

"President Canossa, what do you think? As long as we can obtain the distribution rights, you can name your terms."

"Yes, President Canossa, if you name your price, we absolutely won't haggle."

"."

Originally, the presidents of these small chambers of commerce were just testing the waters.

In their minds, the "Black Gold Merchant Guild" would never allow such a lucrative business to be leaked to anyone else.

Unexpectedly, Canossa readily agreed, saying, "Rest assured, everyone, as long as you are a partner of my 'Black Gold Merchant Guild,' you will have a sufficient share."

"???"

You agreed so easily?

For a moment, the chamber of commerce presidents thought they had misheard and looked at each other in bewilderment.

At this point, someone asked, "What about the price of the medicine? And the commission rate for distributors?"

Canossa: "The price is three times the normal cost price. The profit margin remains the same as before."

"Huh? Really?"

Everyone stared in disbelief.

These conditions are practically free.

If they were to obtain the drugs at low prices, they could instantly reap tenfold or even a hundredfold profit.

This is an incredible benefit!

After the initial excitement, everyone became puzzled again.

Why would this "Black Gold Merchant Guild" be willing to give up the opportunity to monopolize the pie?

At this moment, someone couldn't wait to ask, "President Canossa, are there any other conditions for this cooperation?"

Canossa: "Great!"

Upon hearing this, the merchants all listened attentively.

They were actually relieved to have the opportunity.

This is what a "reasonable" business is.

At this point, Canossa didn't keep everyone in suspense any longer and said, "To be honest... the formula for that [Black Mist Antidote Potion] doesn't actually belong to Black Gold, but rather to His Majesty Rein. Therefore, if you want to cooperate, you'll need to obtain the necessary paperwork from the 'Black Dragon City' Ministry of Commerce."

"Huh? That's it?"

"Forgive my ignorance, but where exactly is Black Dragon City? And what about the paperwork?"

"You'll all know after tomorrow. I'll send someone to distribute invitations to the 'Black Dragon Territory' to all the guild leaders. I guarantee you'll only need to go to the territory to collect the paperwork; there won't be any harsh conditions."

"."

Upon hearing this, the presidents of the chambers of commerce became even more excited.

Everyone knows that President Canossa Kanosa is a woman of her word; her promises are more effective than contracts.

Many of them came to the auction today primarily for the distribution rights to the potion, but they didn't expect to get the promise so easily.

Upon hearing Canossa's words, several people even turned around and left the manor immediately, eager to inquire about the "Black Dragon City" and make preparations in advance.

Canossa and Rein's journey has attracted everyone's attention.

Their conversation was not deliberately concealed, and was naturally overheard by others.

But those who were qualified to gather around were more or less "friends" of Canossa.

Upon hearing that the distribution rights for the [Black Mist Antidote Potion] were so easily obtained, the "enemy" chambers that had taken advantage of the Black Gold Merchant Guild's misfortune when it was being suppressed nearby were filled with regret.

"How is this possible? How could Black Gold so easily acquire the drug distribution rights?"

"Sigh, we've missed this chance to make a fortune. Before, when OMA suppressed Black Gold, our 'Iron Head Merchant Guild' even snatched away Black Gold's market share. We probably won't get the distribution rights now."

"Hmph! That 'Black Gold Merchant Guild' might not even be able to swallow this benefit. Do they really think they can make money selling medicine just because they have the formula? Don't they see that besides those remote territories of Sid, where else can their guild stand? Don't they see that the upper echelons of the Radiant Kingdom are also eager to take a bite out of this piece of fat meat?"

"."

Some felt regret, some were jealous, and some were sarcastic.

Especially those people from the "Sunflower Merchant Guild".

They were supposed to be the main characters at this auction, but unexpectedly, before it even started, someone stole the spotlight.

Sure enough, the good times didn't last long.

Before long, an arrogant old man led several servants out and walked straight toward Rein and Canossa.

Before the old man could speak, the servant who looked like a butler introduced him, "This is Lord Raphael Rosas, the Minister of Commerce of the Radiant Kingdom and Marquis Xiangshan."

"Oh, Your Excellency Marquis?"

Canossa and Rein exchanged a glance, both with expressions of anticipation.

The old man didn't stand on ceremony and said directly, "You're President Canossa of the 'Black Gold Merchant Guild,' right? I know you. I won't beat around the bush; I want to buy the formula for the [Black Mist Antidote Potion] from you."

The first thing they asked for wasn't cooperation, but to buy the formula; they didn't even try to hide their greed.

Their tone was arrogant, and their every move, from their nostrils to their toes, revealed their domineering attitude that they had "black gold" completely under their thumb.

"Buy the formula?"

Although both Rein and his companion guessed the other party's intentions, they still found it somewhat laughable that the other party came to their door so arrogantly.

Canossa gave a mocking chuckle and asked, "Oh? What price are you willing to offer?"

The old man raised his head slightly. "One hundred million."

Canossa: "Gold Kron?"

The old man shook his head with a cold laugh and said arrogantly, "No, Riso."

One hundred million lisos isn't even enough to buy a low-level potion recipe, let alone this exclusive [Black Mist Antidote Potion] recipe.

He felt that the "Black Gold Merchant Guild" was now like meat in the wolf's mouth, having no right to bargain with their Radiant Kingdom. They could only obediently hand over the formula to cut their losses and protect themselves, perhaps leaving them a small foothold.

Unexpectedly, as soon as these words were spoken, a cold shout immediately followed.

"Roll!"

Turning around, I saw that it wasn't Canossa who was speaking, but Rein.

Thanks to 'Qinglian Daoge' 6000, 'Colinnnn' 2000, 'Shuiwuyuehua' 1500, 'Huang Junming' 666, 'Haixia Mingyue' 500, 'Second Dimension Yifeng Yeyu', 'Ginger Toothache Yog-Sothoth', '20210222104324659', 'Very Dazai', 'Second Grade Boys', 'Romantic Loneliness'. Thank you to a few great people for their support. Thank you very much.