Charles spoke bluntly. "I need military funds. I wonder whether your Crimson Caravan Alliance has such a service—lending me a sum for military expenses."
The half-elf merchant clicked his tongue in astonishment. For a long while, his mind failed to process it.
Is this a Sun Elf?
Are Lotheran's Sun Elves this fierce nowadays?
Yet his merchant's instincts still made him want to continue the discussion.
He said, "We do not have an explicit lending business, but... it is not impossible."
"Please allow me to think it over."
Charles nodded slightly and did not rush to speak.
Beside him, the half-elf merchant's mind raced.
Lord Imril wants to borrow money—military funds. Clearly, he has enormous need for war.
He may very soon launch another round of war.
If we lend him money, he may buy equipment, perhaps even a batch of war slaves.
If he wins, he will be able to repay the money quickly. But what if he loses?
Thus, the half-elf asked the question. "Lord Imril, lending you military funds is not impossible."
"But do you have anything you can put up as collateral?"
Charles shook his head. "No."
"You do not trust me?"
The half-elf merchant gave an awkward laugh and shook his head repeatedly. "No, no, no, my lord. Of course I trust you!"
"But if you are borrowing military funds, I alone certainly cannot provide enough. We must always give the other merchants some assurance."
He continued, "My lord, you are borrowing military funds to raise an army, perhaps even to prepare for war, correct?"
Charles nodded. "Your guess is correct. In fact, many of you must have already guessed that I intend to follow Lord Felenlos's example in conquering and governing the Land of Chaos."
The half-elf merchant put on an expression of solemn