The sun is scorching in the sky, and the sunlight is falling vertically.
Estonia River rushes like molten silver, and the ridges of each wave are splashed with light spots like broken gold. The pine forests on both sides of the river sway slightly with the wind, and the shadows they cast are swallowed up by the sparkling waves as soon as they touch the river bank.
In the river, a merchant ship was dragging a long trail of white waves forward.
The hull is not ordinary wood, but Black Ironwood treated with Alchemy. It is as strong as steel but can float on the river. The surface is engraved with faint runes, and there are weapons such as heavy cannons and heavy crossbows on the sides, bow and stern.
on deck.
Nick leaned against the side of the ship, his arms half pressed against the railings engraved with protective runes, and his eyes followed the dancing light spots on the river.
Treasure--This ship belongs to him.
After receiving the migration news from the Molten Iron Clan, Nick was stunned at first, and then took decisive action.
He spent almost all of his wealth, used his eloquence to attract some investments, purchased a decommissioned warship, then repaired and transformed it into a merchant ship, recruited sailors and crew, and through some up and down management, obtained the documents for trade in the Estonia River.
From Trail of a Thousand Snakes land trade route to the Estonia River.
This is undoubtedly an adventure, but it is also a new beginning. The loading capacity of Treasure far exceeds that of his previous fleet. As long as the trade goes smoothly, the harvest from each round trip can be several times that of the previous one.
It won't take long for him to make back all his investment, and this merchant ship also has the possibility of developing into a fleet.
"What are you thinking about?"
Maggie's voice came from behind, with the unique coldness of Tiefling.
She handed over a glass of ice-cold mint julep.
Nick took it, took a sip and tasted the refreshing taste, and said, "The future, our future."
At this time, he already knew very well who the master behind his scenes was.
Dragon!
And there's more than one.
The Adolescent Dragons killed the nobles of Raymond Duchy and broke into the mine site to steal the gems. These events caused a certain amount of noise, which naturally reached the ears of Nick.
But instead of panicking, he became excited.
It was Nick's dream when he was young to build his own chamber of commerce on a scale comparable to the Emerald Merchant Guild's in his lifetime.
However, even in his peak period, he was still far away from this dream. But now, Nick feels that there is a slight chance. His heart, which has gradually become silent as his body ages, is now pumping with excitement as when he was young.
Although I have never seen the master of the Molten Iron Clan.
However, through his behind-the-scenes operations, Nick concluded that the other party was the extremely rare, intelligent and cautious Dragonkin. Once he grew up, his future would be infinitely broad, and being able to make waves in Raymond Duchy also meant that the other party had already begun to show his talents.
Follow this Dragonkin.
He also has the opportunity to reach heights he never dared to imagine before.
Of course, opportunities and dangers coexist, and this road will not be smooth sailing, but Nick has shrewdly calculated that the benefits and rewards of following Dragonkin far outweigh the risks.
Treasure continued driving under the scorching sun.
During this period, we encountered an attack by an underwater monster, but were dealt with by the guards on the ship and Treasure's own armed forces, and we survived without incident.
As time passed, Treasure turned into a northern branch.
About an hour later, when dusk was getting darker, Treasure, bathed in the sunset light, dropped the anchor and anchored next to the river bank.
Cole directed the Troll slaves to move the goods from the cabin, and at the same time confirmed and reviewed each box according to the list.
Time gradually came to night.
Da da da da - the sound of horse hooves stepping on Borderlands hard soil sounded intensively.
A group of men and horses over three meters tall walked out of the night and approached with vigorous and steady steps.
Because we had contacted Communication Stone in advance, Nick was not surprised by the appearance of the men and horses, and deep down he was happy for Adolescent Dragon's caution.
Molten Iron Clan and Adolescent Dragon are currently wanted.
The monsters under his command, especially Ogre and Werewolf, have received special attention. Although the area north of the Estonia River is no longer under the jurisdiction of the wilderness garrison, it is always right to be cautious.
Centaurs are not monsters of the evil alignment.
They have humanoid upper bodies, their intelligence is not inferior to humans, and their personalities are not violent and bloodthirsty, making them more easily accepted by Lothern Federation civilized countries.
In addition.
Just a few months after moving to the new territory, they regrouped and recruited people and horses as their dependents.
You must know that cruel persecution of creatures like humans and horses will only make them prefer death over surrender. Being able to conquer humans and horses further proves the power and wisdom of Adolescent Dragon.
Tell the guards not to be nervous.
Nick had a warm smile on his face.
He took half a step forward and gave a standard business travel salute to the people.
"A small courtesy is not a sign of respect."
He raised his head slightly, and his eyes fell on the leading Silver Mane centaur. His strong body looked like a sculpture under the moonlight, and his silver mane blew lightly in the night wind, glowing with the Flowing Water Dragon Realm-like luster.
Nick held a bottle of gin with both hands. The amber liquid rippled gently in the bottle, reflecting a honey-like brilliance.
"This is thirty-year-old wine brewed by Black Rock Principality Dwarf himself. It is deeply loved by nobles."
He paused for a moment at the right time and looked at the other person sincerely. "This extraordinary and heroic man, I don't know how to call you?"
Silver Mane let out a deep laugh.
He took the bottle and said, "Just call me Zachary."
He skillfully tied the wine bottle to the belt inlaid with ivory ornaments around his waist, and then took out a bone dagger from his arms.
"Reciprocity is a courtesy."
Silver Mane's voice had the characteristic richness of a human being, and he said, "This is carved from the ivory of Mammoth Elephant. The cloud pattern on it contains our wishes for travelers who travel far, and can bring good luck."
A hint of surprise flashed in Nick's eyes, and then a brighter smile broke out.
He took the bone dagger with both hands, and he could feel the fine lines on the ivory with his fingertips, and then put it in his arms.
Different from the cold warlock Werewolf before, this centaur is obviously more mellow.
In fact, Silver Mane, as the Hunt commander of the White Mane Clan, is not the first time he has dealt with merchant ships traveling to and from the Estonia River. He also knows how to make both parties to the transaction feel comfortable, and he is also good at socializing.
He was able to offend Iron Dragon, but was eventually forgiven by him.
It is also enough to prove the "wisdom" of Silver Mane.
After the initial pleasantries, the two parties officially entered the transaction process.
The crew of the merchant ship unloaded the cargo neatly.
Buckets of viscous Black Oil energy were carefully transported and piled into a hill.
Exquisite desserts and liquor wooden boxes were placed together. Sweet caramel and spicy wine aromas intertwined in the night breeze. Precious alchemy tools were neatly arranged, glowing with various colors under the moonlight.
The people brought Borderlands specialties.
The heavy Gray Magnetite stone is packed in a basket woven with rattan, and the surface is covered with natural spiral patterns. The tanned beast's fur is soft and thick, and its claws are classified and tied, and the Bloodshed energy still remains in the sharp places.
The most eye-catching thing is a box.
When it is opened, Sky Lake Gem reflects the azure light under the light of the torch, which is so beautiful.
"These magic gems should have been snatched from the Raymond Duchy mine."
Nick remained calm and thought to himself.
Although his origins are not legitimate, he has many ways to sell them, so there is no big problem.
While subordinates from both sides were counting the goods.
Nick and Silver Mane are chatting and communicating.
Silver Mane was a little curious about Southern Kingdoms's life and culture besides Borderlands, and Nick took the trouble to introduce Lothern Federation's culture to him.
Both of them can speak well and know how to grasp the right measures, and their relationship has become much closer through communication.
When the moonlight sets, all goods have been delivered.
Nick lowered his voice and asked with some anticipation and nervousness, "Zachary, apart from the apparent transaction, does that person have any other instructions?"
Silver Mane grinned and nodded slightly.
"Keep your men where they are."
"You come with me."
Hearing this, the smile on Nick's face became even stronger.
He told the members of Treasure to stop and wait here, and he walked towards the centaurs again, and then under the instruction of Silver Mane, he climbed awkwardly on the back of a centaur warrior and headed towards Borderlands further north.
The horses and men galloped very fast.
They carry a large amount of cargo on their backs, and their hooves leave traces of varying depths on the ground. They can still be called lightning speed under the night. Their tall and strong bodies have both strength and speed, but there is no comfort at all.
Nick has no habit of "horse riding".
He was so pale that he felt like his internal organs were surging inside his body, and the scenery in front of him turned into a blur of color.
There were no reins on the centaur's body, so he had to shamelessly hug the strong waist and abdomen of the male centaur warrior's muscles to prevent himself from accidentally falling.