At auction, the discontinued Black Pearl Grapes Wine could fetch twenty times its original price, generally hovering around 550 gold coins.
But the auction house took a ten percent cut, and part of the sales tax had to be paid to the nobles, leaving him with no more than 400 gold coins.
Field was selling the lot together, and by selling directly to a noble, he did not have to pay any taxes.
A price of 500 gold coins was already exceedingly generous.
"My friend, could I buy that Rat Monster's skull? Twenty gold coins. I'd like to hang this trophy of valor in my collection room."
"Of course." Field feigned a pained expression and fought back a smile. His story had clearly moved the man. In truth, that lousy Rat Monster had lasted less than three minutes against Ashina and was utterly worthless to him. Field gave him a thumbs-up. "An esteemed position deserves an exceptional collection to match. I believe it still carries the divine might of a miracle."
A single trading trip had earned him 5,020 gold coins. The haul was staggering.
But Field was not foolish enough to take all the gold with him. Instead, he paid thirty gold coins to deposit 3,000 in the great vault operated by the Royal Family in Mapleleaf City. For one, it demonstrated his sincerity in cooperating with Mapleleaf City. For another, it kept him from being robbed by "bandits" the moment he left.
Field knew perfectly well that, despite Simon's generous air, the man might be aching over the expense behind his back. He could already be plotting to get the money back.
What you earned in Mapleleaf City stayed in Mapleleaf City. Don't expect to take a single coin home.
"Baron Field, it was a pleasure doing business with you. The maids have made the bed and prepared hot water at just the right temperature. It's time to indulge a man's natural urges. And of course, I don't mean with those low-class maids." Just as Field had expected, Simon could no longer keep up appearances after spending such a large sum. The fat on his belly jiggled as he affectionately took Field's arm. "I'll wager you've never laid hands on one of those lofty Chosen Ones."
"Uh."
Field muttered inwardly, I can pet my Chosen One whenever I like. She's absolutely adorable.
"Ahem, no, I haven't. Chosen Ones are precious treasures. There are far too few of them." Field obligingly played along.
Simon said generously, "Heh heh, Mapleleaf Territory has a truly priceless treasure. Come along. I'll let you have some fun with it, my treat. You've never seen a treasure so lovely."
The priceless treasure of the Kingdom of Women was its queen.
For fuck's sake, don't tell me Mapleleaf City's priceless treasure is that dancing girl of yours who lets both the groom and his horse rack up notches with her!
The corner of Field's mouth twitched. Sure enough, spending five thousand gold coins had left Simon desperate to recoup his money.
"Ahem, perhaps next time." Field awkwardly wiped away his cold sweat and changed the subject. "Baron Simon, are there any giant wolves for sale in Mapleleaf City? I need to buy a large number of them."
Simon tugged Field toward the stairs as he answered, "Giant wolves? Those rare creatures have only ever appeared in the Nomadic Khanate. They won't be easy to find."
Field was far fitter than Simon. The sickly noble before him had been hollowed out by wine and women, and Field broke free after a few tugs. He stepped back and coughed twice to ease the awkwardness.
"The Northern Frontier Province is full of corrupted plants, writhing tentacles, and lumps of flesh. Horses can easily get their hooves caught. I need mounts better suited to difficult terrain. Besides, giant wolves look impressive. They'll become a symbol of my valor."
Knowing he could no longer keep Field there, Simon felt displeased but had no means of stopping him. He could only jiggle his belly fat. "I'll have the caravans keep an eye out for giant wolves. Nobody turns down gold."
"Even cubs would be acceptable. I guarantee I'll pay a price you'll be happy with."
Once Simon actually buys them, who besides me will purchase them in bulk? Field thought. I'll still haggle when the time comes.
Field's lord skill, Investiture, could grant fifty people the title of First-Rank Wolf Rider in one go, but he needed giant wolves first. They would be a powerful asset to him.
In addition, the Dragon-Breed Wolf's genes had to be preserved. They were a priceless source of wealth.
Just as the royal griffins had descended from the founding emperor's Sacred Griffin.
Artifacts were not the only treasures Chosen Ones could leave behind. Animals, techniques, magic, and battle aura could all be put to use.
"I'll head back to the Northern Frontier to continue developing my territory. I feel treasure and glory beckoning." Field offered a brief farewell, then turned and left.
Not long after Field's departure, a pained look appeared on Simon's face. He groaned miserably as he walked toward the guest room.
"Oh, my darling gold coins~ My little, pitiful, tempting gold coins. Heavens, they've all left me. Could anything be worse? Well, perhaps there could~"
Upon reaching the guest room, Simon casually opened the door. A woman whose allure seeped into one's very bones had been waiting for quite some time, dressed in a thin gauze garment with her legs crossed in an elegant pose.
"I thought it would be the handsome baron of Nightfall Territory."
The woman spoke coolly. Despite her provocative clothes, her eyes were exceptionally calm. "Why is it you, Simon?"
"It didn't work. Baron Field has no interest in women. He prefers adventures-and depriving me of gold coins that should rightfully be mine."
Simon did not lose his temper at her mockery. Instead, he said regretfully, "If I'd known, I wouldn't have sent those low-class maids to seduce him. He probably thought I had nothing better to offer. I should have sent you straight in. Who knew we'd strike a deal worth five thousand gold coins! Damn it, to think there are still treasures left in the Northern Frontier. Isn't that place nothing but corpse ghouls and tentacles? Perhaps I should send someone to assassinate him."
"Hahaha, there you go being stingy again. Long-term business earns more. He even deposited his money to show his sincerity. It's not time to kill him yet, and besides, we can't do it in Mapleleaf City."
Simon looked as aggrieved as a two-hundred-pound child. "All right, you're right."
"Your greed scared him off. What an adorable little boy. I'd love to have him." The woman seductively licked the corner of her lips, reclined against the cushions, and shackled her right hand in place. Her eyes slid slyly toward him as she added, "Or perhaps his tastes are unusual. Nobles always have all sorts of strange fetishes. Some like handsome men, some like young children, and some even enjoy watching slaughter. Here's what we'll do, Simon. Have a servant tell him that Mapleleaf City is hosting the Underground Masked Ball on the fifteenth, three months from now. Tell him he simply must attend. It's guaranteed to satisfy his every preference."
"I did mention it in passing." Simon spread his hands.
"Then send him a formal invitation," the woman said matter-of-factly. "Mapleleaf City's ball welcomes anyone of value."
"Actually, I don't think he'll live that long. Luck won't always be on his side. The corrupted monsters of the Northern Frontier Province are no joke. Plenty of Chosen Ones have fallen there."
Before you continue