A sneeze destroys a magical civilization

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 our first meeting, I have already heard of your name.

As the most valued son of the owner of the Roldan Chamber of Commerce, you have taken over part of the family business since you were sixteen.

By cooperating with the Traders Alliance, the trade volume on the trade route from Askatra to Baldur's Gate tripled in just one year, and profits 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, thereby ensuring 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 northern region are often very hidden and only known to a very small number of core members.

Hallett explained with a smile: "I have many friends who are good at asking for information. So when I took 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 simple!

First of all, you were not ruthless enough and did not immediately eliminate those brothers and sisters who might pose a threat to your status.

Secondly, you completely fail to understand that for a chamber of commerce, it is not enough just to make a lot of money; it also needs minimal protection by force.

But in order to pursue extreme profits, you did not hire adventurers and guards to protect yourself, and ignored the shortcomings in 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 like he said.

In Faerûn, where dragons, magic, monsters, bandits and all kinds of evil forces are everywhere, 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 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, he will spend some money to hire adventurers and mercenaries to protect him.

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, to win my father's approval, to defeat For those brothers and sisters, I can only minimize costs in this way."

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 a portion of the money and give it to your competing brothers and sisters to find new business routes and open up new markets.

And what about them?

The profits earned are always carefully hidden and then used to make allies, recruit and form forces that only do their bidding.

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 Ascaltra?

A businessman who only has wealth but no power is miserable, because he will become fat in everyone's eyes.

Such things as rights are never obtained through charity, but must be fought for with one's 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 didn't 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 was who betrayed this route? What conditions did he or she offer you?"

"Sorry, can't.

I am a man of my word.

Since we agreed to keep every partner confidential, we naturally couldn't reveal any useful information.

But you're not without a chance.

If the client this time does not intend to fulfill his promise, 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 just 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" Hallett pushed forward the seafood soup, rusks and wine glass placed in front of him, and then made a gesture of invitation.

It can be seen that he is in a very happy mood at the moment, and even shows a certain temperament, grace and knowledge that only a nobleman 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 it is impossible for them to have the opportunity to receive 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 from a noble family 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 its contents in your mouth, if you don't want to die."

moment!

Everyone present, including the pirates, turned their attention to the dark bushes where the sound came from.

In about ten seconds, a human warrior wearing a helmet and chainmail, holding a short sword in one hand and a shield in the other appeared within their 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.