Chapter 53 – Trading Post (1)

There were two things Henry requested from Ken.

To get at least 450 gold per ingot.

Not to reveal who the seller was.

However, Ken immediately wore a troubled expression.

“Then I would run away holding these. With thirteen ingots of pure steel, I could even start by building a foundation somewhere else.”

“…….”

“But if I did, brother Cromwell would look for me with fire in eyes, so I must hold back. You must help me hold back. If I go alone, I will definitely run. That is instinct.”

“So that means we must go together?”

“If you are worried about your identity, how about at least wearing this mask?”

“Does that work?”

“Actually… it’s hard to expect it to. Still, there is an unwritten rule: the face seen here must be forgotten the moment one exits this place. If you violate that, from that moment on you cannot be our customer.”

“Is there any compelling force… there is no way. If they only endure a slight inconvenience, they could inflict disadvantages at will.”

“Who?”

“Anyone. Anyway, let’s go.”

“You don’t need a mask?”

“It’s fine.”

“What about this person…”

“He is fine too.”

Henry waved his hand casually.

Austin was not the type of person to care about such things.

Nor did it seem likely that an existence of the level to violate such an “unwritten rule” would be related to Henry.

‘Unless a noble came in person.’

The lackeys did not know Henry’s face, and others had no interest in Henry.

From the moment he sold the pure steel, immense interest would arise, but according to Ken’s words, it was not something to worry about to that extent.

“In the end, the important thing is what kind of buyer we meet, and how we negotiate. That is my specialty. It will be solved if we set secrecy on our conditions, right?”

“Is it certain?”

“I have already drawn up a list in my head of whom to sell it to. We just need to go and sell it. The reason there are several is in case something occurred for someone.”

Henry read the mana, and at the same time, scanned Austin’s reaction.

‘It is not a lie.’

At least Ken was treating Henry honestly right now.

The only thing to watch out for was situations beyond Ken’s capability.

“Let’s start.”

“Yes, I shall escort you.”

Ken took the lead.

Henry followed behind him, and Austin followed a couple of steps away from Henry.

Since the main purpose of this visit was on Henry.

Austin was faithfully performing his role strictly as a bystander.

And Henry.

“That Cromwell didn’t follow can be seen as an advantage right now. If we had brought Cromwell along from the start, we would have received excessive attention.”

Was conducting the broadcast.

From this moment, the content got on the right track.

A content that might be a bit dangerous, but was sufficiently valuable because of that.

[Is that pure steel really safe??]

[Usually, doesn’t this kind of character openly betray you haha]

“That it was safe was not a lie. However, it will be a headache if someone beyond Ken’s capability shows interest.”

[What about Cromwell?]

[Did you show off your money too much?]

[If I were Cromwell, I would have attached twenty people right now haha]

“Cromwell doesn’t matter. Subduing us and taking the pure steel is also a way, but he will probably think we will be long-term customers. If he were a fellow to covet items right in front of his nose, he wouldn’t have kept that seat for long.”

Ken had said so.

That Cromwell oversaw this area, Lupin’s Right Hand.

To rise to a manager of an area, at least several years of time would be required, and that rather meant Cromwell was a safe figure.

“What draws attention is after selling the pure steel. There is no good in it being known that pure steel came from me. As it is an item hard to obtain just by having lots of money, there will be too many people showing interest.”

[Can’t you just obtain it for 450 gold here?]

“It is possible. If one is a merchant who has connections with the managers of the black market. Assuredly, the merchants who will buy the pure steel from me soon will not hand over the goods for a mere 450 gold.”

The only ones who could purchase precious goods were merchants who had grown worn out in this place.

A merchant who had connections with black market figures like Ken, secured ample sales routes for goods, and could confidently secure his own interests even in illegal transactions.

“Usually by that point, it won’t be a level of simply selling with an extra premium, but they will go as far as obtaining something from the nobles saying they will give them the opportunity to purchase the pure steel. Because a merchant has to be like that.”

Only by being able to secure maximum profit at any time and in any situation can one receive the evaluation of being an outstanding merchant.

Profit did not simply mean the financial part, and pure steel was indeed a suitable item to secure such profits other than money.

“I plan to make a link with the merchant I meet today if possible. Since there will be a time I receive help someday even in aspects other than simply trading goods.”

This was also one of Henry’s several purposes.

Just as he tried to establish a relationship with the black market manager, he intended to open a relationship with a leading merchant to some extent.

[Then when are you going to reveal your identity?]

Suddenly a message popped up. For an instant Henry almost made a joyful expression without realizing, but barely held back.

“Drawing attention is something I plan to proceed with gradually through other work after completing the transaction. Thank you for the 20,000 won donation. This is the black market located inside Lupin’s Right Hand.”

Henry tried his best to show a calm attitude.

Because getting excited just by WoopWoop’s appearance was troublesome.

“This is the map of this place. We are right here now.”

He unfolded the map as if to verify something for a moment, then closed it.

It would be troublesome if he looked awkward.

Because the broadcasting microphone only changed Henry’s “voice” naturally.

“Also, the flow up to now is… Manager Poporijang?”

[Yes!!! The one I!!! mentioned!!!!]

Naturally he passed the role to Poporijang.

The managers’ advice was that the picture would become awkward if Henry hung onto WoopWoop alone.

“Also, when drawing attention, I don’t intend to simply show off my money. I will add a special action, which I will show you when the time comes.”

There was also advice not to reveal everything and save it.

Henry naturally released the subsequent plan only as much as necessary.

That he plans to sell the pure steel, draw attention with that money, and that it won’t be in the form of simply scattering money.

When he added that he would be able to show something else in that process.

“Ken! I’ve been waiting for you!”

Henry’s group arrived at the shop Ken had mentioned.

***

The merchant Durandal was one of the leading giants in the black market.

A tycoon whose cash that could be accommodated right on this spot reached tens of thousands of gold, and if given a month, could easily draw and use hundreds of thousands of gold.

Naturally, Durandal was the veteran among veterans who had rolled in the “black market” alone for over thirty years.

“Nice to meet you. You are Durandal.”

“Yes. My time is like gold, and I only hope you are a guest of honor.”

Durandal was a stout old man.

A face that grew a rich white beard and likewise braided rich white hair down to his back.

Also, if unique, it was unique that he wore rings that were flashy to the utmost on all ten fingers as if to show off his wealth.

“Elder, as I said, I will handle the transaction. These people are those who lack the qualities of a merchant…”

“You? Do as you wish. However, it is not easy to be satisfied with the results brought forth by others.”

Durandal faced Henry with subtle eyes.

Basically, it was eyes that overwhelmed the opponent.

“Will you be alright?”

“His aura is extremely strong. If an ordinary person faced him, they would have even their pockets cleaned out.”

There is nothing as foolish as entering a negotiation table while intimidated. And Durandal was a figure who made the opponent feel intimidated.

“I am alr… Could you give me a moment to think?”

Henry sought Durandal’s understanding.

Since the item was what it was, Durandal also nodded readily.

The reason Henry bought time was due to the message that popped up in the chat window just now.

“Correct.”