Sabbath - Verse 6
As the saying goes, the faΓ§ade is the face of the Chamber of Commerce. The more powerful the chamber of commerce, the more ornate the faΓ§ade will be.
The Night Star Moon Chamber of Commerce is a powerful chamber of commerce, and it can be regarded as a pivotal role even in the entire Yar Border. Therefore, when Alice saw the carved cedar pillars wrapped in brocade and the gold and silver ornaments inlaid with ruby sapphires, she was not surprised by much.
The guards at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce are very strong, and each one is capable of being ten at a time. They were dressed in smooth carved steel plate full-body armor, their eyes were sharp, and their expressions were fierce. Some of the high-ranking guards even wore pale blue cloaks. After Alice explained her purpose and showed the letter, two guards led her to Aphro's office.
Then, she saw the owner of the Chamber of Commerce, Aphro Nightstar.
Aphro Nightstar is a high-elf beauty. It's not very tall though. She has an almond-colored flowing ponytail. The elves' characteristic pointed ears quivered slightly. Her complexion was also not a bluish, platinum-gold color like the usual elves. Rather, it is closer to the yellowish of the Nords.
However, when she frowned, she accurately showed the arrogance that is unique to high elves. The kind of breath that is rooted in the blood, as if it was born superior.
She's supposed to be a hybrid between a Nord and a High Elf. Alice thought so. Behind her stood two guards in red cloaks. One is an Imperial, the other is a real elf.
Alice was curious about the contents of the letter Roach had written to Aphro Nightstar. Especially when Aphro tore open the envelope in a very unceremonious way and browsed it.
The letter reads...... What will you write?--I hope there is nothing to misunderstand.
Alice thought to herself, and took a look at the furnishings in the house. While she was observing the patterns on the wall, Aphro Nightstar put down the letter in her hand.
Alice...... Miss, yes? She looked at the Sirodil in front of her, her eyes narrowed as if to see her through.
She folded her hands together and pressed the edge of her index finger against her jaw, and said, "Roche thinks you can carry the 'heavy duty' of more than three thousand septins." I never thought that the miser would give such a high opinion to an adventurer. β
"This may indicate that you do have some skills. β
"It's not just 'a few skills,' Your Excellency. Alice replied, "I have come to earn a reward worthy of my abilities." β
"I can hear this kind of thing dozens of times a day. However, I have gained much more disappointment than satisfaction. Aphro replied in a flat tone, "The sharp teeth and mouth are not worth the real guns."
Alice tilted her head slightly and looked at her, "Maybe you can verify it." β
"I'm very confident. Afro smiled and looked at the empty sword belt around Alice's waist. "Do you need me to provide you with a weapon?"
"No, not really. β
"Good. Afro lifted her hand and patted it gently.
No sooner had her voice come out of her throat than the next moment, the Siri Guardian standing to her left took a sharp step forward. Immediately after that, a sword fell!
Soon the sword. The air whistled sharply as it sliced and cracked.
However, the sword was not fast enough.
Alice turned slightly to the side, and dodged the swordsman's first slash. She then took a big step back, deftly dodging the cross-cut that followed the slash.
"Curved Sword...... The tricks of the Redguards?" Alice said softly. She abruptly stopped the tendency to retreat, and took advantage of the moment when the guard's cross-cut was not finished. The outstretched left hand reflected a dim electric light.
"Lightning Touch. β
It was as if something had exploded in the air. The heavily armored guard shook, and the steel armor on his chest emitted a wisp of green smoke in the faint light of thunder. A cloud of scorching air spread out violently, spreading rapidly in all directions.
He took a step back.
Alice followed suit. Then, before the guards could regain their balance, he snatched the curved sword he was holding.
"I won. Alice said lightly.
She lowered the curved sword under his neck before the guard drew a moonblade axe.
Then, she felt that the aura of the guards in front of her became unstable, and the aura belonging to the living gradually disappeared, as if a strange force was about to burst out.
The girl's eyebrows itched slightly.
It's a warning sign, but it's not dangerous.
So, does this guy have any other cards?--Alice thought to herself, and a powerful spell was immediately prepared by her. Always ready to crush a counterattack when it comes.
Unfortunately, her preparation fell through.
Just as the guard in front of him was about to move, Aphro's voice stopped him.
"That's it. The head of the Chamber of Commerce ordered.
As soon as she spoke, the guard gave up on the fight. He nodded slightly at Alice, then took the curved sword that Alice had given her and stepped back, standing behind Aphro again.
"You have proven your fighting ability. Well, although there are many ways to solve the problem. This will at least ensure that you have a solution to the problem. Aphro looked at her appreciatively and said in admiration.
"Can I get the job I want?"
"Of course, my dear. Aphro said with a smile. "But you seem to be in a hurry to get your money, so why don't you choose a more convenient route? A young and strong warrior like you, I'd be happy to offer you a loan at a low interest rate. β
"As long as you have two cents of interest, I believe that there is no problem in settling it within a year with your ability. Of course, if you are willing to establish a long-term employment relationship with the Night Star and Moon Chamber of Commerce, I am personally willing to pay 10,000 Saiptin as a gift money for the employment. Her tone was sincere, and the solicitation was unmistakable.
Unfortunately, her smiling face did not dispel Alice's doubts.
Long-term employment is never possible. As for borrowing......
[What this guy won't say is two cents a day...... I always feel that there are a lot of profiteers in Mossar. Alice muttered to herself, rejecting Aphro's offer.
"I'm sorry, but I still prefer to make money on the ground. Let's talk about the commission that Roach mentioned. β
Aphro lowered her eyes and thought for a moment.
"Well, if you change your mind, the Night Star Chamber of Commerce will always have the door open for you. For now, let's talk about the job you're going to get. β
She spread out a copy of the text on the table, and then motioned for Alice to come over and look at it.
"This is a map of the north of Mossal. It's a port city, do you see the river? It goes out northwest of Mosal and leads to the Sea of Ghosts. Aphro explained, pointing to a dark brown river on the map.
"Whether you want to go to the White Land, the East, or Harfendal, you have to follow this river. In fact, it was indeed an open trade route. However, there are not many merchants who dare to take this path, because taking this road also means passing through the swamp. And inside the swamp, there are a lot of troublesome things. β
"Piranhas, mirelurks, land spiders, crows, all sorts of messes. There have even been sightings of the legendary Hydra. But these things are not a big deal, this trade route has been opened up for many years, and anyone who runs on the water knows how to deal with these things. The thing we really have a headache for is river pirates. β
"If it's just for money, then forget it. I can afford to lose it. However, these guys have recently changed their ways. Aphro gritted her teeth, her anger clearly visible on her cheeks.
"These bastards...... Killed them all!"
She slammed the punch on the table. The punch was so hard that Alice could see her hand stain crimson at an almost visible rate.
"Whew, gaffe. Aphro quickly recovered. Calmly said to Alice, "I expect a revenge, and I want those who hurt my men to get their fair share of the reward." Can you help me, Miss Alice?"
"I am glad to accept this commission, Your Excellency. Alice replied with some embarrassment. "But I'm sorry, I'm not very good at swimming and boating......"
"That's okay, I'm not going to leave you alone on this dangerous mission. Xiao Ya will go with you, his fighting ability is very strong, and his boat driving skills are unmatched. You will be as smooth as you are on the ground in his boat. And I don't want you to fight in the river, because my men have already found out where their lair is. β
Aphro snapped her fingers slightly, and soon a servant walked in with a suitcase. Then she opened it, and a shining outfit appeared in front of Alice.
"You're a light swordsman who wields magic, so this Stellar Sand Scale Armor and this Scorching Forge's steel sword from Marcus are just the right thing for you. Take it, it's a little bit of my heart. β
Aphro said, and without waiting for Alice to refuse, she reached out and pointed to an inverted trident marker on the map.
"The name of the place is Ustengera. It is rumored to be the tomb of the ancient Nords, and the bandits must have been near this area. It's also possible that these guys are inside this ruin. β
"Find them, kill them, and bring their heads back to me. You'll get my friendship and the honorarium you want. The pirates' booty will also be your loot, and no matter how much you bring back, I'll exchange it for a working Septin gold at the market price. β
PS: Aphro's loan is indeed two cents per day.