The Empire controlled the arms trade, and exports were reduced, which led to the price of firearms, but not to triple the original price, and it must have been the new mayor of Baker City who was playing tricks. After returning from smuggler Joyson, Rhodes had a basic understanding of the situation. No wonder Iron Claw would come back in vain, Rod knew that in this case, he couldn't be blamed.

But, since you're here, let's take a trip and try your luck, Rod thought to himself......

The next morning, Rhodes took Caroline, Lawrence, and Celta to the city of Baker. Caroline dresses up as a noble lady and appears as Rhodes' cousin...... Of course, she was originally a nobleman, and there was no need to teach her much etiquette and temperament. There will be no flaws. Lawrence appears as Rhodes' servant, and Celta appears as a mercenary. Although these characters and their identities are different, due to their similar experiences, several people can play their respective roles well.

Before stepping into the municipal mansion, Celta consciously put away her weapons and stood outside the door. As a mercenary, he had no access to the building. Lawrence and Caroline walked in as they should.

Unlike other lords' castles, Baker City is a seaport city, and as such, its administrative residences look more like villa mansions than gloomy castles and fortresses.

Entering through the gate decorated with the statue of the bull, there were administrators coming and going along the way, and occasionally one or two nobles or bachelors with clean faces nodded and smiled at Rhodes and his party, but most of them hurried and ignored a few strangers. Walking through a garden cloister, Rod arrives in a large hall with Caroline and Lawrence. The servant of the magistrate motioned for them to wait here, and he went to inform them.

"Guardian of the North of Kislev, High Lord of Blackhammer Castle Rhodes?"

While waiting for the mayor to meet him, a man dressed as a wealthy businessman sat across from Rhodes and had a "warm" conversation with him.

"Guardians of the North? Oh, no, not yet, the Guardians of the North are a group, not individuals. All the castle lords south of the Wall are members of this group. I can't speak for all. As for the big lord, it doesn't count, it's just a lord. ”

Rod replied with a smile.

"Oh, and I'll introduce myself, my name is Tours Wren. Baker City's largest salt merchant, jeweler. My family made a living here when the city was first built. Port Baker is a thriving port, and the city that grew through this port is also a rich city, and I have a brief understanding of your imperial journey. I can only say that you have come to the right place to purchase supplies. ”

The businessman named Tours said enthusiastically. To Caroline and Lawrence's surprise, along the way, they meet some self-righteous, arrogant guys, and this gentleman seems to be a little overzealous.

Of course, Rhodes is not surprised, all businessmen value profit, and profit is the root of their pursuit, and it is also the only driving force. Before he came in, he had already expressed the purpose of this meeting to the city lord, and there must be no shortage of well-informed people around the mayor. Thinking of what Joyson said before, Rod guessed that the businessman named Tours was probably the same as him, unfamiliar with the new officials, and wanted to build connections and recognize him as a "godfather". It's just that Rhodes is skeptical of his "biggest" title.

"Well, it's a thriving city, and it's a great place to live compared to the north. ”

Rod replied politely.

"I heard you've just stopped a wave of beastmen in the north?"

Tours searched for a topic, his eyes like rats, turning rapidly, observing the people around Rod.

"Yes, very much, the largest Beastman force in decades. ”

Rod replied. This time Caroline was honest, she didn't interject, just listened quietly. Show what a noble woman should be.

"How much?"

"Hundreds, probably more. ”

"It was a disaster. "But you have defended the castle, and it seems that you still have some strength." ”

"It's not enough, humans still seem so weak in front of all kinds of bighorns and werewolves, so I need to procure a batch of supplies. ”

Rod replied.

"Well, I know. I'm in the trading industry. There is a certain understanding of the needs of each place. ”

Turce said with a smile.

"But be prepared for the fact that Mayor Clyde is a busy man, and he just came here last winter, and he has a lot of people to meet every day, and his temper may not be good. ”

He leaned over and whispered.

"I'm mentally prepared. ”

Rod replied with a smile.

"That's good. However, as far as I know, there have been many people who have wanted to talk to him lately, and, like you, most of them are for the sake of arms. ”

He spoke quieter, and Rod could instinctively feel that this guy should have something to talk to him, otherwise, he wouldn't get close to him for no reason.

"So, did they succeed?"

Rod asked deliberately.

"What do you say?"

A mysterious smile tugged at the corners of Tours' mouth.

"Can't guess. ”

"Let me tell you, most of them didn't work out. Tours said.

After a while, he moved some, next to Rod, and whispered, "But I can, I can get those things for you." ”

He was so close that Rod could smell the strong perfume emanating from him, and the man wore perfume, which was what Rod hated the most, but in someone else's territory, Rod endured.

"The price is negotiable, but it's definitely lower than the price given to you by the prefect. ”

"Huh, how much?"

Rod smiled and asked in a low voice.

Turce quietly raised his arm, two fingers sticking out of his fat palm, "Twice." He said.

Just then, the servant who had just entered walked out of the city councilor's office and walked over to Rod's side.

"Your Excellency, you can go in, sorry to keep you waiting. ”

He said politely. Then he made a gesture of please.

Seeing this, Turce hurriedly took out a note prepared in advance and stuffed it into Rod's hand. "We'll get in touch again. He whispered, and walked away with a smile. Leaving Lawrence and Caroline with bewildered expressions.