ICP record number: Xiang B2-20100081-3 Internet Publishing Qualification Certificate: Xinchu Network License (Xiang) Zi No. 11 Network Culture Business License: Wen Wangwen [2010] No. 128

The city of Royo is a special city among the mountainous cities in the southern part of the Reims Empire.

It is not very commercial, but its location is extremely important, with the main thoroughfares of the southern part of the empire passing through Shayan Avenue and Tisgang Avenue, as well as a major river, the Millennium River. It is located on the edge of the Villas Mountains, backed by mountains, with a silver belt on its belly, and its left and right feet on a main road, with a vast plain in front of it.

It looks like a giant sitting down with his back to a mountain.

Due to its location, the castle was garrisoned by about 500 regular samurai and 3,000 ordinary soldiers, and the walls were much higher than those of Kagawa Castle. Pedestrians are subject to checks.

When Huey's convoy arrived in Royo, Hodding stepped forward to negotiate with them. It didn't take long for the team to pass the checkpoint.

This time, in addition to Brian Buckler, Holdin, Ashlyn, and Lilith all came with Xiuy, Reyesa and sixty-six other bandits were also brought out by Xiuy.

Half of them formed a small convoy and entered the city of Royo in the form of a caravan, while the other half entered the city alone with their own identities, taking a half-light and half-dark approach.

The convoy made its way along the city's wide bluestone pavement, and Hotin had already arranged their accommodation in advance.

The Silent Island Grand Hotel is the most luxurious top hotel in Royo City.

Located in the heart of the city's most prosperous business district, the building is about 30 meters high, divided into five floors, with a spire-like structure in the center, twelve luxury suites on the top floor, wings on both sides, and in addition to some accommodation, there are large restaurants and luxury restaurants for guests.

At the rear of the hotel is a large depot dedicated to horse-drawn carriages.

When Xiu Yi and his convoy arrived at the Silent Island Hotel, several young servants dressed in red immediately greeted them, guiding the drivers to park according to the planned route, while other servants were ready to pick up the packages for the guests.

Huey, dressed in a small black vest, jumped out of the carriage and turned to support Lilith. Lilith slapped his hand angrily, "I don't need your help." ”

Xiu Yi was helpless: "Weakness is a necessary quality for every noble lady, and supporting a lady is the etiquette that a man should have." ”

There was a moment of silence in the carriage, and then, a beautiful jade hand slowly stretched out from the carriage and gently placed it on Xiuyi's hand, and the movements looked elegant.

At the front of the convoy, Hotdin, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a gentlemanly face, was already negotiating with the foreman of the hotel, and Hotin had booked four luxury suites on the top floor, one each for Hotin and Eagle, one for Brian Buckler, one for Huey and one for Lilith.

Before coming to Royo City, Xiu Yi had already completely changed everyone's appearance. Not only was he changing the color of his head this time, he was even helping Buckler repair the scars on his face, making up for Iger's skinny skull-like face, making him look human, and making Hotin look younger and more graceful, and Lilith, helping her hide the obvious pointy ears.

On the contrary, it was Xiu Yi himself, in addition to changing the color of his head, he also equipped himself with a pair of lenses, changed the background color of his eyes, widened his face, and finally put on glasses. Besides, he is now taller himself.

Sixteen years old is the age of childbearing.

It made him look much taller and more gentle. No one would have seen this personable and polite teenager as the vicious criminal Thuy Igler. Even if Chakle, Bailey and the others were standing beside him, it would be difficult to confirm that he was the Hue Glaire they had been looking for.

He even dyed Asahi's coat white, scalded it into a roll, turned the little black dog into a curly-haired poodle, and then stuffed it into Lilith's arms, becoming a standard family pet.

"If you don't become an exiled criminal, you will definitely make a lot of money if you become a beauty expert for aristocratic ladies. That's what Lilith said about him at the time.

"The Dardanelles, please come with me, your reserved room has been packed, welcome to the Grand Hotel of Silent Island." The foreman not far away greeted him courteously, wearing a black tuxedo, and Huo Ding, who was dressed as a butler but had an extraordinary temperament, returned to the carriage after the negotiation and bowed to the carriage: "Dear master, all affairs have been arranged." ”

Brian Buckler's dull answer came from the carriage: "Take the young master and the young lady back to the room to rest first." ”

"Yes. ”

Hodding and Huey looked at each other. A satisfied smile spread across Huey's face, and it was clear that Brian Buckler had a good grasp of his position.

Entering the hotel, the reception hall here is extremely spacious.

Around the hall are sand-like chairs made of precious animal skins and wool. There were people sitting in twos and threes, gossiping with each other and occasionally glancing at the inhabitants. Crystal chandeliers fed with magical energy hang from the ceiling, emitting a soft light, and the walls are covered with precious paintings, and in the center of the hall, a shiny receptionist entertains guests.

Hodding went to get the door number and key, and returned to Huey and them, and the ** man led the guests to their rooms.

To Huey's amazement, they didn't have to take the stairs to get to the top floor, and the Silent Island Hotel even installed a magically pushed levitation ladder here that could be raised and lowered automatically.

"I didn't expect there to be a levitation ladder on Silent Island, I didn't think there were many hotels in the Empire that had this kind of setting. Huey said.

The receptionist who led the way was a young boy in his teens, and he replied respectfully at this moment: "Silent Island belongs to the property of the Southern family, and in the entire southern part of the empire, it can be said that there is no business family as powerful as the Southern family. This suspension ladder was personally designed and made by the head of the family, the head of the family, who invited the famous Zeer alchemist. Every guest who comes to the Isle of Silence will be amazed by the master's work. ”

It turned out that this was the property of the Southern family, and the suspension ladder under his feet at the moment was actually built by Lancelot's father, Bert Lot, who personally asked someone to build it, and Xiu Yi couldn't help but be stunned.

He thought of Lancelot, and he didn't know how he was now.

The levitator soon ascended to the top floor, and the young receptionist led them to their rooms.

Pushing open the door, Lilith was the first to let out an exclamation of amazement.

God knows she'd never stayed in a luxury suite before this. The décor of the suites is luxurious and exquisite, and the furnishings are all made of dark lacquered fragrant wood, which gives off a faint fragrance. * The tops are lavishly brocade, the windows are made of crystal instead of glass, the kettles and lampstands are made of silver, and the coffee tables are made of fine porcelain, finely handmade, painted with ancient myths and legends.

There is also a bathroom at the back of the suite, a large jade bathtub that can lie down two people side by side, and a delicate water pillow next to the bathtub for a beautiful sleep in the water. A small thermostatic barrier is carved around the perimeter of the bathtub so that the water does not cool down for four hours.

Of course, there is an additional fee to activate the enchantment.

"It's really luxurious. Huey smiled and glanced at Hotin.

Since you want to use money to move people's hearts, you naturally can't be stingy with the small investment you are making at the moment, and if you want to live, you naturally have to live in the best place.

"It's expensive to stay overnight in a place like this, isn't it?" asked Lilith softly, taking advantage of the receptionist's inattention.

Hotin replied, "One hundred Kinwit in one night." ”

"Oh my God!" Lilith covered her mouth, trying to suppress her voice, "Isn't it four hundred Kinwit a day that we have four rooms?"

Hodding replied leisurely: "Actually, it's more than that, don't forget that there are also people's rooms." That's a total of five hundred gold wit a day. ”

"It's too expensive!" Lilith began to grit her teeth, and Huey remembered Clarice. Every woman seems to have a natural sensitivity to money.

"How many days are we going to stay?" asked Lilith.

"Seven days. Huey replied.

"Three thousand five hundred Kinvet, Huygler, this money will be deducted from your account!" said Lilith, grunting.

"My dear sister, please call me Cisher Dardanelle. Xiuyi's face turned a little ugly, and the receptionist hadn't left yet.

Lilith glared at him unconvinced, but didn't say anything more.

After the receptionist showed them around their respective rooms, the receptionist said, "Dear Sir, Miss, Young Master, if you want to have dinner, you can go to the luxurious restaurant in the wing." Of course, if you don't want to go out to eat, just shake the bell at the door and a special waiter will serve you. ”

"I heard there's going to be a cocktail party here tonight?" Huey asked.

"Yes, it was a reception hosted by Earl Brooks. At this time of year, Royo City has a particularly busy period, mainly for the upcoming trading conference of alchemical materials. Earl Brooks is currently the largest purchaser of alchemy materials in China. ”

"I heard he's a royal procurator?"

"Yes, Earl Brooks comes to Royo City every year to buy a lot of materials, but I heard that his orders have suddenly dropped sharply this year, but I don't know why. ”

A mysterious smile appeared on Xiuy's face: "Maybe the empire doesn't need so many materials anymore." Oh, so as long as you are a supplier of alchemy materials, or a demander, you are eligible to enter this cocktail party?"

"Yes. The receptionist replied, "Silent Island is flocked to a large number of merchants at this time of year. Of course, the main person in the buyer will always be Earl Brooks, and the seller will always be the main supplier of materials that has a good relationship with the elves. ”

"I'm afraid there will be changes this year. Xiu Yi said lightly: "By the way, can you help me get an invitation?"

The receptionist was a little embarrassed: "This requires you to have proof of the material supply dealer, I mean the proof of the bulk transaction. ”

"I don't have the papers, but I have something more convincing than that. Barnett. Xiu Yi said lightly.

Haddin took out a large handful of money and stuffed it into the receptionist's hand: "Tell your manager to get us a post, I know he can do it, after all, this is held in his hotel, isn't it? As a guest of the Premier Suite, you are obliged to fulfill our needs." ”

The receptionist immediately bent down respectfully: "Yes sir, Silent Island wholeheartedly welcomes you, our service tenet is fast, accurate, and in place. ”

"Very well, then I don't need your services for the time being, you go down first. Huey said.

Hotin casually took out two more Kinwitt and threw them to the receptionist, who thanked him and left.

Looking back at Lilith's angry eyes, Haddin said, "A grand performance always requires upfront investment. ”

"You can give him less money. Lilith said.

"That's why women aren't fit to do big things. Huey laughed.

"I feel the same way. Hotin smiled and nodded.

The two of them laughed and walked towards their room, leaving the angry Lilith alone in the room to sulk.

After thinking about it, she exclaimed, "Why don't we do it ourselves? ”

"Because we're a bunch of rude, arrogant, self-righteous tyrants. Huey's voice came from the room: "I must admit, Lilith, you are very suitable for this role. ”

"Call me sister, or Claudia Dardanelle!" Lilith cried angrily.

The receptionist quickly delivered what Xiui needed.

A beautifully crafted gilded sticker.

"Representatives of the Dardanelles family are invited to a reception of material traders hosted by Earl Brooks. ”

Before the dinner, Haddin prepared a set of evening dresses for Lilith that were most commonly worn by ladies, with a wide skirt that dragged on the ground and needed to be carried by hand to walk. The golden ribbon wrapped around her lower abdomen tightened desperately, and Lilith gasped. Add to that the vulgar and boundless brimmed hat, and Lilith feels like a poor puppet in a floral costume. The one who took her belt was a former brothel bustard, who was now Miss's personal servant.

"I can't see what's good about this dress, I can't even jump in a dress like this. Lilith complained.

"Miss Noble doesn't need to jump. The bustard reminded her.

Lilith didn't hear it, rummaging around the room.

"What are you looking for?" asked Huey.

"What about my weapons?" asked Lilith.

"You don't need to wear them, you just go to dinner. ”

Lilith ignored him, and she finally found the little daggers that were close to her. Picking up a handful of treasures to keep on her back, Lilith weighed her clothes and said to Huey, "I feel much more comfortable now." Then, my dear brother, let's go to the feast together. ”

Huey and Hotin were relatively silent.

The cocktail reception was held in the left wing of the Silent Island Hotel, with an air bridge from the main building to the wing, and an ornate aerial pipe wrapped in glass and glazed tiles.

At this moment, Brian Buckler, the "patriarch" of the family, was already waiting at the door, but now his name was Brian Dardanelle. Only Hordine still retains his original name, which is still called Clementine Barnett, because people only know Crazy Hordin, not Clementine Hordine Barnett.

"Brooks hasn't come yet, the party hasn't started yet, we can go in and meet some friends. Hey, Barnett, be careful, you're pretty famous, and you're probably going to run into someone who yells at you, 'Even if you turn to ashes, I'll know you.'" Brian Buckler reminded Hordin.

"Rest assured, my master, I assure you that Crazy Hotin is terrifying not only because of deception, but also because he has mastered the ** that most nobles cannot see. "Back to what he is good at, Hotin is full of confidence.

"Let's go in, Brian. Xiu Yi said coldly.

He was the first to step into the hotel's grand restaurant, which was known for its luxury.

Stepping on the cashmere-printed carpet and strolling into the glittering reception hall, Huegliel held the hand of her "sister" as if she were holding a weak girl.

The drinking hall of Silent Island is quite famous even throughout the Empire. Compared with the open-air platform of Lanya Theater, the open-air platform has a comfortable, casual, and relaxed mood. The invited guests do not have any special purpose and therefore do not pursue opulent luxury, on the contrary, there is more freedom there. But on the Isle of Silence, everything can only be described as luxurious.

Hanging from the ceiling is a large chandelier strung with precious submarine clam beads, which does not require the slightest magical power, and its own brilliance alone is enough to illuminate the entire hall. The hall also has a long dining table, but it is all made of precious monolithic obsidian. Cutlery used at the dinner

Almost all of them are gold and silver utensils, and even the food is beautifully made and elegant. Ice fish fillets made from snow bone fish from the Gula River, desserts made from ice heart grass from the thousand-year-old snow-capped mountains, and even some rare magical beasts were even put on the table for guests to enjoy.

Walking in such a place is like walking in a diamond palace built with money, and even Lilith's mood suddenly tenses.

"Calm down, my dear sister. Remember that we are rich now, we have seen everything. Huey reminded her.

"The question is where our money comes from. Lilith replied in a whisper. So far, all the expenses have been provided by the Wolves, and all the money from Xiu Yi's sale of those magic weapons has been used to buy materials.

"From the pockets of those nobles, of course, rest assured, money is not a problem, it has never been a problem. Huey smiled confidently. He let go of Lilith's hand and began to walk freely.

Walking among a large group of aristocrats and merchants, Hue was quite laid-back. Compared to last time, he didn't need to set up a magic circle in advance this time, and he didn't need to be prepared to fight against a certain strong person, he just needed to walk around here at will, and then get to know some characters worth befriending. Of course, in the end, it is most appropriate to leave the work to Hodin.

Not far away, Hotin was already spreading business cards to the surrounding nobles and merchants, and introducing the Dardanelles family in his charismatic voice. This is a very effective strategy, and the influence of aristocratic society is unparalleled, and it is far better to have a successful social circle in the upper class than to struggle and make a name for yourself in the lower classes.

It can be seen that Hording is simply comfortable dealing with this kind of thing, and after a while, a large number of nobles have gathered around him.

In contrast, Brian, who plays the role of the patriarch of the family next to him, is a little pale, but this is also in line with the positioning that everyone gives him: taciturn, courage is greater than wisdom.

Although Xiu Yi had erased the scars on his face, he could not change his strong physique and fierce temperament.

This satisfied Shui, so he walked around with confidence.

The atmosphere of the cocktail party is solemn and slightly relaxed, unless it is a person as sociable as Hordin, who can use a slight collision, an unintentional coincidence, to create a conversation with the other party, otherwise the person participating in the cocktail party will not easily talk to strangers. Therefore, in the process of wandering around, there was no one to disturb Xiuyi.

Occasionally, someone would be sarcastic about Huey's existence, as in the case of the Lanya Theater, seeing him as a little lover brought by a noble lady.

He could even hear the whispers of some of the ladies.

"Please allow me to introduce to you my little master, who is currently in the Dardanelles family, and in addition to having the identity of the heir of the family, he also has an identity, that is, an alchemist. Not far away, Hotdin's voice rang out.

Xiu knew that it was his time to play.

Sure enough, Hotin shouted to himself:

"Master Heather, please come over for a moment. ”

Xiui walked towards the circle surrounded by the nobles.

"What about my uncle?" asked Huey.

"The host said that he was a little unwell, so he went back to the room to rest first, and the matter here is left to you to deal with. The host says he trusts your abilities. ”

"Thank you, uncle, for your kindness. ”

It was a plan they had made in advance, and although Brian was in charge of playing the patriarch, most of the time, the communication and trading were left to Hoddin and Huey. After all, tyranny can be a reason for not knowing the rules, but it cannot be a bargaining chip in negotiations.

"Then let me introduce you to Viscount Radur, who came to Royo on behalf of the Bavarian family to buy materials, which is one of the oldest families in the Empire. Hotin pointed to a slightly blessed middle-aged man beside him.

"Hello, Viscount Radur. Xiu Yi saluted, and the other party gave him a slight nod.

"This is Mr. O'Com Dodge, one of the three largest alchemy firms in the Empire, and Mr. Dodge is the vice chairman of the Comptoir Committee. ”

"Hello, Mr. Dodge. Hue said to the lean-looking man in the black gown.

"Hello, that's interesting, even though I've never heard of the Dardanelles before, I have to say that it looks like the family has at least one very good steward and an equally good heir. You look good, lad. "Mr. Dodge's sycophants are straight and sensitive.

"Thank you for the compliment. ”

"This is Mr. Bradstreet, the clerk and lieutenant of the city of Royo, and the most trusted person of the city lord. Haddin continued to introduce Huey. A bearded man in his thirties gave Hue a polite smile.

Xiu Yi began to admire Hodin's ability, and in just a short time, Hodin had already made many aristocratic acquaintances. And it seems like they all have something to ask for themselves.

But Huey soon understood how Hodding could do this.

Mr. O'Compman Dodge, the vice president of the Dodge firm, asked Huey: "I have heard that the Dardanelles have recently tried to buy large quantities of materials from the market?"

Xiu Yi thought for a moment and nodded, "Yes, my family plans to officially enter the alchemy material trading market. In fact, there is no shortage of alchemists. Of course, in order to make a valuable finished product, you need to have good materials. ”

"In Royo City, you never have to worry about not finding good materials, as long as you have enough money. Mr. Bradstreett, the lieutenant of the city of Royo, said.

Huey smiled.

As the largest economic pillar of Royo City, the annual alchemy material trading conference has always been highly valued by the city lord.

However, the unfortunate news is that the procurement officer of the Imperial Royalty, Earl Brooks, who is the largest buyer of Royo City, suddenly announced that he would drastically reduce the purchase of materials after arriving in Royo City at the beginning of the month.

This has alarmed a large number of material suppliers.

Changes in supply and demand have always been the main equilibrium point for material market prices. Over the years, the empire has been constantly collecting materials from all over the world, which has become a major factor in the increase in material prices.

Although no one knows what the reason is for the sudden and drastic reduction of the Empire's acquisitions this year, it is certain that due to the sharp reduction in the number of acquisitions of the Empire, it will inevitably lead to a large backlog of goods. Many businessmen come to ship goods just to get a good price, and now, they are faced with the dilemma of selling materials.

Some traders who sell ore-based materials can say that as long as the capital chain can be supported, the ore can be stored indefinitely, and it can be sold slowly in the future. Some special materials that are not resistant to preservation are facing great embarrassment. Even if you can use a magic enchantment to save it, you still have to consume a lot of magic crystals every day, which undoubtedly makes the cost rise dramatically.

In this case, selling at a reduced price becomes an inevitable trend.

Among them, a considerable number of material trading brokers were purchased from the elves of the Ancient Shelf, and they had a long-term cooperation with the elves, and the purchase price was relatively fixed and much higher. Once the price is reduced, it means a huge loss.

The market for alchemical materials, in terms of overall demand, is undoubtedly a seller's market, forever in short supply. However, since the country's material merchants converge here at this time of year, a large number of materials from the empire will be concentrated in this area, which will form a consequence of a region-wide oversupply.

The reason why the cunning Earl Brooks did not disclose this situation until everyone arrived in Royo City did not release the news that they were going to reduce the purchase was obviously to force everyone to reduce the price. Of course, he himself can also get a lot of benefits from this.

After all, even if the empire reduces its demand, its position as the largest material purchaser will still be unshakable. Only this time, a large number of material suppliers are going to be squeezed to the ground. For Royo City, the sharp decline in material transaction volume has undoubtedly hit Royo City's tax revenue this year hard. According to the registrar's adjutant's estimates, if this year's deal were to be cut by eighty percent of the purchase, as Earl Brooks had suggested, it would mean a direct reduction of sixteen percent in the tax revenue of the city of Royo.

That's a pretty scary number. The tax revenue from the annual material fair has always accounted for 20 percent of the revenue revenue of the city of Royo.

Therefore, this time, even the lord of the castle was in a hurry, and sent his secretary and lieutenant everywhere to look for merchants who could purchase materials.

When Hording spread the word that the Dardanelles were planning to buy a large batch of materials...... It's no wonder he's so popular.

As Hording said before: "As long as you see the needs of the other party, then the simplest scam will immediately become the most perfect scam." ”

Thinking of this, Xiu Yi smiled sweeter.

"Rest assured that the Dardanelles have the financial resources to complete this acquisition," he said. Of course, as a buyer of materials, we are also a supplier of a number of finished alchemical products. I think you'll be interested in a great finished product as well. ”