The scorching sun hung high, casting its rays directly downward.
The Estonian River surged like molten silver, with each crest of its waves bursting with golden sparks, while the pine forests on both banks swayed gently in the breeze, their shadows just touching the riverbank before being swallowed by the shimring reflections.
In the river channel, a rchant ship was moving forward, leaving a long trail of white waves behind.
The hull was not made of ordinary wood, but treated Black Iron Wood through alchemy, as sturdy as steel yet able to float on the river surface, with faintly visible runes carved on its surface, and equipped with heavy cannons and crossbows on its sides and at the bow and stern.
On the deck.
Nick leaned against the ship’s railing, his arm half-resting on the rune-engraved protective rail, his eyes following the dancing glimrs on the river’s surface.
The Treasure Ship — this vessel belonged to him.
After receiving migration news from the Molten Iron Clan, Nick was initially stunned, but then decisively took action.
He spent almost all his assets, using his eloquence to gather additional investnts, purchased a decommissioned warship, and renovated it into a rchant ship, recruiting sailors and crew, and with so maneuvering, obtained the trade passage docuntation for the Estonian River.
From the Thousand Snake Mark Land Trade Route, he turned to the Estonian River.
This was undoubtedly an adventure, but also a new beginning. The Treasure Ship’s cargo capacity far exceeded his previous caravan, and as long as the trade went smoothly, each round trip could yield several tis the past earnings.
It wouldn’t take long before he could recoup his investnt, and the rchant ship had the potential to develop into a fleet.
"What are you thinking about?"
Maggi’s voice ca from behind, carrying the characteristic coolness of a Tiefling.
She handed over a glass of chilled mint wine.
Nick took it, tasted the refreshing flavor with a light sip, and said, "The future, our future."
At this mont, he was already quite clear about who his real master behind the scenes was.
A Dragon!
And not just one.
The young dragons had slain the nobility of the Raymond Duchy, forcibly broke into the mine site and took the gemstones, stirring up quite a commotion, naturally reaching Nick’s ears.
However, he was not alard but instead beca excited.
To build a trade association comparable to the Jade rchants Association in his lifeti, that belonged to him, was Nick’s dream in his youth.
Yet, even at his peak, this dream seed out of reach, but now, Nick felt there was a slight chance. The heart that had gradually quieted with aging now pumped with excitent as it did when he was young.
Although he had never t the master of the Molten Iron Clan.
But through his behind-the-scenes operations, Nick concluded that the other party was a rare, wise, and cautious Dragon Race, whose future was boundless once mature. Being able to cause a stir in the Raymond Duchy also indicated that the other party was already showing its talents.
Following such a Dragon Race.
He had the opportunity to reach heights he never dared to imagine before.
Of course, opportunities and risks coexist, and this path would not be smooth, but Nick had shrewdly calculated that the benefits of following the Dragon Race far outweighed the risks.
The Treasure Ship continued to sail under the scorching sunlight.
During the journey, they encountered an attack from underwater monsters, which was resolved by the guards on board and the Treasure Ship’s own armant, passing with thrills but no danger.
As ti passed, the Treasure Ship turned into a northern tributary.
About an hour later, as dusk set in, the Treasure Ship bathed in the glow of the sunset, dropped anchor, and moored by the riverbank.
Cole directed the giant slaves to move the cargo from the hold, checking and inspecting each crate according to the list.
Ti gradually turned to night.
Da da da — the dense sound of hooves striking the hard soil of the Border Area echoed.
A group of centaurs, over three ters tall, erged from the night, approaching with swift and steady steps.
Having contacted them beforehand through a Communication Stone, Nick was not surprised by the centaurs’ appearance and felt a deep sense of satisfaction for the young dragons’ caution.
The Molten Iron Clan and the young dragons were now in a wanted state.
Their subordinate creatures, especially ogres and werewolves, were closely monitored, and although the northern area of the Estonian River was no longer under the Wilderness Garrison’s jurisdiction, being cautious was never wrong.
Centaurs were not creatures of the Evil Faction.
They had humanoid upper bodies, and their wisdom was no less than that of humans; furthermore, their nature was not violent or bloodthirsty, making them more easily accepted by the Civilized Realm of the Lothern Federation.
Additionally.
Having just migrated to a new territory for a few months, regrouping and recruiting centaurs as part of their clan.
It must be known that for creatures like centaurs, relentless oppression would only lead them to resist to the death; being able to subdue centaurs further proved the young dragons’ strength and wisdom.
He gestured to the guards to remain calm.
Nick’s face blood with a warm smile.
He stepped forward half a pace and offered a standard trade greeting to the centaurs.
"A small token, just a gesture of respect."
He lifted his head slightly, his gaze settling on the leading Silver Mane centaur, whose robust figure resembled a sculpture under the moonlight, with silver mane gently swaying in the night breeze, reflecting a stream-like glow.
Nick presented a bottle of juniper wine with both hands, the amber liquid gently rippling inside the bottle, refracting a honey-like radiance.
"This is a thirty-year-old brew handcrafted by the dwarves of the Black Rock Duchy, highly favored by aristocrats."
He paused for a mont at the perfect ti, his eyes earnestly focused on the other: "Dear sir, distinguished centaur, may I ask how to address you?"
Silver Mane let out a deep chuckle.
He took the bottle and said, "Just call Zakli."
He skillfully fastened the bottle to the belt around his waist, adorned with ivory carvings, then took out a bone dagger from his chest.
"Reciprocity."
Silver Mane spoke with the characteristic deep voice of a centaur, "This is carved from the tusks of a Giant Mammoth, with cloud patterns embodying our blessings for travelers, it can bring good luck."
Nick’s eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, then his smile brightened further.
He took the bone dagger with both hands, feeling the fine textures on the ivory with his fingertips, and tucked it into his chest.
Unlike the previously cold Werewolf Mage, this centaur was evidently more amicable.
Indeed, Silver Mane, as the Hunting Commander of the White Mane Clan, was not new to dealing with rchant ships along the Estonian River, knowing well how to ensure both parties feel a pleasant warmth in their exchanges, and he himself was sociable.
His ability to have angered the Iron Dragon yet eventually earned its forgiveness,
was enough to prove Silver Mane’s ’wisdom.’
After the initial pleasantries, the parties formally entered the trade proceedings.
The crew of the rchant ship efficiently unloaded the goods.
Barrels of viscous black oil energy were carefully transported and stacked into small mountains.
Delicate sweets and wooden crates of spirits were placed together, the sugary caral mingling with the pungent alcohol scents in the night breeze, while precious alchemy tools were neatly arranged, reflecting various glimrs under the moonlight.
The centaurs brought specialties from the Border Area.
Heavy gray magnetic iron ores packed in baskets woven from rattan, their surfaces covered with natural spiral patterns, processed beast hides that were soft and thick, claws and fangs sorted and bundled, with sharp edges still carrying a faint scent of blood.
The most eye-catching was a box.
Upon opening, Celestial Gemstones refracted azure fragnts of light under the torchlight, splendid beyond compare.
"These magic gemstones must be seized from the mines of Raymond Duchy."
Nick remained calm and thought secretly.
Although their origin was less legitimate, he had plenty of ways to sell them, not a big problem.
While the subordinates were inventorying the goods.
Nick and Silver Mane engaged in casual conversation.
Silver Mane expressed curiosity about the lifestyle and culture of the Southern Countries beyond the Border Area, and Nick tirelessly introduced the culture of the Lothern Federation.
Both were skilled communicators, knowing how to handle themselves, making their relationship much closer through the exchange.
As the moonlight slanted westward, all goods had been fully transacted.
Nick lowered his voice, slightly expectant and nervous, and asked, "Zakli, aside from the overt trade... does there happen to be any other instructions?"
Silver Mane grinned, nodding lightly.
"Let your people stay put."
"Follow ."
At those words, Nick’s smile grew even broader.
He instructed the mbers of the Treasure ship to remain here waiting, and he approached the centaurs once again, then clumsily climbed onto the back of a centaur warrior under Silver Mane’s guidance, heading further north into the Border Area.
The centaurs’ speed was very fast.
They carried a significant amount of cargo, their hooves leaving varying depths of imprints on the ground, still achieving breakneck speed even under the night, their tall, robust builds combining power and speed, yet offering no comfort at all.
Nick wasn’t accustod to ’riding.’"
He was tossed to a pale complexion, feeling as though his insides were churning within him, with the view ahead turning into a blur of colors.
There were no reins on the centaurs, forcing him to shalessly cling tightly to the muscular strong waist and abdon of the male centaur warrior to prevent falling by accident.
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