BXBX NOVEL Chapter 77 Meeting with traders [1]
Chapter 77 Meeting with traders [1]
Throughout his life, Adam had acquainted himself with numerous traders and personally dealt with prominent and wealthy traders. Now, he was heading towards a meeting with four traders who were major investors in the development of the city of Sedyon.
The corridors of Adam\'s estate were long and seemingly endless. The sound of footsteps echoed on the smooth floor, accompanied by the click of heels. Walking beside Adam was Amarantha, whose demeanor was direct and confident.
Following them was the head housemaid, Ekaterina. She was a strict woman and a professional in various fields, including arithmetic, business, and even city management. Her appearance was simply stunning, perfectly matching Adam\'s taste. As a mature woman with long black hair and green eyes, she possessed an equally beautiful mature body. Adam could spend hours complimenting her looks, and given her abilities, he was completely satisfied with her. Most of the time, she helped him as his secretary.
Growing tired from the long journey, Adam, without turning around, asked Ekaterina, "Is the task I asked you to do... completed?"
Hearing his voice, Ekaterina hastened and approached Adam, keeping a distance of one meter from him. With a deep and respectful tone, she reported, "Master, Mary, and Claire have embarked on the assignment as per your request. But... I still don\'t understand the reason for your choice."
Adam shrugged and smiled, not responding to her. Ekaterina took his silence as an order and stepped back, creating a distance of five meters between them. Amarantha remained silent the whole time, merely looking ahead.
In silence, they reached the meeting hall, and with a gentle hand gesture, Adam opened the door. Through the crack in the door, Adam saw four individuals sitting and peacefully sipping tea, but as the door creaked, they stood up and bowed, welcoming them in unison, "Good day!"
Their enthusiasm was palpable, and Adam, with a warm and friendly smile, greeted them back as he pulled out a chair for Amarantha and then sat down himself.
"How are you all doing? I heard that the weather today is going to be extremely bad. Don\'t forget to take an umbrella with you," Adam said cheerfully, initiating the conversation.
In the meantime, Ekaterina stood behind Adam and started massaging his shoulders. It was evident that she was a master at it. No one paid much attention to it, as those in these exclusive circles knew about Adam\'s reputation as a ladies\' man.
Many female traders tried to seduce him, but rarely did anyone succeed.
"Thank you for your concern, Sir Adam. To be honest, I was quite surprised by how accurately you predict the weather," one of the traders expressed gratitude.
Among all the people in the room, one person stood out with his effeminate and vibrant appearance. With long white hair tied neatly in a bun and blue eyes, he exuded a charm that even surpassed that of women.
Ricky Flower, the renowned designer whose fashion masterpieces were well-known even in Elfheim, praised his designs for their practicality and expensive look, despite their relatively low price.
In personal interactions, Adam confirmed his good character. With a fervent passion for his work, Ricky paid utmost attention to every detail and wouldn\'t accept even the tiniest, unnoticed mistakes.
Whenever he released a unique design, his store would suddenly turn into an auction, and numerous aristocrats and wealthy individuals would fight to buy his clothing. The situation often required the intervention of guards to restore order among the frenzied aristocrats.
"Ricky, I heard about your recent success in the capital. You were awarded the \'Sun of Silvana\' medal, and I\'m immensely happy about your achievements. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations." Adam leaned back on his chair, gently stroking Ekaterina\'s delicate hands, and looked at Ricky with a kind smile.
Ricky straightened up, and his face looked somewhat disappointed as he sighed heavily and shook his head, making a gesture that conjured the intricate medal in the shape of a sun, with rays formed by the initials of great designers.
couldn\'t give the award to an unknown person who also built a city on Elfheim\'s territory. I repeat, I simply despise those hypocrites in He pushed the medal toward Adam and lowered his head, appearing disheartened. "Sir Adam, I deeply regret receiving this award. I tried to persuade those old men, but they insisted they couldn\'t give the award to an unknown person who also built a city on Elfheim\'s territory. I repeat, I simply despise those hypocrites in the capital. What\'s the point of such intricacies and political undertones in a fashion competition?"
The "Sun of Silvana" award has always been the ultimate goal for all fashion designers. If you received this medal, you could consider yourself someone who has won in life. Using it wisely, you could even sell scraps of cheap fabric with a huge markup.
However, Ricky wanted to decline it, and he looked more disappointed than happy. Adam smiled, noting Amarantha\'s approving gaze, and waved his hand, interrupting Ricky. A warm smile remained on his face as he used his magic to return the medal to Ricky.
"Ricky, you\'ve earned it. Besides, after receiving the medal, your sales increased by a record-breaking 120%, didn\'t they?"
Adam\'s arguments were logical, but Ricky disagreed, saying, "Sir Adam, it was your design that won the competition, not mine! My pride as a designer will be shattered if I announce that this design belongs to me."
Adam waved him off, took the apple juice that Amarantha handed him, and thanked her before taking a sip. Then he continued, "I don\'t need it. Consider this medal as a path to our long and fruitful collaboration. If you want to repay me, come up with great designs and help me with the city."
Ricky puffed his cheeks and snorted in agreement, remaining silent. Adam rolled his eyes, paying no attention to the man\'s behavior, and let out a sigh, feeling a sense of weariness.
"Let\'s get down to business, shall we? I want to discuss the main details of today\'s meeting." Adam lazily leaned back in his chair and waved his hand, calling the traders to start the assembly.
A creak sounded as a man stood up beside Ricky. He had short black hair, a rather ordinary face, and brown eyes.
"Avalon, you may begin." Adam took the juice glass in his hands and took another sip, keeping an eye on Avalon.
"Certainly." Avalon smiled amiably and began the discussion. "As you already know, food supply is a crucial part and a reliable pillar for any city. With the help of Sir Adam, I\'ve strengthened my position and am pleased to report that I\'ve completely restored the supply of goods!"
Adam nodded, as did the other traders. Food was an essential part of the city\'s industry, and without Avalon\'s assistance, the city\'s development would have been much more challenging. In exchange for his help, Adam bestowed a high status upon Avalon and reinforced his monopoly on food.
Although such a situation could potentially pose a danger to the city if Avalon were to threaten to cut off the supply, Adam was confident in this trader\'s loyalty. They were vetted individuals who had undergone ten stages of scrutiny, and there was no doubt about their dedication and prudence.
Noticing that no one wanted to ask anything, Avalon nodded and continued, "However, recently, there\'s been a problem."
Adam straightened up, as did everyone else in the room. Ekaterina, realizing the gravity of the situation, took the juice from Adam\'s hands and moved to the wall. Catching everyone\'s attention, Avalon continued with a serious expression, "The convoy carrying food supplies encountered a hindrance in the form of bandits. And the problem wouldn\'t have been so serious if they were ordinary bandits."
Avalon sighed and wearily handed over a paper with a detailed report. Through Amarantha\'s magic, everyone present saw the inscription up close.
[Werewolf Attack].
Adam narrowed his eyes, and his demonic aura unintentionally emanated while his wings spread and his horns appeared.
"What are werewolves doing here?"
His voice sounded rough and deep, like a scream coming from the depths of the Abyss. He frowned, and his eyebrows met at the bridge of his nose.
Avalon sighed and sat down, looking tired. "Perhaps these are rogue werewolves expelled from their pack. It happens, but..."
"But you\'re not sure about that," Adam summarized, sighing. "This is a serious problem. What are the losses?"
"My subordinates were completely wiped out, and the provisions were stolen," Avalon reported with a sour expression, bowing his head and placing his hands on his knees. "I\'m sorry. I\'ll try to restore the supply as soon as possible and choose a different route."
Adam leaned back on his chair and closed his eyes, waving his hand while speaking without opening his eyes: "Don\'t worry, it\'s not your fault. I\'ll compensate for your losses and assign warriors to protect the next caravan. Thank you for your work."
Opening his eyes, he smiled, though his smile appeared somewhat forced. Avalon bowed his head and pressed his lips together, looking disappointed. Next was a woman.
"Marina, I hope your news will be good." Adam smiled at the pleasant-looking woman with vibrant features.
"Of course, darling." Marina smiled back and paid no attention to Amarantha\'s glance. "I must admit, my dear, your knowledge has been of tremendous help. Thanks to your input, many women have experienced what it\'s like to be youthful again!"
Adam smiled and tilted his head to the side, taking Amarantha\'s hands, causing her to snort and move her chair closer to him. He gestured for Marina to continue with her report. Marina smiled and proceeded.
"The new line of cosmetics sold like hotcakes, and the revenue is simply insane. Even a princess from Silvana\'s vassal kingdoms leaned back on the chair.
approached me and placed a substantial order for lipsticks, face powder, and facial masks.
Marina continued listing all the cosmetics and skin care products in one breath, and in the end, she was gasping for air, proudly puffing out her ample chest as she finished the report: "With pride, I announce that several vassal kingdoms, including Silvana, have requested my products and were even willing to help establish branches of our brand!"
Adam winced upon hearing the brand name Marina had given to her products. He closed his eyes, recalling the name, and shook his head, muttering, "Handsome Kiss... what the hell?" Adam smiled and leaned back on the chair.
To be continued...