Civilization: Beyond Two Worlds

Santos pondered.

Logically speaking, the Dragon Blood Declaration that Dragon Island informed the various countries had already made this matter very clear. The dragons wanted to do business, so they had to have rules and reason.

—The hired dragon went to your country to kill and set fire to it. It’s an act of war. If you kill and cripple it, that’s your ability. We won’t pursue it. Of course, we have to take back the captured dragon and the dead dragon corpse. We won’t take it for nothing. Pay us, and the price is very fair.

!!

With the pride, status, and extravagance of the dragon, not only did it announce that it did not pursue responsibility, but it also obediently handed over the ransom and took back the corpse. It could be said to be quite law-abiding. It was a businessman who had established a sect and given enough face to the target country. Since the dragon had given enough face, what should the country that had killed the dragon do if it was unwilling to return the corpse?

Of course, they would fight.

Dragon Island had already done its best. You were the one who did not give face.

Then, even if he destroyed his country, the various countries would not say anything.

Clearly, the deterrence of the dragons was enough. Even the elves and the human empire were willing to give Dragon Island face and not make things too ugly… let alone the other countries.

However, he still encountered an accident here.

Kang De revealed his unwillingness to return the dragon corpse.

Dragon Island was unwilling to fight him easily.

This was because the price and benefits were really disproportionate…

Santos’s mind spun.

He could understand why Kang De was unwilling to return it.

That was a dragon.

Life was a legendary creature, and death was an epic material.

Dragon blood could be used in medicine, dragon scales could be used to forge equipment, dragon bones could be used to forge weapons, dragon eyes could be used to forge staffs, and dragon teeth could be used to make arrows… His entire body was a treasure. It was a strategic resource among strategic resources. The dream of an alchemist, the favorite of a spellcaster, and the ultimate biological product in the field of materials science in the other world.

However, these dragon-type materials came from dragons, so they were extremely rare and priceless.

As a powerful alchemist, it was not surprising that Kang De was tempted by these epic materials.

After all, although he had given enough ransom this time, it was still daydreaming to buy three complete dragon corpses with this money. No one knew better than Santos how valuable those three dragon corpses were.

That was a top-notch commodity that could not be bought with money.

Santos thought for a moment and calculated in his mind. Then, he looked up and said, “Your Highness Kang De, can I talk to you in private? Just the two of us.”

Sword Saint Snowfall raised her eyebrows and said, “No.”

Santos said sincerely, “The next topic is really very important and can’t be known by a second person. Sword Saint Snowfall and the Crimson Queen can monitor outside the window. We’ll answer with a tranquil scroll. If I take any hostile actions, the two of you can kill me immediately—how about that?”

The few of them looked at Kang De. He pondered for a moment and nodded. “Alright.”

Tina immediately went to arrange a secret room. In the other world of swords and magic, there was a lot of this need, because some conversations and transactions could not be known by a third person. However, the two of them faced each other. Curses, scrolls, spells, martial techniques… There were really too many dangerous factors. The important figures usually cherished their lives.

Therefore, the secret room was created.

At this moment, Kang De was sitting on a chair made of magic-pattern steel. The power of magic flowed around his body. Just top-notch defense spells were engraved. They could also isolate mind interference, curse spells, and other malicious spells. An array diagram that reduced the activity of the elements enveloped the entire room. There was an escape mechanism under the chair…

It could be said to be foolproof.

“I’ve embarrassed myself.”

After Tina and the others went out, Kang De looked at Santos opposite him and smiled helplessly, “I’m very fragile myself. They’re very concerned about my personal safety…”

—Like hell I’ll believe you. If I was really weak, would you still say it?

Santos remained calm and immediately got to the point.

He said sincerely, “Let me be honest. Compared to the ransom provided by our company, does Your Highness like the precious materials of the dragon’s remains more, so you’re not very willing to return them?”

Kang De thought for a moment and nodded. “Yes, there’s indeed a little. They’re actually very useful.”

Santos nodded and thought for a moment before saying, “In other words, if our department is willing to give you a portion of the dragon-type materials and provide stable supplies to Your Highness at a 20% discount on the market price in the future, is Your Highness willing to return the dragon corpse?”

—Hmm?

—What did you say?

Although Kang De was already shrewd, he was still shocked to hear this.

He thought that he was hearing things.

He asked with slight uncertainty, “What… what did you just say?”

Santos’ expression was calm as he slowly said, “I revere Your Highness’s strength and acknowledge your character. Out of respect, I’ll only tell you this. The price fluctuations and supply market of the dragon-type materials that are secretly circulating on the entire continent are all controlled and monopolized by my company.”

“…”

“…”

—Hey!

‘I thought only Canada would sell leaves!’

Kang De cursed in his mind.

In the past, when he read novels, the dragons were either pre-ordered mounts, mounts at night, experience babies, or beaten villains. In short, they had to be proud. They had to be lowly humans and be called lizards and reptiles by the protagonist. In the novels of the ancient era, they still liked to eat roasted meat. They usually slept in a pile of treasures, or they robbed everywhere or were tamed by humans. Their lives were very boring.

Today, he discovered that those were all fake dragons.

A real dragon opened a company and became a mercenary. It even f*cking sold its own dragon bones. Moreover, it monopolized the market, grasped the pricing power, and unified the standards of the industry. It was really a first-rate company and a capitalist.

This was not right.

Moreover, it was fine to open a company and be a mercenary, but why did they even sell the corpses of their race?

Logically speaking, the dragons in the novels would fight when they saw the bone dragon and hunt down the dragon slayer. They hated the dragon corpse trade deeply. This was normal. Not to mention a naturally powerful and proud species like dragons, even humans hated the organ trade extremely. When they saw someone digging the grave, they would definitely call the police.

...

He pondered for a moment and said, “This is really… very difficult for me to think of.”

Santos was smart. When he saw Kang De’s expression, he knew what he was thinking.

“You must be curious why our company has the business of selling dragon bones.”

Kang De nodded.

The Chief Marketing Officer of the Dragon Defense Company sighed, “This is all a helpless move to restrict and combat the illegal trade in dragon bones and protect the lives of our fellow dragons.”

—Like hell I’ll believe you. You’ve all monopolized the market and obtained the pricing power.

Santos slowly explained.

The dragon’s entire body was a treasure and covered in epic materials. Whoever used it would know.

Dragon scales, dragon bones, and dragon teeth could be used to forge top-notch weapons and equipment. Dragon blood and dragon skin could be used to create extremely high-quality spell scrolls. These could immediately increase the strength of individuals, families, organizations, and even a small country. They were extremely valuable and strategically meaningful.

In short, if a country could kill a dragon and dismantle its entire body into materials to forge weapons, equipment, arrows, scrolls, and staffs, they could immediately arm an invulnerable and ferocious magic elite army and even determine the direction of a small war.

However, dragons were an ancient species after all, and were born powerful. With the deterrence of Dragon Island, ordinary countries and organizations did not dare to surround and hunt dragons.

...

Not only was the success rate low, but after succeeding, he would also have to face the revenge of Dragon Island.

However, there would be a market if there was demand. Scarcity often produced a sky-high profit, but a sky-high price would lure more people to take the risk. This was the inevitable pattern of free trade.

Although there was a strict blow from the dragons, although dragon-type materials were priceless, it could not stop the nobles and spellcasters from pursuing them greatly, causing the price to skyrocket. All kinds of smuggling, theft and auctions were repeatedly banned. The price became higher and higher, allowing the bold people to earn a lot.

This economic phenomenon made the dragons think deeply.

Then, in a high-level closed meeting of the Dragon Clan’s defense, the Dragon Emperor threw out his soul question.

—Did those dragon scales, dragon blood, dragon bones, hearts, and eyes appear on our clansmen?

The directors nodded.

—Those detestable guys sold the things of our clansmen. Should they die?

Everyone nodded in unison.

—It clearly belongs to us dragons, but they sold it for so much. The yellow gold coins have all flowed into their wallets. Doesn’t this make them even more despicable?

The dragons began to nod crazily. Jealousy and hatred mixed, twisting into ugly fruits.

Then, the Dragon Emperor shouted firmly, “Dragon-type materials are the wealth of us dragons. We can’t do such a transaction. At the very least, we have to earn this money ourselves!”

“…”

Fortunately, the executives of the Dragon Defense Company were either trusted aides of the Dragon Emperor or had experienced the baptism of the capital economy. They were still very accepting of new things and were not furious because of this.

Instead, they listened carefully to the Dragon Emperor’s thoughts.

Moreover, they gathered their thoughts and perfected it.

“There’s a hurdle in most things in the world. If you cross it, the world will be vast.”

Santos said, “After His Majesty the Dragon Emperor and the board members understand, this matter is much simpler. In the end, the dragon-type materials circulating in this market are all from dragons. This huge sum of money was actually earned by those thieves, bandits, and profiteers. Is there still justice? Is there still justice?”

“Therefore, the Dragon Clan’s defense entered.”

“Dragon Island has the most stable supply and an exclusive monopoly that even the gods can’t refute. How can those pigs and dogs in the shadows be our match? In this world, the defense of the dragon race is the only one qualified to sell dragon bones. Only the dragon bones we sell are called dragon bones. If someone secretly sells dragon bones that are not certified and allowed by us, they will be the enemy of the dragon race! The defense of the dragon race should be mobilized.”

“Go to the Brotherhood to order an assassination, or we’ll directly send the dragon agents.”

“If it’s the Chamber of Commerce, attack their caravan. If it’s a noble, destroy their castle. On the one hand, declare that whoever dares to buy these illegal dragon bones is the enemy of the dragon race. On the other hand, provide goods of better quality and better price, so that the dragon bones in the hands of those thieves, pigs, and dogs can’t be sold.”

“—They’re illegal!”

“After a period of time, these dirty little thieves learned something after suffering.”

“That’s—they want to sell dragon bones to earn money and come to us to get the goods.”

Kang De listened to Santos talk about business in shock. His marketing department had even invited scholars to create a standard mathematical model to calculate how much to ship in a month to maintain the high price and ensure considerable profits.

“We have to be careful. Our delivery price is too high, so the distributor will definitely increase it. If the price is too high, no client is willing to buy it. The black market will start to smuggle dragon bones again, but if the price is too low and we earn little, it’ll be a loss. Moreover, it’s not good for the customers to stock up too much at once…”

The Chief Marketing Officer spoke excitedly and gave another example.

“The Vizir family is rich, and the Lavis family is slightly inferior. The two families are sworn enemies. If we sell some to the Lavis family at a lower price, their strength will increase. It’s about to be unbalanced compared to the strength of the Vizir family, so the Vizir family must have a need to buy the dragon bones. They’re rich and anxious to buy them, so we can take the opportunity to raise the price…”

Kang De nodded repeatedly when he heard this and sighed. D*mn, if these dragons figured out the pattern of finance, how terrible would it be? In a few years, they would probably be able to play tricks.

He said in a subtle tone, “Therefore, the corpses of the dragons who died in battle were all…”

“No, no, no. That’s right.”

Santos hurriedly waved his hand and said, “Even if the Dragon Clan’s defense is a company, it has the name of the Dragon Clan. It’s good that His Majesty is the chairman, but before this, it was the Dragon Emperor. These agents fought for the cause of the company. After they die, they should be buried solemnly. They’re all pillars of the company and my good brother, the Dragon Emperor. How can we do such a thing?”

Thinking of this, it was actually true. If the dragon workers found out about this, it would be heaven-defying. Although the Dragon Defense Company was a company, the employees were all dragons and could not be casually squeezed to this extent.

He asked, “Then your supply…”

Santos grinned and said, “Mortals don’t know how many dragons there are in this world, but Your Majesty does know in your heart. Since ancient times, living dragons and dead dragons have not all been good dragons. There must be evil dragons among them who went against Your Majesty and betrayed the great cause of the dragons. These dragons are guilty and have to apologize to Dragon Island. Dead dragons naturally have to use their remains to apologize, and living dragons…”

He chuckled and said, “According to the laws of the dragon race, they’ll be sentenced to imprisonment. Please take a seat in the Dragon Lock Abyss. Dragon Island pays a lot of attention to the rights of their clansmen. Even prisoners have to guarantee their dragon rights. They won’t fight or curse. They’ll be provided with good food and drinks. There are doctors on standby at any time and they can also see a drama performance. There’s a book collection to see and everything. Their way to apologize to Dragon Island is to continuously provide their blood, scales, and even skin…”

D*mn.

Dragon breeding.

Live harvesting.

Did you f*cking create automation?

Santos smiled and said, “The world says that the elves have established the fairest and most advanced judicial system. I think that’s only the bragging of the sharp ears. The judicial system of our dragon race is number one in the world and is extremely advanced. It values the power of prisoners. For example, dragons with heavy sins have to apologize with their deaths, but every dragon is the favorite of the gods. We usually only sentence them to a suspended death sentence and carry it out for more than ten to decades…”

“…I roughly understand.”

D*mn, too stupid.

Kang De was enlightened. The mutation effect of capital was indeed terrifying.

The good dragon race had become like this.

He knew the reason why Santos said this.

He did not want to return the dragon corpses, right? It was because he was craving their bodies, right?

—We’ll directly give you a batch and supply it at a low price. You can sell it or use it yourself.

Was it enough?

…He really could not return it.

However, this was also good news.

The dragons, at least the Dragon Emperor and this Santos in front of them, had already become capitalists. Earning money was number one. The only reason why they used force was because they were in the way of free trade.

Then this knot could be opened.

He sighed, “I finally understand. In the Cathayan language, your envoy is saying three words.”

Santos asked, “What words?”

He spoke in the Cathayan language. It was a little awkward, but he could indeed understand it.

Kang De smiled and said, “Peace makes money.”

The Chief Marketing Officer clapped his hands and said, “That’s right! That’s it! Your Highness Kang De is right!”

Kang De continued, “Look at what this matter has caused. The elves have really gone too far. At that time, it was extremely urgent and I could not hold back and hurt the friends of the dragons. I’m really sorry.”

Santos waved his hand and said, “This is all the fate predestined by Father. It’s also an uncontrollable professional risk.”

Kang De sighed, “In the end, not only did you harm a few friends of the Dragon Clan, but you also brought quite a lot of trouble to your company. I’m very uneasy. When your envoy came to Goethe, firstly, he did not recruit anyone and secondly, he did not ask for punishment. Instead, he welcomed her with a smile and respected her everywhere. He gave me enough face. I’m really grateful and ashamed.”

Santos smiled and said, “Not at all. In the words of Cathay, this is called friendship after a fight.”

The two of them pretended to be polite for a while. Kang De leaned forward, “Then allow me to be impudent and open up the matter. His Majesty the Dragon Emperor and His Excellency Santos must be troubled by this matter, right? I’m young and hot-blooded and don’t know how to advance and retreat. I’ve harmed a few dragon friends and caused your company’s reputation and business ability to be questioned. There will definitely be a lot of economic losses. If I’m not wrong, your envoy came to Goethe to welcome the remains of your clansmen is only an excuse. Most importantly, how to resolve this problem?”

Santos’ expression became serious. He cupped his hands and said, “That’s right. How can Your Highness Kang De teach me?”

This Cathayan language was really not bad. He could actually speak genteelly.

Kang De smiled and said, “You’ve come from afar. Don’t you have any suggestions?”

Santos blinked and said, “It’s only an immature thought. I want to hear yours first.”

“Sure.”

Kang De thought for a moment and smiled. “I killed three dragons and injured the reputation of the dragons and the credibility of your company, right?”

“That’s right.”

“In that case…”

Kang De rested his arm on the table and his smile became even brighter. He slowly said, “I’ll lose to you once too. How about it?”

…