The 187th chapter âpanning for gold in the sandâ
Rolynn was a bit astonished by the guy brought in by Du Wei.
Her first impression was: is this guy born from a monkey? Or rather, he is the legendary beast men of the Monkey tribe?
Thatâs right; this person is just like a humanoid monkey without the hair.
âThis is Mr. Zack.â Du Weiâs tone in his introduction was very polite, so she immediately retracted her eyes because she knew her expression is very rude.
âHello, beautiful female Knight.â Zack is dressed in a very orderly fashion, but his head was donning the typical small cap uniquely found on those of a merchant. Taking it off, he bent down and politely made a bowing motion: âI am very pleased to meet you, please call me Zack, or if you like, you can call me Zack junior like my friends do. Oh yes, this is to distinguish me from my late father.â
âZack is a genius I met today. I believe he will be very talented in managing a business.â Du Wei winked at Rolynn before coming up to the female knight. In a lowered voice, he said: âRoylnn, I know you donât like your job, right? Well then, from today onward, Zack will be under your command. In the shortest amount of time possible, you will teach him the inâs and out of the business. Once I feel he is suitable to take over your position, you can then go back to managing the fleet.â
Rolynnâs eyes lit up immediately as she looked at the friendly monkey in front of her. Unlike her previous image of Zack, Rolynn suddenly found herself feeling this person to be quite lovable.
âSo then, is he coming with me now?â Rolynn glanced at Du Wei.
Zack replied himself, âThatâs rightâŚâŚ Oh heavens, today is such a magical day. When his lordship came into my store, I never expected to encounter the famed Duke Tulip. Instead of selling my Golden package deal, his lordship actually bought out my store and even brought me back here.â
Very soon, Rolynn guided Zack around the store and showcased everything inside. Immediately after the tour ended, Zack began coming up with ideas like he was a natural in this field. As long as the topic is related to running a business, his eyes would light up.
âHow is it, Zack?â Du Wei is eagerly looking forward to what the guy has to say. In his mind, Du Wei believes his sight isnât wrong because in this world, even if Zack isnât a genius, he will still be a mega geek.
âForgive me for my bluntness, I thinkâŚâŚ. There is a big problem.â Zack explained his words in a melancholy voice: âWhen I skimmed my eyes through the store, I only noticed weaponsâŚ.. Weapons hereâŚ.. Weapons thereâŚâŚ My god, is there nothing else besides weapons in our life?â
Rolynn is somewhat discontent with his words because she is after all the person in charge of this place: âMr. Zack, we also have some armor pieces like the knightâs tabard, andâŚ..â
âThis can still be considered within the range of the weapons category.â Zack curled his lips.
Then this guy actually turned around and freely sat down on a chair. When a passing slave girl walked by with a tray full of wine, this monkey bluntly grabbed a cup and gulped it down. After finishing the cup, he comfortably sighed and said: âGOOD WINE! God be my witness, I have never tasted such a fine wine before, perhaps a silver coin per cup?â
âItâs gold coinâŚâŚ A gold coin per cup.â Rolynn corrected him in a light voice.
Widening his eyes in shock, he stared at the cup in his hand before quickly putting it down. Without waiting for anyone to say another word, Zack continued: âWell then, where did I left off? Oh, thatâs right, weaponsâŚâŚ My lord, although I am a lowly merchant, but I can see that this place caters only to the wealthy and noble lords. Well then, may I ask, what reason do those lords have to bring a weapon home?â
His one question was already enough to stump Rolynn.
And the words that came out of Zack afterward left Du Wei feeling very satisfied.
âThose nobles are people of status, so they wouldnât really go adventuring like those real warriors and adventurers. From my view, these people would spend more time showing off their possession than to actually take it into combatâŚ.. Just like a peacock when it spread their tail feathers.â
âYouâre right, we also thought of this point.â Rolynn replied: âThatâs why; the products you see here are all focused on being extravagant and beautiful.â
âI can see that.â Zack nodded: âfrom my point of view, your decision is not wrong.â
Rolynn immediately followed up: âThese ideas are all from his lordship, Iâm only carrying it out.â
âBut!â Zack bluntly interrupted Rolynnâs words: âYour method is correct, but your direction is wrong.â
âKeep going!â Du We immediately cried out when he noticed Rolynn wanted to interrupt again: âZack, please continue.â
Zack laughed as he sheepishly rubbed his hand together. Then licking his lips, he then shyly smiled as he asked: âThatâŚ.. Glass of wine, can I get another cup?â
âCall someone over and give our Mr. Zack here a bottle.â Du Wei immediately commanded.
Subsequently, Zack received a bottle of wine from a beautiful slave. Pouring a cup for himself, he then continued to explain his words after taking a sip: â Well then, your lordship, please donât take it to heart on what Iâm about to say.â
âOf course, I like your ideas.â This sentence sent the confidence meter in Zackâs mind through the roof: âOtherwise, I wouldnât have brought you back here.â
âI believe the business is operating correctly, but the problem lies in the direction you are taking.â Zack puts down the wine bottle: âThose wealthy lords do indeed spend a lot of time trying to court a pretty girlâŚ.. However, this is only a small part of their life. After all, a perverted devil only makes up the minority of the noble class. In their lives, there are many more things they like to do⌠And that is enjoyment and entertainment.â
Enjoyment and entertainment?
Zack laughed: âIn my opinion, the saying that human are pigs is a very interesting comparisonâŚ.. Hmm, what is a pigâs life? Eat, sleep and eat. What about a person? Eat, sleep, work and enjoying life.â
After a pause, Zack made a concise summary: âIf so then, if a person doesnât know how to enjoy life, then they are no different from a working pig.â
âThe majority of the nobility certainly knows how to indulge themselves in pleasure. In fact, their life is far more exciting than that of a pig, yet, we never tapped into their biggest needs and that is their basic necessities! See the things here? WeaponsâŚ.. Weapons are only a small part of their life.â
âFrom what I can see, all of your products here are made out of precious materials that are not easily obtained through normal means-âŚ.. If so, then why canât we use it on something else?â
Du Wei eyes lit up with excitement when he made eye contact with Rolynn.
âAn ordinary sword can only be sold for a few silver coins in the market while a small necklace can be sold for more than 20 silver pieces to a noble lady. Thatâs not all. A knights armor can only be sold for 5 silver coins in the market while a finely tailored dress can fork us more than I can even predict. Either way, itâs still more than an armor piece.â
âJust now, I noticed an armor here, my god, I have to say it is too beautiful! The glowing light wrapping around the suit is just like the time went into temple for prayer! Too beautiful, just too beautifulâŚ. I say, what if we use all of those materials in the jewelry made for the ladies? In addition, I also noticed something else. Hmm, it should be a mage staff, right? This is the first time Iâve ever seen a mage staff in my life. From what Knight Rolynn said, that thing is specially designed for water mages and can controlâŚ.. Whatâs that thing called again?â
âThe water element.â Rolynn answers.
âOh, thatâs right, water element!â Zack sly smiles: âLetâs say we put these things into a ladyâs accessory. Think about it. What does a lady always complain about? They will say âmy god, the weather is too dry. My skin will get damaged at this rate.â At that time, we can tell them that if they wear our products, the moisture around their body will always be maintainedâŚ. Can you imagine how attractive this would be? I already saw the sapphire crystal on that large piece over there. If you cut it up, you can make several accessories out of it!â
âAlsoâŚâŚ Oh, this is my own thinking. If I am wrong, please donât mind me.â
Zack continues: âEvery winter, I would hear those rich merchants complain about how heavy their leather clothingâs are and how inconvenient it is to walk outside. Aside from that, every person would dress like a giant meat beat with thick scarfs, leather boots, and fur coats wrapped around their bodiesâŚ.. My god, can you imagine how heavy that is? If weâŚâŚ Oh, please forgive me, Iâm not a mage, but I believe we can do this if we utilize the amazing powers of magic. If we can come up with a light material capable of warding off the cold, we can have those ladies walk around like how they would in the summer during the winter seasons. This way around, they donât have to carry around those heavy coats and still showcase their graceful body lines and beautiful leg! Hmm, what you think? Iâm certain those nobilities would spent enormous sums just to get their hands on a piece.â
Du Wei sighed: âYouâre rightâŚâŚ And these can all be doneâŚâŚ Oh god and itâs very simple. As long as we take a cheap fire ruby and cut it into multiple pieces, we can then make them into multiple clothingâsâŚ..â
Zack seems to be still full of ideas in his stomach! However, Du Wei already called him out: âEnough Zack!
My dear Zack! I find your ideas all very interesting. Later on, you can talk it over with Rolynn.â
Rolynn is also starting to become convinced by this monkeyâŚ.. Although his appearance is a bit ugly and rude.
But it canât be denied, this guy really is talented.
In her mind, Rolynn can already see the vast oceans in her sight and the waving hands of her fleet!
Zackâs small little inn was already bought out on the spot by Du Wei before. Then calling in two members of Rolynnâs pirate crew, they quickly kicked all the guests out and announced the shop is no longer in business.
Not long after Du Wei did this, Hussein and Nicole arrived and is now living in the back of this little inn.
There isnât much to talk about regarding the first meeting of Rolynn, Nicole, and Hussein. Like usual, this Saint Knight is as cold as ever, but Du Wei did catch wind of the care in Husseinâs words.
âYour skills slipped a lot recently. Did you not practice the martial exercise I left you?â
This is true; Du Wei did in fact slack off quite a bit regarding his physical training. The reason is because he spent most of his time on his magic research.
Thanks to that Magic Society of Learning. Du Wei â this âunworthyâ super magician â is the one that benefited the most after countless mages contributed their research results.
Never in their wildest dreams would the other members of the society expect this disciple of the great and mighty Gandalf to secretly steal their spells!
Of course, after having meeting up with Hussein and Nicole, Du Wei did not forget to ask Medusa for a strand of hair because he still needs to teach his students the method of dealing with a golden eye python tomorrow.
As for NicoleâŚâŚ Du Wei had to determine this demoness did not accidently petrify anyone by mistake before coming here. Only by making sure there wasnât anything he needs to be worried about did Du Wei finally leave in peace.
Hussein and Nicole are both boring mutes to begin with, so he might as well leave this depressing pair alone to bore themselves out. After all, the distance between the capital and this small little town is simply too close. If he is not careful, trouble might arise before he can make it to the Northwest. Once heâs gone from this dark place, he can fly as high as he like the birds in the sky.
The only thing worth mentioning from this encounter is that Vivian did not go back with Du Wei.
This is Queen Medusaâs request. When she was facing him with her eyes closed, Du Wei felt a sudden chill running through his bodyâŚ.
âDid Nicoleâs power grow again?â This thought was the first thing that came up in Du Weiâs head.
âThis female disciple of Gandalf will stay with me.â Though Nicole said this in a very light voice, but her tone was unwavering: âYou promised to teach me the nature of humanity and their lifestyle, yet Iâve been stuck inside a room this entire time, unable to take a single step outsideâŚ..â
Du Wei immediately became speechless because he can clearly feel the discontent in Medusaâs voice. Right now, he did not have the strength to force his will on her and letâs not forget, this terrifying Queen Medusa can even force the Dragon Patriarch into a corner. If not for the life saving skill âDragon Godâs Blessingâ, she might have really petrified the old dragon.â
No room to argue, Du Wei can only leave behind the small little Vivian with the snake beauty.
âHoney, be careful to not look her in the eye at any timeâŚ.. Hmm, other than her boring nature, she is still easy to get along with.â
But Du Wei made a mistake.
His preconceived notions regarding Medusa is that she is an apex predator that stands at the peak of this worldâŚ.. But the truth is, other than her iconic petrifying skill, Nicole didnât have any other offensive ability in her reservoir.
Sure enough, within five seconds of being left alone with little Vivian, Nicole made this requestâŚâŚ
âCan you teach me magic?â
Would the pure and innocent little Vivian reject this request?
Only heaven would knowâŚ..
Like this, Du Wei made his way home in satisfaction because he never expected his harvest to be so huge today. In his mind, he can already see the piles of gold coins flying into his pocket because of that monkey fellaâs appearance.
As he came up to his temporary residence, Du Wei can already see the enormously fat General 250 awaiting his return atop of a mountâŚ.. Poor horse. Unlike Du Weiâs lively white horse, the steed under this General 250 looked like it was about to fall apart soon from the weight looming over its back!
And next to him, the clever little boy Sandia was also riding a brown mare. Clearly, the duo was planning to head out at this moment.
It looks like this is the first time little Sandia rode a horse. Though his expression was very excited, this clever boy did not forget to jump down to greet Du Wei upon seeing him.
âAre you two going out?â Seeing General 250âs face, Du Wei suddenly recalled the guy had a very âlewdâ personalityâŚ.. Ah, he couldnât be going out to fool around, right? But thatâs the type of place to be bringing a kid along.
âThatâs right, my boss.â General Longbottom cocked his hat, his expression full of discontent: âYour dukeship, I find that your home is simply too lacking in man powerâŚ. My god, you donât even have a decent guard around. Therefore, I decided to go out and recruit a few Knights for us.â
Du Wei nods in understanding.
Indeed, after the dissolution of the Rowling household, most of the guards went back to the Rowling Plains with the old Earl. As for Du Wei, he seems to have been ignorant of his lordship title because of his magician status. Whenever he goes out, he never had any guards escorting him. And at home, there is only the couple of servants brought along by Marde.
The only thing that seems to be in order is this General 250 and Captain Alpha that had stayed behind with him under his fatherâs request. However, due to his injury and the fact that captain Alpha was a leading figure in the battle back then, this person did not go out very often in order to avoid gossip.
âThatâs why Iâm bringing little Sandia with me to the slave market today. If our luck is good, the two of us might be able to find some gold within the sand pile.â General Longbottom sighed as he glanced at Du Wei, âDo you want to come along, boss?â
ââŚâŚ All right.â Du Wei had some doubts.
He then came to the street where the slave market is located. From a corner, there stood lines of warriors trying to seek a jobâŚ.. But all of these people are only a low lever knight, so can they really be useful?