Chapter 143: Merchants (IV): Top Dogs

It was supposed to be some action, beat up a few bandits that tried to overstep their bounds and maybe get a few new undead, but instead of the attack Rezar had expected, the moment the bandits attempting to rob them got a good look at the undead ant Rezar was riding on, they made a hasty and very comical retreat, so much so that everyone else was left with a dumbfounded expression on their face not exactly sure how to react to the fact t that they had scared bandits away without having to do anything. No matter the outcome, Rezar couldn't help but feel really proud about himself, guess he was still as scary if not more so than he expected.

"Seems your reputation now precedes you Bone King, that's good. You're going to need such a reputation for the world that's to come." Tristian said with a small smile on his golden skinned goblin face. Rezar gave him a grunt in reply as he turned to the dark dryad, waiting for the answers to the earlier questions he had asked.

"The Dustin Crowe merchant company are one of the top businesses in Elysium and have been that way for a significant amount of years, they're a significant power with armies of their own, branches across a significant part of Elysium and a sheer amount of political clout in some empires and kingdoms. They are neither good nor bad, but they're willing to do anything for profit and are known for being quite greedy. They would rather betray you and take all you have than cut an equal deal with you. But never the less they're good at business and can make any of their partners very rich in a short amount of time."

Rezar shrugged his shoulders before he fell into a pensive and contemplative mood, luckily Samira noticed and stopped her narration waiting for him to sort his thoughts out. The Dustin Crowe merchant company y didn't seem any different from any other merchant company in Elysium, heck even If he had a merchant company he would probably be the same way. But the thing is, this information was just surface talk, there was no real valuable information that could help him plan against and deal with the merchant company should he find himself in a tight spot with them. he looked at her and nodded at her to continue.

"the merchant company is ruled by the Crowe family, however they have four known shareholders and a hidden player within their executive ranks that no one knows about. Bahrenburg is a chance for them to actually go from being a famous and very powerful merchant company, to an actual kingdom, with lands, nobles and the likes, to truly be a part of the big leagues.

They have been trying to seed new settlements in places of great import around Bahrenburg, one of if not the best of them was the Leviathan's lair/nest that now serves as your capital.

They have islands half a day at sea facing you, as the entire west coats of the Bahrenburg frontier after traveling across the sea for half a day, is an extensive archipelago with exotic beats, and rare resources.

They've been trying to consolidate and control the lands and islands closets to the canyons of Toromont, taking con troll of the entire northwestern edge. They have ships, so they have a rout to go through and fro the natural dividing lines of Bahrenburg. While they're not the only ones making a move, trade and transportation across the Bahrenburg seas are almost completely within their control, so they have quite the monopoly and standing amongst those of power within Bahrenburg.

But if I may be so bold to speak, I don't think the Dustin Crowe merchant company would leave you alone. They care a lot about their face, and the fact that you took a prime location from them is one they will never forget and would want you to pay for. They will be a lot more careful now seeing as you have defeated and laid claim to the former goblin King's lands. They will make deals with you because they are business people first, but because of how your relationship started, you can be damn well guaranteed that they will stab you in the back."

After she finished speaking Rezar didn't say much as he urged Tony to the front of the line, much to the annoyance of Kitagawa who wanted him to stay within an or behind the entourage for protection. Rezar had to admit that Kitagawa was taking his role as the commander of the King's guard seriously, it massively improved his impression of the Kitsune. But never the less he had much to ponder on.

He already knew he couldn't trust the merchants, there was already bad blood sown between them, and from what Samira had said, this merchant group were quite big on revenge. Rezar wasn't afraid of retribution, but he had people to look after, and any of his choices, if wrong, would have disastrous consequences. He needed to know who and what he was dealing with and plan accordingly. With the way his territory was shaped, these merchants lived literally in his backyard, and Rezar didn't like snakes in his backyard.

Rezar raised his head and the first rows of buildings showed up in front of him, there were also walls beyond those buildings, stone walls and a path that seemed to not have been completed as it led to an open gate. To the west was a port, and lined across it was a plethora of ships that seemed to add a layer of beauty to the western sea. Sailors moved up and down planks, carrying barrels and sacks with them, as the sea sloshed and crashed against the side of the docked ships while others sailed away into the horizon with their flags held high.

"Welcome Ocean Vine town master, they have fish." Screet said with a sarcastic voice as he leveled his gaze on the crowds of fishermen coming out of the sea, it seems it's going to be a busy day.