Chapter 266

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Ernesto noticed Ji Chen’s surprised expression and smiled somewhat smugly. “This Tyrant Azure Dragon recruitment camp core is one of my ace commodities, and even in the outside world, it’s considered a priceless gem.” “So, what’s its price?”

Ji Chen suppressed his inner curiosity and voiced the question.

After all, no matter how good something was, if the price didn’t match, it was of no use.

“Oh, my friend! 1 knew you would be interested in it. After all, who wouldn’t like such a powerful military unit?” Ernesto replied.

“I’m offering it at a fixed price of 1.8 million gold coins!”

Even though Ji Chen had mentally prepared himself for a high price, hearing this figure still sent a shiver down his spine.

1.8 million, wasn’t that nearly the same as the quantity of two Edward’s Treasures?

This quantity of gold coins, when piled together, could practically create a small lake of wealth. It would be sufficient to purchase twenty or thirty blueprints for 5-star Elemental Arrow Towers, acquire 360 3-star Artifact Shield Bracelets, secure hundreds of 1-star Artifacts, and amass a vast quantity of valuable resources.

Did this gnome really dare to set such a price? Did he intend to bankrupt him?

Did he not fear he couldn’t swallow so much?

Although Ji Chen didn’t have a clear concept of the price of a fifth-tier military recruitment camp core, based on Ernesto’s character and previous behavior, this price was definitely inflated, likely several times higher than the normal price.

“I can’t accept this price. Can it be lowered?”

Ernesto’s face displayed a hint of regret as he said, “Lord Ji Chen, our gnome pricing is always spot-on. This price aligns perfectly with the value of this military recruitment camp core.”

The price of the same item could vary depending on the location and the person selling it.

If it were in the hands of a land-based lord, the price would plummet.

If a lord controlled both land and sea territories, the price would significantly increase.

If it were in the hands of an island lord, the price would multiply several times over.

However, if it were in the possession of a lord like Ji Chen, who had an urgent demand and was extremely wealthy, the price would overflow without limit.

This principle was fundamental to Ernesto’s approach to conducting business: setting prices according to the buyer’s willingness and ability to pay.

“Then there’s nothing more to be done.” Ji Chen shook his head.

“That’s such a pity.”

Ernesto quickly came up with an idea, wearing a sly smile.

“My dear friend, if you don’t have enough gold coins right now, you can make up the difference with other items of similar value. Of course, the value of these items will be assessed fairly by the gnomes.

The gnomes also offer loan services. As long as you mortgage something of sufficiently high value, such as land, rights to ports, labor force, real estate, ships, and so on, you can obtain varying amounts of loans!”

Goodness, these gnomes have so many tricks up their sieeves besides regular trade?

Loans, mortgages, human trafficking…

If he hadn’t known better, he’d think they were part of the underworld.

Seeing Ji Chen’s silence, Ernesto assumed he was hesitating and thinking, so he enthusiastically explained.

“Your Excellency, these islands of yours hold significant value, and their geographical location is excellent. If you mortgage the ownership of the other islands, you can get a loan of 300,000 gold coins! The ports can also be mortgaged, but the amount is slightly less, only 80,000 gold coins.

As for those half-orcs, lizardmen, and kobolds, they are all decent labor. If you sell us the ownership of them for the next twenty years, you can also mortgage them for tens of thousands of gold coins.

As for the monthly interest, it’s not high, just 9 percent.”

After hearing these words, Ji Chen’s understanding of these gnomes and his worldview were once again thoroughly refreshed.

They intend to use several islands as collateral for a loan of 300,000 gold coins, 80,000 for the ports, and they’re even considering mortgaging the population. And the amount they want to mortgage was so little!

In addition, the interest rate was outrageous. If he were to get a loan of 500,000 gold coins, the monthly interest would be 4,500 gold coins, which amounts to 54,000 gold coins a year.

What ultimate unscrupulous merchants!

No, they were already unscrupulous to begin with, their greed surpassing that of humans by a few degrees.

“I’m sorry, I can’t accept this,” Ji Chen said, suppressing his anger and refusing.

His thoughts grew even stronger.

“Very well, if Your Excellency were to change your mind, please do let me know,” Ernesto said regretfully.

Ji Chen paid no further attention to these gnomes, only instructing his troops and heroes to wait here until the gnome merchant ship departed. Then, he left with an unhappy expression.

Ernesto watched the departing figure with full confidence.

It believed that this human would empty his pockets to purchase this precious military recruitment camp core.

However, to Ernesto’s disappointment, even until the afternoon when the gnome merchant ship was informed to leave immediately, there was still no sign of Ji Chen.

He couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed.

But on second thought, the pure profit from this transaction alone was over two hundred thousand gold coins. It could be considered a huge profit!

One such transaction was worth several other transactions. It truly hoped to encounter more such naive customers!

They weren’t too afraid of retaliation from these naive customers. After all, this fully armed gnome merchant ship was not just for transporting goods; the alchemical cannons on board were enough to deter any incoming enemies and blast them to pieces!

“Hahaha, my little ones, let’s go!”

With Ernesto’s triumphant laughter, the gnome merchant ship slowly left the port, heading towards the distance..