129 Green Troubles (1/2)
Tyrier Lodess blew out a blue smoke ring as he leaned back against the posh sofa, savoring the smooth smokeleaf taste rolling in his mouth. He sighed contently as he watched the small crowd in the Clubs and Royals Gentlemen Club mingle among themselves and wondered how many of these sons of bitches jumped over to the Empire side on the first signs of trouble.
”Tyrier!” A voice calling his name snapped him out of his wandering thoughts and he looked around, seeing the fat form of Otoro Arther walking over to him with a large smile pasted over his face.
”Hello, old friend,” Tyrier gave a wave and gestured Otoro to join him at his table. ”Have a seat.”
Otoro dropped his heavy mass onto the chair and it sank visibly and managed to somehow support his weight. ”One thick cut, Ruby Stag steak, medium raw with a side of fried taters.” He gave his order to the uniformed waiter serving at his side. ”Also a bottle of fine red fire.”
Tyrier waved away the waiter who looked in askance, ”I have eaten.”
”So,” Tyrier turned his attention to Otoro while continuing to puff his smokeleaf cigar. ”What do you think of the deal?” He asked after they were left alone.
”There is no problem for the livestock and seeds,” Otoro said as he went into full business mode. ”But the trade route through the Uncharted Forest...”
”Well, if you can deliver the goods, you don't have to worry on my client's end,” Tyrier gave his assurance. ”They can take care of transporting the goods once it is delivered to the agreed location.”
”But the Empire might take note of the shipment...” Otoro pressed on. ”It is risky...”
”Come on, old friend,” Tyrier shook his head, ”I am sure you know how to move goods in and out unnoticed by the Empire.”
”Hmmm,” Otoro finally nodded, ”Its a deal, and the payment?”
”Payment will be on delivery,” Tyrier smiled, ”Don't worry, if this deal goes well, there will be more contracts in the future.”
Otoro nodded again, stuffing a napkin onto his collar, and kept quiet as the waiter returned with a plate of dark red meat and a bottle of amber red colored wine. Tyrier waited till Otoro finished a mouthful of the rich looking meat before asking, ”Regarding the other contract, what is you and your client's answer to my client's proposal?”
Otoro cut another piece of meat and chewed thoughtfully before swallowing it. ”If your side can provide the protection for the shipment, they are willing to do things your way. But... they can't trust you fully.”
Tyrier took a deep pull with his cigar and puffed out, ”The problem is more on your client's side. How do we know if they are not really reselling on the other side?”
Otoro put down his knife and fork, and dabbed away the juice and oil from his mouth before saying, ”I can vouch for them.”
”Then you can rest assured that my client will do all in their power to ensure the safety of the cargo,” Tyrier replied with a smile, ”But if they wish to stay, you and your clients can't force them to leave.”
”I... I can't make that decision,” Otoro picked up his knife and fork and started eating again. ”I need to discuss with them.”
”Well, if you go by my client's route, it will be a lot safer than cutting through the Uncharted Forest,” Tyrier said.
”But,” Otoro pointed with his fork at Tyrier, ”The traveling time by sea will be increased by at least a week!”
”Think about it,” Tyrier unceremoniously poured himself a glass of red fire wine. ”If my client can secure a safe route, won't you merchants benefit in the end?”
”Your current route is to cut through the Uncharted Forest, then the Sea Plains followed by climbing over the Mountains before going cut through the unknown territory towards the sea.” Tyrier pointed out. ”My client can ensure safety from half of the Uncharted Forest and to the sea directly. In fact, other then the extended sea passage, I expect the traveling time on land will be faster by at least one week or more!”
Otoro paused in his eating and gave a serious expression, ”Are you serious?”
”Do I look like I am joking with you?” Tyrier looked squarely at Otoro and sipped the wine.
”This deal is too good to be true...” Otoro replied, ”I never trust a deal like that.”
Tyrier sighed, feeling exhausted trying to convince his friend. ”Alright, the truth is my client wants to recruit people and also trade for basic resources like food, metals, and crystals.”
”If you work with my client, my client can also gain a friendly contact with your client and could also form some trade contracts both ways,” Tyrier made up some story on the spot.
”Hmmm, that makes sense,” Otoro finished his steak and gave a small burp. ”But if the Empire finds out?”
Tyrier leaned forward and whispered, ”Why do you think the former Duke is on the run now?”
Otoro's gleamed brightly when he heard that. ”Interesting! Very interesting!” He wiped his oily mouth and grinned. ”I will contact my client and once they replied, I will give you an answer.”
Tyrier nodded and leaned back to enjoy his cigar, hoping that what he talked with Otoro tonight is enough to convince the people behind him.
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Seacliff Mining Facility, Field Hospital
A massive silver dragon loomed over James who fired his M2 uselessly at the behemoth. The mouth yawned open and a glow lit up the insides of the mouth before a dazzling bright light lit up James's world.