36 Dragons Den trading company

Moving through the security checkpoints, Captain Carter was impressed by just how smooth the ride was. It was quite normal for a carriage to suddenly jolt, due to hitting a hole in the road, or some other obstruction.

Unlike others, this carriage had superior stability, he was even able to have tea, without a drop spilling. Wrapping his knuckles against the metal window covers, he was slightly taken aback, as it had a thick sound to the metal plate. He'd expected it to be a thin plating, with a wooden core.

"Such an interesting design, how did you put armor without weighing it down too much?"

"I'm glad you asked brother Carter, this is one of the designs that my company manufactures and produces. Top quality components, as well the design itself, allowed us to reduce weight without sacrificing defense."

"Sounds expensive, what kind of rates do you charge for something like this?"

"No need to worry brother Carter, we can fix up any carriages you have, just bring the metals. The rate will be be much lower, we'll only charge you for the labor. I'm sure we can work out the exact numbers at that time."

He couldn't miss a chance to make an extra sale. Even in this world, defense spending took up a large portion of the budget. The armored carriage would provide protection during bandit raids and monster hordes.

As they reached the entrance to the city lord's estate, Captain Carter made his way to disembark.

"I'm stepping down, to get us through the checkpoint. What is the name of your trading company?"

"Dragon's Den, remember the name. If I don't see you again, we'll talk later about your carriage, eh?"

"Haha, it will depend on the Lord Martin."

Making his way to the checkpoint, the men gave a salute to the captain. He was able to get them through, they were directed past the guard post, onto the estate itself. The entire area was very well-kept, as several gardeners and cleaners could be seen, clipping, trimming, and sweeping the area.

Entering into the building itself, they found a similar theme. A beautiful central fountain was gently bubbling. There were paintings, and busts, and carved jade artworks shown throughout. In some ways it displayed an aura of wealth, power, and prestige.

However, Zanir found it pretentious, haughty, and boorish. It was a personal choice, and had to do with taste. Some people preferred simpler settings, with a few friends and family. Others wanted fame, fortune, and wealth.

He would never look down on someone simply for their taste. It was just that, he didn't truly get along with those type of people. As they approached an elegant courtyard, they were told to wait, the servants went of to fetch the city lord.

The courtyard was large, several rectangular banquet tables were set out, with smaller round tables in an area beyond them. The larger tables had plenty of room for guards, he guessed that the smaller tables were there for more important parties.

The first people to arrive weren't the city lord or captain Carter, it was actually a bunch of children. Being very well dressed, he knew they were probably the city lord's son and friends. Walking with an air of absolute authority, they approached the group, chatting casually.

"See, I told you the rumors we heard were true."

"I heard they have an Ogre!"

"I wanna see, I won't get scared one bit!"

As they reached the group, the oldest one stepped forward, a tall, thin boy with short, blonde hair. Zanir noticed the insignia on his cape was identical to the nearby banners. This one must be the city lord's son, he thought.

"Excuse me, we heard that you have an Ogre. Is that true?"

"Yes we do, his name is Bruce. Would you like to meet him?"

The kids were all very excited, of course they wanted to see an Ogre! Knowing this, he called Bruce over. Before coming over, they head him speak to the other guards.

"WATCH DA CART!"

The nearby guards were surprised, but quickly assured Bruce they'd watch the cart. With exaggerated relief, he made his way over to everyone. Seeing kids, he was naturally curious himself. Waving at them, he introduced himself.

"HAI, I'M BRUCE!"

Gathering around him, the kids tried introducing themselves, and asking him some questions. To be expected, most of the answers were 'Dunno'. He was confused when they asked if he was a kid, looking over at Zanir.

"Yes Bruce, you're a kid."

Looking supremely satisfied, he nodded with confirmation.

"BRUCE IS KID!"

"Let's go play Bruce!"

Agreeing to let them play, as long at they don't go too far, the kids ran around the courtyard together. Before long, he had several of the kids on his neck and shoulders. The squealing of laughter and sounds of scampering filled the air.

The captain returned, with another man behind him. He was tall, thin, and had trimmed blonde hair. Coupled with his expensive outfit, it reminded Zanir of politicians. Bearing a strong resemblance to the boy from earlier, he assumed it was the city lord.

"Roger Martin, city lord, sorry about the delay, I wrapped up business as soon as I could. My captain has told me that you have an opportunity I cannot afford to miss?"

"Zanir Coffey, traveling merchant, I believe in letting the good's speak for themselves. Please allow me to show you what I mean."

Ordering his men to bring over the cart, he approached the corner. Dramatically, he quickly pulled the cover off, exposing the produce in the cart. Recognizing the quality, a sparkle could be seen in Roger's eye.

"Carter, you did the right thing, bringing this directly to my attention. You'll be rewarded."

"Thank you, Lord Martin. Actually, we could use one of carriages they have, now that you mention it."

Looking over, he saw the armored carriage, that captain Carter was referring to.

"My word, is that a carriage covered in metal?"

"Yes Lord Martin, the company this man works for designs and manufactures it. The ride is smooth and the armor thicker than it appears."

He was already interested in the produce, hearing that the company designed carriages was even better. Where had such a strange company come from? Who were these people?

"May I ask what company you're with Zanir?"

"Dragon's Den trading company, your lordship."

"How is it that I've never heard of such a company? With such great produce as this?"

"Honestly, Lord Martin, our company has only recently expanded to this continent. I've been assigned to test the market here. If they do well, more can be shipped, as well as other products."

The light that could be seen in Lord Martin's eyes grew even brighter.

"You mean that you have more things like these? What else does your company have?"

"Lord Martin, at this very moment they are working tirelessly on some livestock, while another department is working on alcoholic drinks."

"Good, good, how about this, we'll pay you double the market rate for all of these crops here, we'll also take the goods you have coming in, once they get here."

"Then it's settled, I thank Lord Martin for your generosity. You've already made the trip worth it, and I just got here. Tonight we shall have a feast to celebrate the deal, if that's alright with you?"

"Haha, I was thinking the same thing. I'll have my men prepare the gold for you right away. We'll have the chefs get started right away."

Soon enough, all of the produce had been removed, being replaced by sacks of gold coins. They had made plenty of money, it would help them grow and acquire resources they would need. Like materials for a ship.

As the chefs brought out succulent meals, they ate and drank, discussing further.

"There are a few things I might have to trouble Lord Martin for."

"Hmm, what do you need Zanir?"

"The company may be sending a ship soon, I wanted to know if we might have port clearance?"

"Yes, I'll give the order out, to have the paperwork expedited."

"Thank you, Lord Martin. I also wanted to ask if you had any local goods or materials? One of the reasons the company sent me, is to acquire new goods to be sent back for research."

"Hmm, many of the trade goods are imported, but we do have a local jade mine. We can definitely offer you the best rates for top quality jade!"

"Excellent, have your men bring some over. I'm sure the artisans at my company can create a masterpiece for you."

With the system, he could effortlessly create fine sculptures. Being able to buy for a low price, meant that he could make enormous profit. Over the next few days, he planned to make even more money, before moving on to an even larger town.