Chapter 54: A Remarkable Merchant

Deer Whip Liquor, as the name suggests, is a type of alcohol infused with deer whips and various herbs. This concoction may have many uses, but its core function is—enhancing virility. Alexander, having mingled in noble circles, was certain that such a thing didn't exist anywhere else on the continent. However, there was undoubtedly a demand for it. Alexander didn't believe that everyone could be vigorous and unwavering. But before diving into this industry, he needed a small amount of startup capital. After all, for Deer Whip Liquor, you needed both deer whips and alcohol.

So, Alexander, accompanied by Victor, hurried from Carlys Village to the city of Roel. The border city was bustling with activity. Armies of various lords were gathering there, all with one purpose—counterattack!

"For the honor of Saint Martin! We will die on the battlefield, never to retreat!"

"Those rude Veds dare to desecrate our sacred and inviolable territory. Even if our territory was also obtained through plunder, so what? It was won through our strength!"

"The gods will be on our side. We have no choice but victory!"

The streets were filled with lords wearing all kinds of armor, giving speeches and rallying the people. They all knew that this was a great opportunity to enhance their reputation, to make people remember their names, with no downsides.

The air was thick with the smell of gunpowder, growing more intense by the minute. Roel City at this moment was like a massive powder keg, ready to be ignited by a single spark.

Alexander watched the passionate lords and overly zealous people without any feeling. All he could think about now was how to make some money.

During a hunting trip in the Barlow territory, he managed to obtain one intact white deer hide and ten intact regular deer hides (eight deer were killed on the spot, and two were found dead along the way due to excessive bleeding).

Regular deer hides weren't worth much, ranging from 10 to 200 dinars. But the white deer hide, once displayed, attracted the attention of everyone on the road.

When people first laid eyes on the snowy white, almost holy, deer hide, they even momentarily forgot how to breathe. Women would imagine how beautiful a coat made from white deer hide would be, while men would imagine where to hang the white deer hide in their homes to make it stand out.

In an instant, everyone crowded around, asking how much the white deer hide was worth. Seeing Alexander not responding, they all shouted out what they thought was the most reasonable price.

However, Alexander was disdainful of their offers. These passersby were not the main characters buying the deer hide.

Fur traders and noble lords were the ones who could offer Alexander a price he couldn't refuse.

"5000 dinars!" Sure enough, a fur trader wearing a felt hat and luxurious clothes, sporting a signature goatee, exclaimed. His eyes gleamed; as a seasoned fur trader, he could immediately see the value of this item and was confident he could sell the deer hide for a price that would shock the continent.

"Hah, your offer is an insult to this piece of art. I offer 6000 dinars," scoffed a lord in full armor as he walked over.

"I offer 6500 dinars," came a voice from a mysterious figure cloaked in black robes, following closely behind.

"6700 dinars!"

"6750 dinars!"

"8000 dinars!"

"8888 dinars!"

"8889 dinars!"

...

As more and more merchants and nobles joined in, the price kept climbing higher. The bystanders had fallen silent; this daunting price made them realize they had no place in this bidding war. It was like everyone was at a market buying vegetables, discussing prices like 28, 29, 31, or 32 dinars for a cabbage. Suddenly, a group of people started shouting prices like 300,000, 400,000, or 500,000 dinars for a cabbage. Everyone was shocked and could only applaud; you evil rich people should have long been used as lamp decorations.

Returning to the main story, Alexander and his group finally reached a price of 9900 dinars. This was the price shouted by the mysterious figure in the black robe. After he shouted this price, there was a brief silence. "Silent as a grave" is the way to describe now.

This white deer hide had skyrocketed in value to nearly 10,000 dinars, an astonishing price indeed.

"In fact, this white deer hide was obtained by me during a hunt in the territory of Barlo. It is said that the white deer is a deity in Barlo mythology. For this, I battled the Barlo people for three days and nights, sacrificing over a hundred warriors to finally seize this hide. What does this signify? It signifies the divine nature of this hide. Whoever possesses it will receive the blessing of the mountain deity. My ultimate victory was due to this hide remaining in my possession, as it protected me in overcoming the Barlo people."

"I believe that whoever possesses it will become the hero who leads us to victory against the Vederians. Perhaps their name will be recorded in history. Just before our decisive battle with the Vederians, a unique treasure appeared in the world, undoubtedly a divine sign. May the gods bless him forever. Our hero of Saint Martin!"

Alexander shouted loudly at this moment, his face solemn yet fervent, his passion contagious, his gestures stirring the emotions of everyone present.

When they heard "his name will be recorded in history," a few prominent nobles couldn't hold back any longer. No man could resist the allure of leaving a legacy.

"I bid... 10,000 dinars!"

A nobleman with a commanding voice shouted out this astounding number, drawing everyone's gaze towards him.

All the nobles present knew this face, or rather, his reputation had recently spread throughout the entire Kingdom of Saint Martin. It could be said that everyone knew him, but not for favorable reasons.

Indeed, the person who shouted this price was none other than the current Marshal of the Kingdom of Saint Martin — Hoover.

Perhaps he had too much money burning a hole in his pocket, or perhaps he truly needed a victory so desperately that he reached the point of madness. He intended to purchase this possibly miraculous deer hide, hoping it would bring about a victory.

"Deal!" Alexander feared that Hoover might change his mind, so he hurriedly declared, disregarding whether there were higher bids afterward. After all, this price was already exorbitant, to say the least, even by the most generous standards.

Even Alexander himself couldn't believe it. How could a mere deer hide fetch 10,000 dinars?

[Congratulations, Lord Alexander, on achieving the achievement — Excellent Merchant]

[Reward: Title of Deceitful Merchant]

[Deceitful Merchant: You are more likely to sell items at prices far exceeding market value during transactions.]

As Alexander held the hefty dinars in his hands, it felt like a dream. His wallet had suddenly become quite full. Now his attribute panel looked like this:

[Level]: 9

[Strength]: 13

[Dexterity]: 10

[Intelligence]: 8

[Charisma]: 12

[Available Attribute Points]: 0

[Experience]: 22,700/25,600

[Currency]: 10,000 dinars

Just as Alexander was about to continue selling the remaining ordinary deer hides, the system's voice unexpectedly sounded again.

[Quest: Please assist Lord Alexander in helping the Kingdom of Saint Martin achieve victory in the siege of Rorl City.]

[Quest Reward: Experience +10,000, Currency +10,000, Golden Treasure Chest +1]