Chapter 78 - 78 75 They Are Greedy Enough

78: Chapter 75 They Are Greedy Enough 78: Chapter 75 They Are Greedy Enough “A normal businessman wouldn’t fly into a rage just because a client kept him waiting at the entrance, nor would he threaten the host upon turning away, or send someone to snoop around upon suspecting that the other party has a secret that he doesn’t know,” Klay sighed and said, “We are not acting like businessmen here, but as creditors, as the masters of this tribe. “Put yourself in their shoes. Would you be furious? Whether it’s because they have secrets or if it’s just an excuse to push the deal through, we need to change our attitude if we want to continue doing business. “Otherwise, we can only take what goodwill we have left, dust off our pants, and leave. Even if a mountain of gold were discovered here in the future, it would have nothing to do with us.” By this point in the conversation, even a fool could understand the situation, let alone the shrewd business owners who were now involuntarily silent, reflecting on their own behavior. It seemed that, indeed, their mindset entering the Rocklands to do business with Gaven and the Gnolls was very different from doing business in other places with other people. There was certainly an air of contempt, Not just because they were Gnolls, little reptiles, seen as weak in the eyes of Humans, but also because Gaven initially had nothing, and it was they who scraped together his first batch of supplies. There was also a sense of ownership, For the same reason, due to their initial assistance, they fancied themselves as investors. They felt entitled to squeeze benefits from Gaven and the Gnolls, believing that everything here should be open and transparent to them, without secrets. It was because of this mindset that, when the Gnolls turned them away at the door, they were incensed, deeming it intolerable and utterly preposterous. “But we did invest at the beginning, didn’t we? His actions are a bit too extreme…” Hanson was still grumbling with reluctance, though his voice and tone lacked their former conviction. “Look at yourself, still clinging to these small favors unwilling to let go, when he has already settled the emotional account with you right here. You’re supposed to walk away with it, but you’re not satisfied. What do you want from him? To turn this tribe into your slaves, or to hand over the iron and Spirit Crystal mines to you?” Klay openly showed his displeasure to Hanson, having already laid out the analysis so clearly, this guy was still clinging stubbornly, beyond hope, “If you keep on causing trouble, it won’t just be a matter of Gaven asking you to leave with your debts of gratitude, but for the sake of the entire caravan’s interests, we will also ask you to leave.” “You…” Hanson’s face turned ashen, as if wanting to retort, but when he looked around, he found no ally. Their expressions were similar to Klay’s, and for the sake of their own interests, they would not hesitate to abandon him. “In this transaction, it’s most important for everyone to have the right attitude, to maintain the relationship and not let it deteriorate further. When we get back, we’ll discuss detailed strategies. Bede didn’t come this time, so he’s out of the loop. He can take the lead in further easing and deepening the relationship between both parties. Trust me, as long as we straighten out our attitudes, Gaven won’t kick us to the curb. There will be even more benefits for us to discover.” Klay finalized the matter, “After you go back, do think it over and adjust your mindset and position, so as not to spoil the negotiations tomorrow.” “What about me? Searᴄh the novёlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What about my situation?” Hanson was a bit anxious now. Klay really wanted to wash his hands of the matter, but that obviously wasn’t appropriate. He could only patiently say, “Your case is not for us to decide, it will depend on the other party’s attitude during tomorrow’s negotiations. If they show any leniency, we will certainly speak for you and try to get this chest of Crystal Stones sent back.” “And if their attitude is still as strong as it was today?” Hanson quickly asked. “Then you’ll have to temporarily accept these Crystal Stones and leave behind all the goods you’ve brought. Leave some room to manoeuvre, and when the next trading day comes, you can come with Bede. Have him find a way to ease the tensions, and send the Crystal Stones back. Remember, if you still want to do business with them, you must avoid conflicts at all costs tomorrow. This box of Crystal Stones must be returned to them by any means necessary, even if it means begging humbly,” Klay emphasized the last few sentences. “I understand,” Hanson grumbled in agreement. As for whether he truly understood or was just pretending, Klay couldn’t care less. After all, one’s attitude isn’t something that can be controlled by others; it needs to be changed by the person in question. … Elsewhere. No sooner had Gaven and his group returned to the Blackwell Tribe than the Maiden Priestess couldn’t wait to ask a similar question, “Mr. Gaven, why did you get so angry? Aren’t we allies?” “We may treat them as friends, as allies, but that doesn’t mean they hold the same view. Instead, they see us as sheep for the slaughter, plump sheep ripe for the carving,” Gaven replied, his face now free of the earlier rage, explaining with a smile, “Today they dare to demand we open our gates, tomorrow they’ll dare to storm our treasury and loot at will. Before things reach that point, we need to give them a warning, make them understand their place. Only then can this trade continue for the long term and this friendship last. Otherwise, sooner or later, we’ll end up crossing swords.” The Dragon Seeking Ritual Ceremony ongoing at the Blackwell Plaza was merely a prelude, the rest was just Gaven acting on impulse, taking the opportunity to assert himself. He had been dissatisfied with the attitude of the caravan for some time, but back then his power was too weak, and he relied heavily on them, forcing him to swallow his pride. Now, with a bit more confidence, he naturally wanted to nip this unhealthy trend in the bud. As for the possibility of entirely offending the merchants and driving them away. Gaven never worried about that issue. Business Owners are inherently profit-driven, and as long as there’s a profit to be made, it doesn’t matter the conflict. Even if blades were drawn and blood was seen, for the sake of profit, they could still sit down and talk. Besides, to increase his leverage, Gaven had thrown out a box of real gold and silver, and now, even if he threatened them with a knife, they wouldn’t leave. “So that’s how it is.” The Maiden Priestess seemed to partially understand, patting her chest, plump as a bun, “I was so anxious just now, worried that Mr. Gaven would throw all the boxes out. That would have given us away.” Indeed, the Half-Ogre carried four small wooden boxes, but in truth, only one contained more than half a box of Spirit Crystal Stones, the others were filled with rocks Anna had stuffed in at Gaven’s command. The three small wooden boxes were indeed crafted for Spirit Crystal Stones, but the issue was, those Spirit Crystal Stones hadn’t been mined yet. In the next moment, the Maiden Priestess began to fret and feel the loss, “Since Mr. Gaven, you’re not cutting ties with them, why throw a box of Spirit Crystal Stones to them? Isn’t that like throwing a meat bun to a dog? Those were hard to come by, exchanged for food.” Anna didn’t have a great concept of the value of Spirit Crystal Stones; she just felt sad about giving away their possessions for nothing. “Don’t worry, I can guarantee that that box of Crystal Stones will be returned intact before long, without a single one missing,” Gaven held the upper hand, “because they are greedy enough.”