Chapter 321: Gilder, Business Negotiations

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

As they continued on their journey, taking various turns, they entered a less crowded road. However, the number of patrolling soldiers here had significantly increased, indicating the importance of security in this area.

The carriage came to a gradual stop in front of a spacious estate.

“Lord, this is an estate that the Maple Principality has officially allocated to the Crown of the Ocean as a token of gratitude for our contributions to the business in Maple Harbor. As long as the commercial activities continue, we can reside here permanently.

In addition, it comes with a batch of servants and a steward to attend to our needs.”

Ji Chen nodded, not particularly surprised.

Given the Crown of the Ocean’s substantial trade deals in the past, which brought in significant tax revenue for Maple Harbor, they couldn’t afford to be anything less than accommodating to such a benefactor.

After the carriage stopped for only a few seconds, the estate’s gate slowly opened with the sound of hurried footsteps from inside.

Behind the gate, two rows of maids stood on either side, led by a well-dressed middle-aged steward. They all bowed respectfully towards Ji Chen and his companions.

“Welcome back, Master.”

“Please remember, the owner of this estate is Lord Ji Chen.”

The steward looked at Ji Chen, who exuded an extraordinary presence and couldn’t help but be astonished.

As the appointed steward, he knew that this estate had been granted to a territory called the Crown of the Ocean. This territory had recently caused quite a stir in Maple Harbor, bringing in a significant quantity of weaponry and military equipment, amassing wealth from the northern conflicts, and even gaining favor from certain influential figures.

Yet, the lord of this territory was unexpectedly this young?

Though surprised, the steward’s impeccable manners allowed him to quickly react. He walked forward and bowed respectfully again.

“Welcome, my Lord. If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to inform me. We are here to serve you wholeheartedly.”

Ji Chen nodded slightly, signaling for him to lead the way. In his every gesture and word, the aura of a superior and formidable individual naturally emanated.

With such an appearance, the steward was even more convinced that Lord Ji Chen was an extraordinary lord.

Especially with the breathtaking young lady accompanying him, more beautiful than any noblewoman or female aristocrat he had ever seen in the Maple Principality. It was as if she had been personally sculpted by the gods.

With such a stunning companion and an overall air of authority, Ji Chen was clearly no ordinary person.

No wonder the principality had allocated this valuable estate and entrusted him with their care.

Thinking up to this point, the steward’s demeanor grew even more respectful.

While guiding them, he continued to introduce the estate.

“Master, this estate is quite extensive, with dozens of buildings serving various purposes, including a mansion, practice grounds, wine cellar, meeting hall, hot springs, and more. In addition, the principality provides fresh ingredients daily to ensure that it meets most of your daily dietary needs…”

Listening to the steward’s explanations delivered with the utmost respect, Ji Chen occasionally nodded. Just based on this level of service, even the most discerning residents would find it difficult to complain.

Perhaps intentionally, in contrast to the well-dressed steward, the other maids were boldly attired in revealing maid outfits, tailored to accentuate their figures. Their low-cut tops and short skirts showcased their bodies exceptionally well, making their chests appear even whiter than seafoam.

It seemed that these maids had been assigned here not only for daily tasks but also to fulfill certain needs of the master if required.

In response, Ji Chen could only sigh silently about the changing times and the moral decay of society.

They entered a luxurious mansion at the center of the estate and took seats at a long table.

The steward smoothed his meticulously kept attire and asked with lowered head, “Master, would you like to dine? There’s a batch of fresh seafood ingredients that arrived this morning in the estate. We can prepare an excellent seafood feast for you.”

“No need,” Ji Chen replied casually.

After days of long-distance travel, his appetite wasn’t particularly robust, and he had grown tired of seafood. Besides, the Crown of the Ocean was located in the open sea, and seafood was abundant there, making it a mundane choice.

What he was more concerned about was how to find buyers for the Crown of the Ocean’s goods and how to make successful sales.

In response, Raymond revealed a mysterious smile and said, “Lord, all we need to do is wait for a while…”

Before he could finish his sentence, a maid rushed into the room. As soon as she saw Ji Chen, her face immediately blushed.

No matter how you looked at it, she found this master extremely handsome, and his physique was robust. If she could gain the favor of such a master…

“What’s happening?”

Ji Chen’s magnetic voice pulled her out of her daydream, and she quickly explained, “A merchant lord named Gilder has come to visit.”

Upon hearing this, Ji Chen’s eyes revealed a hint of surprise. It seemed that Raymond, the chubby fellow, was indeed speaking the truth.

Raymond leaned in and whispered, “Lord, Gilder is a renowned and wealthy merchant in Maple Harbor. He has extensive resources and connections. Last time, he acquired nearly thirty percent of our weapons and military equipment.”

Thirty percent?

Ji Chen was slightly astonished. If he remembered correctly, the last fleet had consisted of forty ships, excluding the eight escort vessels. That meant there were thirty-two ships filled with weapons and military equipment.

A thirty percent share equated to consuming at least ten ships’ worth of goods, which amounted to over two hundred thousand items..