Chapter 223 - Chapter 223: Aloof Alice, the Elven Race (2)
Chapter 223: Aloof Alice, the Elven Race (2)
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The room was incredibly spacious, with the floor covered in the fur of some exotic beast. Thoughtfully placed decorations adorned the surroundings, and a faint, elusive fragrance filled the air.
The large French windows with a balcony offered a panoramic view of towering peaks in the distance, cascading silver waterfalls, and an endless expanse of lush forests.
Another window provided a view of the sandy beach and the boundless sea stretching beyond the stone-paved plaza.
The time was midday, and sunlight streamed through the glass, casting scattered patterns of radiant light across the room, dispelling the lingering dimness brought by the castle’s structure.
This picturesque scene immediately captured Monica’s gaze, dissipating her previous gloom.
“Wow, this room is amazing! Thank you, sister!”
Monica briskly walked to the window, exclaiming as she looked outside. With a heart full of joy, she turned back to express her gratitude.
Alice merely nodded and stated, “When it’s time for meals, someone will bring you food.
Rest well tonight. I’ll come to find you tomorrow morning.”
Perhaps having spent considerable time with Ji Chen, Alice’s tone had transitioned from initial indifference to an elevated form of detachment.
Her words often carried an authoritative undertone, resembling the demeanor of a queen. This abrupt change left Monica momentarily stunned. She instinctively nodded and replied, “Understood.”
With that, Alice refrained from further words and turned to leave.
Watching her departing figure, Monica’s face suddenly turned red. Her heart raced, and she covered her chest while muttering, “So domineering…”
Naturally, Ji Chen was unaware of the peculiar thoughts that this young female guest had about his subordinate.
At this moment, he was planning to survey his territory when a sudden commotion reached his ears from outside.
Soon enough, a guard came in to report.
“My Lord, Master Raymond and Master Sparrow have returned.”
Hearing this, Ji Chen’s brow furrowed. After some consideration, he realized it had been about half a month since Raymond’s departure. Their return now seemed fitting.
“Where are they now?”
“Master Raymond and Master Sparrow are both at the harbor.”
“Summon them to my presence… Actually, I’ll go there myself.” Ji Chen shook his head, rose from his seat, and exited the Lord Manor, making his way to the harbor.
At a glance, he spotted four ships with shallow drafts being unloaded – merchant vessels and warships alike.
Raymond’s plump figure stood out conspicuously on the pier.
As if sensing something, he suddenly turned his head, and upon spotting Ji Chen, his eyes lit up. His two short legs seemed to have gained motors as he hurriedly dashed over.
Running and waving his hand, he shouted loudly, “My Lord!!!”
Seeing his bulky figure charging towards him, Ji Chen’s brow twitched, and he almost considered manipulating the water to send him flying.
However, Raymond, knowing his own weight, promptly halted in front of Ji Chen.
With an excited expression, Raymond exclaimed, “My Lord, I’m back!”
Seeing the noticeable signs of aging on Raymond compared to when he had left, Ji Chen couldn’t help but let out a sigh.
He patted Raymond’s shoulder and said, “You’ve worked hard this time.”
“Not hard at all!” Raymond chuckled. “You can’t imagine what happened to me in the Northern Continent!”
“We’ve hit it big this time!”
Seeing the excitement on his face, Ji Chen couldn’t help but feel curious.
What could make this seasoned merchant so thrilled?
“After receiving your orders to set sail, the journey to the Northern Continent was smooth. Except for a few small pirate ships with poor judgment, there were no dangers.
Upon reaching the Northern Continent’s port, 1 immediately sought out buyers for our cargo. Initially, things went quite smoothly, and we quickly sold a quarter of our goods.
But suddenly, for some unknown reason, conflicts and frictions erupted among several Northern Continent countries. This hindered the transportation of our products inland, and our buyers significantly decreased.”
At this point, Raymond’s face revealed excitement. “Just when I thought we’d face a surplus, a buyer unexpectedly came knocking. They bought up the rest of our products in one go!
That buyer… you definitely won’t guess who it is!”
Seeing Raymond suddenly stop speaking, adopting a teasing manner, Ji Chen playfully scolded, “Spill it already, or I might just throw you into the sea!”
In response, Raymond chuckled and leaned in, whispering to Ji Chen, “The buyer is from the Elven race!”
Elven race?
Ji Chen was somewhat surprised.
This Elven race wasn’t the same as the player-recruited elves; they were the indigenous elves of this world. Similar to the concept of fantasy worlds, the Elven race was a powerful and well-known species.
Apart from their extended lifespans, they were also known for their dual cultivation in both physical and magical arts. Every adult elf possessed a strength of at least Tier Four.
But how could the Elves take the initiative to come looking for them?
Seemingly sensing his confusion, Raymond continued, “My Lord, you might be aware that the Elven race excels in archery, nearly every Elf is skilled in archery, and their archery skills are unmatched.
So, they have a significant demand for materials to make bows.”
At this point, Ji Chen already had a guess.
Excitedly, Raymond continued, “Those Elves said that the quality of our wood is exceptional, particularly suitable for crafting bows and arrows. Our wood is even more enchantment-friendly than other types.
They also mentioned that if you agree, they are willing to establish a long-term supply channel with us. They’ll buy as much as we have! And the price they’re offering is over 100% higher than the market rate. Payment can be made in gold coins or other rare resources!”
Whew-
Such generosity?
A direct premium of 100% for purchase?
When did Elves become so generous!?
What Ji Chen didn’t know was that unlike other fantasy worlds, in this world, the Elven race was one of the most powerful species.
In contrast to other worlds, where Elves often lived reclusive lives and were squeezed for living space, in this world, Elves had close interactions with outsiders. They had established a formidable Elven kingdom, which held a vast territory through their strength.
In otherworlds, Elves typically wore minimal clothing, seemed delicate, and had been captured and enslaved by other races.
In this world, Elves confidently took on human countries and brawled with Orcs. They can kill an enemy with each punch. They taught others how to behave through their mastery of enchantment techniques.
In other worlds, Elves possessed potent technologies but refrained from using them, taking pride in frugality.
In this world, their exceptional enchantment, alchemical, forging, and cultivation skills, coupled with the bountiful resources within their territory, enabled them to continuously produce various military equipment, alchemical products, and advanced agricultural goods. They exported these products worldwide and reaped vast wealth and resources.
Their lives were lavish and opulent, indulging in extravagant delicacies, fine wines, and luxurious rides. They somewhat resembled a certain oil-rich nation on Earth.
Hence, the Elven race was incredibly affluent and had a grand demeanor.
Hearing that the Elves were willing to pay twice the market price, Ji Chen even started to doubt.
He asked multiple times, “Did the Elves really say this? You’re not fooling me, are you?”
“How could 1 dare to deceive you, my Lord!” Raymond became anxious in an instant. Then, as if he remembered something, he pulled out a jade-green wooden plaque from his bag and handed it over. “This is what those Elves gave me. They said that as long as you present this plaque at any Elven embassy, you’ll be treated as a VIP!”
Ji Chen took the wooden plaque and examined it closely.
About the size of his palm, the plaque was covered in intricate patterns emitting a misty energy. In the center was an Elven script.
[Elven Ambassador’s Plaque]
[Explanation]: A special wooden plaque with significant meaning. Presenting this at any Elven embassy will grant you VIP treatment.
[As they say, a wealthy wife dispels worry. If you can hitch a ride with the Elven race, you won’t have to worry about money for your entire life.]
Was it really true?
The Crown of the Ocean, was this forming a connection with the Elven race?