Chapter 8 Act IV - 2

After hearing this, Mark stared straight at Lawrence's face with an unexpected expression. "Didn't you sign the contract after knowing the source of the pyrite?" "Unfortunately, I don't have that much time. Can you help me?" This was why Lawrence couldn't calm down. No matter how ideal the plan is, if everything is not in place, nothing can be done. Mark listened.He glanced at Rossi. Mark is a businessman after all, so of course he doesn't want to be a freelancer. Then Mark said curtly, "No." "Is that so, then...huh?" "no."

This time Mark looked Lawrence in the eyes and said. "Varied--" "I can't help you with this." Mark said sternly, and Lawrence leaned out and said emphatically, "I will thank you. I won't be stingy and only pay you the handling fee, and you will definitely not suffer. This is a very good condition, right?" "Won't you suffer?" Mark, who trimmed his beard to give him a square face, turned into a rock when he frowned. "Isn't it? I want you to help me search for pyrite, and I didn't ask you to invest. And it's paid in cash, so how can you lose money?"

"Lawrence." Moreover, this condition that Lawrence lacks is quite difficult to find. Of course, Lawrence could wait until dawn to buy pyrite in the market.However, if he buys pyrite worth hundreds of silver coins in the market, the price of pyrite will inevitably rise continuously. Lawrence must secretly search for pyrite without affecting the market. In order to achieve this goal, the best way is to search for a large amount of pyrite in small amounts through the channels of town merchants. "The terms of payment are cash. It doesn't matter how much the price is higher than the market price. If the quantity is large, you can pay directly with Lumioni gold coins."

If Trini silver coins are sharp swords, Lumioni gold coins are gun forests with long spears closely arranged together.Lumioni coins are the most powerful weapon in the world when it comes to high-value purchases. However, although Lawrence has cash, he has no access.Besides Mark, he has no other friends to help. If Mark refuses, Lawrence must rely on his own strength to collect pyrite. In this town that only comes here for a few days a year to do business, one can imagine how difficult it is for Lawrence to search for a large amount of pyrite in an orderly manner. However, Mark didn't know where to look and didn't move.

"I will thank you. Besides, the amount will not be too small." What Lawrence meant was that he wouldn't just pay the handling fee. Mark's words interrupted Lawrence's words and actions more powerfully than any signal of stillness. However, Lawrence didn't understand what Mark was thinking.When encountering a transaction that can obtain a reasonable reward and is sure that there will be no risk, it is impossible for a businessman to refuse. Why would Mark say no? Does Mark only know how to look at Lawrence's shortcomings?When Lawrence thought about it, a wave of suspicion that was close to anger also churned in his heart.

At this time, Mark continued: "The amount you can pay me is only ten Lumiones at most?" "If it's just purchasing as an agent, isn't this kind of remuneration enough? It's not like you have to carry the entire caravan's purchases alone, and climb the steep mountain back in one day." "You want me to run around the market to help you find pyrite, right? It's the same situation." "Where...!" The log chair that Lawrence was sitting on fell to the ground with a "knock". He leaned out with a frightening momentum, and regained his composure when he was about to grab Mark.

However, Mark was not wavering at all. Mark completely kept the businessman's expression unchanged. "Hmm... what's the difference? I didn't ask you to walk through the market all night, or move heavy loads, and I didn't ask you to go on a steep mountain road where there was a high risk of death or accident. I just It’s just that I hope you can help me buy pyrite through your door.” "I mean it's the same situation, Lawrence." Mark said slowly. "You are a traveling merchant who haunts the wilderness, and I am a merchant who uses this market as a battlefield. The dangers in your mind are the dangers that traveling merchants will encounter."

"what…… Lawrence swallowed his voice, and Mark frowned as if drinking bitter water. "For a town merchant, the act of rushing forward without hesitation as soon as he sees an opportunity to make money is definitely not a virtue. Rather than earning a lot of money from a side job, earning money from one's own business is considered excellent. Town merchant. Although I am the owner of this stall, the reputation involved in this stall is not just my name. This stall is related to me and my wife, all blood relatives, and those related to this stall. The reputation of all the partners that the street vendors cooperate with. If you just want to make a little extra money, even if it is money from unknown sources, you should act quickly, this is by no means a bad thing.”

When Mark said this, he poured beer into the glass first, and then took a sip.Although Mark still furrowed his eyebrows, it must not be because the beer was too bitter. "However, it is another matter for me to search for the pyrite worth 500 silver coins you want. What do you think the people around me will think of me? I am sure everyone will think that I am a disregard for my career and only Thinking of a useless guy who made a fortune. Can you pay me a reward commensurate with this risk? Because I was also a traveling merchant, so I dare to say this. The amount handled by the town merchant is a small amount of money. Merchant simply cannot match."

Lawrence couldn't make any rebuttal, he couldn't say anything. Mark threw out the last sentence: "Although my store looks small, my signboard is of amazing value. If the signboard is damaged, ten or twenty gold coins will not be enough to repair it use." A decisive word. Lawrence couldn't say a word, and his eyes fell on the table. "That's what happened." Mark didn't only see Lawrence's shortcomings, and he didn't want to make Lawrence unhappy. What Mark said was absolutely true. However, this made Lawrence clearly understand that although he and Mark are both businessmen, they live in completely different worlds.

"Sorry." Even after hearing Mark say that, Lawrence was speechless. The remaining people Lawrence could ask for were too many to count with five fingers. "No, no, sorry to make it difficult for you." If there was anyone else he could entrust, Lawrence only wanted Bartos alone. Since it is certain that he cannot get Mark's assistance, Lawrence can only place all his hopes on Bartos. However, Lawrence remembered that when Bartos told him about Amati's money-raising leads, he had mentioned Amati's less than decent methods. For Bartos, who was carrying heavy rocks over steep mountains, it must be considered a dirty act to receive pyrite with his right hand and sell it with his left hand for a large profit. When Lawrence thought about it, he couldn't help but feel that the possibility of Bartos assisting him was quite low, but he could only bite the bullet and go to Bartos to have a look. Lawrence made up his mind and raised his head as soon as his chest was exerted. The moment Lawrence raised his head, Mark said, "You are always relaxed, so you will become like this?" Mark neither had an expression of disbelief nor a hint of ridicule, he just said with a somewhat surprised expression. "Ah, sorry, don't be angry, I was just surprised." Seeing Mark hastily explained, Lawrence was of course not angry, and even Lawrence himself was surprised. "However, when you meet a partner like you, it's no wonder that this happens. Even if you don't try so hard to stop that guy Amati, your partner won't give in to Amati easily, right? Even my first Everyone who saw her standing next to you once thought so, so you have a little more confidence." Mark only smiled at this time, while Lawrence replied blankly: "She gave me the signed marriage certificate, and the object is of course Amati." Mark's eyes widened, and he stroked his chin as if he had accidentally stepped on a landmine, making his beard swipe. Seeing Mark's appearance, Lawrence couldn't help relaxing his shoulders a little. "If nothing happened, of course I would be confident. But, something really happened..." "Did it happen when you came back here after you came here? Life is one step away from hell... Even so, you still feel hopeful, so try to find a way, right?" Seeing Lawrence nodding in response, Mark thrust out his chin, then sighed and said, "Although I know your partner is not a simple person, I didn't expect her to do such a bold thing...you can find other people to help ?" "Anyway, I'll ask Mr. Bartos first." "Mr. Bartos. I see. Are you going to ask him to ask that woman for you?" Hearing Mark's low voice, Lawrence asked back, "...that woman?" "Ah? You didn't plan to ask him to ask that woman for you? That chronicler. Haven't you seen it?" "If you mean Miss Diana, I have. But I don't understand what you mean." "If you're not afraid of getting into trouble in the future, I think you can talk to that woman." "what are you talking about?" Lawrence asked, and after Mark looked around, he lowered his voice slightly and said, "That woman is the person who controls the northern region, and can even be said to be the contact window for the alchemists. From our point of view, there are all of them. There are women, so alchemists who are vulnerable to attacks for various reasons can gather in one area. But the truth about the king, of course, only the nobles in the city and the elders of the guild know. Then..." Mark took a sip of beer and continued: "As long as you are a resident here, you will first think of "alchemists should have pyrite."However, if you want to avoid trouble here and do business safely, you can't get involved with these people.Mr. Bartos seldom does business with other people because he traded with alchemists.It is said that there is little business, but in fact it should be said that there is no business.If you are not afraid of getting into trouble in the future, it is also a way to ask that woman for you through Mr. Bartos. " For the sudden topic, Lawrence couldn't tell whether it was true or not, but he thought to himself, even if Mark lied, it wouldn't do any good. "It might be worth a try, as the situation demands. Don't you burn your ass?" Although Lawrence felt that he was worthless, he had to admit that his unexpected rejection by Mark made his situation quite dangerous. "I'm really glad that you came to me for help here. But, that's all I can do to advise you." "No, you did me a great favor. I almost missed such a big opportunity." Moreover, Lawrence himself thought that Mark's reasons for rejecting him were not wrong at all. Mark is a town merchant, and Lawrence is a traveling merchant.When the positions are different, of course there will be a big difference between what can be done and what can't be done. "It may be strange for someone who refuses to help you to say that...but I will pray for your success." This time it was Lawrence who smiled. "You taught me a lesson. That's all I've earned." Lawrence said it without sarcasm or other intentions.In the future, when Lawrence negotiates with town merchants, he will understand and take things like this into consideration.Lawrence wasn't lying when he said he had learned a lesson. However, as soon as Mark heard what Lawrence said, he stroked his chin back and forth to make his beard swipe. Then, Mark frowned tightly while looking at him, and said, "Although I can't act freely, if you want me to whisper how much money someone else has in their pockets, it's okay." Seeing Lawrence's surprised expression, Mark closed his eyes and said, "Come back later. I can tell you who you can buy things from. I can help with that." "……thanks." Seeing Lawrence speaking sincerely from the bottom of his heart, Mark laughed as if he had given up on something. "Looking at your expression, I said it's no wonder that little girl would do such a bold thing." "……What's the meaning?" "It's okay, the businessman just needs to concentrate on thinking about how to do business." Although Lawrence really wanted to ask the smiling Mark, his thoughts had already drifted to Bartos and Diana. "Anyway, do your best." "Ah, oh." Although Lawrence still felt hesitant, he thought it was better to go to negotiate sooner rather than later. Lawrence briefly thanked Mark and left the vendor. Still, Lawrence thought as he walked: Maybe the saying that traveling merchants can't make friends is wrong. Lawrence first went directly to the foreign firm. He has two purposes.One is to ask whether Bartos has a stockpile of pyrite, and whether Bartos has other sources to introduce.The other is to ask Bartos to take him to Diana again. However, Lawrence remembered that Bartos had said that Amati's approach to buying and selling pyrite was not very decent. Bartos is a traveling merchant who transports precious stones or metals from the mines and travels through dangerous roads. Perhaps in his eyes, speculation in pyrite is a dirty act. Even so, even though he knew it was very difficult, Lawrence still had to go to Bartos. Lawrence ignored the festival that lasted until late at night, and the atmosphere was like a riot, and walked towards the ocean while crossing the alleys. When Lawrence finally came to the main street lined with rows of foreign firms, he saw that each firm was lighting up lanterns, and a large crowd was dancing in a circle.From time to time, people from foreign companies can be seen practicing martial arts with each other in unskilled postures with long swords in their hands. This may be a banquet activity extended from the festival. Lawrence walked towards the building of the Ron Chamber of Commerce while crossing the crowded road.He slipped into the building without greeting the members who were drinking near the open door. The guys who want to drink leisurely inside the building, and the guys who want to mess around outside the building seem to have clearly separated their respective habitats.Under the lighting of fish oil hanging lamps emitting a unique smell, the entire hall is filled with soft chatter and laughter. Although a few people in the hall spotted Lawrence and cast curious glances, most of them seemed to be intoxicated by the happy atmosphere of the banquet. After Lawrence found the target among these people, he immediately approached the man. Sitting at a table where older businessmen gather, the man looks like a recluse in the dim light. That was Guy Bartos. "Sorry to interrupt your drink." Lawrence said in a softer voice than the chatter and laughter around him. The merchants in the old world seemed to see on the spot what Lawrence was coming for. Everyone glanced at Bartos as they drank quietly. The watched Bartos showed a gentle smile and said, "Hey, Mr. Lawrence, what's wrong?" "Sorry for taking the liberty to come to you. I have something I want to discuss with you." "Is it about business?" After a moment of hesitation, Lawrence nodded. "Then, let's go over there and talk. How can other people hear this rare opportunity to make money?" The other merchants at the same table smiled and raised their glasses lightly as if saying, "We'll have a good time drinking ourselves." After Lawrence nodded his head lightly, he caught up with Bartos who was walking into the foreign firm. Different from the hall filled with the smell of wine and chatting and laughing, if you walk a little along the corridor of the foreign company, the surrounding atmosphere becomes like being in an alley.In a blink of an eye, the two came to a place where there was no light, and the noise became distant as if watching a fire from the other side. Bartos stopped at this moment, turned around and said, "What is it?" Lawrence figured that talking around the bush wouldn't help, so he said bluntly, "Yes. To be honest, I want to buy pyrite, and I'm looking for someone who has a lot of stock. I think Mr. Bartos must have a way." It is." "yes." Bartos's almost black dark blue eyes looked like gray eyes under the yellowish red light. And such a pair of eyes were staring at Lawrence. "Do you have a way?" Hearing Lawrence's question again, Bartos sighed, rubbed his eyes and said, "Mr. Lawrence." "Don't you remember what I said when I told you Mr. Amati's money-raising clue?" "Not only do I remember what you said, but I also remember that Miss Diana doesn't seem to like people talking to her about business." Bartos's hand was slightly pulled away from the corner of his eyes and stopped in mid-air, only then did he show a businessman's eyes. It was the eyes of a traveling merchant who devoted himself to the harsh work of merchants. He didn't care about how to make more money, but only cared about how to move the goods safely. I don't know if it's because Lawrence is overhearted, but this look in his eyes feels like a wolf. "Are you thinking about the inventories of the alchemists?" "It's really easy to communicate with you. However, I heard that they can't do business without Miss Diana's permission. So, I would like to ask you to do me a favor." Lawrence remembered the days when he first became a traveling businessman, in order to increase new clients, he suddenly visited the other party without any connections and negotiated forcefully. Bartos' eyes widened in surprise, and he forced his voice to say, "You know so much, and you still want to trade with them, is it because pyrite is really so profitable?" "No, that's not the case." "Then... do you want to know the fate, or to cure all diseases, as the rumors say?" Bartos said with a smile as if he was trying to please his grandson, presumably this is Bartos' first-rate irony. Even so, Lawrence was certainly not angry or agitated. For their own benefit, even if businessmen have to stare at the slowly swinging scales all night, it will not be difficult for them. "I act in my own interest, and I have no intention of denying that fact." Bartos's body didn't move, he just stared wide-eyed. If Lawrence receives Bartos's rejection here, it is very likely that the hope of manpower pyrite inventory will disappear. The current Lawrence is not calm enough to allow such a thing to happen. "However, I'm not trying to profit from the pyrite trade whose prices are inflating like a bubble. I'm doing it for more... more fundamental reasons." Bartos didn't interrupt, and Lawrence took it as a signal from Bartos to urge him to continue, so he continued: "Mr. Bartos, you are also a traveling merchant after all, and you should have a lot of things on your shoulders. The experience that your cargo almost fell to the bottom, right?" Bartos was silent. "When the carriage is stuck in the mud and cannot move, we will put the two things of abandoning the carriage and trying our best to pull the carriage out of the mud on the two ends of the scale. The commodity value of the goods, interests, funds on hand, Itinerary, and the rewards that must be paid when asking for help. And if you continue to panic, you may encounter the danger of villains. We will consider such things to judge whether to abandon the goods.” "You mean you are in this situation?" "yes." Bartos' eyes seemed to be able to see what was ahead on the road with poor visibility. He has traveled back and forth on the same road for decades, and in order to learn what he failed to witness on such a road, he asked Diana to listen to ancient legends. Presumably, under his gaze, the businessman's lies would be seen through at once. However, Lawrence did not back down. Because he didn't lie. "I don't want to give up the goods. As long as I can put the goods on the cargo platform again, I don't care if it's a little bit hard." Presumably Bartos could not have noticed what Lawrence was referring to and what kind of condition he was in. Even so, Bartos slowly closed his eyes and remained silent. Should I say something more?Should Yi take advantage of the situation and pursue it? The chatter and laughter in the hall behind sounded like jeers. The limited time is lost bit by bit. Lawrence was about to speak. Then, just before he could speak, he changed his mind. Lawrence remembered that his master had told him that when begging others, waiting is the only way. "I was just waiting for this reaction." At the moment when he remembered what his master said, Bartos said with a light smile. "Because no matter how limited time is, if there is no other way to go, you have to wait obediently and patiently. This is the performance of a good businessman." When Lawrence found himself being tested, he felt a sudden profusion of cold sweat pouring out of his back. "However, having said that, when I was the same as you, my attitude was stronger than yours." "Uh……" "Oh, I don't have a stockpile of pyrite. I suppose the alchemists do, though." "So……" Bartos nodded slightly and said, "You just have to say 'I'll buy a box for white feathers'.The follow-up development depends on your own efforts, please find a way to persuade the eldest sister.I don't think anyone has bought pyrite yet. " "Thank you. I will definitely thank you—" "As long as you can share an ancient legend with me. How about it? Do I have the dignity like my elder sister when I say this?" "Eldest sister doesn't know when she's going to sleep, so it shouldn't be a problem for you to find her now. Since you're going, you should go early; because time is money." While speaking, Bartos pointed to the depths of the foreign bank. "As long as you go through the back door, you can leave without saying hello to anyone." After Lawrence thanked him, he went deep into the corridor. On the way, he looked back and saw Bartos with a smile on his face. The figure of Bartos with his back to the lights in the hall seemed a little bit like Master. After walking out of the foreign firm, he ran all the way to the north, and after a short while, he ran into a stone wall. Unlucky enough to meet the entrance of the stone wall, Lawrence ran along the wall, finally found the entrance, pried open the badly opened door and slipped in. Of course there is no light around.But as I ran, my eyes got used to the darkness.And, to a traveling businessman who was camping a lot, a little darkness was nothing at all. However, in the dark night, the light that suddenly leaked from the crack of the slanted wooden door, or the meowing of cats and the fluttering of birds' wings from nowhere are all creepy, far beyond the feeling of daytime. As long as it's a place you've been to once, you can find the location no matter where you start from: If it wasn't for the unique ability of this traveling merchant, maybe Lawrence would run away in fear because he got lost. When I finally arrived at Diana's house, I was honestly relieved. It felt like the sense of security you would feel when you came to the house of a woodcutter you knew in a strange forest. However, on the other side of the door in front of you, there are not acquaintances who are willing to welcome you unconditionally. Although I got the code from Bartos, when I think about the interaction with Diana, I feel that she really hates talking about business. Is there a way to buy pyrite smoothly? A feeling of uneasiness crept into my heart bit by bit.Lawrence quickly took a deep breath, suppressing all the uneasiness in his stomach. Must buy successfully. Because he wants to travel with Holo in the future. "Is anyone home?" After knocking on the door lightly, Lawrence deliberately lowered his voice. The sense of stillness when people are silent, and the sense of quietness when no one is there are feelings of a different nature. When the air is filled with the quiet feeling of the former, it is always taboo to make a sound. However, there was no response from the other side of the door. Since the light could be seen leaking through the gap in the door, Diana should be at home, and she might have fallen asleep. Although according to the city's regulations, residents who did not turn off the ignition after going to bed would be severely punished, but no one would be so bold as to come here to patrol. When Lawrence raised his hand and was about to knock on the door again, he found that there seemed to be movement in the house. "Which one?" There was a sleepy, lazy voice. "Sorry to bother you so late, I am Lawrence who came to visit with Mr. Bartos yesterday." After Lawrence said his name, the sound of clothes rubbing was heard after a while, followed by the door slowly opening. As soon as the door was opened, the light streamed out, and the air in Diana's house also permeated. Diana's eyes looked displeased and sleepy. She was dressed in the same robe as yesterday when Lawrence came to visit.Because Diana used to be a nun, it is believed that she should be dressed like this all year round, so Lawrence couldn't tell whether she was sleeping just now. Leaving aside whether Diana was sleeping or not, it was extremely impolite to visit a woman's house alone at night.Although Lawrence also understood his impoliteness, he said without flinching, "I know this is very impolite, but I have to come to you." Lawrence continued, "I'm here to buy a case for white feathers." As soon as Lawrence uttered the code that Bartos had told him, Diana narrowed her eyes for an instant, and then she moved away silently, urging Lawrence to enter the house with gestures. Diana's house, which doesn't smell like sulfur, looks messier than yesterday. Almost all the slightly organized books on the bookcase were also removed, and half of the books were opened and scattered towards the ceiling. Moreover, there are more huge white quills scattered all over the place. The sight of nearly new, beautiful white quills scattered all over the place has an atmosphere that is even terrifying. "It's so unusual that there are several guests visiting in one day. The festival will certainly attract popularity." In such a chaotic environment, Lawrence was also not invited to take a seat, but Diana, who sat on the chair by herself, said to herself. Just as Lawrence was about to sit on a chair that was free from piles of objects, he suddenly noticed something strange. How many guests in a row? This also meant that someone had already visited before Lawrence's visit. "Then, Mr. Bartos must have told you to buy the white feather box?" Lawrence, who was anxiously wondering what the previous visitor came for, heard this, nodded and said, "Yes, yes, I begged him to let me meet Miss Diana..." "Yo, is that right? He's not the kind of person who will agree to a strong request." Seeing Diana say this with a happy smile, Lawrence couldn't say anything more. Although different in nature, speaking to Diana felt like Lawrence was dealing with Holo. "What kind of business made you go to the trouble of convincing that stubborn old man to do it?" People with all kinds of standpoints are eager to obtain the medicine refined by the alchemists or the technology possessed by the alchemists for various reasons. Diana's presence must have been like a breakwater against such a flood of desire. Although Lawrence didn't know the reason why Diana did this, in his eyes, Diana, who stared straight at Lawrence as soon as she sat on the chair, was like a giant bird protecting its eggs with iron feathers. "I want you to let me buy pyrite." Although he was almost overwhelmed by Diana's aura, Lawrence still answered. Diana touched her cheek with her fair hand and said, "I heard that the price has increased." "But--" "Of course I understand that Mr. Bartos won't help out for the simple business of making money. There should be some reason?" It feels like Diana is taking the lead in everything.Diana's reactions were always one step faster than Lawrence's, and Diana also tried to show off her superiority. Even so, Lawrence told himself not to be angry.Diana must be testing him. Lawrence nodded and replied, "It's not for business, but for a decisive battle, so pyrite is needed." After Diana smiled lightly, she narrowed her eyes and asked, "Who will we compete with?" "yes……" Lawrence hesitated to say Amati, but not because he thought there was anything wrong with saying Amati's name. Is Lawrence thinking about whether the person he is fighting with is really Amati? Amati is just a moat outside the city, and there are still targets in the city that must be captured. Lawrence said "No", and turned his gaze to Diana again and said, "It's loading the cargo." "Loading cargo?" "No matter when, the enemy of the traveling merchant is always the cargo. Estimate the value of the loaded cargo, think carefully about how to deliver it, and then carefully consider who it should be delivered to. If one of the links is wrong, the traveling merchant loses. Now I am trying hard to put back the load that is about to fall off the pallet. Because I have considered the value of the load, the method of delivery, and the object of delivery again, I have come to the conclusion that this load must not be allowed to fall from the pallet. fall." Diana's bangs were blown, which made Lawrence think a gust of wind was blowing. But it was not the wind, but Diana's breath. After Diana smiled lightly, she picked up a quill from her feet. "Buy a box with white feathers" is just an exaggerated code, but what it really means is that as long as it makes me feel a little bit of fun.Don't birds drop their feathers when they flap their wings happily?Moreover, the person I gave the password in advance will also help me screen the visitors, so I just observe some subtleties of the visitors.I think it should be fine, I will make an exception and let you buy pyrite. " After hearing this, Lawrence couldn't help standing up from his chair and said, "Thank you—" "But--" Diana interjected from the side, and a bad premonition flooded Lawrence's heart again. Several visitors came one day, there were no chairs piled with items—the black text of "Could it be?" appeared in Lawrence's mind. Diana's face turned into a very sorry expression and said, "Someone has already come to buy." Lawrence's uneasiness became a reality. He said what a businessman would naturally say. "How much to buy? How much to sell?" "Please calm down. The customer bought on credit and did not take away the stock. To put it bluntly, it is no different from ordering. Personally, I think it's okay to give the things to Mr. Lawrence. So, Let me negotiate with that customer first. In addition, I remember that based on today’s market prices, the purchase quantity is worth about 16,000 Iredos.” It would cost four hundred Trini silver coins.As long as this amount can be obtained, Lawrence's plan can be said to be a big step forward. "I see. Um, what's the guest's name?" If Diana uttered Amati's name, Lawrence's rescue strategy would be shattered. However, Diana shook her head lightly, and said in a calm tone: "I will be in charge of negotiating with the other party. For the sake of safety, we will not let those who trade with the alchemists know who their opponents are." "Y-but..." "Is there any dissatisfaction?" A smile without a smile. "If you say it's a victory or defeat, it means that things are unusual, so I will do my best to help and tell you the result of the negotiation as soon as possible. Where will I find you tomorrow?" "Ah, uh...in the market, in front of the ore merchant's stall. I should be there all the time around the opening hours of the market. Or please contact Mark, the wheat merchant. His stall is..." "I know the location. I see. I'll send someone to let you know as soon as possible." "Please." Lawrence couldn't say anything more, so he had to say this. However, depending on the outcome of the negotiations, Lawrence may not be able to purchase pyrite.If you really can't buy it, it will bring irreparable fatal results. Even so, Lawrence was limited in what he could say. "I will not be stingy with spending a lot of money. Please tell the other party that as long as it is not an unreasonable request like twice the market price, I am willing to pay a very high price to buy it." After nodding with a smile on her face, Diana stood up from her chair. Lawrence knew it was time to say goodbye.He thought to himself, it would be a miracle that he came unexpectedly at this time, but he didn't get rejected. "Sorry for not being invited so late." "No, my life is day and night." Lawrence didn't think Diana was joking, which made him laugh easily. "And, as long as you can bring an interesting story, it certainly doesn't matter if you stay all night." Although Diana's words sounded tempting, they must be her sincere words. It's just that Lawrence has already told interesting stories he knows. Instead, something suddenly flashed in Lawrence's mind that he wanted to ask. "What's wrong?" The thought that suddenly flashed through his mind made Lawrence stop in surprise. After he hastily answered Diana with "nothing", he walked towards the gate. The question that flashed through my mind was surprisingly out of character. "When you leave a woman's house, you will be punished by God if you make such a mysterious move." Diana threw words like a mischievous girl again.Seeing Diana smiling happily, Lawrence couldn't help feeling that no matter what questions she asked, she would answer them seriously. Moreover, this question should only be answered by Diana. 罗伦斯一边把手伸向大门，一边转向身后说：「有一个问题想请教您。」 「请尽管问。」 听到狄安娜爽快的回答，罗伦斯咳了一声后，说出了他的问题：「异教众神和人类……呃，有成为一对的传说吗？」 如果被狄安娜询问为何要提出这个问题，罗伦斯一定会当场回答不出话来。 即便如此，罗伦斯仍然不顾危险地想要询问。 赫萝哭着说她变成孤单一人时，曾说过只要生了孩子，就会是两个人。 如果说这是有可能发生的事，罗伦斯想要传达给赫萝知道，好让她怀抱个希望。 狄安娜听了这个太过没头没脑的问题后，显得有些意外的样子。不过，她立刻恢复了正经的表情。 然后缓缓回答：「有很多呢。」 "Really?" 罗伦斯不禁扬声问道。 「好比说——啊，您赶时间吧？」 「啊、是、是的。可是，下次……可以请您详细说给我听吗？」 "certainly." 幸好狄安娜没有询问为何要提出这个问题。 罗伦斯多次郑重地道谢后，便准备离开狄安娜住家。 就在大门即将关上的那一刻，狄安娜似乎简短地轻声说：「加油。」 罗伦斯准备反问时，大门已经关上了。 狄安娜是否知道罗伦斯与阿玛堤的攻防战呢？ 虽然罗伦斯觉得好像有什么地方不对劲，但是他没有时间再多想了。 他接下来必须回到马克的摊贩，然后再前往拜访其他可能持有大量黄铁矿的人。 罗伦斯不仅没有时间，更惨的是他手上可说几乎没有黄铁矿。 再这样下去，根本不成胜负，就只能乞求上天帮忙而已。 罗伦斯心想：就算勉强马克，也要叫他说出可能持有黄铁矿的人：然后就算多给一些好处，也要采买到黄铁矿。 只是，在夜街上拚命地奔走，是否就能够接近赫萝一些呢？罗伦斯如此自问时，脑中却只浮现令人不安的答案。 罗伦斯回到马克的摊贩后，发现马克坐在和方才同一张桌子上喝酒，而他身边的小伙子正咬着面包。 就在罗伦斯想着「垣时间用餐的情况还真少见」时，马克发现罗伦斯到来，便投了视线和话语过来：「结果怎样？」 「你看我这样也知道吧。」 罗伦斯轻轻挥动双手后，直直看着马克的眼睛说：「我向狄安娜小姐提了。但是，有人抢先了一步，我不知道结果会怎样。」 「有人抢先？」 「所以，我只能把希望放在你告诉我的事情上面。」 因为狄安娜表示愿意协助，所以罗伦斯推测能够到手的可能性有七成。 不过，他觉得在马克面前表现得像是无后路可退的模样，应该会更具效果。 在与马克先前的谈话当中，罗伦斯已得知对城镇商人而言，他的请求是个无理的要求。 既然这样，就只能诉诸于情。 然而，马克听了罗伦斯的话后，却迟迟没有做出反应。 「喔……关于那件事啊。」 然后，马克口中说出这样的话，这让罗伦斯清楚听见了体内的血液迅速退去的声音。 不过，马克立刻敲了一下口中咬着面包的小伙子的头，然后顶起下巴说：「快报告结果！」 被敲了一下头的小伙子急忙吞下面包，然后从砍树后剩下的残干做成的椅子上站起来说：「如果是以崔尼银币付现，价值三百七十枚的……呃……黄——」 「你是要让所有人都听见啊！就是这么回事。」 马克一边用他厚实的手掌捣住小伙子的嘴巴，一边迅速环视四周一遍，如果这话题不小心被四周的人听见，想必马克会很伤脑筋吧。 只是，罗伦斯不禁一脸茫然。 以崔尼银币付款？价值三百七十枚？ 「哈哈。看到你这个表情，连我都不免高兴了起来。是这样子的，你走了之后呢，我试着想了一下。」 马克从小伙子的嘴边挪开手，并直接伸向倒了酒的酒杯，然后开心地说道：「连我都会为了保护名誉而不能帮你忙了，我想其他家伙也一样。可是，我自己也基于赚点小外快的想法而买了那商品，其他家伙当然也会跟我一样。可是呢，我之所以能够控制在只是小家子气地赚点外快，那是因为我手头没有现金。照理说，因为采买回程货物的家伙们都没来买麦子，所以麦子行情是下跌的。行情明明下跌，但是前来兜售麦子的家伙却会毫不犹豫地来兜售，所以我手头的现金才都付光了。既然这样……」 马克咕嘟咕嘟地喝下酒，看似舒服地打了嗝，同时继续说：「既然这样，手头有现金的家伙会怎么做呢？我怎么也不认为他们有办法忍住不出手。想必他们一定在暗地里，偷偷地大量搜购吧。不过，这就要提到我告诉你不能帮你忙的理由了。这些人都不是独来独往的旅行商人。他们是各有立场、背负商店名誉的商人。他们买到商品固然开心，但因为价格涨得太高，这会儿头痛着想脱手却脱不了手。就算只是卖出些许数量，也会带来惊人的利益。如果是特别神经质的人，想必会更加在意吧。接下来是什么样的状况，我想聪明的你应该猜得到吧？」 马克在最后丢出这样的问句。罗伦斯隔了一会儿后，才点了点头。 马克一定是让小伙子到处跑腿，然后要他散布消息。 有个想赚钱想疯了的旅行商人说愿意用现金采买黄铁矿，您觉得如何？不如趁现在把价格涨得太高、想脱手却脱不了手的黄铁矿处理掉吧？ 听到这番建议的人一定会认为这正是一场及时雨。 当然了，马克肯定与这些人签订了暗地里用现金换取黄铁矿时，酌收手续费的合约。 以施户恩惠给对方的形式换取黄铁矿，叮说足绝佳妙计。 不过，利用这个妙计竟能买到价值三百七十枚银币的数量，这表示市场上存在着相当大的卖出压力。 「就是这么回事。只要你愿意，我马上叫小伙子去跑腿。」 罗伦斯没有理由拒绝。 他立刻解开背在肩上的麻袋。 "But……" 罗伦斯忽然停下手中的动作。 马克以讶异的眼光看向罗伦斯。 罗伦斯回过神来，连忙从麻袋里取出装有银币的袋子搁在桌上。 然后，他喃喃说：「抱歉。」 马克听了，一副受不了罗伦斯似的表情叹了口气说：「这时候应该要道谢吧。」 「咦？啊，对喔。抱……不对。」 罗伦斯觉得自己像是在和赫萝说话一样，他再次开口说：「谢谢。」 「咯哈哈哈哈，没想到你这家伙原来这么有趣。思？不对。」 马克从罗伦斯手中收下装有银币的袋子，他先亲眼确认后，才解开绳子交给小伙子。小伙子动作敏捷地堆高银币，开始数起银币枚数。 「应该是你变了。」 "……yes?" 「嗯。要说你以前是个优秀的商人嘛，倒不如说你是个彻头彻尾、没有里外的商人。你老实说，你从来没把我当成朋友过吧？」 因为被道中心声，罗伦斯顿时哑口无言。 然而，马克却开心地笑着说：「现在怎样呢？在你心中，我仍然只是个交易对象、一个好说话的商人吗？」 听到马克如此直接的询问，罗伦斯根本不能点头。 即便如此，罗伦斯却感觉彷佛身陷不可思议的幻术之中，他抱着这样的心情摇了摇头。 「长期过惯了旅行商人生活的人当上城镇商人后，总无法得心应手的原因就在这里。不过呢，还有一件事比这更加有趣。」 不知道是因为喝了酒的缘故，还是另有原因，马克的样子看起来真的很开心。 尽管继续说话的马克把胡须修剪得四四方方的，他的睑看起来却像颗栗子一样圆。 「我问你一件事。当你面临与我诀别的时候，你会这么拚命地在卡尔梅森四处奔走吗？」 每天在主人马克的威势下过生活的小伙子抬起头，轮流看向两人。 罗伦斯觉得不可思议极了。 虽然他已把马克当成朋友看待，但如果要他老实回答这个问题，他实在无法点头回应。 「哈哈哈哈。没关系，我期待将来。不过……」 马克说到一半突然停顿下来，然后沉稳地说：「你为了夥伴却如此拚命。」 罗伦斯听到的瞬间，感觉到一股灼热感通过喉咙，滑进了胃里。 马克把视线栘向小伙子后，语带嘲讽意味地说：「这就是被女人迷得神魂颠倒的男人模样。不过，树枝如果不够柔软，就无法抵挡强风。」 一人度过一年的岁月还不及两人度过半年的岁月来得长。 那么，马克究竟比罗伦斯年长多少呢？ 「你跟我一样。一定是中了旅行商人的诅咒。」 「诅、咒？」 「因为这个诅咒快被解开了，所以你才会变成这么有趣的家伙吧。你不明白吗？你应该单纯是因为幸运，才会跟你的夥伴一起旅行吧？」 「还没决定。」 「既然这样……」 「不，我决定了。今天可以让我睡在这里吗？」 马克一脸愕然反问说：「睡这里？」 「嗯。这里有装麦子的麻袋吧？借我。」 「你要多少我当然都可以借你，可是：：来我家吧，我不会跟你收钱的。」 「这样或许可以带来好运。」 很多旅行商人都会这么做。 马克听了，似乎也放弃了继续邀约。 「那，明天凌晨在这里见啰。」 罗伦斯点头回应后，马克举起酒杯说：「要不要干杯祈祷愿望实现？」 罗伦斯当然没理由拒绝。