Chapter 3 Act II-1

The boy's name seems to be Tot.Col. Waking up from a nap, his stomach seemed to be growling louder than Holo, so Lawrence gave him some bread.He ate the bread as if he was wary of the wild dogs around him while eating. His expression didn't have that rough feeling, making people feel like the kind of dog that was thrown away by others. "So, how much did you pay for the paper?" According to Cole himself, those certificates bought from traveling merchants were not just one or two. He took a look at all the contents in the tattered bag he was carrying.Almost enough to make a booklet.

The boy Cole ate a fist-sized piece of rye bread in two bites, and at the same time replied briefly: "...one trinity...eight roads." The reason why his voice was so slurred probably wasn't because he was eating bread. Dressed like this, he actually paid a trinity silver coin, which must be a desperate plan. "It's really neat enough... Is the traveling merchant's dress very glamorous?" It was Ragusa who answered. "No, it's probably a businessman with ragged clothes and no right hand?" Cole was taken aback, and nodded at the same time. "That's a well-known guy in the neighborhood. He's always peddling that kind of paper. I guess he told you so? Look at my right hand. I took such a big risk to get it back." .I don’t have a long life, and I plan to go back to my hometown. So, I will transfer this certificate to you.”

Cole's eyeballs had turned into little dots.Probably not a single word.There's nothing wrong with it. Liars will basically lead their subordinates, and those deceitful words are also passed on from the boss to the subordinates endlessly. in addition.The right arm lost by the liar was probably cut off after being arrested by the police. Thieves who steal money have their fingers cut off, and crooks who steal credit have their arms cut off.Murderers who stole their lives were beheaded.Of course, if it goes too far, it can turn into a hanging that is worse than beheading. one way or another.The teenager seemed shocked that he had fallen into a trap set by a well-known liar, and his head slumped limply.

"But, can you understand the text?" Lawrence asked while flipping through the stack of papers.The boy replied without confidence, "Know a little...". "More than half of this stack of things doesn't even count as certificates." "...Then, what is that...?" Lawrence couldn't help admiring the unexpected humility of his words.Maybe he had followed a good master? After all, he looked like that when I met him, which is indeed a bit unexpected. Cole's current expression can almost be said to be more disappointed than this one. Probably because he felt pitiful, Holo, who was sitting next to him, handed him the bread to eat.

"Basically, these are various documents stolen from some chamber of commerce. Look, there is also a notice of 'the exchange rate table has been sent!'" Lawrence said as he handed the things to Holo.But even though Holo could read, she didn't know what a notice of the exchange rate table was. then.Lawrence turned his head again, and was about to show Cole something, but he shook his head. Now he probably has the feeling of being forced to face his own failure. "I often see things like this. Although these pieces of paper cannot be used to extract money, they can at least become a snack for merchants. Most of these are stolen from somewhere. Turning around in the hands of different people."

"The merchants we deal with also said that they were put together before." Ragusa interrupted while turning the bow of the ship slightly to the right. "Who stole it?" "Basically, they are all the boys who went to the chamber of commerce to do odd jobs. They were tortured at will. When they escaped, they planned to get some travel money, so they stole it. If it is a chamber of commerce that is a business enemy, it should They will also be purchased at high prices. Of course, some people will buy them with the intention of defrauding them. This is probably the crystallization of wisdom that has been passed down among the boys. If they steal money, the Chamber of Commerce will definitely chase them down, but After all, this kind of thing is related to the face of the Chamber of Commerce, so it is not so easy to pursue."

"Well?" "If you desperately chase after a draft of an account book that is missing, maybe others will think that something terrible is written on that draft? This is a very headache for the chamber of commerce." There was a lot to think about, indeed— Holo nodded admiringly. Lawrence flipped through the papers as he spoke, but it seemed interesting this way. It is not information that can be seen casually at which store in which town, at what price, and at what price. However, for Cole, this is really a sad thing. If Lawrence was allowed to buy these things, twenty Luds would already be the limit. ,

"This is the so-called 'not knowing is a crime'. How about it? You don't have any money anyway, do you? I'll help you buy these things for the cost of the boat and meals." The boy's brow twitched, but he still didn't raise his eyes, but stared at the bottom of the boat. He must be doing many calculations in his mind. This stack of papers might have been mixed with genuine ones, or maybe they were all pure torn paper.If you miss this opportunity, you may not meet someone who is willing to buy it.Even so.But after all, this is something bought at a high price of more than one treni...

Just as Holo claimed that she could easily see through Lawrence's inner thoughts, Lawrence could also easily see through these issues of gain and loss. It's just that it's not seen through the changes in expression and attitude like Holo.And purely I have had this kind of experience before I can understand it. "How much...how much?" He raised his head as if holding some kind of resentment, probably thinking that if he showed a lack of confidence, his price would be lowered. Facing his efforts, Lawrence felt a little amused, managed to hold back the laughter, coughed and said calmly:

"Ten Lute." "Woo..." Cole took a deep breath with a tense face, and replied: "Too, too cheap." "Really? Then give it back to you." Lawrence handed the stack of papers to Cole without hesitation. Apply to save a little strength on the face, it is something that will be easily peeled off. and.The appearance of being stripped of the mask is even more shabby than when nothing was applied. Cole alternately looked at the stack of papers in front of him and Lawrence's expression, and tightly pursed his lips. Trying to raise the selling price as much as possible and put on a tough attitude, but in the end, I didn't even make a penny.But now, if you want to ask the other party again, you can't do it because of the tough mask.

That's it. If you look at it calmly, after all, Holo and Ragusa also smiled helplessly at this scene.He should know that exposing his fragility will open up a way to survive. If it is said that a businessman can sacrifice his dignity at any time in order to make money, this is the case. Of course, Cole is not a businessman, and he is still very young. Lawrence put the stack of papers back and scratched his chin in the corner. "Twenty luts, I can't pay any higher price." Cole's eyes widened as if poking her head out of the water, but she lowered her gaze immediately. Probably because he thought that if he was seen happy, he would be taken advantage of. Although it was obvious that he was completely relieved, of course Lawrence pretended not to notice. Lawrence glanced at Holo, only to see that she was baring one side of her fangs, as if to say, "Don't be too bullying." "Please... buy it at this price..." "Though it's not enough to get to Kenrube. Either you disembark on the way, or..." Lawrence shifted his gaze to Ragusa, which was watching the situation through the eyes of a sideshow, and the bold boatman smiled and said "I can't help it", and then continued: "There are also some odd jobs to do on the way. If you help, I will pay you some labor fees." Cole looked around like a lost puppy, then nodded slightly. It is really frustrating that there are so many river passes everywhere. Although you can get money if you stop the boat.It is understandable to build these gates one after another. If there is no such thing, the speed of the boat trip should be twice as fast. Moreover, if it is a gateway built by a wealthy lord, some will also be built as a bridge connecting the two sides of the river, as well as a wharf for imperial cargo and cargo receipt.Ships coming and going will also carry out cargo loading and receiving operations there. If people are concentrated, sometimes there will be people selling food and wine to the boatman.It presents the same scene as a hotel street in the city.In fact, there are many gateways that have evolved into miniature towns. Because of this, the speed of the ship becomes slower.It is said that the final slower than walking also happens from time to time. Although Ragusa also said that the cargo on the ship is more urgent.Still nothing compared to the people who carried the furs. Desiring to go to Canlube as soon as possible, he threw down the remaining money at the pass, regardless of the narrowness of the river, and chased Ragusa's boat with superb skills. "In this case, can you catch up with that fox..." After stopping the boat at an unknown pass, Ragusa seemed to have made an appointment with someone here. He said a few words to the man dressed as a businessman who ran over immediately, called Cole over and began to move the goods. That's it, one ship after another passed; Holo woke up from her doze and snuggled up to Lawrence.Looking at this scene blankly, he muttered in a low voice. After boarding the boat.Holo always felt sleepy and wondered if something was wrong with her.But after thinking about it later, I remembered that I had cried a lot when I stayed in the Drinking Chamber of Commerce as a mortgage. The memory of crying about myself is very distant.So easy to forget.But crying is indeed a very physically demanding act. "Forget it. It's faster than a carriage." He replied casually while looking at the paper bundle he bought from Cole.Holo also replied with a sleepy face, "Is that so?" The boat that rocks from side to side from time to time is like a cradle. If you are on the sea, you will feel uncomfortable, but if you are on the river, you will feel sleepy.It is true to say that this is an incredible thing. "That kid. It seems to be unexpectedly serious in doing things." "Huh? Ahh." Holo was watching Cole, who was helping to carry the goods on the pier. As she said, he didn't say anything to complain, and was obediently following Ragusa's instructions to help carry the goods.Although he didn't seem strong enough to move the sacks full of wheat on the Ragusa boat, he was moving a few small bags of beans or something to the boat. Looking at him now, I don't think he is a person who would call Lawrence a teacher in a critical moment to hold a glimmer of hope. Once the critical moment comes, people will exert incredible power. "Of course. After all, the person who fell into this kind of trick must be very serious in his original character." Judging from the fantastic price of one trinity eight lut, it can be deduced that he must have been cheated out of all the cash on hand. cheated guy.Regardless of whether they are greedy or what, they are generally serious people by nature. Because of this, they never dream that the other is lying. "If you have a serious personality, you will be easily deceived. I seem to have heard this saying somewhere." This is what she looks like when she recovers. Lawrence ignored her, still focusing on the bundle of paper. "Hey. So, is there anything interesting?" "...Well, there are quite a few." "Hmm...for example?" After finishing speaking, Holo looked at the trestle bridge indifferently, as if surprised by something. Lawrence followed her to look over there, and saw a mule carrying a large amount of cargo that seemed to be crushed. Probably Ragusa and Cole moved the goods to the mules brought by the traveling merchant. The mule looked like it was performing acrobatics, but Holo showed a sympathetic expression. "Well, let's say this. It's an order for copper coins." "Copper... coins? Do you want to buy money on purpose? Does that mean there are other people who want to do the same thing as last time?" "No, I'm afraid it was just a need. The purchase price was a little higher than the prevailing rate, and you see, it says 'We pay for shipping, duties, or other charges'. That's evidence of a regular purchase. " "Uh, uh... wait a minute. We seem to have heard it somewhere. It's about why we do this kind of thing... it seems to be..." Holo frowned and closed her eyes. ． There are several other reasons to buy currencies besides speculative purposes. In particular, the copper coins of relatively small value are recorded on it, so there is only one reason for it. Holo looked up, finally smiling. "I see, is it change?" "Oh, you're pretty smart, too." Lawrence couldn't help laughing at the way Holo puffed out her chest at the compliment. "Yes, this is specially purchased for use as change. If people come to buy things and there is no change to find, then the business cannot be done. And those small change are taken out of town by travelers every day. Presumably, these currencies will cross the strait via Kenlube. The island country over there - the Kingdom of Winfield is famous for its small amount of currency. Therefore, there is another currency called 'rat currency' that circulates there. Different names." Holo immediately showed a dumbfounded expression. Seeing her face makes Lawrence want to put his finger on her nose impulse. "If war is imminent, or if the situation in the country is unstable, these currencies are Will leave that island country with the traveler ~.Because that's like sensing a crisis~ It's like a mouse that escaped from a boat, so it's called that. ,, "So that's the case, it's indeed a clever description." "That's right, I really want to know who came up with this name... Huh?, During the conversation, Lawrence's eyes were fixed on a certain part of the order. point. He felt as if he had seen the name of the Chamber of Commerce somewhere. Where did he see it? Just as he was thinking about it, there was a message from the trestle bridge There came a short cry of mourning. Looking up, it turned out that Cole almost fell off the trestle.Although he luckily did not For drowning, but instead of being grabbed by the collar by Ragusa's thick palms, it's like Hanging there like a cat or something. Then I heard a burst of laughter, and saw a shy smile on Cole's face. It seems that he is not a bad guy. Holo really had a good eye for seeing people. "So, what happened?" "Huh? Oh, the name of the chamber of commerce written here... I feel like I've seen it somewhere before. Yes. Isn't it just inside this stack of papers..." Just as Lawrence flipped through the stack of papers casually, the boat suddenly shook violently. Come. It turned out that Ragusa and Cole had finished the work of carrying and returned to the ship. "Thank you for your hard work, you are really a person who can work." Holo greeted Cole, who had returned to the bow, and his stiff face immediately disappeared. Relaxed a little. Although his original character may be very well-behaved, but he seems to have found that Lawrence is good. Flipping through the stack of papers as if looking for something. He stared at Lawrence with a puzzled expression. "Unfortunately, there is nothing mixed in that can be exchanged for money." Lawrence said such a sentence without raising his head, and he could know his immediate reaction by curling up just by feeling. ' Holo smiled slightly, and poked Lawrence on the shoulder as if to say "don't bully". However, Lawrence also understood his expectations. Because to be honest, Lawrence also fell into this kind of trap once. "Yes." "Oh?" He took out one of the… sheets of paper. It was a clean piece of paper, and the text remained there clearly. Looking at the date, it was around this time last year.This is probably the memo note that the chamber of commerce used when loading the transport ship.Because when it is recorded in the account books.Even if you find omissions, there is no room for correction, so this is what you use as a draft.However, the content recorded on it is as accurate and clear as that recorded in the account book. The product name, quantity and destination are clearly recorded in beautiful characters. Although it cannot be said that it is all over the world, from the perspective of a traveling merchant, the chamber of commerce information network has frequent contacts with branches or affiliated chambers of commerce, and can collect a lot of local information from people everywhere. With Bao [lI^, different. And the list of goods sent by the chamber of commerce to distant places is almost equivalent to a mirror of all the information obtained by the chamber of commerce. Of course, a certain level of knowledge is required to read it. "So, I said this is not something that can be exchanged for money." "Huh? Ah. No..." Cole, who was staring at the piece of paper in Lawrence's hand, hurriedly turned away. Lawrence couldn't help laughing.He sat up and stretched out his hand and said: "look." Cole took a peek at Lawrence, then shifted her gaze to the paper. "Listen, it says 'Recorded by Tid Reynolds of the Jane Chamber of Commerce.'"