Published: March 12, 2025
Chapter 336: Smooth Sailing Commerce
Zhao Hai and the others were almost finished packing their things and were about to set off when suddenly, a person walked over from a camp beside them.
This person was dressed in luxurious clothing, but it wasn’t a noble robe; it was a rather ordinary warrior outfit. However, when Zhao Hai saw this person's warrior attire, he realized that this was someone who only liked to show off. He had never seen anyone use such fine fabric to make a warrior outfit; it was likely that after one battle, a regular mercenary would have lost their entire year’s income.
Zhao Hai looked at the person who was slowly approaching with confusion. The man had no weapons on him and wore a bright smile, appearing to pose no threat.
The man clearly understood the rules as he stopped about five to six meters away from Zhao Hai and bowed, saying, “Sir, greetings. I am the manager of the Smooth Sailing Commerce. I come today not with any ill intentions but to seek your company on our journey. I wonder what your thoughts are on this?”
Zhao Hai was taken aback and glanced at the man. Although he dressed somewhat uniquely, the size of the merchant convoy was quite considerable; Zhao Hai estimated there were over two hundred carts in total.
Seeing Zhao Hai’s expression, the man quickly added, “Please don’t misunderstand, sir. We have not offended any of the thieves here. Our Smooth Sailing Commerce has been doing business between the Roson Empire and the Aksu Empire for nearly a hundred years, traveling this lifeline and being very familiar with the friends on the road. This time, we simply wish to travel together with sir, with no other intentions.”
Zhao Hai looked at the merchant and smiled slightly, saying, “That’s perfect. This is our first time going to the Roson Empire, and we are unfamiliar with the rules. Traveling with you would be a good opportunity to learn. I am Wells; may I ask for your name?”
The man hurriedly replied, “I am the manager of Smooth Sailing Commerce, Feng Boqi. If you are ready, sir, we can set off immediately.”
Zhao Hai smiled and said, “Alright, let’s set off together. Mr. Feng, please lead the way.” Feng Boqi smiled slightly and turned back to his convoy.
Zhao Hai was somewhat puzzled by Feng Boqi’s sudden desire to travel together. Once inside the cart, he asked Laura, “Laura, have you heard of Smooth Sailing Commerce?”
Laura nodded and said, “Of course. Smooth Sailing Commerce is a medium-sized merchant company based in the Roson Empire. Their scale isn’t very large, and they often shuttle between the Roson Empire and the Aksu Empire. However, they haven’t been to the Versailles Principality since it’s quite far.”
Zhao Hai nodded, “What’s their reputation like? We know nothing about the Roson Empire, so it would be good to have someone knowledgeable to guide us.”
Laura nodded again, saying, “They have a very good reputation. Smooth Sailing Commerce is known for its honesty and trustworthiness. While they may not be top-tier merchants in the Roson Empire and Aksu Empire, they are quite well-known in the business circles.”
Zhao Hai nodded, “That’s good to hear. But why do you think they want to approach me? We have no dealings with them, and we only have two carts; one is for people, which clearly isn't for business.”
Laura smiled slightly, “Although we may not appear to be merchants, they highly value your performance from last night. Don’t forget, not only did you display the strength of a seventh-level mage, but you also handled those thieves beautifully, so much so that they willingly stood guard for you. With someone like you, how could they not find a way to draw you in?”
Zhao Hai smiled slightly, “I just didn’t want to make enemies with those mercenaries. Think about it; those mercenaries are able to operate in a place like this, and they surrounded us after passing through many camps. Wouldn’t those camps have sentinels? It’s unlikely. The fact that they acted as if they didn’t see the sentinels shows they were quite familiar with them, so I didn’t want to clash with these thieves.”