Chapter 7 Negotiation (I)

  "After a moment of silence, exchanging glances with each other, DePero spoke up first: 'Firstly, we want to apologize for what happened yesterday. It's been a long time since outsiders came to Haidington, so when you all arrived suddenly yesterday, it caused some panic among the residents. If there was any offense, please forgive us.'"

  Raymond thought to himself that it had begun, and the apology was just a prelude. He waved his hand: "No need, we also have our own shortcomings, let's just understand each other."

  As expected, Depero said, "Thank you for your understanding. But I'm curious, why did you leave the continent of Mojina and cross the ocean to come to Veronika?"

  He knew the other party would have such doubts, so Raymond was prepared: "We were originally doing business in Moji, but because most of the trade routes are monopolized by the four major merchant guilds, and we didn't want to join them, it's hard to make any money. Later, I heard that the Veronica continent is a place full of opportunities, so I came over to try my luck."

  Although what he said was a lie, it wasn't entirely nonsense. The four major merchant guilds of the Mojina continent were quite famous even on the Veronica continent. Given Haidington's current situation, there was no way for them to verify the truth, so as long as this lie sounded "reasonable and credible", that would be enough.

  As expected, De Piro listened and although he was half-believing and half-doubtful, he didn't ask further questions. At this time, Fan Ning said: "Are you very familiar with Mr. Reed?"

  Raymond shook his head: "It's not that, we just happened to help him out with a big favor, and he found out that we didn't have a foothold on the Veronica continent yet, so as a return, he introduced us here."

  "Is that so?" Fan Ning let out a soft sigh and exchanged a disappointed glance with the others.

  Charlotte, who was standing beside him, also looked anxious. Everyone knew that in order to convince the three of them, it would be best to conceal any unfavorable information at this time. But Raymond's response was unexpectedly honest, had he misjudged him? Was this guy really a foolish simpleton who didn't understand flexibility?

  As expected, Lambert's trembling voice was heard: "Then, can you contact Mr. Reed and ask him to save us, no matter what, Haidington."

  Just as Charlotte was about to say something, Raymond's face suddenly sank: "Excuse me for being blunt, but it seems you're still pinning your hopes on Reed. Unfortunately, if he could really help you, he wouldn't have let us come here."

  Raymond's sudden change in attitude stunned the three of them. Before they could react, Raymond continued: "I'm very clear that the problem plaguing Haidingdun must be extremely troublesome. But if you're still so suspicious and unwilling to say anything, then even if Reid really comes, it will probably be useless."

  As he spoke, he suddenly stood up: "I've had enough of your nonsense. Whether to continue putting hope in someone who won't come or do something more practical, you consider it yourself."

  I didn't expect this guy to be so easy-going, but after a few words, he suddenly turned his face and took an unyielding stance. The three Depero, who had originally prepared many "tests" to make things difficult for Raymond, immediately panicked. Good heavens, how come this guy doesn't follow the rules at all?

  At this point, their tricks below naturally couldn't continue anymore.

  Only Freddy, who was standing beside him, faintly smiled. Although Raymond's words were sharp and biting, at this time, they were far more effective than gentle persuasion, that is to say, his current performance was just a strategic retreat.

  Singing black face was originally Freddy's forte, but this time it was learned and used by Raymond.

  Only Depero and others saw their faces turn red and white, obviously being hit by Raymond's painful words.

  Charlotte also saw through it and said in a timely manner: "Everyone, since they were introduced by Mr. Reed, I think they can be trusted. Now that things have come to this point, let's just clarify the situation."

  Under Raymond's clever tactics, Depero and the others' initial momentum dissipated. The three of them looked at each other, and finally nodded reluctantly. Raymond naturally took advantage of the situation, apologized for his supposed rudeness with a few words, and calmly sat back down.

  At this time, Morini said: "I believe you already know that Haidington is a town that relies on trade to survive. But now our business activities are almost completely banned, so the town will become what it is today."

  Yesterday when he entered the city, Raymond had already noticed this point, which was also his biggest doubt in his heart. He couldn't help but say: "In my opinion, the geographical location here is quite good, how can such a situation occur?"

  "That's because, from about half a year ago, several bands of robbers suddenly appeared outside the town. They robbed travelers and merchant caravans, hardly sparing anyone, and as time went on, no merchant caravans dared to come to Haidington anymore." Charlotte added, "Since we didn't have enough funds to support our shipping fleet, Haidington has been relying almost entirely on overland trade for its livelihood."

  "After the highway was occupied by robbers, our products couldn't be sold out, and other goods couldn't circulate in either. Gradually, the shops in the town went bankrupt one after another, a large number of residents lost their jobs, and Haidington declined like this."

  It was unexpected that it was because of this reason, and the three people were shocked. Rude couldn't help but say: "If they're just some robbers, why don't you think of a way to get rid of them?"

  Morini shook his head and smiled bitterly: "How could there not be? We had hired several mercenary troops to try and drive off the bandits. But they were elusive, and their combat strength was formidable, almost every mercenary troop was annihilated, gradually we exhausted our money, and could no longer hire anyone."

  "Freddie said in a low voice: 'Why hire mercenaries? Doesn't your king care about this?'"

  Morin and the others exchanged a look, and DePero explained, "Haidnton is an affiliated city of the Ravit Trade Federation. To be precise, our relationship with them is not as close as that between a king and his subjects."

  At this time, Charlotte sighed: "When we first joined the Federation, the Federal Parliament promised to protect the safety of every town under its flag. However, since Haidington is located on the edge of the Federation and not in the main commercial area, it has always been neglected. Although we have sought help from the Federal Parliament through various channels, we have never received any response. In desperation, we had to seek help from Mr. Reid, hoping to get support from the sea."

  It turned out that the dark passage was like this, and Raymond somewhat understood why Reed was unwilling to intervene. Because in name, this belongs to the internal affairs of the Lavieth Federation. If Reed responds to Haidington's request for help, his struggle with the Lavieth Federation will change from a purely commercial behavior to a political one.

  A shrewd businessman like Reid would never put himself at a disadvantage for a small town.

  I said how could he be so kind-hearted, turns out Freddy was right, businessmen are all a bunch of people who don't want to take losses...

  At this moment of Raymond's sentimentality, he heard Rudolph say: "Have those bandits ever attacked the town?"

  Morini shook his head: "That's unlikely, Haydington is a town of nearly ten thousand people, those robbers shouldn't dare to be so blatant."

  Rud heard this and showed a strange expression, but didn't say anything more.

  Charlotte bowed her head and said, "Please forgive our initial concealment. In the past, a mercenary group had failed to eliminate bandits and the remaining people lingered in town demanding compensation, causing us great trouble. So before we could think it through, we..."

  She didn't say anything after that, but Raymond did understand their difficulties.

  This isn't a hero coming to save the village, but rather a group of people running up and shouting for help. The town of Haiding has been threatened by bandits for a long time, and the residents have always been on edge, with past experiences to learn from. Suddenly one day, a group of people come running, saying they want to help, who would immediately welcome them with open arms?

  But now they're willing to speak out about what really happened, at least it's a good start.

  As expected, Morini said: "Since you are Mr. Reed's recommended people and are willing to help us, I sincerely request that you drive away those robbers and save Haidington."

  "As part of the exchange, Haydington is willing..." Charlotte continued.

  But before she could finish speaking, the oldest Lambert hastily said: "As long as we can drive away those bandits, we will surely thank you, and from now on, you are welcome to stay here for business."

  "Think you can still play word games with us at this point?" Freddy sneered suddenly.

  "What...what did you say?" Lambert's face turned bright red.

  Freddie shot a sharp glance from under the wide brim of his hat. He stared steadily at Lambert and said slowly, "For your own good, I advise you not to play this kind of trick in front of me."

  "Nonsense! How dare you..." Lan Bo's voice was stern and harsh.

  Raymond thought for a moment and understood what Freddy was referring to. Lambert was indeed playing with words. To know that he said "stationed", which seemed similar to Raymond's request, but in fact the two were worlds apart.

  As a commercial town, any merchant group coming to do business can enter the city, and the Haidington building is used for this purpose. However, there is a huge difference between this and taking the town as one's own trading base, where the relationship between the merchant group and the town will be much closer.

  If a merchant group can take a certain town as its base, it means that in the future, they can operate under the name of this town, such as "XX Merchant Group of Certain Town". This is just like having a home, and their identity is instantly elevated compared to wandering merchants who are like "wild children" without a place to rely on.

  Having a base means that the merchant team has considerable strength, and it also means having a more stable rear and guarantee. This is of inestimable benefit to a merchant team's credit rating or participation in some large-scale commodity transactions.

  Many famous merchant groups have their own stronghold towns, and some large chambers of commerce even own several cities, weaving a trade network among them. Merchant groups like the Lavierte Trade Federation have united dozens of large and small cities, almost becoming a country in its own right.

  It can be seen from here how important it is for a business team to have its own foothold.