Chapter 120 The Confused Merchant of Royal City
Early in the morning, a mist hung over the water, creating a hazy atmosphere.
Suddenly, the sound of oars slicing through the water broke the silence. Emerging from the mist was a medium-sized sailboat, followed by several smaller ones.
On the lead boat stood two figures, Zachary and Brandon.
"Mr. Zachary, we're nearing the territory of Eldoria," Brandon remarked, stretching lazily. He licked his mouth when he thought of Eldoria's delicacies, which filled him with anticipation.
"After pursuing an unrelenting journey through the night, finally, our destination is within our grasp," Brandon said.
Zachary glanced at the portly man beside him, wondering why Brandon seemed so eager to arrive at Eldoria.
"Yes, we're almost there. We'll set off again at noon, hopefully making good time." Zachary replied with a faint smile.
Unexpectedly, Zachary noticed a significant number of merchants heading to Eldoria, seemingly brought by Brandon. He hoped there were no ulterior motives or unforeseen circumstances.
Brandon nodded, still surprised by the bandit's attack plan. Just as he was going to propose to his father to go to Eldoria, the latter unexpectedly acquiesced without a moment's hesitation. Not only did he forgo any inquiry as to the purpose of the visit, but he also pressed him to urge Lord Henry to expedite his mobilization of troops in support of Hyratos.
"I feel relaxed, and I'm looking forward to what's to come," Brandon said with a smile, his eyes disappearing into his chubby face.
Zachary couldn't understand what was going through the nobleman's mind. Did he intend to settle in Eldoria? The idea seemed amusing.
Shaking off his thoughts, Zachary asked softly, "Did you invite those merchants, Mr. Brandon?"
"Yes! I brought some goods from Eldoria and sold them to the merchants. Now they want to see Eldoria for themselves," Brandon explained helplessly.
Zachary was taken aback. He hadn't expected that reason.
"Don't be surprised. No matter who comes to Eldoria, it will attract more people, especially those money-minded merchants," Brandon said, feeling a mix of emotions. It seemed like he was describing himself, he had only been away for a few days, but he already wanted to return to Eldoria.
"That's true." Zachary admitted, thinking about how Eldoria had changed. Everyone was motivated and working hard.
The two of them stood silently at the bow of the ship, watching as the mist gradually dissipated, revealing the rising sun.
After half an hour, the mist had completely cleared, and a bustling scene in the distance caught everyone's attention.
"Are those Eldoria's commoners?"
Zachary stood on tiptoe, observing a group of people carrying wood and stones, a familiar sight in Eldoria.
"They must be building a dock!" Brandon said in a deep voice.
He hadn't expected Eldoria to start building a dock by the river so soon. Was it an attempt to replicate Hyratos' success? Unfortunately, Eldoria's location was a bit remote, making success less likely.
The merchants gathered on the deck, watching the busy workers in the distance.
"What's going on?" the merchants exclaimed in surprise as they saw the commoners digging and hauling sand.
"They're building a dock!" a middle-aged man with a big belly, who had just come out of the cabin, replied with a smile, being the first to answer.
The surrounding merchants made way for him. He was Soro, a prominent businessman from the Royal City, known for his transportation business. He transported cheap and rare goods from various regions back to the Royal City for sale.
"Father, why did we come to this place? I want to go back to the Royal City and eat the pastries there," a young voice with a hint of disdain came from beside him.
Soro smiled, his bearded face exuding kindness, and he looked down at his youngest son, a seven or eight-year-old boy with gray hair, who was pouting.
"Every place has its own meaning and value," Soro said, patting his youngest son's head, teaching him, "Gael, remember, you can't dislike a place or person just because of their appearance!"
"As for the pastries, there are a few pieces in the bag. You can have them after we get ashore."
"Okay!" Gael replied nonchalantly, his voice filled with displeasure.
Soro didn't mind. Teaching a child required patience. His youngest son had been particularly naughty recently, which was why he brought him along.
The fleet soon arrived and docked at the newly constructed pier. Since construction had just begun yesterday afternoon, the pier was still being cleared.
"This noble is quite capable," Soro said, admiring the smiling commoners, "With such happy commoners, this noble is worth looking forward to."
Brandon, who happened to be nearby, or rather, Soro intentionally approached him, nodded in agreement. "Lord Henry is indeed a capable noble."
"Brandon, you rarely praise others like this, which makes me very curious about the noble in the territory," Soro skillfully engaged in conversation.
Brandon laughed, feeling emotional. "Once you meet Mr. Henry, you'll feel the same way as I do."
Soro was a little confused. He had been in contact with Brandon for some time, but he had never seen him admire someone like this.
Zachary, who was standing aside, suppressed a smile. He felt proud for some reason when he heard Brandon's admiration for Henry.
"We're here. Let's go ashore," Zachary said, being the first to jump onto the small pier.
"I can't wait to enter the city," Brandon said, looking at his wife and children, then waving to the coachman and shouting, "Come here."
"Three steel coins per person for the carriage." The coachman repeated as the carriage approached.
Brandon smiled and said, "I've been here before. You don't need to tell me that!"
"Alright! I'll help you with the luggage." the coachman grinned and quickly followed the servants to assist.
And so, Brandon was the first to be taken away by the carriage, leaving a group of bewildered merchants behind.
What was this?
