Our Family Has Fallen-Chapter 506 - 319: The Destitute Warwolf_1
As soon as the two met, the words exchanged were fraught with danger. Amanda could feel that Lance’s attitude towards her had undergone a significant change. Previously, he had always been gentle; even when she had made a foolish mistake, he had merely been cold, never showing such hostility.
Amanda keenly sensed this transformation.
Was it because I’d made contact with those above, the transaction completed, so I was no longer of use? That seemed unlikely. I’m responsible for the handover, and the items haven’t even arrived yet.
Suddenly, Amanda realized something. She hadn’t understood why Tamara had been so smug before leaving, but now she thought she understood.
What awful things had that woman Tamara said about me?
However, Amanda was not cowed. Instead, she stepped forward and conjured a book out of thin air, offering it with both hands.
"This is the ’Monster Compendium.’ I wanted to give it to you when we first met, but unfortunately, too many misunderstandings got in the way."
My meaning was clear, wasn’t it? I was implying that whatever Tamara said was false, just a misunderstanding.
That was actually true. When I learned that Tamara had presented an explanation of the world’s extraordinary forces to the Lord, I understood what he needed and had therefore prepared this gift. I just hadn’t expected that when we met, before we’d even exchanged many words, I would be cornered like that... It was best not to dwell on these things. One misstep led to another, and Tamara had stolen a march on me.
Lance, however, did not notice her reaction, his attention entirely on the compendium.
Compared to the outdated textbooks of indeterminate age that I’d scavenged before, this one, compiled by the Romani, is obviously better and more comprehensive—a valuable item indeed. But if she thinks she can win my favor with just this, then my goodwill must be cheap indeed.
"Let’s get down to business; I’m very busy," Lance said nonchalantly, setting the book down. His gaze sized up the woman before him, though his eyes inevitably shifted away.
Amanda also realized how difficult Lance could be. Fortunately, the Elder, before leaving, had anticipated potential resistance and left her a card to play.
"I came here to discuss the sale of extraordinary items with you, Lord Earl."
At this, Lance dropped his indifferent demeanor. Tamara had mentioned to him that the Romani had a sales channel specifically targeting Extraordinary Equipment and high-value items like Spiritual Materials. When he had previously talked with their Elder, it was mainly about ordinary supplies; these items hadn’t been part of that discussion.
Now I finally understand the Elder’s intentions. She waited until now to play this card. As part of the sales channel, Amanda essentially holds a get-out-of-jail-free card. Unless I’m willing to give up these opportunities, I absolutely won’t harm her.
"I have the money. Just don’t try to pawn off junk on me."
"Of course," Amanda replied, realizing she had passed the toughest hurdle. She then presented him with an invitation. "Periodically, we list items we’ve collected or that others have consigned for sale. If you, Lord Earl, have needs, you can also use our channel to sell items you no longer require. Ordinary customers are charged a 10% commission, but for you, Lord Earl, it will only be 7%."
"That commission is too high. I can’t accept it."
Lance glanced at the invitation. It was essentially a brokerage service—they didn’t have the items themselves; they just sold information. To be honest, I’ve always hated these intermediary types. In my past life, I was swindled by various brokers, and not just once. More importantly, this way, I can’t make any money from it.
Lance could be generous, but he was also stingy, especially when he felt—Damn it, you’re trying to fleece me!
"We provide appraisal and transportation, and we compensate for fakes. If an item doesn’t reach your hands, we cover it. We also advance funds, and we have to grease various palms. Believe me, Lord Earl, at this commission rate, we’re practically providing this service to you for free," Amanda stated with a smile. The Romani managed to control this business not just through their information channels but also by providing thorough service and paying protection fees wherever necessary. She was hinting that they were merely the public face of an operation in which many powers had a stake—a shared pie.
But if I truly believed her, I’d be done for. Never trust the words of a wandering merchant.
"Five percent. That’s my bottom line."
Lance immediately began to bargain hard with her. At last, they reached a consensus. Since she agreed, it means the Elder’s actual bottom line was even lower than this, and they’re still making a profit. Still, I don’t really care about that. They can’t be expected to work for nothing, after all. People have to eat. After all, if I can directly convert money into combat power right now, it’s a very cost-effective deal. Gold Coins piled up in the warehouse are useless; only when spent do they truly become money.
"This is the list of items for this period," Amanda said, passing the document over.
Lance quickly skimmed through it. Their service was indeed commendable; each item was listed with a general description.
But what truly annoyed me was how high this junk was priced!
"Are your sources really this bad? Equipment with so many side effects and little actual use can sell for this much?"
"Lord Earl, you must understand that with the Empire in chaos, as long as something can enhance strength, side effects don’t matter. This is market dynamics; we are merely relaying the market prices."
"Is that so...?" Lance wasn’t angry; instead, he fell into thought.
