Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters-Chapter 900 - 16 Speculative Business

Chapter 900: Chapter 16 Speculative Business Chapter 900: Chapter 16 Speculative Business The business of trading in human heads is currently the hottest speculative enterprise in Revodan.

The formal name of the human head vouchers is [Empire Calendar 559 Iron Peak County Military Merit Land Exchange Certificate]. This name is indeed too awkward to utter, and everyone’s first reaction upon hearing it is: “Huh? What?”

Thus, in most circumstances, people unanimously use its colloquial name—human head vouchers.

There is no public trading exchange for human head vouchers, and there is no universally recognized real-time price.

However, whether it is the actual heads or the certificates, apart from the initial period of fluctuating prices, for the rest of the time, the prices have generally risen, up to today.

After the results of the “Blood Mud Battle” reached Revodan, those speculators who gambled and acquired the heads immediately have, at the very least, doubled or even tripled their worth.

For those who were slower to react or more conservative in nature, even if their bets were small, they did not lose any money.

...

A business where one only profits greatly or slightly, and a commodity that is forever rising in price, can stir up greed in even the most composed individuals.

Suddenly, human head vouchers have taken over the living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens of the people in Revodan.

In front of the stove, beside the dining table, or on the bed, from wealthy merchants and gentlemen to common peddlers and porters, everyone was talking about human head vouchers.

Discussing why human head vouchers were rising in value, discussing how long they could continue to rise, discussing whether or not to buy some human head vouchers.

…

In old Priskin’s study.

“Tell me the truth,” old Priskin tapped his pipe and asked slowly, “How many human heads vouchers have you actually stockpiled?”

“Not many,” little Priskin hummed.

“How many?”

Unable to avoid answering, little Priskin gave a number.

A very large number.

Little Priskin shrank his neck, bracing for his grandfather’s thunderous anger.

Unexpectedly, old Priskin just filled his pipe and said indifferently, “Being able to acquire that many with so little capital is also a talent you have.”

Read lat𝙚st chapters at fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓ Only.

After speaking, old Priskin motioned for his grandson to sit: “Speak up, from start to finish, tell me everything.” …

A father may be strict with his son, but he always has a soft spot for his grandson.

This is probably because there often exists an invisible competition between fathers and sons, whereas only affection remains over a generation gap.

When little Priskin was caught plotting a rebellion, old Priskin was so furious he wanted to break his legs.

After a while, when the old man’s anger subsided, little Priskin once again became his grandfather’s beloved grandson, and was only prohibited from participating in the family business.

Priskin Trading did not spend much money on the “head speculation,” but was one of the earliest buyers of the heads.

As soon as the triumphant news reached Revodan, old Priskin called his grandson into the study and gave him a small bag of Gold Coins to buy a few heads.

Little Priskin counted the money, his expression troubled: “Grandfather, only this much?”

“This isn’t a business affair,” old Priskin enlightened his grandson, “It’s enough just to make a statement.”

“Oh,” little Priskin was obviously reluctant.

He didn’t bet heavily, not because the old man didn’t see the business opportunity, but because the Priskin family was already among the wealthiest in Revodan, and they didn’t need to risk speculating.

The old man knew clearly: as long as Blood Wolf keeps their promise, the price of Hurd heads will definitely skyrocket; but making money means depressing the buying price.

“Buying heads at a low price” is blatantly exploiting those soldiers with military merits, essentially undermining Blood Wolf’s foundation.

If it were anybody else standing in front of the table, the old man wouldn’t have said a word. But it was his own grandson, the son of his deceased eldest son, and he couldn’t help but teach him.

“You’ve also been on the city wall; how dangerous is battle? You know it all too well. A Herd Barbarian’s arrow flying your way could take a life immediately.” Recalling his experience defending the city, old Priskin also became somewhat emotional:

“Soldiers risk their lives for every head they take, and then you buy them off with a little money, just like that. Is that fair? For minor issues, the Civil Guard Officer might just grit his teeth and bear it. But if it goes too far, Blood Wolf will flip the table! They hold the swords!”

Little Priskin “Oh”ed, looking quite dejected.

In the study with only the two of them, old Priskin asked: “Do you know why I won’t let you handle business anymore?”

Little Priskin’s voice was so soft it was almost inaudible: “Because I caused a big disaster.”

Old Priskin asked again, “Do you think I am punishing you?”

Little Priskin lowered his head, not saying a word.

“Your father died early; the person who loves you the most in this world is me. How could I punish you this way?” Old Priskin looked at his grandson, seeing more and more of his late son in him: “Do you still not understand? I don’t let you handle business because there’s a more suitable plan for you.”

Little Priskin looked up, puzzled.

“Your uncle is timid and cautious. Entrusting Priskin Trading to him won’t lead it to ruin,” old Priskin sighed. “Aren’t you the one who likes to take risks? Who likes to gamble with luck? After much deliberation, there’s another business better suited for you.”

“What…what kind of business?” Little Priskin, although reckless, was not stupid, and quickly caught on, “Grandfather, are you asking me to go…”

Remembering that phrase imprinted in his memory, “Don’t cry, smile,” little Priskin shivered involuntarily and used his whole body to reject: “No, no, no…I won’t go, just let me be a pampered pig, I’m willing to be that…or let me go be an apprentice to my uncle, anything is fine…”