Chapter 38: Let’s Go Shopping
During the trade between Doran and the Phylin tribe, the two guards he brought exchanged subtle gazes.
Initially, trading in this desolate place of the Wind Veil Basin had already surprised them. Now, seeing that Doran’s trading partner was the Phylin tribe, they were even more shocked.
Aren’t these the Phylin tribe famously considered mere reserves in people’s minds? In people’s perception, the Phylin tribe is seen as having nothing but flaws. Most importantly, people believe the Phylin tribe is quite unintelligent.
“Are these the Phylin tribe?” A man with scars all over his face couldn’t help but ask his companion.
His name was Scar. He had been a mercenary for over a decade, often taking on guard duties. Scar thought he had seen a lot of strange people and things, yet this time still managed to surprise him.
“Of course they are,” sighed his companion.
Apart from humans, the Binary World is home to numerous peculiar races. Humans are just a fraction of this diversity. However, due to their larger population, most common kingdoms and nations are built by humans.
There might be hundreds of small and large countries in the Binary World, with over ninety being human-dominated.
While not human-dominated, the remaining dozen or so nations still have human inhabitants. There was even a nation built by the Phylin tribe, but it vanished completely after just over ninety years.
Speaking of which, there’s also a country called the Bant Republic that has vanished in recent years.
“I never imagined I’d see Phylin tribe in a place like this,” Scar leaned against the carriage wheel, sipping his drink.
All the Phylin tribe he’d seen before were confined, their eyes lifeless. But these Phylin tribes in the Wind Veil Basin were so lively that Scar doubted if he had mistaken them for someone else.
“What are you thinking?” Scar’s companion asked, puzzled.
“I’m thinking it’s a miracle these folks have been in the Wind Veil Basin for so long without being captured as slaves,” Scar remarked off-handedly.
Indeed, in the Wind Silk Basin, there was no one to protect the Phylin tribe. Given the common perception of the Phylin tribe’s fighting abilities, nobody would believe they could escape from slave hunters. And even if there were no slave catchers, the bandits would have killed them long ago.
The bandit gangs in the Wind Veil Basin were known to be merciless.
“Oh! Oh! Gentlemen, you can’t say such impolite things in front of the Phylin tribe,” Doran stepped up to Scar, gesturing for silence.
“They are my esteemed guests and benefactors,” Doran said loudly.
While attitudes towards the Phylin tribe in the Binary World were delicate, Doran had never concerned himself with such matters. After all, it wasn’t a human but the Phylin tribe who rescued him from the bandits. It was the Phylin tribe, not humans, who introduced him to Lord Ron.
Doran had always felt that the thoughts of a few individuals were difficult to change the perceptions of the masses, and he had never considered doing such a thing. However, it would be impolite to speak ill of his benefactors in front of them.
He tipped his hat towards the nearby Phylin tribe, offering a smile. He was merely being true to his own conscience.
“What’s Mr. Doran doing?” Someone inquired.
“Don’t know! We don’t understand either!”
“Mr. Doran! Mr. Doran! We’re here to buy your goods!” Another voice called out.
The Phylin tribe brought the items obtained from the bandit gang to Doran’s side, ready to exchange them for goods.
“Although a certain lord desired to monopolize these treasures, he was awakened by a dragon maid pouring cold water on him.”
In the Wind Veil Basin today, even if Ron possessed countless gold, it wouldn’t be useful.
Gold holds value only when it can be exchanged. Yet, the Wind Veil Basin was not where Ron could turn gold into anything useful.
In the end, with no other choice, Ron lets the Phylin tribe take these items to Doran for exchange.
“We can go farming tomorrow!” Exclaimed Loloan, hoisting a hoe with enthusiasm. “Thanks a lot, you strange fellow.”
Though called a strange fellow, Doran just rubbed his beard, “You’re welcome, no problem at all.”
“Judging by this place, it seems newly constructed,” Scar observed, casually inquiring.
“Of course, this is a burgeoning town,” Doran explained.
However, as the conversation progressed, Doran couldn’t help but glance towards the distant Mother Tree.
“To be precise, this isn’t a new town. It has existed for a while. However, reconstruction only began yesterday,” Ron spoke from his seat in the carriage, interrupting abruptly.
“Lord Ron!” Doran hurriedly paid his respects. “I didn’t expect you to come and talk to us.”
“When do you plan to leave this place?” Ron didn’t beat around the bush with Doran. He asked directly.
“Probably the day after tomorrow? We’ll leave once all the trading is done,” Doran replied. “These goods will take some time to move, even if we wanted to transport everything immediately.”
Even if Ron wanted everything, allocation and transportation would still take time.
“Could you bring some ready-made items next time?” Ron asked.
“Ready-made items?” Doran asked, puzzled.
“I mean items that are already made, like weapons,” Ron clarified seriously.
“This isn’t a simple matter,” Doran waved his hand. “My lord, transporting weapons isn’t that easy across borders. There are restrictions almost everywhere unless you have permits.”
“Moreover, Doran doesn’t have a permit to transport armor.”
“Oh, but I can try to help you find a blacksmith,” Doran said.
“Is that so?” Ron remained calm upon hearing the mention of beheading, walking over just as calmly.
“Really?” Ron once again felt Doran was exaggerating.
“Of course, it’s true, my lord,” Doran proudly said. “I am Doran. Do you have any idea about the value of the name Doran?” The answer was zero value.
