I was an apprentice in Ferren

Chapter 113 Borrowing chickens to lay eggs
However, DuPont did not leave in a hurry, but instead went to find the dwarf again.

"The master has left, but the truth of this matter has been investigated. As a black market, you not only don't operate discreetly but also engage in double-crossing. Even with Harua, your behavior is still considered low-class."

As he spoke, DuPont took out Johnny's dagger and threw it onto the round table in the private room. He looked at the dwarf wiping away cold sweat and smiled coldly: "Of course, I was only slightly injured at most, but you actually managed to hurt Miss Deva's pure heart."

"You should know that she gave up the path of a mage to become a paladin, all for the sake of bringing a little more light to this unjust world. But her first job was sabotaged by you lowlifes who colluded with each other. This is something that no amount of money can undo."

The dwarf wished he could turn back time. Who would have thought that such a normal probing would attract such a big fish? His face was full of flattery: "Sir, that Johnny is just a third-rate thief. I can guarantee that he has never held any position here. You can't pin his deeds on us."

"You should keep that kind of excuse that only fools paladins to yourself. Of course, I wouldn't mind using the lie detector ring to have a serious talk with you. Anyway, this gentleman didn't go far from Ale Town." DuPont sneered, "I think you have a pretty big head. Is it filled with water?"

The dwarf took out a delicate silk handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his brow: "Please give me your instructions, sir."

"Originally, according to the master's idea, all of you clueless guys should have had your property confiscated. After all, a bunch of guys who aren't even high-level aren't even trouble. If the people behind you dare to utter a word, we wouldn't mind arresting a few more people."

"However, based on my understanding of the Northwest region, even if we arrest you all and put you on sewing machines, it will probably only deter you for a few months. After that, the black market will still open. It's a temporary solution, not a permanent one. So it's very important to find a smart person to run it."

“We’re quite clever,” the dwarf flattered, but DuPont scoffed, “I didn’t realize that. My mentor only won 40,000 and you’re already getting agitated. Do you have colleagues here?”

“Yes, we do have competitors. Besides, the Northwest is poor; our little place certainly can't compare to the prosperous South.” The dwarf rubbed his fingers together as he spoke. “There’s an old saying in the Far East: ‘Slow and steady wins the race.’ If that sir is willing, we can offer a 10% stake. We just hope that if any trouble arises, that sir will be accommodating.”

"Forget about the shares. The master doesn't have the time to look at such a small project. He'd rather teach spells to those instructors and easily gain both fame and fortune." DuPont said, taking out the teleportation staff. "As for the rest, it depends on your sincerity. Of course, if you have connections, you can ask Lord Lavoisier to put in a good word for you. The master is willing to give him face."

Upon hearing this, the dwarf's last shred of hope vanished, leaving only endless regret.

Lavoisier was a figure of immense stature. Even if the big boss behind the black market prepared lavish gifts, he might not be able to meet him even once. He was practically a god among men.

Although he is called "Old Man" by everyone here, he is not even a high-ranking one. Even when he encounters formal instructors who come to see if there are any suitable items, he has to smile and offer them the cheap services of excellent members in order not to offend these high and mighty spellcasters.

Fortunately, most of these monks were not meddlesome people, and they would not cause trouble as long as they were paid well. Everyone lived in peace and did not interfere with each other.

But ever since he became greedy for that ill-fated necklace, misfortune has been piling up. He has lost both his money and his army, and he can forget about getting his share of the profits this year.

Finally, this master left, but it turned out he wanted to exploit us to the bone, and even a ten percent share wasn't enough.
"Please wait a moment, Your Excellency. This matter is far too important for me to make a decision." The dwarf took out his communication runestone. "Of course, we will certainly satisfy that lord."

“What would satisfy that lady? The master would never touch dirty money; that would damage her reputation.” DuPont took out his medal, but only the back. “Of course, if that lady doesn’t care, I, a nobody, can still be satisfied. As for what happens if anything goes wrong, I’ll take full responsibility, but I don’t think anyone would be that stupid.”

Upon seeing the bronze badge, the dwarf couldn't help but shudder, looking at DuPont with disbelief: "Your Excellency is a mage?"

“Nonsense, otherwise how would I know the master, and how could I use this teleportation staff?” DuPont crossed his legs: “Of course, you can think of other ways. We are all civilized people, and we can talk about anything.”

After hearing this, the dwarf dropped the sticky handkerchief and picked up a new one: "Yes, sir, we will give you the results soon. May I ask if you could reveal your identity?" DuPont generously turned the medal over and looked at the other party: "Ask whatever you want, but it's getting late and we mages need to rest early. If I don't receive a reply within half an hour, I will leave. As for what will happen here tomorrow, only heaven knows."

The dwarf chuckled dryly and agreed, then quickly left for his office, activating a magic array to explain the situation in detail: "Sir, we've run into trouble this time."

After hearing the dwarf's news, Fu Shi's tone was tinged with anger: "You said this guy's name is DuPont??"

“Yes, sir.” The dwarf asked curiously, “Have you heard of his name as well, sir?”

“I heard a few days ago that the younger generation in my family had some dealings with him, and I never expected to hear his name again here.” Fu Shi said, then paused for a moment, “So, that archmage wasn’t satisfied with the 4 gold coins he took from us, he wants to take a profit every month that’s more than 4% of the shares?”

"Yes." The dwarf replied quickly, "Sir, it really wasn't my fault this time. I think the daughter and the apprentice are just excuses. We've probably been set up!"

"Nonsense, do you need to tell me that? Isn't it all because you coveted his stuff? A young-looking guy with a spatial bag, and you actually treated him like a fat sheep? That's incredibly stupid!"

The dwarf was speechless with frustration. Similar newbies had appeared before, and you were quite happy to take the money back then.

However, arguing with an angry leader would be incredibly foolish, and the dwarf would never do that: "Sir, Johnny and his men are all skilled and they even used poison. They confirmed at the time that this guy was just a young rookie. Who would have thought that this guy would be so formidable? To say that a mage apprentice could survive Johnny and his men's attack is simply bizarre."

"Being an apprentice of a great mage naturally means you won't lack magical items. In the end, it's your insatiable greed that gives others a handle to use against you."

Just as the dwarf was about to shift the blame, he heard the other person say, "Forget it, there's no point in blaming you. Since we've been targeted, something else will have happened even if this didn't happen. These mages are really domineering. They don't want to do the work or take responsibility, and all they do is ask for money. If we don't pay them enough, they won't work. We're the ones doing all the hard and tiring work, and they just take the money and leave. If something really happens and we want their help, they'll definitely ask for an exorbitant amount."

The dwarf's heart finally settled upon hearing this. It seemed this leader hadn't lost his mind, and he hadn't followed the wrong person: "There's nothing we can do; we're in a business that's illegal."

"The law isn't something these mages can change just by talking. Let's not talk about that anymore. Give him 10,000 gold coins and tell him that as long as we can keep going, he'll receive this money every two months. But this money isn't so easy to get."

"Find more information about this DuPont and see what his weaknesses are. No, since he's so good at fighting, we can hire him to do some jobs in the future. Hiring assassins costs money anyway. If we get his hands dirty, maybe we'll really have a great mage as our backer."

The dwarf was somewhat surprised to hear this: "Sir, this doesn't seem very reliable. Ten thousand gold coins shouldn't be considered a stain on a great mage's record."

“You’re right. The person I want you to associate with isn’t that eccentric archmage, but this kid.”

"This apprentice named DuPont?"

“That’s right. Since he was chosen by the Archmage, he must have extraordinary abilities. His killing of Johnny and the others is enough to prove his skills.” The man chuckled. “Besides, you should know that this money comes from all the shareholders, but if we can establish a relationship with him, we can cultivate a personal friendship.”

The dwarf's eyes lit up.

(End of this chapter)