From a hired knight to a master of Game of Thrones

Rodney smiled and said:

"This desolate mound is one of the few large towns in the northern border, and it is easy to find trading targets here."

"Besides, I've met several local merchants during my previous visits to this desolate village for business."

After a pause, Rodney continued:

"I estimate that, if all goes well, it will only take one day to trade those goods."

"As for the remaining day, it is the time I have reserved for myself to purchase wool, animal hides, grain and other goods from Huangzhongtun that can be easily sold in Baigang."

...This employment task will be completed soon.

Don Quixote nodded, realizing what was happening:

"It seems we'll be able to return to White Harbor soon."

Rodney, however, said with a serious expression:

"Sir Don Quixote, please be extra careful on your way back to White Harbor."

"Many raiders will wait on purpose."

"The looters have neither the patience nor the ability to easily get rid of the goods in our hands."

"So when we merchants have pockets full of gold and silver, they will appear like greedy wolves."

Upon hearing this, Don Quixote said earnestly:

"Lord Rodney, all members of the Bloodhand Mercenary Group will remain vigilant at all times regarding this employment mission."

"We will protect the caravan with a loyalty and courage far beyond what those raiders could imagine!"

"The Bloodhand Mercenary Group never slackens in any of their mercenary missions!"

Rodney was very pleased with Don Quixote's attitude and his down-to-earth actions.

He smiled and said:

"But you can relax here in this desolate village."

Speaking of relaxation, Rodney raised an eyebrow at Don Quixote, making a pointed remark.

Then he added:

"This is, after all, the Dustin family's capital; no one here would be foolish enough to cause trouble here!"

Don Quixote shook his head and said:

"It's not too late to rest and relax when we get back to White Harbor. Our Bloodhand Mercenary Group will still stay by Lord Rodney's side."

"Even if no one causes trouble, if we stand by your side, people will not dare to underestimate you, and perhaps some deals will be easier to reach an agreement on."

Rodney thought about it and realized there was some truth to it, which made him even more satisfied with Don Quixote.

He laughed:

"From now on, it will be tough on you Bloodhand Mercenary Group!"

"Let's take a short break now, have a meal, and then we can go to the market to trade."

The group entrusted their horses to the innkeepers at Jinmai Inn and then went to their respective rooms.

Of course, only the seven members of the Bloodhand Mercenary Group, along with Rodney, the caravan guard leader, and the caravan manager—a total of ten people—stayed at the Golden Wheat Inn.

The rest of the caravan stayed at a less desirable inn.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Don Quixote changed into more practical clothes and then had a fairly substantial meal with Rodney and the others.

He stood on the wide, straight elm-lined street in front of the Jinmai Inn.

He watched as Rodney systematically directed the caravan members to organize the goods.

He said to Tom and the other two:

"During your employment, even if you want to indulge yourselves, you must restrain yourselves."

"When I'm not on a mission, I don't have the time or inclination to concern myself with your private affairs."

"But if you mess things up even when it's something serious, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

The three men, Tom and his companions, each with a different expression, felt a little disappointed upon hearing this, but quickly replied:

"Yes, Captain!"

Not long after, Rodney led the caravan toward the bustling market on the other side of the desolate mound village.

Although Huangzhongtun is a large town, it is ultimately not a commercial city like Baigang.

Even the wide, straight streets seem somewhat narrow amidst the bustling crowds.

Therefore, apart from the livestock that carried the wagons, the group did not ride horses.

Rodney rented three stalls, leaving behind some men and four trucks loaded with cheap goods.

These people will sell goods that are easy to sell quickly at the open-air market in Huangzhongtun.

The remaining four trucks were loaded with goods that were of some value but not easy to sell quickly.

Rodney went alone to find several local merchants in Abandoned Hill Village and sold them at prices slightly below market value.

By the morning of the next day.

Rodney sold all the goods loaded in the eleven wagons he brought from White Harbor.

Next, the buyer and seller switch roles.

To outsiders, Rodney seemed to buy things without batting an eye, completing transactions very quickly and directly.

In just one afternoon, Rodney had once again filled the eleven empty trucks with cargo.

Night falls.

The desolate mound village under the night sky was dry, cold, quiet, dark, and gloomy.

The Great Wilderness Tomb is like a wild beast that has been sleeping for countless years.

The entire town was shrouded in the shadow of the enormous ancient tomb, and the shadow, heavy with the aura of the old god, quickly swallowed the desolate mound village into darkness.

The lights were sparse, and the wind howled like weeping, like a ghost town sleeping beside a thousand-year-old tomb.

The echoes of wolf howls came from afar outside the town.

The streets quickly emptied.

In a tavern in Huangzhong Village.

The smell of ale, the smoke from the charcoal fire, and the oily smell of leather armor mingled together.

Mercenaries, knights, merchants, grooms, and prostitutes from all over sat around the table.

Each has its own unique story to tell.

Looks like I'm in good luck tonight.

A wandering young man, who seemed to be both a troubadour and a singer, unknowingly walked into the tavern.

His clothes were old, but clean and tidy.

Then at some point.

The homeless youth flicked his fingertips lightly.

The music, like the cold wind of the North, spread softly.

Along with the sound of the harp, the songs of the ancient gods and the legends of heroes also reached everyone's ears.

They recount those long-forgotten stories, those legendary tales only heard in the arms of their wet nurses.

Time passed slowly.

The last note dissipated into the air, and the harp fell silent.

Don Quixote sighed in admiration:

"This tune is a song from our ancestors."

He then took out the only twenty-odd copper coins he had from his purse and had Cole put them in the leather bag in front of the homeless youth, while instructing him:

"Cole, go and invite that bard for another cup of hot wine."

Cole quickly put down the food in his mouth and said respectfully:

"Yes, sir."

Rodney, who was at the same table, suddenly said:

"It's rare to hear a song that sounds like this!"

"Archer, get Cole a jug of dark beer and have him give it to that bard."

This episode has passed.

Don Quixote and Rodney continued their conversation.

"Phew, finally done! I can finally breathe a sigh of relief!" Rodney chuckled as he slowly drank his wine.

"In other words, I had already confirmed the reasonable prices of the goods here and the goods I wanted to trade beforehand."

"Otherwise, we'll have to keep wasting time on these things."

Don Quixote raised his cup, took a sip, and slowly said:

"This business is not so easy; if you're not careful, you might buy at a high price and sell at a low price."

"In particular, the prices of various goods in Baigang and Huangzhongtun fluctuate slightly at all times."

"Without a thorough understanding of the various types of goods, it is easy to incur losses."

……

PS: (Please recommend and read this!)