Chapter 393 - Sambia Envoy Part 1

"All jokes aside," Gaven said with a laugh, "Uncle, I’ll cover all your drinks. I’ll settle the payment with you based on the highest transaction price of this auction. And I need to borrow your ship as well, to help me transport some grain to Just Hammer."Though Gaven was a wine seller, he equally needed wine of various kinds; he certainly couldn’t use Ghost Grape Wine to entertain all his guests.

Rather than buying from other merchants, it was better to directly purchase from an acquaintance. Meeting each other’s needs brought joy to both sides.

A demi-human’s houseboat was, after all, not a real cargo ship, and its carrying capacity was relatively limited.

To transport grain in large quantities, one had to rely on humans’ large merchant ships, with one ship equivalent to five of a demi-human’s.

Gathering so many people at once, even if most did not require Gaven’s provision, having extra grain was always beneficial.

Bede’s small eyes spun round, and he rubbed his hands subconsciously, "When we settle up, could I perhaps use Ghost..."

"Impossible." Gaven didn’t even let Bede finish his sentence, for he knew what the other was attempting. He decisively said, "This batch of Ghost Grape Wine is quite special. It’s not entirely my personal property; it also includes shares from Just Hammer and Miss Regina. It can only be auctioned publicly at the auction house and will not be privately sold, not even half a bottle."

Gaven changed his tone and continued, "Uncle, it’s not our first day doing business. You should know my character. I won’t make a one-time deal. The manor’s wines are the same. Uncle’s Thousand Chief is just getting started. There’s no need to get involved in this messy affair. Better to seek stability. When the manor’s new wine is released, I will surely reserve a few ships for Uncle."

Their relationship could only allow Gaven to hint at so much; it was impossible for him to spill the real secrets of Weizemay Manor to Bede.

If Bede insisted on prying into that trap, Gaven would be powerless.

The business world was like a battlefield, and Gaven wouldn’t go easy just because Bede was an acquaintance.

Bede rubbed his hands, patted his chubby face, and said with a laugh, "I got too greedy, Uncle had made up his mind before coming here. I was only planning on making some small deals, never thought of going for the big one. But after seeing Brother Gaven, I couldn’t help but get greedy. Who knows what price the Ghost Grape Wine will fetch at the auction?

If the price is too high, even if Brother Gaven reserves it for me, I wouldn’t dare to take it on. After all, such wine is not like ordinary drinks; not everyone can afford to consume it."

"If Uncle Bede can see it this way, that’s for the best," Gaven nodded and said, "If there’s nothing else, then wait for my message. We’ll meet tonight."

"Wait, wait..." Bede hurriedly called out, "I have another favor to ask of Brother Gaven."

"What is it?"

Bede’s chubby face showed a hint of embarrassment as he rubbed his hands and explained hesitantly, "Brother Gaven is aware, although we don’t hail from Sambia, many of our business deals ultimately pass through Sambia. A lot of important industries are there..."

Gaven looked up at the unusually embarrassed Bede and said, "Uncle Bede, we’ve been cooperating for quite some time now. You know my nature. As long as it doesn’t cross my boundaries, I don’t mind helping out. But if it does, even if our relationship is good, I will not agree. So, if you have something to say, please speak directly. Don’t beat around the bush."

"Alright." Bede clenched his teeth and stomped his foot, "The truth is not only did I guess your identity, but some bigwigs in Sambia seem to have confirmed it too. A representative from the chamber of commerce approached me, asking me to help arrange a private meeting. If not..."

"If not, all of Thousand Chief Commerce Assembly’s assets and business in Sambia will suffer a fatal impact and hit?" Gaven asked coldly.

"Cough cough..." Bede coughed dryly, "Although they didn’t say so directly, that’s essentially the gist of it."

Bede kept rubbing his hands, his chubby palms turning red without him noticing, "Our Thousand Chief Commerce Assembly has just gotten on track, and we can’t withstand too much turmoil. So, I thought to ask you to grant Uncle this favor and meet with that representative. Regardless of whether or not you reach an agreement, I would have completed my task, giving them no reason to..."

"Where is that representative now? Is he outside?" Gaven interrupted Bede.

He didn’t reproach him for relying on the kindness of others.

Everyone has limitations, and Bede was no exception.

Half a year ago, he was merely a temporary merchant convoy leader, obediently submitting to the oppression of the large commerce assemblies, which was deeply ingrained in his bones.

Even though he had become the head of a chamber of commerce, his mindset had not completely turned around.

When you were small in scale, those large commerce assemblies didn’t notice you and disdained you.

Now that you’ve grown larger and more substantial, those large assemblies won’t let you go so easily anymore.

Harvesting wealth from the grassroots is not nearly as quick as swallowing up a competitor.

"Outside, right outside," Bede said excitedly, repeatedly confirming it.

Since Gaven asked, it meant he was prepared to do him this favor.

"Then have him come in," Gaven sighed softly to himself and said.

"I’ll go right now," Bede got up, walking briskly towards the door.

"Wait," Gaven called out to him, "Before that, I have a few things I want to say to you, Uncle."

"Speak, Brother Gaven," Bede stopped in his tracks, all ears, knowing that this young man, although younger by quite a few years, was much more determined in all aspects than he was.

Without him, Bede would’ve never reached the point he was at today.

"Mr. Gaven rhythmically tapped on the table as he spoke, considering his options, "Wait a minute. The likelihood that our talks fail isn’t ninety-nine percent, it’s one hundred percent."

"Now that your and my relationship has been exposed, it’s very likely they’ll take their anger out on Uncle Bede, on the Thousand Chief." New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novᴇl(ꜰ)ire.ɴet

"So, at that time, you’ll either have to cut ties entirely with me and Blackwell,"

"Or, you’ll temporarily give up some of the interests on Sambia’s side, shifting the focus of the Thousand Chief Commerce Assembly toward Valley and Komeer."

"Please weigh your options carefully, Uncle Bede. No matter which choice you make, I will understand and support it."

Uncle Bede stiffened for a moment because he knew Gaven wasn’t exaggerating the situation; this was indeed a reality he’d have to face soon, and now the last veil of illusion had been torn away.

Cutting ties with Blackwell completely was something he simply couldn’t do.

After all, it was their biggest source of trade, the bond that united all the medium and small merchants together.

If they let go of Blackwell, it would also mean their dissolution.

But Sambia was where their diverse industries were located; giving up there wouldn’t just signify a massive loss, it would mean binding themselves completely to Blackwell, their fortunes intertwined with its influence.

If Blackwell continued to prosper, naturally, they would enjoy the benefits.

If Blackwell declined, the entire Thousand Chief Commerce Assembly would decline with it.

Before today - no, before confirming that Mr. Gaven and Blackwell were the same entity, this decision would have been extremely difficult to make.

But now, the decision wasn’t that hard to make.

The potential of this young man before him exceeded Uncle Bede’s expectations; as long as he kept pace with Gaven, the Thousand Chief’s business wouldn’t be limited to Blackwell or to Rocklands.

Even the scraps from Gaven’s table would be enough to fill their bellies.

Having come to this realization, Uncle Bede relaxed considerably, bowing deeply to Gaven as he said, "Thank you for the reminder, Brother Gaven. I know what I must do. As soon as I step out, I will arrange for our brothers in the Thousand Chief to quickly sell off all interests in Sambia, to pull out completely. Whatever can’t be removed quickly, we will move into hiding."

"If Uncle Bede has come to a decision, that’s excellent. I have some connections in Valley, so if you need help, just let me know. I’ll do my utmost," Gaven replied with another appraising glance at Uncle Bede, who seemed much more resolute than Gaven had anticipated.

In fact, Gaven underestimated his own influence over Uncle Bede and the Thousand Chief Commerce Assembly.

Unbeknownst to him, his suggestions were often more effective within the Assembly than those of Uncle Bede, the president of the association.

If Uncle Bede alone issued the command to pull out of Sambia, half of the members of the Thousand Chief Commerce Assembly might disagree.

But if they knew it was Mr. Gaven’s recommendation, over seventy percent would carry it out immediately, and the rest would consider it seriously.

Uncle Bede, smiling, said: "The hardest part was making the decision. Once it’s made, the rest is relatively simple. We still have some roots in Sambia, after all. Those Sambian wealthy politicians might have more power than us, but in terms of efficiency, they’re not necessarily better."

Gaven thought about it and agreed; larger entities have their drawbacks, and small ones have their advantages.

Large commerce associations focus on volume and long distances but are burdened by their cumbersome structure and slow response.

Smaller associations, handling less volume and shorter distances, rely on their quick reflexes and sharp business acumen to stay one step ahead of the larger groups.

"Then I’ll be waiting for your good news. Let that representative in," said Gaven.

"We in the Thousand Chief Commerce Assembly are already prepared to withdraw from Sambia, so why bother with their representative?" Uncle Bede, fully embodying the phrase ’with no desires, one can be firm’, said buoyantly, "I know those Sambian *sons of bitches* all too well. That representative out there is surely here with the intention of a monopoly and won’t say a good word to us. Brother Gaven, there’s no need for you to put up with his crap anymore."

Gaven nodded and smiled, "I understand, but even if it’s just for a few days, enduring a few minutes of his ranting to buy you some time to pull out would be worth it. Besides, I’ve always heard about how brash these Sambian merchants are but never had the chance to see for myself. Since I have the opportunity today, I might as well get a look. It’ll be entertaining at the very least."

Seeing Gaven’s calm demeanor, Uncle Bede didn’t argue further and bowed deeply again: "I am grateful for your generosity, Brother Gaven. Partnering with you is the wisest decision I’ve made in my life."

"Don’t mention it, Uncle. What are friends for, if not to help each other out when we’re far from home?" Gaven responded with a laugh. "Let’s not dwell on it too much, or it’ll seem like I’m an outsider. You’d best get going."

With a simple bow, Uncle Bede didn’t mention anything else and quickly left.

It wasn’t long before he returned, followed by a tall middle-aged man sporting the currently fashionable handlebar mustache of Sambia, in a crisp tailcoat and a pair of shiny, polished shoes.

This attire was commonplace at Sambian tycoon parties.

But here in the Three Rivers Region, in a land almost untouched by development, it felt out of place.

Keeping his shoes immaculately clean in such an environment was nothing short of a miracle.

Uncle Bede took the initiative to introduce: "This is the owner of the land here, the proprietor of Weizemay Manor and the organizer of this auction, Mr. Gaven Nort. And this gentleman is Duke Carter from the Odulin Chamber of Commerce in the Sambian capital, Odulin..."