Chapter 126 - Chapter 126: Lucky Raymond (2)
Chapter 126: Lucky Raymond (2)
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
As Willow spoke, he revealed a flattering and fawning expression, but because of his bruised face, this expression looked hilarious.
Alice and Anina could not help but laugh.
Seeing this, the surrounding pirates cast disdainful looks.
Upon witnessing Wilow’s arrogant words and actions, incessantly invoking the name of Lord Gassani, they had assumed he was a devoted subordinate.
They did not expect Willow to turn out to be such a cowardly person who betrayed his master for glory.
They disdained being associated with such a person!
“Is Raymond one of them?”
Willow was stunned.” No, he’s the only one who objected. He’s still locked up on the ship.”
Ji Chen was taken aback, unable to conceal his surprise.
At this moment, some pirates who were searching the ship outside returned and reported, “My Lord, there is a fat man called Raymond who is imprisoned in the cabin. He said that he knows you and wants to see you.”
Good heavens, this fatty was actually so lucky.
Gassani and the others actually didn’t choose to kill him but locked him in the cabin and brought him here.
This fatty might still have some value.
Coming back to his senses, Ji Chen said in a low voice, “Bring him to my territory!”
“Yes, My Lord!” The pirates left in a hurry.
Ji Chen looked at Willow, who was kneeling on the ground. “Provide me with all the information you have about this matter, or face the inevitable consequences.”
Seeing Ji Chen’s cold gaze, Willow shivered and quickly nodded.
Lord Manor.
When the Naga warrior grabbed Raymond by the collar and brought him in, his chubby face was filled with excitement when he saw Ji Chen.
“Sir Ji Chen, it’s great that you’re fine. I thought you…Aiya, my butt!”
He was thrown to the ground by the Naga warrior, and his butt landed heavily on the ground. He wanted to struggle to get up, but because his hands and feet were tied, he squirmed on the ground like a meat worm.
Ji Chen sighed and asked someone to untie him.” I’ve already found out the whole story from that Willow guy. You can’t be blamed for this.”
Raymond stood up after being released. He wanted to complain about the Naga Warriors’ actions, but when he heard Ji Chen’s words, he felt ashamed.
“I’m partly responsible for this. If I had been more cautious at that time and didn’t mention the situation in the Stormy Sea Area, perhaps this wouldn’t have happened. Fortunately, your strength is astonishing and you defeated those guards of the Chamber of Commerce. Otherwise, I would have made a huge mistake.”
Raymond lowered his stance and took the initiative to admit his mistake and responsibility.
“I didn’t expect that my fellow members, and in particular the despicable Gassani, would dare to kidnap me, deliberately barring me from reaching out to you. Their objective? To ensure the seamless progression of their audacious scheme. These self-proclaimed businessmen, blinded by their delusions, fail to comprehend that there are certain realms they should never dare to trespass.!”
Ji Chen nodded and didn’t say much. He just silently noted down the Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce in his notebook.
If there was a chance, he would definitely take revenge and let them know whom they could not offend.
“Now that the situation has been resolved, what lies ahead for you? Do you plan to seek vengeance by returning to them?”
Raymond’s face was filled with bitterness.”
By resorting to kidnapping, they have demonstrated their utter disregard for any sense of decency or honor. Consequently, it is safe to assume that they have already seized control of most, if not all, of my assets. Other than a dozen or so surviving trusted aides, I have nothing left. The Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce has quite a lot of influence in the Western Continent, so I probably won’t be able to go back…”
Hearing this, Ji Chen had an idea.” Since you have nowhere else to go, why don’t you work for me?”
Fatty was stunned.” Work for you?”
“Indeed, if you pledge your unwavering loyalty to me, I shall bestow upon you the esteemed position of Chief Trading Officer of the Crown of the Ocean. You will be entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the management of our territory’s goods and resources. By proving your unwavering loyalty, I can grant you authority. Apart from a dedicated portion of our forces and resources, the remaining wealth of the territory shall be at your disposal. I might even consider personally aiding you in seeking vengeance.”
Raymond was deep in thought. As an excellent businessman, he had to think carefully before making any decision.
However, he soon shook his head bitterly because there seemed to be no way out for him.
With just himself and his ten trusted aides, he did not know when he would be able to recover to his previous state.
Most of his businesses and connections were in the Western Continent. The Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce would definitely try to obstruct and assassinate him. It would be difficult for him to turn the tables on his own.
However, if he had Sir Ji Chen’s support, he might be able to take revenge.
“Is what you said true?”
“Of course,” Ji Chen said decisively, “I’ve always kept my word.”
Hearing this, Raymond threw away his last bit of hesitation and knelt on one knee. “My Lord, I am willing to serve you and be at your command.”
“Ding ~ Raymond is loyal to you.”
The information on his interface appeared in front of him.
[Raymond]
[Race: Human]
[Level: 10 ]
[Skill: Trade Scent (blue skill, has a very keen business sense, can find any opportunity to make money)]
Persuasion (Blue skill, eloquent, able to use clever language to convince others)
Luck (Blue skill, sometimes able to survive)
[Remark: Consul of the Chamber of Commerce. Possesses good business talent. Has hatred for the Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce.]
Good heavens.
The last time he saw it, the Luck skill was only white, but now it had turned blue.
Could this be the reason why Raymond could escape death every time?
Ji Chen sighed and said, “Go and rest first. I’ll give you work later.”
Raymond nodded. It was already so late, and he was feeling tired.
At noon the next day.
Last night’s battle results and gains were tabulated.
There were a total of 400 guards from the Chamber of Commerce who came to attack. About half of them were killed last night, and the rest were imprisoned. In addition to the guards, there were around 200 sailors and craftsmen left on the few remaining ships. After identifying some stubborn and hostile individuals with Willow’s help, more than 150 of them were absorbed into the Crown of the Ocean, replenishing the population of the territory.
As for the approximately 50 individuals who were identified, along with the remaining 200 or so chamber guards, they were sent to various resource points to work as laborers. Ji Chen considered himself merciful for not killing them and allowing them to work in the mines as a means of redemption.
Once they had atoned for their sins, they would be allowed to return, although the extent of their redemption was at Ji Chen’s discretion.
Of the four ships dispatched by the Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce, two were three-masted warships loaded with cannons and crossbow machines, but they proved ineffective during the previous night’s ambush. The remaining two were two-masted merchant ships, filled with crates of goods.
Believing that their operation was nearly foolproof, the Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce had sent various resources and supplies, intending to commence immediate construction upon seizing the New Moon Islands. However, all these resources now fell into Ji Chen’s hands.
Upon counting, the two merchant ships carried over 700 slaves, some of whom possessed skills. There were hundreds of tons of various life supplies, including over 100,000 units of preserved meat and dry rations that could endure for an extended period without spoiling.
There were also a considerable number of iron tools, such as shovels, axes, and picks, which would serve the territory’s needs for a long time.
Perhaps considering the need for pioneering, there were no extravagant items included in the supplies.
Nevertheless, this inventory of resources was enough to bring about a significant improvement in the quality of life within the territory.
Furthermore, Ji Chen discovered several valuable building blueprints that the Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce had purchased at great expense. Unbeknownst to the chamber, these blueprints intended to expedite island construction were now handed over to Ji Chen without any cost..