Vol 3 Chapter 25: Cocktail Party (1)

The city of Royo is a special city in the southern mountainous region of the Reims Empire.
Its business is not too developed, but its geographical location is extremely important. Both the Shayan Avenue and Tissgang Avenue on the main trunk roads in the southern part of the Empire pass here, and a major river, the Millennium River, also flows through here. It is located on the edge of the mountain of Villas. It is backed by a large mountain, wrapped with silver belt on the belly, and left and right feet on a main road. In front of it is a vast plain.
It looks like a giant sitting on the back of a mountain.
Due to its geographical location, the city of Royo has about 500 regular warriors (below) and 3,000 ordinary soldiers. In addition, the city walls are much higher than the city of Xiangye. All pedestrians are subject to interrogation.
When Huey's convoy rushed to the city of Royo, Hodding stepped forward to negotiate with them. It didn't take long before the team successfully passed the checkpoint.
This time, in addition to Brian Buckler, Harding, Ashlin, and Lilith all came with Xiuyi, 66 bandits such as Reyesa were also brought out by Xiuyi.
Half of the group became a small-scale convoy, entering the city of Royo as a caravan, and the other half entered the city alone with their respective identities, taking a half-light and half-dark entry situation.
The convoy traveled along the spacious pavement paved with bluestone slabs in the city, and Hooding had already arranged their stay beforehand.
Silent Island Hotel is the most luxurious top hotel in the city of Royo.
It is located in the most prosperous business and trade area in the center of the city of Royo. The whole building is about 30 meters high and divided into five floors. The center is a tower-like structure. There are twelve luxurious suites on the top floor and wings on both sides. Outside the accommodation, there are also large and luxurious restaurants where guests can eat.
Behind the hotel, there is a large-scale parking lot for horse-drawn carriages.
When Xiuyi's convoy arrived at the Silent Island Hotel, several young servants in red clothes immediately greeted them, instructing the driver to stop on the planned route, while another servant was preparing to pick up the packages for the guests.
Xiuyi wore a black vest and jumped out of the carriage, then turned back to help Lilith. Lilith patted him with an angry temper: "I don't need your help."
Xiu Yi was helpless: "Weakness is a must-have for every aristocratic lady, and Ms. Fu is a proper etiquette for men."
There was a quiet moment in the carriage, and then, a beautiful jade hand slowly protruded from the carriage and gently placed it on Xiuyi's hand. The movement looked elegant and gentle.
In the front of the convoy, Hording, wearing gold silk glasses and a gentleman's look, was already negotiating with the foreman of the hotel. Hording ordered four luxury suites on the top floor, except that Hording and Iger shared one. Brian Buckler, Shuy and Lilith each have one.
Before coming to the city of Royo, Xiuyi had made a complete change in everyone's appearance. This time he wasn't just changing the color of his hair. He even helped Buckler repair scars on his face and make up for Iger's skeletal face, making him look personal and making Hoddin It looks younger and more graceful. As for Lilith, it helps to hide the obvious sharp ears.
On the contrary, Xiu Yi himself, in addition to changing the color of his hair, he also equipped himself with a pair of lenses, changed the background color of his eyes, widened his face shape, and finally put on glasses. In addition, he found himself taller.
The age of sixteen is the age of development.
This made him look a lot taller, and a lot more gentle. No one would regard this personable and polite young man as the wicked criminal Hugh Iglell. Even if Chaclay, Bailey and others stood beside him, it was difficult to confirm that he was the Hugh Glair they had been looking for.
He even dyed Asahi's fur white, then scalded it into curly hair, turned the little black dog into a curly poodle, and stuffed it into Lilith's arms, becoming a standard family pet.
"If you don't become a criminal in exile and change to be a beauty expert for noble husbands, you will definitely make a lot of money." That is what Lilith said about him at the time.
"Is the Dardanelle family? Please come with me. Your room is fully packed and welcome to Silent Island Hotel." The foreman not far away greeted him diligently, wearing a black tuxedo, but a housekeeper dressed but with a temperament The extraordinary Hodding returned to the chief coach after the negotiations and bowed to the coach: "Dear host, everything has been arranged."
A dull reply came from the carriage, Brian Buckler, "Bring the master and the lady back to the room to rest."
"Yes."
Hording and Xiu glanced at each other. Xiu Yi smiled with satisfaction on his face, and it was clear that Brian Buckler was very sure of his position.
Entering the hotel, Xiuyi found that the reception hall was extremely spacious.
Around the hall are sofa-type seats made of precious animal skins and wool. There were people sitting on the chair in twos and threes, whispering gossips to each other, and occasionally looking at the guests who came in. A crystal chandelier supplied with magical energy hangs from the ceiling, emitting soft light, and the walls are covered with precious oil paintings. In the center of the hall, a shiny oily receptionist entertains guests.
Hoddin went to pick up the house number and key, and returned to Xiu Yi, who led the guests to their room.
To Xiuyi's surprise, they didn't need to go up the stairs to reach the top floor. The Silent Island Hotel even installed a magically-driven floating ladder that can lift automatically.
"I didn't expect that there was a floating ladder in Silent Island. I thought that not many hotels in the empire had such a setting." Xiuyi said.
The receptionist who led the way was a little boy in his teens, and replied respectfully at this moment: "Silent Island belongs to the family of the Southern Family. In the southern part of the Empire, it can be said that no commercial family can be as powerful as the Southern Family. The master of the family personally invited the famous Zell Alchemist to personally design and complete the work. Everyone who comes to Silent Island will be surprised by the master's work. "
It turned out that this was the property of the Southern family, and the suspension ladder that he was stepping on at the moment was actually constructed by Lancelot's father, Bert Lot, and Xiu Yi could not help but hesitated.
He remembered Lancelot and wondered how he was doing right now.
The suspended ladder quickly rose to the top floor, and the young receptionist took them to their room.
Pushing the door open, Lilith first exclaimed in astonishment.
God knows that she had never lived in a luxury suite before that. The suites are luxurious and exquisitely decorated, and all the furniture is made of deep-lacquered fragrant wood, giving off a light aroma. The upper floor is decorated with gorgeous tapestry, the windows are made of crystal instead of glass, the kettle and the lamp holder are made of silver, and the coffee table is made of fine porcelain, which is handcrafted and painted with ancient myths and legends.
There is also a bathroom at the back of the suite. The large bathtub carved with jade can lie down side by side for two people. There is also a delicate water pillow beside the bathtub, which can let people sleep in the water. A small thermostatic junction is engraved around the tub to keep the water from cooling for four hours.
Of course, starting enchantments requires an additional fee.
"It really is luxurious." Xiu Yi smiled at Huo Ding.
Since it is necessary to use money to move people's hearts, naturally, we can't save the small investment right now. If upstarts want to live, they naturally have to live in the best place.
"Is it expensive to stay overnight in such a place?" Lilith asked softly while the receptionist wasn't paying attention.
Hording replied, "One hundred King Witts a night."
"Oh my gosh!" Lilith covered her mouth and tried to suppress her voice: "Are we packing four rooms for four hundred Kimvits a day?"
Hording replied leisurely: "In fact, there is more than that, don't forget that there are people's rooms. There are five hundred Kingvites a day."
"It's too expensive!" Lilith started gritting her teeth, and Xiu remembered Clarice. Every woman seems to have an inherent sensitivity to money.
"How many days do we live?" Lilith asked.
"Seven days," Xiu Yi answered.
"Three thousand and five hundred Kingwitts, Hugh Glair, this money will be deducted from your account!" Lilith said discouraged.
"My dear sister, please call me Cissedad Darnil." Xiu's face became a little ugly, and the receptionist hadn't left yet.
Lilith glanced at him indifferently, and did not speak again.
After the receptionist led them to visit their respective rooms: "Dear Sir, Miss, Master, if you want to have dinner, you can go to the luxury restaurant in the wing. Of course, if you do n’t want to go out to eat, just ring the bell at the door, There will be a dedicated waiter at your service. "
"I heard that there will be a cocktail party here tonight?" Xiuyi asked.
"Yes, it was a reception hosted by Earl Brooks. At this time of the year in Royo City, there is a special busy period, mainly for the upcoming trading conference of alchemy materials. Earl Brooks is currently the largest in the country. Purchaser of alchemical materials. "
"I heard that he was a Royal Acquisition?"
"Yes, Count Brooks comes to Royo City every year to purchase a lot of materials, but I heard that his order has suddenly dropped sharply this year, but I don't know why."
Xiuyi's face had a mysterious smile: "Maybe the Empire doesn't need so much material anymore. Oh, so as long as the supplier of alchemy materials, or the demander, are eligible to enter this cocktail party?" Mobile novel reading interview 16 ~ xs
"Yes." The receptionist replied, "A large number of merchants come to this island every year. Of course, the main character of the acquirer will always be Count Brooks, and the seller will always use those materials suppliers who have a good relationship with the Elven. the Lord."
"I'm afraid there will be changes this year," Xiu Yi said indifferently. "Well, can you help me get an invitation?"
The receptionist was a little bit distressed: "This requires you to have a certificate from the material supply dealer first, I mean the proof of the bulk transaction."
"I don't have the documents, but I have something more persuasive than that. Barnett," Xiu said lightly.
Hording took out a lot of money and put it in the receptionist's hand: "Tell your manager and ask him to post us a copy, I know he can do it, after all, it is held in his hotel, Aren't you, as guests of the Premier Suite, you have an obligation to fulfill our needs. "
The receptionist bent down respectfully immediately: "Yes sir, Silent Island welcomes you wholeheartedly. Our service aim is to be fast, accurate and in place."
"Very well, then I don't need anything from you for the time being, you go down first." Xiuyi said.
Hoddin took out two more Kingwitts and threw them to the receptionist, who thanked him for leaving.
Looking back at Lilith's angry look, Hudding said: "A grand performance always requires advance investment."
"You can give him less money," Lilith said.
"This is why women are not suitable for doing big things." Xiu Yi laughed.
"I feel the same way." Hodding nodded with a smile.
The two men laughed and walked towards their room, leaving Lilith, who was discouraged, sulking in the room alone.
After thinking about it, she yelled, "Why don't we do it ourselves? This can save at least one."
"Because we are a group of arrogant, arrogant, self-righteous upstarts." Xiuyi's voice came from the room: "You must admit, Lilith, you are very suitable for this role."
"Call my sister, or Claudia Dardanelle!" Lilith cried angrily.
—The receptionist quickly brought in what Xiu Yi needed.
Please paste a beautifully crafted bronzing.
"Invite representatives of the Dardanelle family to a materials dealer reception hosted by Earl Brooks."
Before the dinner arrived, Huoding prepared a set of evening dresses most commonly worn by ladies for Lilith. The wide skirt was dragged to the ground and she needed to hold her hands to walk. The golden ribbon wrapped around her lower abdomen tightened desperately, and Lilith drew a cool breath. Coupled with that vulgar, endless lace hat, Lilith felt like a poor floral puppet. She was belted by a former brothel old lady, now a lady's personal servant.
"I can't see where this dress is good. I can't even jump in this kind of clothes," Lilith complained.
"Miss Noble doesn't need to jump," the old lady reminded her.
Lilith rummaged around in the room when she didn't hear it.
"What are you looking for?" Xiuyi asked.
"What about my weapons?" Lilith asked.
"You don't need to wear them, you just go to the dinner."
Lilith ignored him, and she finally found the little daggers next to her. Picking up a treasure to collect on her back, Lilith rearranged her clothes and said to Xiu, "I feel much more comfortable now. Then, my dear brother, go to the banquet together."
Shuy and Hoddin are relatively speechless.
The cocktail party is held in the left wing of Silent Island Hotel. There is an aerial bridge from the main building to the wing, and a magnificent aerial duct is wrapped with glass and glazed tiles.
At this moment, Brian Buckler, who is the "patriarch" of the family, was waiting at the door, but now his name is Brian Dardanelle. Only Hoddin still kept his original name and was still called Clementine Barnett, because people only knew Crazy Hodding, and didn't know Clementine Holding Bagnet.
"Brooks hasn't come yet, the reception hasn't started yet, we can get to know some friends in advance. Hey Barnett, be careful, your face is quite famous, and maybe you will run into you and yell at you I'll know your acquaintance even if you're reduced to gray. "Brian Buckler reminded Hodding.
"Rest assured, my master, I assure you that Mad Hording is horrible, not only because of deception, but also because he has mastered the vast majority of nobles who cannot see people." Hording was confident.
"Let's go in, Brian," Xiu said coldly.
He was the first to step into that large restaurant known for luxury.
Stepping on the cashmere-printed rug, strolling into the splendid reception hall, Xiu Yierer holding "Sister" 's hand, like supporting a fragile girl.
The reception area on Silent Island is quite famous even in the whole empire. Compared with the large open-air platform of the Lan Ya Theater, the open-air platform has a relaxed, casual and relaxed mood. The invited guests have no special purpose, so they do not pursue gorgeous luxury. On the contrary, there is more free space there. But on Silent Island, everything can only be described by luxury.
Hanging on the ceiling is a large chandelier strung with precious submarine bead beads. It does not require the slightest magic power, and its own brightness is sufficient to illuminate the entire hall. The halls are also long tables, but all are made of precious whole obsidian. Tableware used at the party
Almost all gold and silver utensils, and even the food is exquisitely made. Ice fish fillets made from snowbone fish from the Gura River, desserts made from ice heart grass from the Millennium Snow Mountain, and even some rare Warcrafts have been put on the table for guests to enjoy. Mobile novel reading interview 16 ~ xs
Walking in such a place is like walking in a diamond palace piled up with money, and even Lilith's mood suddenly became tense.
"Calm down, my dear sister. Remember that we are rich now, we have seen everything." Xiu reminded her.
"The question is where our money comes from," Lilith whispered. So far, all the expenses have been provided by the wolf regiment. Xiu Yi's money for selling those magic weapons has been used to buy materials.
"Of course, from the pockets of those nobles, rest assured, money is not a problem, it is never a problem." Xiu Yi smiled confidently. He let go of Lilith's hand and started walking freely.
Walking between a large group of nobles and businessmen, Xiu Yi was quite laid back. Compared with last time, this time he doesn't need to arrange the legal array in advance, and he doesn't need to be prepared to fight against a strong one. He just needs to walk around here and meet some characters worthy of association. Of course, it is most appropriate to leave this job to Hoddin.
Not far away, Hodding has begun to distribute business cards to the surrounding nobles and businessmen, and introduced the situation of the Dardanelle family with his special and charming voice. This is a very effective strategy. The influence of the aristocratic society is unparalleled. Instead of struggling in the lower strata and making a name, it is far worse than a successful social interaction in the upper social circle.
It can be seen that Hoddin was quite capable of dealing with this kind of thing. After a short time, he was surrounded by a large number of nobles.
In contrast, Brian, who plays the role of family patriarch, is a bit eclipsed, but this is also in line with the positioning given to him by everyone: courage is greater than wisdom.
Although Xiu Yi had eliminated the scars on his face, he could not change his strong physique and fierce temperament.
This satisfied Xiu Yi, so he walked around with confidence.
The atmosphere of the cocktail party is slightly relaxed in solemnity. Unless it is a person who is good at communication like Hooding, can use a slight collision and an unintentional coincidence to create a topic with the other party. The stranger speaks. So in the process of wandering, no one came to disturb Xiuyi.
Occasionally, there are people who make a fuss about the existence of Xiu Yi, just like the Lan Ya Theatre, see him as a little lover brought by a certain lady.
He could even hear whispers from some husbands.
"Please allow me to introduce you to my little master. Currently he is in the Dardanelles family. In addition to the identity of the family heir, he also has the identity of an alchemist." Not far from Huding's voice.
Xiu knew that it was time for him to play.
Sure enough, Hording called to himself:
"Master Heather, please come over."
Xiu Yi walked towards the circle surrounded by the aristocracy.
"Where is my uncle?" Xiuyi asked.
"The host said that his body was a little uncomfortable. Go back to the room to rest first. The matter here is left to you. The host said he trusts your ability."
"Thank you Uncle for your kindness."
This is a plan they made in advance. Although Brian is responsible for playing the patriarch, most of the time, communication and transactions are left to Hodding and Xiu. After all, upstarts can be a reason for not understanding the rules, but they cannot be a bargaining chip when negotiating.
"Then I'll introduce it to you. This is Viscount Radul, who bought materials on behalf of the Bavarian family in the city of Royo, which is one of the oldest empires in the Empire." Slightly blessed middle-aged humane.
"Hello Viscount Radour," Xiu saluted greetings, and the other side gave him a slight nod.
"This is Mr. O'Conman Dodge. Dodge is one of the three largest alchemy materials firms in the empire. Dodge is the vice chairman of the firm's committee."
"Hello Mr. Dodge," said Xiu to the lean man in a black dress.
"Hello, it's interesting. Although I have never heard of the Dardanelles before, I have to say that it looks like this family has at least one great steward and one equally good heir. You look good , Lad. "Mr. Dodge's flattering was straight and unkempt.
"Thank you for your compliment."
"This is Mr. Bradstreet, Deputy Secretary of the City of Royo, and the most trusted person of the Lord." Hudin continued to introduce Xiuyi. A man with a mustache in his thirties made a polite smile to Xiuyi.
Xiu Yi began to admire Hoddin's ability, that is, after a short while, Hoddin had met many nobles. And it looks like they are all asking for themselves.
But Xiu Yi soon understood why Hodding could do this.
Mr. O'Courman Dodge, the deputy chairman of the Dodge firm, asked Xiuyi: "I heard that the Dardanelle family recently tried to buy a large amount of materials from the market?"
Xiu Yi thought about it and nodded: "Yes, my family intends to officially enter the alchemy material trading market. In fact, we do not lack alchemists. Of course, to make valuable finished products, good materials are needed. "
"In Royo City, you never have to worry about finding good materials, as long as you have enough money," said Mr. Bradstreet, the Deputy Secretary of Royo City.
Xiu smiled.
As the largest economic pillar of the city of Royo, the annual Alchemy Material Trading Conference has always been highly valued by the city's owners.
However, unfortunate news is that Earl Brooks, the procurement official of the Imperial Royal Family, who is the largest buyer of Royo City, came to Royo City early in the month and suddenly announced that it would significantly reduce the acquisition of materials.
This surprised a large number of material suppliers.
The change in supply and demand has always been the main equilibrium point in the market price of materials. Over the years, the empire has been collecting materials from various places, which has become a major factor in the rise in material prices.
The empire has suddenly reduced its acquisitions sharply this year. Although no one knows the reason, it is certain that the sharp decline in empire acquisitions will inevitably lead to a large backlog of goods. Many merchants transport goods over thousands of miles in order to sell for a good price, and now they are facing the dilemma of material sales.
Fortunately, some traders selling ore-based materials say that as long as the capital chain can support it, the ore can be stored indefinitely and can be sold slowly in the future. Some special materials that are not resistant to preservation face great embarrassment. Even if you can use the magic enchantment to save, you will consume a lot of magic spar every day, which undoubtedly makes the cost rise sharply.
In this case, price reduction becomes an inevitable trend.
A considerable part of the material transaction brokers was purchased from the elves of the ancient shelf. They have long-term cooperation with the elves, and the purchase price is relatively fixed and much higher. Once the price is reduced, it means a huge loss.
In terms of overall demand, the market for alchemy materials is undoubtedly the seller's market, and there is always insufficient supply. However, since materials dealers across the country converge here at this time of the year, a large amount of empire materials will be concentrated in this area, resulting in a regional oversupply.
The reason why the sly Count Brooks did not disclose this situation before, until everyone arrived in the city of Royo, did not release the news that it would reduce the acquisition, is obviously forcing everyone to reduce prices. Of course, he can also get a lot of benefits.
After all, even if the Empire lowers demand, its status as the largest material buyer remains unshakable. Only this time, a large number of material suppliers are going to be crushed. For Luoyo City, the sharp decrease in the transaction volume of materials has undoubtedly caused the tax revenue of Luoyo City to be hit hard this year. According to the estimate of the clerk and deputy, if this year's transaction really cuts the purchase volume by 80%, as Count Brooks said, it would mean a 16% reduction in the tax revenue of Royo City.
This is a pretty scary number. The tax revenue brought by the annual material trade has always accounted for 20% of the revenue of the city of Royo.
Therefore, even the Lord Lord of the city was in a hurry this time, and sent his clerk and deputy to find businessmen who could buy materials.
When Hudin issued a rumor saying that the Dardanelle family planned to acquire a large number of materials ... no wonder he would be so popular.
As Harding said before: "Just look at the needs of the other party, then the simplest scam will immediately become the perfect scam."
Thinking of this, Xiu Yi laughed even sweeter.
He said, "Please rest assured that the Dardanelle family has sufficient financial resources to complete this acquisition. Of course, as the material purchaser, we are also the suppliers of some refined products. I think everyone will also like the excellent finished products. Interested in."! ~!