Chapter 706: Entering the Game

Solomon loses several hands after joining the table, giving nearly ten thousand gold coins in chips to the other two players.

Instead of blaming his luck, the spectators watch in admiration.

Solomon has managed to lose his chips evenly to Henwell and the Lady of Calamity.

The performance proves his skill. He preserves the King's Shield's dignity and does both guests a favor at the same time.

Afterward, Solomon invites them to watch a play.

After an enjoyable evening, the three go their separate ways.

The Lady of Calamity arrives not long after Henwell returns to his room.

With her strength, no one can detect her if she wishes to conceal herself.

Henwell asks, "Did you choose this place specifically because of Solomon and the power behind him?"

The Lady of Calamity ignores the question. "Did you bring the item?"

Henwell nods. "I did, but I cannot give it to you yet."

She shows no anger. "No need. Just keep it with you."

"We leave in a few days. We must conceal our identities for the entire journey."

"Veil has become involved as well. Solomon is fond of expeditions."

"In a few days, he plans to explore a set of prehistoric ruins."

"He will recruit a team, and we can infiltrate it."

"Change your appearance again and pose as my guard. Do not reveal yourself. There will be quite a few members of Veil in the party."

Henwell catches her meaning. "You want to use their expedition as cover and send them ahead to spring the traps?"

The Lady of Calamity replies, "That is their fate. It was sealed the moment greed overcame reason."

"Why did Solomon ask you to cooperate with him? Or rather, why did he approach Lady Thatcher?"

The Lady of Calamity explains, "I own an estate near the ruins he intends to explore, and he apparently does not want to draw too much attention."

"Whether he needs a logistical base for the expedition or someone to negotiate with the lord of that region, he needs my help."

"Was that estate bait you planted long ago?"

She shakes her head. "No. I can only interfere slightly with another person's fate. I have not reached that level."

"This is a coincidence, or perhaps another gift from fate."

"In any event, Solomon's involvement saves us a great deal of trouble. His expedition gives us another layer of cover."

"Both my current identity and yours are useful. If we can preserve them, we should."

Henwell does not know how valuable the Lady of Calamity's identity is to her, but Adolf is extremely useful to him. He would rather not lose it if he can help it.

Their original plan called for Henwell to disappear the next day and return as a mercenary ranger recruited for the expedition.

The next morning, however, Solomon comes to see him. "Mr. Adolf, I would like your help with something."

Henwell looks mildly surprised. "I knew yesterday's money wouldn't be so easy to keep."

Solomon smiles and shakes his head. "You're reading too much into it, sir. Whether you help or not, consider the money a token of friendship."

Henwell narrows his eyes. "Tell me what you need first. Then I'll decide whether I can help."

After a moment's hesitation, Solomon says, "I need some high-quality equipment from Peace Haven."

Henwell pauses and gives him a puzzled look. "Given your connections, buying arms from Peace Haven shouldn't be difficult."

"Peace Haven has tightened its arms sales, especially purchases made outside the state level."

"Those restrictions mainly target bulk purchases by powerful nobles. Peace Haven is less strict with private buyers like you."

Henwell pauses. "Unless the weapons and armor you want exceed ordinary high-quality equipment."

"In other words, you want extraordinary equipment from Peace Haven, such as equipment forged from the extraordinary metal known as Blood Hill Alloy."

Solomon does not deny it. "Correct. I want weapons and armor forged from Blood Hill Alloy, but that is not all."

"If you can also bring me a few weapons called Heart-Piercing Lotuses, I can offer a price that will satisfy you."

Henwell chuckles. "Heh... Do you understand what you are asking for?"

"Peace Haven rarely sells extraordinary alloy equipment to outsiders. Even powerful figures in the Vorry Kingdom have to wait their turn."

"As for the Heart-Piercing Lotus, forget it. That is a secret creation of Peace Haven. Even if I could obtain one, I would not dare sell it."

"You live far from Peace Haven and have no dealings with it, but my situation is different."

"My guild has investments in Peace Haven. Trade there provides my steady income and pays for my riskier wagers."

"If I offend Peace Haven, my career as a merchant will likely be over."

"Besides, since you managed to obtain a tightly controlled item like a Peace Haven steam engine, acquiring other goods should not be difficult for you."

Solomon shakes his head. "We did not obtain it ourselves. We merely paid for it, and that channel no longer exists."

"I am not joking. I need at least fifty sets of extraordinary equipment made by Peace Haven."

"If you can acquire more, I will buy every set."

"I have learned that Peace Haven sells complete sets of extraordinary equipment for around thirty thousand gold coins each."

"I can pay fifty thousand per set, and I do not need heavy cavalry weapons such as war lances."

Henwell thinks in silence for a while, then raises a hand. "Sixty thousand gold coins per set."

Solomon frowns. "Is that not a little expensive?"

Henwell smiles. "The Qili Guild earns exceptionally high profits because it assumes exceptionally high risks."

"I will not make as much as you imagine. My profit will be only twenty thousand gold coins per set."

"Whether I buy them from private owners or arrange for active equipment to be sold out of Peace Haven under the table, I will spend a great deal greasing palms."

Solomon thinks it over. "I can only offer fifty thousand gold coins per set..."

Henwell rises to leave. "Then I regret that we cannot do business."

"Still, thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to our next opportunity to cooperate."

"Wait!"

Solomon stops Henwell, rises, and paces for a moment before apparently reaching a decision.

"Mr. Adolf, you said the Qili Guild seeks extraordinary profits. It happens that I have an undertaking with extraordinary returns."

"I am fascinated by historical ruins, and I will soon set out to explore one."

"I have reliable information that an enormous fortune lies there."

"I care only about the history and knowledge within the ruins. You may take everything else."

"In return for joining the expedition, you must provide the equipment free of charge."

Henwell rolls his eyes. "Goodbye. That's not chasing profit. That's gambling my entire fortune on an unknown prize."

When Solomon sees that Henwell truly intends to leave, he asks again, "Do you really have a way to obtain those extraordinary weapons and suits of armor?"

Henwell looks back. "If the price is right, even a demon can be hired to turn a millstone."