Chapter 175: The Governor’s Vault (2)
With all preparations complete, Karnak's group set off for the empire. They followed the same route as before. They departed from Drunta, the capital of Eustil, crossed the Baracant Mountains, passed through Swindler, the gateway fortress, then entered the empire's borders. However, one thing was different this time.
As Varos drove the wagon, he glanced behind him and clicked his tongue. "Wow... we've got a lot of people this time."
Karnak let out a chuckle. "I know, right? Somehow, this turned into a massive operation."
Including pack mules, carts, and supplies, their group had swelled to around fifty people. Most of them were members of the Altas merchant guild. Originally, the Altas merchant guild had a trade route carrying rare furs from the Baracant Mountains. But when Edia heard that Karnak was heading to the empire, she saw an opportunity.
—This is the perfect chance to expand our trade routes!
After all, things had never been better for her. She had the support of the Vice Commander of the King's Order. The Drunta branch of her rival, the Tecas merchant guild, had collapsed. The other competitors were too hesitant to make a move. Any smart merchant would jump on an opportunity like this, and Edia was a very smart merchant.
So, she begged Karnak to let her caravan join his journey.
—You swore loyalty to me, yet now you're just using me for business and free labor?!
—So, you're refusing? I’m telling you that this is going to make tons of money. Tons!
—Of course I will... Money is money.
It was a route they had to take anyway, and from Karnak's perspective, it was just adding a little extra weight to the trip. And, of course, Edia was absolutely right. This was a profitable move.
"Still, it does feel like I'm being used..." Karnak muttered.