Chapter 204: Harthol City (1)
Harthol City was a mid-sized trading hub located in central Lipaul Kingdom. Thanks to the nearby Tabor River, the region thrived with various fishing industries, and the docks served as a major distribution point for numerous merchant vassals.
"So, let me get this straight..." Varos, staring at the map, wore a peculiar expression. "Jedex is in Harthol City?"
Karnak corrected him. "Strictly speaking, Banner Ralphstadder, the secretary to the head of Tecas merchant guild, is there. We haven't confirmed that he's actually Jedex yet."
Varos scratched his chin. "Oh, come on. It's obvious, isn't it? Either way, it doesn't seem like the kind of place a major merchant would settle in."
Harthol City wasn't considered one of the major trade centers in the Seven Kingdoms Alliance. In fact, it wasn’t even considered a major trade center within the Lipaul Kingdom itself. While a significant amount of goods passed through via the Tabor River, the city paled in comparison to larger, more critical trade routes.
It was, at best, a mid-tier city. Because of that, various merchant guilds coexisted in the city.
"If it were me, I'd be based in a larger city where I could oversee the entire group more efficiently," Varos commented.
"That would make sense. But don't forget, Tecas still has its official leader." Karnak chuckled. "This guy is just the one pulling the strings from behind the scenes."
"No, that's not what I mean. If he really is Jedex, then he's the actual leader, isn't he? It just doesn’t suit him."
"Well, the official explanation is that he's based in Harthol temporarily for business expansion."
It made sense from an operational standpoint. Being in close contact with multiple merchant guilds would streamline logistics and allow him to acquire trade-related intelligence more efficiently.
"And beyond the trading business, it's also an excellent base for a cult leader," Karnak added.