Chapter 536 Celestinas Be (2/2)
”But… shouldn't merchants uphold such mental spirits?” Emily blinked curiously. ”I think it isn't wrong for merchants to harbor such thoughts, Miss Seren. Perhaps it would be right for normal humans, but money is our blood and wealth is our lives. How can one be qualified as a merchant if one doesn't have the thirst and dedication to pursue wealth?”
”What you described is reasonable to a certain extent, Miss Emily.” Rhode picked up the knife and fork to lightly slice a piece of cake, sending it into his mouth gracefully. His natural movements were like that of a well-bred young lady of the blue blood.
”But I don't look at it that way. Wealth may be important for merchants, but they only get to live once. You can earn money that you've lost but never your life. There's a saying in my hometown: ”Wealth is a mere worldly possession, and one can't bring it to their graves”. Besides, a successful, outstanding merchant should have such confidence. I think that the merchants who can't let go of their wealth and end up losing their lives made a foolish choice. They chose to escape, and not face it.”
”Eh? Why's that?” Emily said curiously.
She could understand the so-called 'foolish choice' because sacrificing one's life for money was indeed dumb to many people. But she actually disagreed. As merchants, it was their mission in life to earn profit and gather the riches. If they lacked the dedication for wealth that surpassed ordinary humans, how could they earn their current position and rich financial status?
”It's simple.” Rhode stuck out a finger. ”They were afraid. They feared that they would become penniless after losing everything and could even go bankrupt. They didn't believe that they possessed the ability to start all over again. They weren't confident in themselves, which was why they chose to avoid and death might be a better choice for them rather than the horrifying reality. I do understand their worries and fears. After all, this is a tough test for every merchant. But… If they are only engrossed in earning profits and can't extricate themselves, I think they will not be successful.”
Emily pondered in silence. She lifted her head and her eyes glinted in clarity. ”Thank you so much for your advice, Miss Seren.”
Emily had benefited from this tea break tremendously. Not only did she gain insights into Travel Merchants, but she also received plenty of practical suggestions. Rhode felt that Emily would require basic self-protection swordsmanship for rough situations. Also, he thought that it would be great if she could hire some trustworthy companions from promising, large-scale mercenary groups and guilds to protect herself instead of hiring some mercenary teams. After all, those mercenary teams were basically a crime syndicate. They would bait one on the hook by acting out as really passionate and snatch all one's belongings afterward. Rhode had met several such instances in the game.
Emily engraved Rhode's words in her memory. They conversed for a few hours and she left reluctantly after the clock struck midnight, considering that Rhode had come from afar and would be exhausted from her 'interrogation'. Of course, Rhode feigned casual and spoke about the reasons that he came here. He wished to establish a silver ore trade with the Edward Trade Association and he hoped to examine the silver ore mine personally. Emily promised and nodded without the slightest care in the world.
This was more than enough for Rhode.
”Hu…” Rhode heaved a sigh of relief and nodded in satisfaction. It seemed that his plan worked smoothly. The young lady had a favorable impression on him and he had gained her promise. Although Emily was as sharp and witty as most merchants, she lacked some crafty qualities. Perhaps it was because 'Miss Seren' had the same gender and was about the same age as her.
”I really can't understand, Master. What's the point of you sucking up to that girl?” After Emily left, Celestina sprawled languidly on the sofa and gazed at Rhode in disdain. ”With your capabilities, you could've settled everything much quicker. Must you make it so troublesome?”
”I'm sick of hearing your complaints, Celestina.” The smile on Rhode's face vanished.
Celestina revealed a pleased little smile and raised her hand. ”That's right. I'm kinda sick of it too… Master, shall we play a game?”
”Game?” Rhode twitched his brows in astonishment.
Celestina stuck out her proud chest and gazed at Rhode arrogantly. She turned her wrist and a luxuriously-patterned bowl emerged on her hand. Three die laid within. ”A game to pass time. Got to say, I'm discontent that you simply curried favor with a lowly human. No matter what, you're our Master and yet, you lowered your head before another human. I can't accept this at all. So… Shall we have a bet?”
”What bet?” Rhode pulled over a chair and sat opposite her, gazing into her scarlet pupils.
Celestina cupped over her mouth and chuckled. ”It's simple, Master. It will be a best of three and if I win, you will act according to my orders tomorrow. But if you win, I will be the obedient one. How about that?”
Rhode hesitated as he stared deep into her eyes. ”That sounds unfair. Even if I win, isn't it the same as now?”
”Oh? That's not the case, Master… If you win, you can do whatever you want to me,” Celestina narrowed her eyes and displayed an inducing smile. She crossed her slender legs wrapped in black stockings, kicked her foot cheekily, and leaned back with a victorious smile. ”I shall not complain about anything. What do you think about the bet? Master?”
Rhode adjusted his gaze to the equipment in her hand. He pondered for a few moments before taking over the black bowl.
”I'll go first. Surely you wouldn't mind that?” Rhode said.
”Of course, Master,” Celestina smiled even wider. ”I think… this will be an interesting night…”