Looking at the merchant's son who was kneeling and trembling in front of him, Harlett suddenly stood up and elegantly performed a standard noble salute.

"Hello, Bernard. Although this is the first time we meet, I have heard of your name for a long time.

As the most valued offspring of the master of the Roldan Chamber of Commerce, you have taken over part of the family business since you were sixteen years old.

By cooperating with the Merchant Alliance, the trade volume on the trade route from Askatra to Baldur's Gate increased threefold in just one year, and profits doubled.

When you were twenty-five years old, you were already an experienced businessman who could stand on your own, and you even expanded your business to Waterdeep, Neverwinter, and Luskan in the north.

Because you pursue profit as the top priority, you never care whether the goods you buy or sell are legal or illegal, and you don’t care who you are trading with.

It is this that makes you favored by your father.

This time, you personally risked your life to escort a batch of valuable contraband to the southern port of Calin.

The main purpose was to reach a long-term supply agreement with the local Thieves Guild that controlled the smuggling channels, thereby ensuring the smooth flow of the most important and profitable trade route of the entire Roldan Chamber of Commerce.

But what you never expected was that you were betrayed and sold out by your blood relatives."

"You...how do you know all this?" Bernard widened his eyes in shock.

He simply couldn't believe that the other party knew him so well.

Especially those less legal businesses in the northern region are often very secretive and only known to a very small number of core members.

Hallett explained with a smile: "I have many friends who are good at getting information. So when I took this business, I asked them to collect some information about you in advance. I have to say that as a businessman, you are successful and excellent. But as the heir of a chamber of commerce, you are still a little lacking."

"What do you mean?" Bernard frowned in confusion.

"It's very simple! First of all, you were not ruthless enough and did not immediately eliminate those brothers and sisters who might threaten your position.

Secondly, you have absolutely no understanding of a chamber of commerce. It is not enough for a chamber of commerce to just make a lot of money, it also needs minimum armed protection.

But in pursuit of maximum profits, you did not hire adventurers or guards to protect yourself, and ignored the lack of security.

The fact that I caught you this time is the best proof.”

At this moment, Hallett was like an old senior who was patient and instructive, and he pointed out the fatal mistake made by the other party directly.

Just as he said.

In Faerun, where dragons, magic, monsters, bandits, and all kinds of evil forces are everywhere, it is far from enough for a guild to grow and develop by just making money.

Smart businessmen will cooperate with powerful local organizations, such as the Mage Association, the Thieves Guild, or the temple of a powerful god.

Cooperating with them can often deter those who are hiding in the dark and plotting evil.

At worst, they would spend some money to hire adventurers and mercenaries to protect themselves.

But there was nothing on the captured merchant ship.

There was only a group of coolie sailors whose combat effectiveness was almost negligible.

After hearing this, Bernard's face suddenly turned ugly, and he retorted loudly in excitement: "What do you know! Do you think I don't want to? In order to make more profits, to win my father's approval, and to defeat those brothers and sisters, I can only minimize costs in this way."

Hallett sneered and shook his head: "See, this is the most ridiculous and stupid part.

You work hard every year and hand over the money you earn at great risks to the Chamber of Commerce.

Your father would then take a portion of the money and give it to your competing brothers and sisters, asking them to find new trade routes and open up new markets.

And what about them?

He always carefully hides the profits he makes, and then uses them to make allies, recruit, and build a force that only obeys him.

Finally, some of them are not even satisfied and want to kill you and replace you.

Remember the motto of the merchants of Askatla?

A businessman who has wealth but no power is pitiful, because he will become fat meat in everyone's eyes.

Rights are never given by others, but must be earned with your own hands."

It has to be said that "Bloody Hand" Hallett is a very smart man with unique insights. With just a few words, he rendered Bernard speechless. He seemed to have suffered a huge blow and looked depressed and listless.

Because the young businessman knew that the other party was right in saying a single word.

After a long silence, Bernard seemed to have accepted his fate. He raised his head and smiled bitterly and asked, "Can you tell me who the traitor was who betrayed this route? What conditions did he or she offer you?"

“Sorry, I can’t.

I am a person who keeps my promises.

Since we have promised to keep confidentiality for every partner, we naturally cannot disclose any useful information.

But you are not without chance.

If the client this time does not intend to fulfill his promise, then I will follow the usual practice and sign a new contract with you.

At that time, our relationship will change from enemies to allies, and you will get a chance for revenge.

Okay, relax, I won't kill you for now, so there's no need to be so desperate.

Come, have something to eat and drink. I believe you must be hungry and thirsty. "

After saying this, "Blood Hand" Hallett pushed the seafood soup, rusks and wine glass in front of him forward, and then made a gesture of invitation.

It can be seen that he was in a very happy mood at the moment, and even showed a certain temperament, demeanor and knowledge that only aristocrats could have.

After all, in Faerun, knowledge has always been a very expensive and luxurious thing.

Ordinary people can hardly guarantee their basic living, let alone have the opportunity to receive an education.

Only wealthy businessmen and aristocrats could afford to hire a tutor or study in expensive colleges in big cities.

Based on this point alone, it can be judged that the possibility of this pirate leader being of noble birth is quite high.

Gulp!

Looking at the food and drinks in front of them, the four captives began to swallow their saliva at the same time, and their stomachs began to growl.

They hadn't eaten anything for the entire day, not even a drop of water, so they simply couldn't resist such temptation.

Just as Bernard cautiously reached out his hand to take the cold soup, he suddenly heard a voice behind him.

"Don't touch that bowl, and don't put anything in your mouth, if you don't want to die."

moment!

Everyone present, including the pirates, turned their eyes towards the dark bushes where the sound came from.

After about ten seconds, a human warrior wearing a helmet, chain mail, holding a dagger in one hand and a shield in the other, appeared in their sight.

"Who are you? What do you mean by what you just said? Did my missing crew members die in your hands?" Hallett asked with narrowed eyes.

At the same time, his pirates also took up their weapons and surrounded the sudden stranger from both sides.

(End of this chapter)