The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Chapter 1549 - 443: Firing a Shot and Creating a Mushroom Cloud? (2)

As the only trader in Sparrow Wood Territory who knows how to do business, Thomas quickly became indispensable to the Salvation Army leadership.

Now, the first task that the Holy Daughter entrusted to him was to open up markets for the timber factory in Wheat Field Village.

Soon enough, he awaited the first merchant mentioned in the Oracle, and as foretold, this friend from afar was a dwarf.

"...Nothing."

Grace twitched his nose.

He certainly wouldn't admit that he was momentarily distracted, so he resumed a serious expression and said, "I mean, your timber has a stench... I'm wondering if it's been peed on by rats."

"...?" Thomas was momentarily stunned.

Before he could respond, Grace tapped his thick knuckles on the oak wood in front of him. Listening to the dull sound, he continued in a deep, resonant voice.

"There are some knots here... and the grain is too coarse to make a proper axe handle for dwarves. It feels wet and wouldn't make a good railroad sleeper. Are you sure this is your best material?"

After pointing out a slew of flaws, Grace stood up and scratched his hair—or rather, his wig.

The poor-quality glue made his scalp itch, and he constantly worried about the wig not being securely attached and falling off.

According to Lord Demon King's teachings, if they wanted to sustain the business long-term, they had to follow the local customs, including wearing wigs while trading with them.

Initially, he found it awkward, but for the sake of Joss Paper, he completely came to terms with it.

Upon hearing what this guy said, Thomas realized he was definitely doing this business for the first time.

He had never heard of dwarves using high-grade timber for axe-making; wouldn't all the leftover scraps from mining beams suffice?

After all, what matters is the axe head, not the handle, which doesn't require the finest material.

Seeing this guy pretending to be knowledgeable, acting as if he were an expert, Thomas couldn't help but chuckle and explained.

"Knots... those are marks of wood growth, like scars on a man, they don't affect its quality! As for the grain... it doesn't affect usage either, rest assured, whether making ships or support beams for mines, it's premium material!"

Grace, who had his intentions exposed, didn't blush, only snorted through his nose.

"Really? Even though I haven't decided what to use it for, since you said so, I'll take it that way. You humans know the consequences of deceiving dwarves, we'll engrave you in the Book of Hatred!"

"Yes, yes! How would I dare offend you, I wouldn't cheat anyone but you." Thomas laughed, agreeing with him, "I can swear in the name of Saint Sis!"

He had never heard of anyone being written in the Book of Hatred over such trivial matters— these rural dwarf traders perhaps haven't even seen what the Book of Hatred looks like.

Though he didn't plan on swindling this short friend, as the Twilight Forest is abundant with high-quality timber, genuine material is everywhere, and fake goods are harder to find.

In fact, Thomas was only half right— this dwarf brother indeed hadn't seen the Book of Hatred.

After all, this fellow wasn't a genuine dwarf but a Hell Dwarf wearing a wig!

Passing by Sparrow Wood Territory, the Rushing River flows southward, the only tributary that enters the depths of the Ten Thousand Ridges Mountain Range and passes by the dwarf's doorstep, connecting to the infamous Shattered Rock Peak in the Dwarf World.

The Lords residing there are notable figures listed in the Book of Hatred of the High Mountain Kingdom, they lacked the ability to put others there.

"Really?" Grace snorted, smacking his lips, as if weighing it in his mind.

That was clearly an expression of interest.

Having conducted business for many years, Thomas immediately saw through this guy's thoughts.

If truly not interested, why bother putting on a show, they would turn away and leave.

Interested, ah... now we can talk!

Currently, the entire Twilight Province had only Sparrow Wood Territory suitable for such trade.

Elsewhere, there were either no people, or they were fighting wars, or there were no proper channels to transport goods.

As Thomas expected, after much bickering from Grace, he finally spoke the phrase Thomas had long been waiting for.

"Our demand is large, and we need long-term supply. Quality, stability, and quantity are what we value... Let me put it bluntly, if you want to maintain this trade long-term, you have to agree to these conditions."

Thomas's face broke into a pleased smile.

"Honorable Grace, rest assured a thousand times over! The conditions you've mentioned are basic bottom lines for us!"

He paused for a moment and hurriedly continued.

"So, for our long-term interests, let's talk about price and terms of cooperation... if you intend on long-term procurement, I suggest we sign a contract, then agree on delivery and payment times and locations—"

He was halfway through when the dwarf brother standing in front of him suddenly coughed, interrupting him.

"There's one thing I forgot to tell you, I have no money."

The smile on Thomas's face froze.

No money—

You're kidding me?!

"Then, what do you mean?"

Grace motioned with his fingers, spoke methodically.

"Literally, we don't use Imperial currency, so I suggest bartering."

Hearing this, Thomas was stunned.

Dwarves indeed have their own currency, but he hadn't heard of dwarves not trading with the Empire?