King
Chapter 781 - 781 52 A Scene from History_1

781: Chapter 52, A Scene from History_1 781: Chapter 52, A Scene from History_1 Just as everything was set and ready to go, Maxim suddenly threw a wrench in the plans.

“Hudson, our contract doesn’t include carrying this stuff.

Don’t even think about treating me like a pack mule!”

“The Great Giant Dragon Clan cannot accept this kind of insult.”

Everyone paled at these words; this was a matter of a dragon’s dignity, and it suddenly made the situation much more troublesome.

Using a dragon as a beast of burden might just set a precedent among Dragon Knights.

Racking their brains, no one could recall ever seeing a dragon used as a cargo hauler.

“Earl Hudson, what do we do now?”

A bewildered Morrison asked.

The key to this operation was Maxim.

If the dragon didn’t cooperate, opting for other means of transport would undoubtedly introduce a lot of risk.

“I will try to communicate with him first.

You are well aware of the nature of dragons,” Hudson said with a distressed look on his face.

Inwardly, he was cursing Maxim and his entire family.

He truly felt deceived by the dragon.

Bargain all he likes, but he should have given some warning in advance!

Discussing dragon dignity at this moment is ridiculous, considering Hudson had brought a large crate only moments ago.

If everyone hadn’t been so focused on this mission, they would have caught on to Maxim’s discrepancy.

Dragons are not easy to keep.

A saying on the Continent of Aslante goes: the behavior of a giant dragon is bought by the knight.

“Earl Hudson, we are counting on you!” Morrison said sincerely.

…

“Honorable Mr.

Maxim, how could this be hard labor?

This is all gold coins!

If you think carrying gold coins on the road is an insult, then I can look after your little treasure for you.”

Hudson casually redefined the situation.

If their powers weren’t so mismatched, he would have hammered this silly dragon a long time ago.

“Impossible!

Hudson, you miser, if you dare touch my gold, I will turn against you!” Maxim said angrily.

In issues of gold coins, it’s always dragons tricking people, never the other way around.

Remembering this issue made Maxim seethe with anger.

He had toiled and labored for the past few days, only to have Hudson seize the fruits of his efforts.

Dubiously titled: day-to-day practice expenses.

Who ever heard of a dragon paying while hanging out with a Dragon Knight?

If he hadn’t been beaten down by society and desperate to increase his strength, he wouldn’t have compromised!

“Rest assured, Mr.

Maxim.

I will not do anything without your approval.

However, I think it’s necessary for you to carefully consider this transport job.

After all, your daily expenses are not small, and you hate earning hard money.

Constantly being in debt is no solution!

Besides, it’s a rare opportunity for you to venture out from Dragon Island.

Upon returning hundreds of years later with such meager savings, you might be too embarrassed to greet your acquaintances.

How about this, Maxim?

After the mission is completed, I’ll reward you with a crate of gold coins.”

Hudson tried to persuade.

Clearly, these words were not just for Maxim, but also for the other experts present.

Since this was official business, Hudson, as a Major Noble of the kingdom, must show the consciousness of nobility and not ask for money.

However, Maxim didn’t have such concerns.

The loyalty of a Dragon Knight to his country does not necessarily mean that the dragon has to be loyal as well.

What’s more, the greediness of dragons was widely known; therefore, it would be acceptable for Maxim to make a profit from this, especially.

“Not enough, at least ten crates.

Don’t try to trick me.

I heard your earlier conversation; this paper is very valuable.

The ten crates of gold coins I want probably won’t make up one percent of the profit.

Such a low transportation fee, you’re already getting a great bargain.

Also, as for them, if they can fly, they should fly themselves.

I am not just any dragon!”

After hearing Maxim’s absurd explanation, Hudson wanted to laugh but didn’t dare to make a sound.

I’m not just any dragon, whom, when stirred, wouldn’t be a dragon.

A single moment of passion had produced a multitude of offspring involving hundreds of species, without ever choosing their food meticulously.

Hudson did not rush to bargain, but instead threw a look at everyone present, implying they should hurry to board.

Maybe because everyone knew dragons’ habits and how foolish it was to talk about money with dragons, they ignored Hudson’s suggestion.

The toughest part of negotiations almost drove Hudson to desperation.

His patience and determination were nearly exhausted before he was able to persuade Maxim to accept.

Deep down, Hudson let loose a barrage of curses.

The next time this kind of thing cropped up, he resolved to avoid it at all costs.

This duplicitous act was just way too hard to play along with.

Under the shroud of the quiet night, a dragon soared into the sky.

First-time dragon riders were tossed about, disoriented by the dragon’s undulating movements.

The crates on the dragon’s back were especially chaotic.

Fortunately, the accompanying magicians reacted promptly and released protective shields, preventing a tragedy.

…

Crate after crate of debt bills were distributed.

The surge in bill prices, initiated by the clergy’s purchasing spree, finally stabilized.

However, the discount rates were not the same as before.

Instead of being eighty-eight percent, they were now ninety-three percent, ninety-five percent, and ninety-eight percent… Some high-interest bonds were even higher than their face value.

But these high-interest bonds had nothing to do with the clergy.

Their goal was to deplete the Alpha Kingdom’s cash flow; thus, cherry-picking cheap bonds was the smart move.