A Dwarf Who Couldn't Forge Iron

Chapter 18 A Dwarf Who Can't Forge Blacksmiths (Please continue reading)

Despite receiving a warm welcome, Alphonse was not particularly pleased.

The way this guy looked at Mia was really weird!

Valen immediately set his sights on Mia, drawn to her tall figure, outstanding looks, and curvaceous body.

Absolutely top-quality.

Elves are extremely rare, and while half-elves are a bit less desirable, they are so beautiful that if he handles them, they could definitely fetch a high price of several thousand gold coins.

Unfortunately, it was this young nobleman's squire, and a knight at that.

This means she possesses considerable martial prowess.

Perhaps she had already slept with this noble young master?

Valen pondered darkly in his heart, but he knew his limits and silently withdrew his gaze. A knight-errant was not someone he could easily lay his hands on.

He already knew Alphonse's identity.

Rumor has it that this country bumpkin is about to succeed as the lord of Coldwind Territory. Although that place is quite barren, it should have some purchasing power.

Valen smelled money in the box carried by the beautiful female knight.

"Let me see your goods." Alphonse didn't mince words and stated his purpose directly.

"Okay, please follow me." Warren gestured and led his bodyguard into the mansion.

His mansion contained both an auction house and a dungeon for imprisoning slaves.

Alphonse followed Valen into the dungeon.

The pungent, fishy stench, along with the strong smell of blood, made Alphonse frown, while Mia, unable to bear it any longer, raised her hand to cover her mouth and nose.

She would never have wanted to come to a place like this if Alphonse hadn't insisted on it.

"Hehehe, the smell is a bit unpleasant, but you'll get used to it." Valen said with a chuckle, then turned to Alphonse and said, "Lord Alphonse, the timing of your visit is not ideal. Most of the slaves have already been auctioned off. If you're looking for a plaything for your bed, you'll probably have to wait until next month when my slave-catching team returns to find some good ones."

"What about others? Are there any artisans or combat-type slaves?" Alphonse asked.

"Are there any racial requirements?" Valen asked.

"No, either is fine."

"There is one, this way please." Valen led the way, down the steps, and around the corner.

From the cells on either side, Alphonse saw several emaciated men huddled together in a cramped cell. Their tattered clothes couldn't even cover their bodies, and their eyes had completely lost their luster, as if they had resigned themselves to their fate.

Alphonse glanced at it and walked away. He wasn't there to save the world, and it wasn't appropriate for him to clash with Valen, a slave trader.

Valen was the only one in Lane City to run a slave trade, which might be related to the lord there, Earl Wolf.

Given their current strength, if they were to cause trouble, they might not even be able to leave Ryan City.

Alphonse had no grand ambition to overthrow this slave society.

Mia finally couldn't help but speak up, "Can't you improve the environment here?"

Warren chuckled and said, "They're not our people, so why should we treat them so well? Giving them food is enough. I've treated the goods fairly well. If we feed them too much, they're more likely to cause trouble."

Hearing him say that, Mia finally fell silent.

Next, what I saw were several empty prison cells.

Valen stopped in front of a cell and said with a smile.

"Your Excellency Alphonse, what do you think of this?"

Alphonse stepped forward and glanced at him.

A figure was huddled in the cell, its body and limbs unusually thick, though its stature was rather short. In the dim firelight, its face was obscured by thick hair.

Could they be dwarves?

Seeing Alphonse's interested expression, Valen laughed and said, "This is a rare dwarf. As everyone knows, dwarves are a race that excels at blacksmithing and prospecting for minerals; they are rare talents."

Alphonse was surprised.

Is this a stroke of good luck?

You can actually find a dwarf blacksmith here?

I've seen this a lot in Western fantasy novels; dwarves are exceptionally gifted, skilled in both blacksmithing and combat.

As if hearing Valen's words, the dwarf suddenly awoke, leaped to his feet, lunged at the iron fence, grabbed the thick iron bar, shook it violently, and roared, "Bastard! Let me go! I'm not a blacksmith, and I don't know how to forge iron or prospect for minerals!"

Upon closer inspection, the dwarf appeared excessively robust and sturdy.

He was also quite wild, his eyes filled with defiance and anger.

However, what he said really bothered Alphonse.

He's not a blacksmith, nor does he have the skill to prospect for minerals, so he's not of much value.

Immediately, he looked at Valen with displeasure.

Valen, who had just delivered a false propaganda speech, remained unfazed. "Lord Alphonse, I haven't finished yet. This dwarf is an exception. Although he's not a blacksmith, he's a good cook. Moreover, he possesses second-tier battle aura and is extremely powerful in combat, though a bit ferocious. He'd be suitable as a bodyguard."

Although the dwarf was still roaring and cursing, not only in the Common Tongue but also seemingly speaking his native tongue, he did not refute Valen's claim that he was a cook.

It's alright, I guess.

Alphonse had a plan in mind. He could use this dwarf as an experiment. If the dwarf could also cultivate internal energy techniques, it wouldn't be difficult to train a loyal bodyguard.

The Ten Directions Holy Sect encompasses the seven branches of the Holy Sect and possesses a vast collection of secret manuals and scriptures.

"If there's a slave contract, will it make him obey me and be completely submissive?" Alphonse asked.

"Of course," Valen smiled obsequiously. "I will prepare the slave contract for you."

"How much money does he want?"

"200 gold coins." Valen held up two short, stubby fingers. "That's a very good price, consider it a friendly gesture."

"Since we're friends, talking about money will hurt our feelings. Besides, I have guards. I'll take it for 100 gold coins." Alphonse adhered to the principle of bargaining by cutting the price in half, saving every penny possible.

"No way, Lord Alphonse, you've gone too far in haggling. At least let me make a profit. 190 gold coins, and this is a dwarf with second-tier battle aura."

"The price is still too high. Do you really think that rude dwarf can compare to my personal bodyguard, Mia? Not even close! I'll add a little more for you, 105 gold coins!"

Mia's face darkened upon hearing this.

After some back-and-forth bargaining, Valen finally gave in with a bitter face and agreed to the deal for 150 gold coins.

Alphonse clearly got a great deal. A warrior with second-tier battle aura is not something that can be bought for a mere 150 gold coins.

Signing the slave contract was simple; Valen always carried the contract scroll with him. The only trouble was calming down the frenzied dwarf.

Dear readers, the experience of following the story is still quite dismal. I humbly request that all you handsome and dashing readers lend a helping hand. Just turn to the latest chapter every day and add a "follow" option. Thank you so much!

(End of this chapter)