"For example, I can purchase five hundred pounds of that item."
Thor's voice rose, his expression still calm. Even though he felt the murderous intent from Rajos Assad, he didn't care at all.
Just an unprivileged descendant of the Assad, posing almost no threat to him.
Of course, what's more important is that Thor believes the other party wouldn't act recklessly.
Indeed, that is the case.
The moment Thor's words landed, Rajos Assad's body suddenly shuddered.
"What did you say?"
The words blurted out uncontrollably, his expression filled with disbelief.
"You should be well aware of what I said, Rajos."
"Isn't that so?!"
Still smiling, Thor gazed at Rajos Assad.
"Are you serious?"
Taking a deep breath to calm his turbulent emotions, Rajos Assad spoke again.
"Here are fifty Gold Coins!"
"Consider it a down payment!"
Thor was more straightforward, taking fifty Gold Coins from his bosom and placing them in plain sight.
Looking at the fifty Gold Coins, Rajos Assad's breathing became noticeably heavier.
His face displayed various expressions as they continuously changed.
He was torn and hesitant.
Five hundred Gold Coins; the temptation was indeed enough.
Had the other party not been a member of the Dressrosa Family, he might have agreed already.
But the other party was indeed a member of the Dressrosa Family; Rajos Assad couldn't be sure of the validity of his words, nor did he dare to trust them.
What if the other party was merely trying to lure him into releasing Molten Fire Oil? Once exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable.
But not selling.
The Dressrosa Family member before him already knew.
And it's five hundred Gold Coins; he was indeed feeling conflicted.
Seeming to perceive Rajos Assad's dilemma, Thor let out a soft laugh, his expression turning solemn.
"Rajos, if I'm not mistaken, you're not valued by your family. Even your coming-of-age ceremony is just a small shop here in Loren City. Rajos, do you really want to remain in such a shop forever?"
The voice gently pulled Rajos Assad's conflicted expression back.
Listening to Thor's words, he furrowed his brow.
"What do you mean?"
Rajos Assad's face darkened slightly, feeling that the words from this Dressrosa Family member carried a hint of humiliation.
His tone grew stiff.
"No, no, Rajos, you may have misunderstood. What I mean is that we can cooperate."
Thor waved his hand, looking at Rajos as he spoke slowly.
"Cooperate?"
Hearing this term, Rajos felt a stir in his heart.
"Yes, cooperate. I, Thor Dressrosa, am involved in territorial construction. You know that territorial construction requires a large amount of materials, and the damn Habbs Commerce Association is practically a Vampire. They actually profit from my poor Gold Coins at ten times the market price; this is simply desecrating the Goddess of Life!"
Thor nodded, his words carrying a trace of indignation.
Listening to Thor's indignant words, Rajos Assad's mouth twitched slightly.
"Thor, indeed, they are desecrating the Goddess of Life. However, I must remind you, the entire Northern Province belongs to Marquis Reman, and the Habbs Commerce Association is under Marquis Reman. Not to mention you and me, even our families cannot compare to a Marquis."
Rajos Assad spoke with a bitter smile, his expression carrying a touch of sigh.
"No, no, Rajos, you misunderstood again. I never said I wanted to rival the Habbs Commerce Association. Your friend, Thor Dressrosa, needs certain items. As friends, you gift some, and I, in gratitude, provide my friend with some Gold Coins. This seems like normal friendship interaction, doesn't it?"
"Just like this time, my friend Rajos gifted me with some precious Life Essence. I handed fifty Gold Coins to a friend. As long as we're not dealing with slaves, I believe the Habbs Commerce Association wouldn't care."
Thor spoke softly with a smile.
Listening to his words, Rajos naturally understood them.
His expression carried a hint of mockery.
"Thor, you are indeed clever, making me smuggle for you while you don't assume any responsibility. Once discovered, even if convicted, only I would be blamed, not you."
"Sorry, I'm not interested in such cooperation, Rajos."
"Lam, please see Thor out."
Rajos spoke again, standing to prepare to end this meeting.
"Goodbye, Rajos."
Thor shook his head with a smile, turning to leave, but seemingly thinking of something, he stopped and spoke again.
"By the way"
"Rajos, you may not know, but I, Thor Dressrosa, am Engel Dresrosa's ninth son. I'm honored to have my father's favor. My father granted me a Great Knight, fifty Official Knights, and hundreds of Apprentice Knights. I reckon the upcoming Kingdom assessment shouldn't be an issue for me."
"I originally thought Rajos would be happy to cooperate with a Baron. It seems Rajos doesn't care, so I was presumptuous. Farewell."
After speaking, he turned to leave without hesitation.
"What?"
The words again made Rajos' pupils constrict with shock.
A Great Knight, fifty Official Knights, hundreds of Apprentice Knights—he naturally understood what that represented.
"Thor, please wait."
He hurriedly spoke.
"If Rajos does not believe, he can always come to Eagle Ridge."
Thor turned his head, still speaking with a smile and displaying extreme confidence.
Watching Thor's confident expression, Rajos' heart trembled continuously.
There was disbelief, skepticism, and even some admiration and jealousy.
Yes, admiration, jealousy.
Thinking about his own situation, then looking at the young Knight before him.
Admiration and envy spread.
But it was just a moment.
Soon, these emotions were suppressed.
He knew clearly what he needed.
This is also why he took risks smuggling.
At this moment, he wouldn't let his emotions completely override his reasoning.
"Phew!"
He slowly exhaled a breath, calming himself.
His face blossomed with a smile again.
"You're right, Thor, my friend!"
"This is just a gift between friends. The 'Life Essence' you need can be delivered tomorrow. Where should it be?"
The voice was warm, no longer stiff and unfamiliar, as if he were an old friend not seen for years.
"Thank you, my friend. I think fifty miles outside Loren City, in the Maple Leaf Territory, would be good."
Listening to Rajos, Thor couldn't help but feel relieved, a smile appearing on his face.
"Indeed, that's a good spot!"
"How about at dusk?"
"Of course, my friend."