I Became My Elf King Character In A Game-Like World
Chapter 37: Fine & The New Price

Chapter 37: Fine & The New Price

The truth was simple, these gold and silver treasures had been looted from the Goblin Kingdom. And the goblins? They sustained themselves entirely through raiding human trade convoys.

There was a real possibility that some of these items did belong to the Ironcrest Trading Company.

Theron’s expression darkened.

His calloused fingers tightened around the hilt of his greatsword, his posture shifting instinctively into a defensive stance.

His gaze hardened as he locked eyes with Renjiro.

"Your Majesty," he said, his tone now ice-cold, "are you implying that your elves were the ones who attacked our caravan?"

WHOOSH!

A blinding streak of light shot across the hall.

A magical arrow, formed of pure, radiant energy, ripped through the air, heading straight for Theron.

His reflexes took over instantly.

CLANG!

He raised his greatsword, barely managing to block the incoming spell.

BOOM!

The force exploded upon impact, sending him staggering backward several steps. Even as a circle 9 Knight, the sheer power behind the attack left his hands trembling.

When the dust settled, Theron’s gaze snapped toward the source of the spell.

There, standing with her magic staff raised, was Elaria. A majestic aura of sacred energy radiated from her, her eyes glowing with quiet fury.

"Human knight," she spoke, her voice icy and unyielding, "do not slander our King. If you dare to spread false accusations, I will personally send all of you to the depths of hell."

A chill ran down Theron’s spine. He gritted his teeth, suppressing the anger that threatened to boil over.

Just as he was about to retaliate, a hand grabbed his arm. "Theron," said Gorren, the mage’s voice filled with subtle warning.

Theron turned, confusion flashing in his eyes.

"I believe," Gorren continued, his tone measured, "that the peace-loving elves would never do such a thing. Besides, our intelligence reports from that time clearly stated that the culprits were goblins."

Theron exhaled sharply.

"I was mistaken." He sheathed his greatsword, forcing his frustration down. Gorren had given him a way out, a way to de-escalate the situation. Because in this forest, they were at a severe disadvantage.

Surrounded by tens of thousands of Elf warriors, if battle broke out, they wouldn’t even have time to pray to the their God before they were riddled with arrows.

Gorren turned back to Renjiro.

"Your Majesty," he said, "our trading company is interested in purchasing the magic cores and gold artifacts. Let us sit down and discuss the pricing."

Renjiro remained unfazed.

"These," he said, gesturing to the chests, "are only a fraction of what I have."

His eyes gleamed as he continued.

"There are more gold and silver artifacts. More magic cores. And in addition, I also possess over a hundred beautifully magic gemstones."

He leaned forward slightly, his expression unreadable. "If you want them, you must pay me 90% of their market value in gold." Gorren’s breath caught. Even after all his years of negotiations, he had never encountered someone so... unrelenting.

’These elves... are absurdly wealthy.’ A mix of shock and admiration filled him. But then his lips curled into a bitter smile.

’This young King... he’s more obsessed with gold than the dragon race.’

"Your Majesty," Gorren said carefully, "the best we can offer is 70% of the market price." Renjiro smirked slightly.

"I am certain," he said, smoothly, "that there are many other trading companies in the City who would be delighted to work with us."

Gorren’s face stiffened. This was a threat, a real one. If the Ironcrest Trading Company lost its exclusive trade rights with the elves, their profits would plummet to the level like never before.

"Your Majesty..." Gorren tried to regain control of the conversation. "Our trading company and the elves have worked together for many years. If it weren’t for us, we—"

Renjiro’s eyes turned cold.

"Selling us fruits and honey in orice so absurd, while purchasing our equipment at such a ridiculously low prices... Over the years, your company has made a fortune off of us."

Gorren instantly denied it.

"Your Majesty, that is absolutely untrue!"

"I know the truth." Renjiro’s voice was calm, but it carried the weight of finality.

"Since you insist on discussing our past transactions, then allow me to state my terms. If the Ironcrest Trading Company wishes to continue doing business with us, you must first pay a compensation fee of two million gold coins."

"Otherwise, your company’s trading rights in the Forest will be permanently revoked."

’W-T-F?!’ Gorren’s mind went blank. He could barely believe what he had just heard.

’This Elf King changes his stance faster than the storms over the Wailing Sea!’

The previous deal weren’t even sealed, yet they were already being asked to pay a massive fine?! The atmosphere in the grand hall grew tense.

Both Gorren and Theron wore deep frowns, their expressions darkened by the staggering demand.

Two million gold coins. The sheer amount was so astronomical that it made their minds momentarily freeze.

They had traveled all this way to profit, not to negotiate compensation fees.

As the weight of the conversation pressed down on them, there was one person in the hall who remained entirely unaffected, Lady Lyra.

Unlike the rest, she showed no concern for the ongoing dispute. Instead, she was happily chatting with Lorien, her eyes filled with curiosity and admiration.

Lorien, however, was far less enthusiastic. She responded only occasionally, offering short, polite replies.

But Lyra didn’t mind in the slightest. To her, the elves were the most noble race on the entire Continent.

Long before humans had even formed kingdoms, when they still lived in tribal societies, the elves had already ruled half of the continent once in the past. Their history was glorious, their bloodline unmatched, and their pride completely justified.

So what if they were cold and indifferent? That was only natural. Lyra clasped her hands together and looked up at Lorien with sparkling eyes.

"Lorien," she said sweetly, "would you take me on a tour of your lands? I would love to see the beauty of your home with my own eyes." Lorien hesitated for a brief moment before answering.

"That is not for me to decide," she said calmly. "You would need His Majesty’s permission." At that, Lyra immediately turned her gaze toward the throne.