I Became My Elf King Character In A Game-Like World
Chapter 90: Conflict of Interest

Chapter 90: Conflict of Interest

Hearing this, Merchant leaders from several other merchant guilds jumped in, their voices suddenly sharp.

"Your Guild can’t just hoard all that! I claim twenty percent!"

"I’ll take twenty percent too!"

"And I demand the same!"

The corners of other merchant leader mouths twitched.

These vultures—just as expected—weren’t about to let the prize go without a fight.

Buying these magic cores at ninety percent of market value might seem like a bad deal at first, but the real prize was the huge quantity and, more importantly, the high quality.

Most were top-grade magic cores, the kind everyone across the continent was desperate to get.

Knights needed them to enchant gear, alchemists needed them for powerful potions—these rare cores were incredibly valuable, worth their weight in gold. Every magic school and army hoarded them like treasure.

"Impossible!" Ither merchants snapped. "The Guild claimed the whole lot! We won’t give up a single core!"

"Greedy pigs!" someone yelled.

"That’s millions in gold! Can your guild even cover that amount?"

"I don’t care! I’m getting my twenty percent, and anyone who gets in my way better be ready!"

"You want to fight? Bring it on!" another snarled. "You think I’m afraid of you?"

The square trembled with angry shouts as the Guildmasters, faces red with fury, screamed at each other for everyone to see.

Finally, Lord Alden had enough.

’Couldn’t these idiots see the Elven envoys’ expressions growing darker, like gathering storm clouds?’

"Enough of this nonsense!" Lord Alden thundered. "The cores will be divided equally among you merchants. Now stop this squabbling and bring the gold equivalent to your share! Don’t keep the Elf King waiting. We won’t shame ourselves in front of our important guests!"

Only then did the rival merchants fall silent. They muttered under their breath but didn’t dare argue further.

None of them dared to cross the Alden; they knew the consequences too well. Anger Lord Alden, and their next caravan might just run into ’bandits’ wearing Imperial armor and wielding suspiciously familiar blades.

Soon, chests heavy with gold coins were brought out and carried into the square under tight guard. When the lids were lifted, gold practically spilled out like a waterfall. The air shimmered with reflected light, and the surrounding crowd gasped, their eyes wide.

"So much gold... enough to buy an army!"

"If I had half that, I could make my little barony a kingdom."

The nobles whispered enviously among themselves. Titles meant little compared to that mountain of wealth.

Many had land, but few could claim that much actual coin. Greed flickered in their eyes, but no one dared make a move.

Merchants stepped forward and bowed low before the Elf King.

"Your Majesty," he said, his voice filled with awe. "Here are 4.5 million gold coins. The amount over the agreed price is a humble tribute from the Merchant Guild, in your honor."

Renjiro, still seated proudly on his great unicorn, simply raised a hand. With a smooth motion, the gold vanished into his storage ring.

A moment later, a quiet notification confirmed the transaction: Exactly 4.5 million gold coins received, with 200,000 as tribute.

From his high perch, Renjiro gave the beaming merchant a measured look. A faint, pleased smile touched his lips. "Your guild’s tribute is noted. Perhaps we shall find a time to cooperate again in the future."

"Your Majesty, you honor us beyond measure!" the merchant exclaimed, beaming from ear to ear.

He seemed completely oblivious to the looks of pure disgust the other Guildmasters shot his way.

"Trying to suck up to the Elves with a tribute! The nerve..."

"Why didn’t I think of that?"

Renjiro’s gaze swept over the crowd again, pausing for a moment on Lord Alden.

The city lord bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, my deepest apologies for not being able to host you properly at my estate today."

Renjiro raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

This stout human lord clearly just wanted him gone.

"The forest is now under our rule," Renjiro stated coolly. "I will tolerate no further intrusions by human mercenaries."

Lord Alden hesitated, then carefully suggested, "Your Majesty, there are whispers of an ogre tribe to the west, led by a—"

"I already know," Renjiro cut in, his voice calm but final.

Alarm flashed across Alden’s face.

In that moment, understanding dawned on him: both threats had already been dealt with. Quietly. Efficiently.

The city lord let out a slow breath, his tone shifting to one of deep respect.

"Understood, Your Majesty. You have my word – no mercenary shall set foot in forest again. The borders of the Elven territory will be honored. Peace between our peoples must be preserved above all else."

It was definitely time to go.

Even if Lord Alden wasn’t practically radiating ’please leave’ with that stiff smile, Renjiro had no intention of lingering in this human city any longer than needed.

Before turning to leave, he swept one final, cool gaze across the assembled mortals.

Not a single person dared meet his eyes.

Even powerful men, figures respected throughout the human lands, politely lowered their gazes. They held titles and commanded influence, but none dared risk the slightest disrespect towards the Elf King... at least not now.

With the entire city watching, Renjiro turned his unicorn mount and led his army.

The earth itself seemed to shudder under the heavy, rhythmic tread of the mountain giants, their steps like echoing war drums on the stone streets.

Behind them marched the Elven warriors, a breathtaking sight in their gleaming silver armor, flanked by sleek shadow panthers and a host of magical creatures rarely glimpsed in the human cities.

It was a spectacle no one present would soon forget.

And yet... the city still stood.

A wave of quiet relief washed over the high nobles and faction leaders watching from the walls. Shoulders eased, and tense faces relaxed slightly. They were safe, at least for today.

But down among the common folk, and even the lesser nobles and wandering adventurers mixed in the crowd, the reaction was completely different.

There was no fear, only fascination. Wonder. Excitement.

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