The head of the Demonic Python Devitt was placed on the table, his eyes glaring angrily, his fierce expression still bearing disbelief.
"Good!" Dragon King Zimorman's wife, the Great Knight Emma, struck her wooden staff on the floor and shouted, "Well done!"
Although a woman, this Great Knight of Wood Elf Bloodline was well-known for her fiery temper.
She stared at the head on the table and laughed. "Those who offend the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce should pay the price!"
"Carl. You did very well!"
"Mr. Karl..." Lula spoke up. "Who would have thought you've already been promoted to Great Knight? If I'd known, we should have renegotiated the compensation. Thank you for today!"
This was the core headquarters of the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce, and also the residence of Zimorman's family.
The spacious hall, cleared of other Attendants, was left with just the three of them.
Lula looked at Carl, her expression complex and her heart filled with mixed emotions, making her unsettled for a moment.
She had trained in Breathing Techniques and Martial Skills from a young age to gain her parents' approval. Though she had been promoted to a Knight early on, she had never managed to break through to the Great Knight level.
And Carl... this low-profile, little-known Pharmacist, had quietly become a Great Knight.
To say she wasn't envious would be impossible.
However, now was a time when the Chamber of Commerce needed people, and he was one of their own. Having another Great Knight was certainly helpful.
"I also just made the breakthrough," Carl nodded. "I just happened to encounter someone causing trouble. As a part of the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce, of course I had to intervene when I saw it."
"Just made a breakthrough?" Lula pondered. "Mr. Karl, you really are modest. To think you just made a breakthrough and could kill the well-known Demonic Python Devitt."
She had investigated this Pharmacist when they were recruiting him.
One of the instigators of chaos in Black City, a Knight-level expert, proficient in concocting various potions.
Yes! The one who had led a group out of Black City was probably a peak Knight back then; his current breakthrough wasn't surprising.
But Carl was too low-key, often not making an appearance for a month at a time, so he was easily overlooked.
Carl looked at the two and said, "Madam President, Miss Lula. Regarding the President, there have been many rumors in the market lately. I wonder... how is the President doing?"
Lula's expression darkened.
Emma tightened her grip on her wooden staff. Her voice was hoarse as she said, "My love, my husband Zimorman, has passed away. But no one can take away what he left behind. No one!"
This woman's voice was hoarse, her attitude domineering and as unyielding as a rock, which matched the rumors about her.
As for the news of the Dragon King's death, it could no longer be concealed.
"Madam." Carl nodded, confirming the news of the Dragon King's death. He then said, "The two Vice Presidents don't seem to truly acknowledge Miss Lula, and the Scythe Brotherhood and the Sea God Association are also eyeing the Chamber of Commerce. Today's event was no coincidence. If the Chamber of Commerce cannot stabilize soon, I fear more troubles will occur."
"It's fine," Emma said in a muffled voice. "Lula has me, and she has Crow. With two Great Knights, they wouldn't dare to make a move."
"Carl." She looked at him intently. "Are you willing to help Lula? If you are, I can give you the position of Vice President."
"Mother!" Lula's expression changed. For original chapters go to novel•fire.net
Emma was powerful, but she was definitely not a qualified merchant, nor should she make such rash offers.
Moreover, while Carl was a Great Knight skilled at concocting potions, the role of Vice President required leadership. He might not be suitable.
"Thank you for your high regard, Madam, but as for the position of Vice President... I'll pass," Carl said, waving his hand.
"What?" Emma's expression darkened. "You won't help us? Are you planning to oppose us then?"
This woman's temper was indeed as fiery as the rumors stated. No wonder no one submitted to her.
"Mother!" Lula pressed her hand to her forehead and sighed. "Could you please say a little less? Mr. Karl, please don't misunderstand. My mother means no harm. We sincerely invite you to formally join the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce. The terms are negotiable!"
The Dragon King Chamber of Commerce, while not yet at the point of collapse, wasn't far from it.
The two Vice Presidents each had their own agendas, and each faction was supported by two Great Knights.
If Carl joined, Lula's side would have three Great Knights, giving them significantly more room to maneuver.
They would also have a greater ability to resist the covetous eyes of other factions.
Terms? A faint smile touched Carl's lips. His purpose for this visit was indeed to negotiate terms.
"I want a Supreme Dharma Seal, Great Divine Grace, and Legendary Creatures. Provide these, and everything else is negotiable."
Both women were startled at his words.
Fortunately, their status and position differed from Yass's; although these items were rare, they weren't unheard of for them.
"Mr. Karl," Lula said, her beautiful eyes sparkling, "with your strength, you are certainly worthy of a Supreme Dharma Seal. However, the Chamber of Commerce's Supreme Dharma Seals are very limited. If we distribute one without a major contribution, I fear others will not be satisfied."
"You should know, some Great Knights have been with the Chamber of Commerce for over a decade and still haven't received a Supreme Dharma Seal."
"As for Great Divine Grace..." She hesitated for a moment, then continued steadily, "Great Divine Grace, although very rare, is mostly considered a precious collectible. What do you need it for?"
"I have my uses for it," Carl said. "Miss Lula, how many Great Divine Graces do you have on hand?"
"This..." Lula thought for a moment and said, "Many years ago, Duke Ferdinand went to great lengths to reclaim all the scattered Great Divine Graces. They are rarely seen in the outside world now."