Chapter 245: Black Eats Black

Karida was quick to catch on; she should have thought of it earlier, but she really didn't know much about algae nuclei. She had seen them sold at high prices in Aurora City and assumed they were truly rare.

"To put it simply, that's the gist of it. I do have some tricks up my sleeve, but I must thank you, Brother Da. Without your show of force, playing this game alone wouldn't have been effective, and I would have had to resort to more complicated methods," Old Wang said with a smile. "These people seem united, but it's all about profit. I offered 900 for the first one, which they still found profitable, but the real key was the subsequent 800 and 700 offers. That further eroded their resolve and gradually lowered their expectations. Once the ball started rolling, the rest was left to fate, but it looks like I've had good luck."

"You're quite knowledgeable," Karida said with a meaningful smile.

To be honest, Wang Feng's impression on her before was that he was someone who could handle a bit of side work, like runes, forging, and potions. Talented, suited for research, but a bit smooth-talking and opportunistic.

Now, seeing him as just a student council president seemed like an underutilization of his talents. Perhaps after returning, she should promote him to a mentor and let him manage the school's finances?

"Absolutely!" Old Wang was a bit elated, rarely getting praise from Brother Da. He said spiritedly, "Brother Da, you don't know what these things go for at the Jinbeibei Auction House? This time we made a huge profit, and they're all top-notch goods..."

"How much can we make?" Karida asked meaningfully.

"At least a million or so!" Old Wang said proudly. "That's just the material cost. These can actually be used to brew excellent potions. With such a large quantity, we can brew quite a few! Ha ha, we're rich, we're rich..."

"Oh, is that so?" Karida smiled even wider. "Then how much can I get?"

The smile on Old Wang's face froze, his mouth opened and closed a few times before he awkwardly changed the subject: "...Actually, the success rate of brewing these potions is very low... I mainly did it for research purposes! To contribute to our Rose Institute of Potions, in the end, we might just break even..."

"That's none of my concern." Karida said cheerfully. "Over a thousand algae nuclei, if we follow the market price at the Jinbeibei Auction House, that's over ten million. I'll be generous and not quibble over the change. Ten million, let's split it fifty-fifty..."

Knowing even the retail price at the Jinbeibei Auction House, Brother Da never shied away from what she needed to know. Old Wang realized he couldn't fool her.

Old Wang looked at Karida with a mix of resentment and helplessness: "Brother Da, you're robbing me blind..."

"I put in the effort, so I deserve my share. What about it," Karida laughed, "are you going to try to cheat me out of my money?"

Old Wang opened his mouth to speak.

At her age, she can’t even put on a decent act, knowing full well that a skinflint like me is right here, and yet she still has to show off. Why not just say it’s for a friend?

"Admirable, truly admirable." Old Wang bowed respectfully to Karida, speaking with utmost seriousness, "I think you’re much better at making money than I am, Brother Karida. I still need an initial capital of eighty thousand, but you just talk and the money comes in, without spending a penny."

"What if we count forty thousand as my capital? I don’t have that much on me, so you could front it. When we make a profit, you can deduct it from my share."

Isn't that still essentially not spending any capital?

Old Wang was almost at a loss whether to laugh or cry. This was like a mantis catching a cicada, unaware of the oriole behind! Looking at Brother Karida in her yellow robe today, she was indeed that oriole.

But then again, money was a small matter. However, this would mean he was officially partnering with Brother Karida in business. A husband-and-wife team?

Hmm, doesn’t seem like a bad deal!

Thinking this, he felt more at ease.

The two chatted and laughed, having just finished checking the goods and were about to leave when they saw a familiar figure approaching.

"If it weren’t for the Death Rose being unsheathed just now, I might not have recognized you. Princess Karida’s first strike of Tianxuan is unparalleled, truly a sight to behold." The man wore expensive golden armor, a red cape, and carried a broadsword on his back.

To be honest, this outfit was quite common in the Crode Islands and even in the Debang Principality, resembling the legendary hero Crodeias.

Debang people revered strong idols, and many imitated their attire. Broad swords like these were also the most commonly used by martial artists in the Debang Principality, essential for the armed corps, and one could see many of them every day on the Crode Islands.

However, this man looked vaguely familiar, and both of them were slightly taken aback, then remembered he was Mr. Lun from the 'Sea Dragon Horn' stall yesterday.

Karida had only demonstrated a bit of her skill, but she was somewhat surprised that he recognized her sword. She wasn’t that well-known on the high seas. She nodded at him, "Sir?"

Mr. Lun smiled and bowed slightly, saying, "Let’s formally introduce ourselves. My name is Aaron. I’ve long heard of Princess Karida’s great reputation and have always admired you. Unfortunately, I missed you several times at the Blade Council in the Holy City, and I didn’t recognize you yesterday. It’s truly regrettable."

If the other party had only mentioned the name, Karida might not have recalled it immediately, after all, Aaron was quite a common name. But when he mentioned the League of Blades Council, Karida instantly understood.

Heroic Sword, Hero Aaron!

This man possessed royal blood from the Debang Empire. Although not the first in line to the throne, his martial arts talent was extraordinary, making him the youngest commander of the armed forces, even more famous than Karida. A few years ago, he passed the League of Blades' assessment and became an official hero. From the moment he debuted, he reached the peak, achieving many glorious victories. He held the title of Heroic Sword, and on his back was the treasure of the Debang Empire, the "Heavenly Dragon Thunder Sword."

Joining the Blade Council with his royal status, he is now the youngest member of the council, undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures in the League of Blades.

Karida slightly straightened her posture and returned the greeting, "So it's Prince Aaron, I've heard much about you."

"I didn't recognize Your Highness, and neither did you recognize me, but we seem to have a silent understanding," Aaron laughed heartily, "But such a minor reputation to be noticed by Princess Karida, it truly brings honor to Aaron, a blessing in three lifetimes."

Both of similar standing and age, even their proud personalities were somewhat alike. Recalling the other's great fame, yet failing to recognize each other yesterday, they found it amusing and interesting. Clearly a smooth talker, Aaron and Karida quickly engaged in conversation.

Old Wang instantly became a mere bystander.

Being a mere bystander was not Old Wang's style. He stepped forward to stand beside Karida, listening solemnly to what Aaron said, occasionally nodding and murmuring "mm-hmm."

Aaron's interest was clearly all on Karida, and Old Wang's presence was rather bothersome. Uncertain of his identity or his relationship with Karida, Aaron couldn't say much, only smiling and saying, "Croatias is my idol. This area is under our Navy's jurisdiction, and I often come here for leisure, so I'm quite familiar with it. Is Princess Karida here on business or for tourism? Would you like a local guide?"

Before Karida could speak, Old Wang interjected with a grin, "Just passing through, just passing through~ We're purely passing through. No need for a guide, we'll be leaving tomorrow."

Aaron glanced at him, smiled faintly, and ignored Wang Feng, instead asking Karida, "And this gentleman is?"

"This is my sister!" Old Wang blurted out, completely oblivious to Aaron's eyes being fixed on Karida, as if Aaron had been directly addressing him.

Aaron was slightly taken aback; Death Rose, born into the Aurora Lei family, was the only beloved daughter of the Lei family's head, where did she get a brother from?

"Come, come, let me formally introduce you," Old Wang enthusiastically stepped forward to shake his hand, "I'm Wang Dashuai, the Wang from 'King Returns,' and the Dashuai from 'Great Commander.' I'm Cousin Da's cousin, very close..."

Wang Feng, Karida, cousin?

He was taken aback for a moment, then showed a warm smile, "So you're Lady Karida's cousin, Dashuai, what a great name, truly heroic and extraordinary."

Old Wang rolled his eyes, damn it, so hypocritical, the moment he heard it was his brother-in-law, his attitude changed instantly. There was no way to confront him head-on; this guy was a typical villainous, handsome, and rich. He had to be tricked, and the identity of a brother-in-law was almost invincible.

"Of course, people have been praising my looks since I was little!"

Karida remained noncommittal, watching Wang Feng perform.

Aaron, on the other hand, became more friendly towards Wang Feng, saying, "Your brother mentioned that Your Highness is leaving tomorrow, probably on a cargo ship. Why not stay a few more days? Recently, many notorious pirates have been gathering in the Abyssal Sea, passing through the Dragon Abyss Sea. So, this area has not been very peaceful lately, with quite a few pirate leaders surfacing..."

"Thank you." Karida smiled slightly. If this were a few days ago, she might have considered it, but after resting on Sessys' ship for several days, her injuries were now fully healed. With her peak ghost strength, even if she encountered a pirate of Sessys' level again, they would be powerless against her: "But just a few pirates, no need to worry."

"Haha, Lady, you are one of the few top experts in our Blade Holy Sanctuary. A few pirates wouldn't even be a concern for you," Aaron laughed heartily, realizing he had spoken out of turn, wanting to retain her but showing his intentions too clearly: "It was Aaron who spoke out of turn. How about we have lunch together, and I will drink three cups as an apology to Your Highness."

Just as Karida was about to refuse, Wang Feng, standing beside her, was displeased, "Lady Aaron, you really lack sincerity. Even if you want to pursue my sister, you can't be so straightforward. Inviting us to dinner right away, isn't that a bit rash? Who is my sister?"

Old Wang rolled his eyes, directly pointing out the truth, and Aaron's face turned red immediately, "I'm sorry, I was too abrupt."

"Alright, alright, think it over when you get back. Don't bother me and my sister!" With that, Wang Feng pulled Karida away, leaving Aaron bewildered. He had truly fallen in love with Karida at first sight, and they were a perfect match, both talented and well-matched.

It was clear that Karida cared a lot for her cousin. Winning over the sister would definitely start with winning over the brother-in-law.

Turning the corner, Karida subtly pulled her hand away. Old Wang couldn't help but mutter, "Kissed and hugged, why fear holding hands..."

Swish...

"Cough, cough, Brother Karida, calm down." Wang Feng slowly moved the sharp Death Rose away, "Don't show such a precious thing easily."

This is tough.