<h4>Chapter 31: Yes, Boss!</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>As Studios <strong>Editor: </strong>As Studios


    Nichs stood outside the Dungeon Core Main Hall in a ck Tuxedo. If his protruding fangs and sharp sprite ears were not taken into consideration, ording to human standards, he would be quite a handsome guy.


    Nichs’ behavior attracted the attention of the gamers as they followed behind him. Sherlock understood their behavior as they did not want to miss the “Plot Plot Animation”. He had previously been surrounded by them in a simr manner.


    However, Nichs was puzzled when he saw the Goblins gathering and following him. Though they were Goblins, he felt pressured by their incessant talking.


    “Lassie, where are you going?”


    “Who triggered the Plot Animation?”


    “I don’t know. Perhaps there are new activities?”


    “Just follow Lassie.”


    “Take a look at my newly exchanged Small Cloth Bag.”


    “We shall form a new expeditionter and continue fighting the Spiders.”


    “Let’s form up first. Once the Plot Animation is over, we’ll set out.”


    “I saw Arthur swinging his weapon as he went out. Is he challenging the Spiders alone?”


    “Even if he has the mostbat training sessions, isn’t it too far-fetched for him to go alone?”


    “D*mn, I should have stockpiled the materials. The prices have increased today.”


    “Those who rushed to improve their equipment are now dying of regret.”


    Nichs was unable to understand the Goblins. Tens of them followed behind him and chattered non-stop. Why were these Goblins so fond of chatting? Nichs felt his ears almost bursting.


    Nichs had seen numerous Goblins but not the talkative ones. When a few normal Goblins were put together, they would not even make a sound. Nichs could not understand why these Goblins had that much to say!


    Nichs arrived at the Dungeon Core entrance with his ears filled with buzzing chatter. It did notst long as Sherlock walked out.


    When the Devil Lord appeared, the chatter gradually stopped and there were “shhh” sounds. Some whispered to remind the chattering Goblins, “Stop talking. The Plot Animation is starting!”


    Putting the Goblins’ matters aside, Nichs was looking for Sherlock about another matter.


    “Lord Sherlock, pardon my sudden visit.” He bowed towards Sherlock and said, “Since arriving at your Dungeon, I have been grateful for your great hospitality. To express my gratitude, please allow me to present you a gift.”


    Sherlock looked at Nichs and frowned.


    Was the great hospitality referring to the empty space without stone bs and proper beds? Was his gratitude sarcastic?


    Sherlock was unhappy. A lowly vampire was giving sarcastic hints to the Devil Lord?


    Nichs was not making sarcasticments. He was making use of the opportunity to foster their long-term business rtionship. However, the Goblins’ abnormal behavior had shocked Nichs to the core.


    Nichs had never encountered Goblins who would chat casually in front of a superior Vampire. Even after Nichs exerted his dominance, there was no reaction from the Goblins.


    Nichs was feeling mentally exhausted by the Goblins’ chattering and harassment. Nichs also realized that these Goblins... were terrifying!


    These Goblins were not afraid of a Vampire! Just based on the power of a Goblin? Of course not! They must be dependent on Lord Sherlock’s power!


    Nichs had visited many Dungeons. This was his first encounter with the strange Goblins.


    Nichs was sure that Lord Sherlock’s background was not simple. As a merchant, he felt he had to make a risky investment in Lord Sherlock and his future.


    When he saw Sherlock’s unhappiness, Nichs immediately said, “Lord Sherlock, I am impressed by the brave and resilient servants of the Dungeon. If you would allow, I hope to invest in your Dungeon. It will be in the form of a gift.”


    Sherlock finally understood. The Vampire was going to invest in his Dungeon! Was he really impressed by the brave and resilient servants?


    Sherlock surveyed his wretched Dungeon and the group of smiley Goblins behind Nichs who werementing on the praise. Sherlock led Nichs into the Dungeon Core Main Hall.


    “Come in. Let’s discuss your investment.”


    Sherlock closed the door after Nichs entered the Main Hall. The gamers were puzzled and broke into chatter. The gamers did not have to listen to guess what discussion Sherlock and Nichs were having.


    Sherlock beckoned Nichs to take a seat and then tapped on the table. Bru was talking excitedly in Sherlock’s mind on how to scam the Baron.


    Sherlock did not respond to Bru. Instead, he frowned and said to Nichs, “I’m notcking in Magic Stones and I have a good impression of you. I would like to hear about your investment n.”


    Nichs said excitedly, “Lord Sherlock, I’m willing to vouch for you and rmend to the Merchant Alliance to ce Eternal Kingdom as one of the Alliance trading posts. We’ll set up a Teleport Portal at your Dungeon and arrange for a resident merchant. No matter what materials or buildings you require, the Merchant Alliance will provide the best resources and services for your Dungeon’s development. The resources will be escorted and discounted twenty percent off the market price. This is my gift to you.”


    Sherlock hesitated as the offer was tempting. There was a free resident merchant, Teleport Portal and a 20% discount of the goods.


    Sherlock could apply for the Merchant Alliance to station a merchant at his Dungeon himself, but the application fees, deposit fees,mission fees and Teleport Portal would cost a ton.


    With Nichs’ rmendation, Sherlock would save arge sum of money.


    However, there were many problems with this rmendation.


    The merchants would arrive and interact with the gamers for long periods of time. With the differences in culture, there would be serious consequences. Sherlock felt that it was going to be troublesome.


    The reason he allowed the Merchant Band to visit the Dungeon was to let them be part of the Beta Testing activity and entertain the gamers so that they would be hardworking. Secondly, the Merchant Band was only staying for three days. Within this short period of time, Sherlock was not worried that they would discover anything. Moreover, he had an agreement with Nichs.


    The most important factor was that Sherlock did not trust Nichs. As a Dungeon Lord, he had only met the Baron for a day. Why would he agree to his investment? Was he foolish or naive?


    Sherlock was clear about Nichs’ intentions. First, Nichs clearly wanted to test Sherlock. Secondly, Nichs was interested in the investment.


    Sherlock wascking in Magic Stones, but he had not reached the stage that he would invite characters he did not trust to his Dungeon.


    “Apologies, Baron Nichs, you have a tempting proposal, but I must decline.” Sherlock pushed out his hand and said, “The Merchants applying to visit my Dungeon have already been scheduled to next year, and I have some other intentions regarding trading andmerce in the Dungeon.”


    “But Lord Sherlock...”


    Nichs had not expected Sherlock to decline him directly. Most of the developing Dungeons would jump at his offer as it was a win-win situation. When the Dungeon obtained abundant resources, Nichs could earn profits and improve his standing in the Merchant Alliance. He could also foster a good rtionship with the Dungeon Lord. Otherwise, how could a Baron Vampire have tea and beat up other creatures with the Dungeon Lords?


    “Don’t say anymore. My nnedmerce blueprint is massive and cannot be aplished by a Teleport Portal and a resident merchant. If you don’t have other matters, please leave. My servants are very happy that you are here. I hope that you will also be happy with your stay and make my servants happy so that they would work harder,” Sherlock said as he stood up and patted Nichs’ shoulders.


    “Nichs, don’t be mistaken. I’m not rejecting your cooperation. It’s not personal. Neither am I looking down on you. As you know, keeping a Dungeon is not easy. I have to take care of all areas. Numerous creatures are watching me. If I fail or have big news, they will publish everything. I tried to hide your visit to the Dungeon, but they found out. I had to put in a lot of effort to cate them. Otherwise, we would not be able to do business. If I agree to let you set up a Teleport Portal, how do I answer to those creatures? How many notices will I have to post to cate them?” Sherlock exined as he sent Nichs out.


    While the gamers chatted non-stop, Sherlock added, “I have high expectations of you. Though we cannot coborate now, I believe in your talents and experience. We will definitely have a chance to work together. I believe in you, Nichs.”


    Sherlock closed the door of the Main Hall. Nichs was feeling puzzled. He remained silent under the harsh gazes of the Goblins before he muttered, “Y-yes, Boss!”