Before long, Glen led several merchants into the farm.


    Initially, Glen had been in Dude Town resolving a sudden issue of rowdiness at one of his stores. After meting out a lesson to those ruffians that they would never forget, on his way back, he chanced upon these merchants in search of a high - quality farm to serve as the supplier of ingredients for their taverns in the main city.


    Allegedly, due to the impact of the winter climate, the farm that had been supplying them with provisions had encountered difficulties, and they were now seeking a farm unaffected by the inclement weather.


    Glen, naturally, seized this golden opportunity. With the influx of elves to his farm, the production of dairy products, eggs, and the like had soared, and he had been fretting over the inability of his stores to consume the surplus. Encountering these individuals was like finding solace precisely when in need.


    Following an amicable and engaging conversation, he successfully persuaded these merchants, kindling in them high expectations of Glen''s farm. However, upon entering the outer forest of Bayek, those expectations waned significantly. They surmised that a place with such unseemly - looking trees could scarcely yield exceptional livestock. Some of them even began mentally formulating excuses for decline.


    Yet, upon setting eyes on the farm, all their misgivings evaporated. They had never beheld such a magnificent farm. Not only were the edifices aesthetically pleasing, but each and every livestock exuded vitality, their pelts glistening with health, an evident indication of prime - quality meat. Having witnessed such a place, their arduous journey through the snowstorm seemed amply rewarded.


    At this moment, Glen, with his acute perception, conducted a cursory scan of the entire farm. Having ascertained that all non - human beings were concealed, he exhaled a faint sigh of relief. Presently, only human employees remained in sight. They were attired in thick garments, effectively concealing the scars on their faces from the merchants'' view.


    "Hahaha... Mr. Glen, I never anticipated that you could cultivate such an outstanding farm in such a locale. It''s truly astonishing! I believe we can now delve into the details of our prospective cooperation," remarked a merchant sporting a dainty, upturned mustache and attired in a thick bear - skin coat, a genial smile on his face.


    "Indeed, we''re highly satisfied with your farm. Moments ago, I palpated the rump of a bovine, and it was impressively firm. This is a veritable farm, albeit slightly smaller than we had envisioned," another hook - nosed merchant concurred.


    The other merchants, too, promptly expressed their eagerness to collaborate.


    Glen, with a smile, then led these individuals into the workers'' warming lounge. Seated around the hearth, they engaged in discussions regarding the nuances of the cooperation.


    At the onset, some degree of negotiation over interests was inevitable, yet in the end, terms acceptable to both parties were reached.


    Subsequent to finalizing the arrangements, the intensity of the snowstorm outside had escalated considerably. Glen proposed waiting for a while before departing. The merchants raised no objections; their mission accomplished, they were in no haste to leave.


    To while away the ensuing time, the group gathered around the fire embarked on a discussion about the current state of the kingdom''s commercial landscape.


    "Presently, due to the burgeoning demand for numerous mechanical contrivances, a profusion of parts factories have been established. A substantial portion of the labor force has flocked to these factories to fabricate parts, rendering farms like Mr. Glen''s increasingly scarce," one merchant observed.


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    "I vividly recall a time when idyllic rural landscapes were ubiquitous. Alas, nowadays, they can only be espied in protected residential areas and in secluded locales such as this," another added.


    "These are the insights proffered by a scholar in the newspaper. They hold significant merit," a third concurred.


    As Glen listened to these words, he inwardly scoffed. These individuals were merely lamenting the fact that capitalists, who had commandeered the lion''s share of the profits, were encroaching upon their interests. Given the opportunity, they would readily transform into the very factory owners they were decrying. Nevertheless, in the context of mere conversation, Glen refrained from voicing his true thoughts. Instead, he continued to engage in idle chatter, following the thread of their topics.


    However, as the conversation unfolded, one merchant abruptly broached a subject that piqued Glen''s interest:


    "I''ve heard that the enigmatic magic minister of the Saisi Kingdom, Alfred, intends to establish formal trade routes with our kingdom upon the conclusion of this winter. The elves there evince no interest whatsoever in these iron and steel contraptions. Perhaps we could seize this opportunity and venture there to test our luck. Who knows, we might stumble upon some lucrative business prospects!"


    "I''ve also heard of this. But aren''t those high - elves renowned for their hauteur, typically disdainful of excessive cooperation with other races? What could have prompted such uncharacteristic eagerness?" another merchant interjected, voicing his bewilderment.


    "Why concern yourself with such matters of national import? Our sole focus should be on amassing wealth," one of them quipped.


    Amidst their banter, Glen found an opportune moment to interject:


    "Alfred? Who might that be? He sounds rather formidable, capable of facilitating such an undertaking?"


    Alfred was, in fact, the elf whom the giant Glen had encountered in the ruins had enjoined him to slay. A zealous devotee of the so - called Silver God.


    "You''re unaware of the ancient Great Magician Alfred? He''s a paragon who has endured through countless epochs! It''s rumored that even the current elven queen of the Saisi Kingdom deems it requisite to accord him respect! A true sage, indeed!" exclaimed a merchant with a resonant voice, gesturing extravagantly with his hands.


    "Not merely within the confines of the Saisi Kingdom, but in every kingdom across the continent boasting a modicum of historical heritage, the glorious exploits of this ancient being are chronicled. He is like a beacon in the dark ages, illuminating the path for multitudes," another elaborated.


    "Surely you''re familiar with the fact that the great Knight King Alviga was tutored by this very great magician?"


    Glen forced a couple of dry chuckles. "Of course, I''m well - aware. How could I not know of the great Knight King Alviga? He was the one who vanquished the Primordial Poison."


    "That was the deed of Knight King Burns..." a merchant corrected.


    "Oh, my mistake," Glen mumbled, scratching his head in embarrassment. He inwardly cursed the original owner, who had obstinately clung to the belief that it was Alviga who had slain the Primordial Poison. Now, it had landed Glen in an awkward situation.


    "Evidently, Mr. Glen doesn''t evince a profound interest in history. But that''s par for the course for a merchant, unlike us, hahaha..." The merchants erupted into laughter, seemingly delighted in the perception of their own erudition compared to Glen''s.


    Glen feigned embarrassment and joined in the laughter.


    Subsequently, at Glen''s behest, the group resumed their discussion about the Great Magician Alfred:


    "When contemplating this mysterious and ancient elven magician, the first thing that springs to my mind is the Age of the Dragon."


    "Likewise for us," the other merchants nodded in unison.


    "None of us have firsthand experience of that era, of course. Merely hearing the accounts from those around us, our mentors and elders, suffices to convey the depth of despair that pervaded. Every race on the continent teetered on the brink of extinction. Even the successive emergence of countless heroes seemed insufficient to reverse the tide," recounted a slightly portly merchant in a somber tone.


    His companion then continued, "The terrifying might of the dragon exceeded the wildest imaginings of all. However, the continent has always been a wellspring of unwavering resolve. It was the Great Magician Alfred who, in concert with several other stalwarts, traversed the length and breadth of the continent. Enduring innumerable tribulations, they ultimately succeeded in uniting the various nations, compelling the diverse races to set aside their differences and stand together against the dragon! Even the demon race was among those united. It''s scarcely believable how they managed to achieve such a feat."


    As he spoke, this merchant''s enthusiasm grew palpable.