Chapter 397: The Commercial Manager
Chapter 397: The Commercial Manager
Alina strolled through the commercial district of Horizon City, a scroll casually drawn from her merchant space in hand. As she read, she instructed the approaching young girl, "Go contact the Rusty Gold Guild and inform them before evening that we need to increase our spice imports from the Vinyan World. Also, don't forget to follow up on the silk trade deal we discussed last time."
Melville nodded in agreement and hurried off.
Alina continued her walk, passing by numerous shops in the commercial area.
Along the way, people of all ages and social statuses greeted her with respect, addressing the young lady by name.
After the Riverbank Merchant Guild's actions in the Forest Courtyard were exposed, their business reputation plummeted.
Before the Merchant Union Guild could hold them accountable, the last of the Riverbank Guild's merchants absconded with the funds, disappearing without a trace.
Consequently, the Guild promoted the rising star Alina to oversee the management of the commercial district.
In name, Alina was the commercial manager of Horizon City.
But in this city built and managed by merchants, such a position virtually guaranteed her role as the city's true administrator.
A successful deal had propelled the once-itinerant merchant girl to heights she had never imagined just a year ago.
At this moment, Alina arrived at the center of the commercial street.
She noticed an elderly man, well past his prime, directing his employees at the entrance of a weapons shop.
"Miss Alina, you're as radiant as ever today," the old man greeted her with a hearty laugh.
"Thank you for the compliment, but I'm here today regarding the trade we discussed last week," Alina replied with a gentle tone. "The reconstruction of Nine Bays City is still expanding. In addition to the timber naturally available in the forest, Hans Ke's construction plan also intends to purchase a substantial amount of stone and iron from us. This is currently Horizon City's most critical business matter..."
The old man nodded repeatedly, assuring her, "We will do our utmost to ensure quality and quantity. Rest assured!"
However, when Alina inquired about specific details, the old man became hesitant and could only provide vague data.
The dissolution of the Riverbank Merchant Guild, the reconstruction of Nine Bays City after the turmoil, and the changes in the Forest Courtyard World had created a chaotic situation, making accurate statistics challenging.
Alina then summoned her assistant, Marco:
"Marco, our goods are primarily transported via waterways. These past few days, you've been instructed to expand the new trading station at the Holmes Town port to oversee the final import and export data."
Marco immediately nodded, "I understand. I'll give the order today."
Just then, a messenger rushed over, out of breath, and handed a scroll to Alina:
"Miss Alina, this is a message from Mr. Schur. The batch of furs you ordered last month encountered some trouble during transportation within the teleportation system, so their arrival may be delayed!"
Schur was the awakened manager of Horizon City's teleportation array.
Upon hearing this unpleasant news, Alina maintained her composure.
She took the scroll, carefully read its contents, and then turned to walk towards the other end of the commercial street.
The location of the teleportation array was one of the city's most important areas.
In a city built by merchants, it was naturally situated adjacent to the commercial street. Alina, accompanied by a few of her subordinates, hurried over and immediately called for Schur, the manager. Both parties communicated about the teleportation issues in the third-floor office.
The disasters at the end of last year had also led to an extremely busy trading environment in the Forest Courtyard.
Under these circumstances, the frequently used teleportation system was overwhelmed, making it prone to issues.
After renegotiating the teleportation plan, Alina prepared to leave the office and head downstairs.
(End of Chapter 397)
The teleportation array was located in an open-air plaza, many times larger than the secluded courtyard on the outskirts.
The Awakened worked in an office building next to the array.
Alina had just reached the first floor when she suddenly stopped.
She overheard a conversation at the reception desk.
"Miss, besides paying, do I need to undergo an inspection before using the teleportation array?"
"That's correct. You need to submit the necessary documents, and the inspection will be completed quickly. In about three days, you'll receive your qualification certificate to use the teleportation array."
"After I get this certificate, can I use the teleportation array?"
"Of course. Rest assured, once the certificate is issued, it will be valid for the next twenty years and recognized throughout the universe."
"Then I'll get one..."
"Sir, I must inform you in advance that if you wish to use the teleportation system, you need to submit your intended destination first. We'll communicate with your target city within three days and arrange a specific teleportation time for you."
"How long does this process usually take?"
"Teleportation time is generally scheduled around five days after you submit your inspection documents. The exact time depends on the usage of the teleportation arrays at both locations. If it's faster, you might be able to use it immediately on the third day when you come to collect your certificate."
"Can I submit an application now if I want to go to White City?"
"Of course. You can apply for both the qualification inspection and the teleportation system reservation at the same time!"
"..."
"White City..."
Alina recognized the name of this familiar city.
It was back in March of last year.
Alina was running her small business in Watchtower City when she accepted Kuai Te's request to make contact with a young man from the Black Mountain World.
During their conversation, the young man asked Alina about the way to the Capital of Law.
Her suggestion was to first use the teleportation array to reach White City for a transfer, then travel to the world of the Seven Seas Alliance, and finally arrive at the world where the Capital of Law was located.
At that moment, Alina paused because of this term.
She turned to look back.
A man of average appearance was talking to the receptionist, and from Alina's angle, she noticed a black mole on his left ear.
"Pfft—"
Alina chuckled, guessing the man's identity.
"You finally showed up, you guy..."
Alina watched as Lindsay tried to negotiate with the receptionist, feeling a bit regretful.
Lindsay was a rare friend she had made in the Forest Courtyard World.
Unfortunately, she was now the manager of Horizon City.
It seemed unlikely that she could travel together with Lindsay as they had a year ago.
"Miss Alina, is something wrong?" asked Alina's deputy.
Alina casually replied, "Arrange for this gentleman's application to be processed as soon as possible."
Marco asked cautiously,
"Who is this gentleman...?"
Alina's eyes turned cold, "Don't ask questions you shouldn't."
Marco shuddered and quickly put away his thoughts, turning to carry out Alina's orders.
As for Alina herself,
She glanced at Lindsay still chatting with the receptionist.
After much deliberation, the girl decided not to disturb them.
That night,
As Alina was working in her office, she received a gift.
It was a bag of grilled fish shimmering with a faint golden light.
Just like the Spicy Rainbow Fish Hot Pot she had in Nine Bays City, it was a delicious dish that provided permanent enhancement!
(End of Chapter)
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