Free Web NovelChapter 138: Are you scared?
Garret Darksoul was a well-known name in the port city of Klento, both for his political actions and for his numerous properties that dotted every corner of the city. Each property he owned told the story of his empire, the Darksoul Mercantile Company, and the company’s steady growth only increased his influence.
Garret’s properties varied in function and importance, but all played a crucial role in his business network. Many of the warehouses he owned were strategically located along the harbor, allowing easy access for loading and unloading. These warehouses were always crammed with goods from all corners of the world, from exotic spices to rare artifacts and weapons. The amount of goods that passed through his hands was impressive, and he always found buyers willing to pay good money for these products.
In addition to the warehouses, Garret had several properties in the city that he rented out to various merchants. These properties were an effective way to reduce taxes, as part of the profit came from rents. He knew that maintaining a steady stream of passive income was essential for any successful businessman.
Every shop, every workshop he rented out contributed to the solidity of his financial empire. And it was not uncommon for tenants to need small loans to keep their businesses afloat, which Garret provided at considerable interest rates, guaranteeing a substantial return on his invested capital.
But it wasn’t just warehouses and stores that made up Garret’s fortune. He also owned a number of taverns scattered throughout the city. These establishments were gathering places for sailors, merchants, and hunters. In his taverns, Garret could hear the latest news and rumors, and use this information to make more lucrative deals.
In addition, some of his docks in the harbor were exclusive to his fleet of ships. Control of these wharves meant that he could manage his shipping operations efficiently, avoiding delays and ensuring that his goods were always unloaded first. Control of the wharves also gave him a strategic advantage over other merchants, who often had to wait for space to dock their ships. Garret used this advantage to negotiate better prices and more favorable deals.
All of this quality and structure put him ahead of most other trading companies, especially in Klento and the surrounding islands, and this was a major headache for the Selvarum family, especially since the real source of Garret’s immense wealth was not all of these businesses, but the various brothels he owned. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
In a port city like Klento, sailors were always looking for relief from their repressed desires after long voyages at sea. And the brothels Garret owned were not just places of entertainment, but veritable palaces of pleasure, where any desire could be satisfied for a price, no matter how aggressive the customers. Located in discreet but accessible areas, these establishments were known for their discretion and security.
Garret knew that the key to the success of his brothels was customer satisfaction, and he went to great lengths to ensure that every visit was a memorable experience.
Revenues from these establishments were impressive, and it was the money generated by them that allowed Garret to diversify so many of his investments and start his own trading company a few years ago.
All in all, Garret Darksoul had been very happy with his business lately, until he discovered what the idiot twins named Wendell and Walrick had done earlier that evening.
*
It was past midnight, but Garret was still in his office, a luxuriously appointed room with dark wood furniture and heavy oriental rugs.
Maps of the city and surrounding seas covered the walls, while his large mahogany desk was cluttered with documents and maps of trade routes. He was reviewing his business records when his personal assistant, Thorne, a man in his thirties with a stern and meticulous appearance, entered the room.
"Mr. Darksoul," Thorne called out, holding up a thick volume of accounting records, "the brothel’s revenues have once again exceeded our expectations this month. The new establishment in the Windy Quarter is proving especially profitable."
Garret looked up from his papers, a satisfied smile forming on his lips. "Excellent, Thorne. See that the pimp gets a bonus for her good work."
"Yes, sir," Thorne replied, jotting down the instruction in his notebook. "There’s also the matter of the warehouse we’re considering buying near the central pier. The location is strategic, but the Ramirez’s asking price is quite high."
Garret pondered for a moment, his eyes shining with cold calculation. "Then it’s clear they have no interest in selling this warehouse. Use the profits from the brothels and send them a lower offer. If they don’t accept, we can use our other methods to make them reconsider."
Thorne nodded, ready to carry out the order. "What about the taverns, sir? There have been some minor problems with fights between sailors, but nothing our security personnel couldn’t control."
"That’s to be expected," Garret said with an indifferent nod. "Make sure any damage is repaired immediately. We can’t have our facilities looking shabby."
Thorne left the room to continue his duties while Garret leaned back in his chair.
The evening was going more smoothly than he had expected. By now, Garret had hoped for news of an attack on one of his properties, but nothing had happened.
So why...? Why don’t my hands stop shaking?" asked Garret, looking down at his trembling hands on the table.
Garret clenched his hands tightly, trying to stop the uncomfortable shaking. His knuckles turned white from the pressure.
Suddenly, the lights in the office flickered, flashed several times, and then, with a bang, went out completely. The office was plunged into total darkness.
For a moment there was absolute silence. The only thing Garret could hear was the sound of his own breathing, heavy and erratic. A wave of fear mixed with a strange feeling of exhilaration ran through his body, and he smiled despite his growing panic.
"Son of a bitch..." he whispered.
It was clear that Victor Shieldman hadn’t gone to the idiot twins first, nor to one of their warehouses to look for the sword. He had come directly to Darksoul Manor to hunt down Garret.
