A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

Upon hearing this, James momentarily paused, then swiftly turned his gaze towards Laurel.

This was because, on the very day Laurel and Reginald had concluded the deal, securing a substantial sum in advance, Laurel immediately took this money to... other farmers.

Laurel informed the farmers that merchants were not to be trusted.

Indeed, merchants were inherently untrustworthy, but Laurel knew, for some reason, the current merchants were reluctantly credible.

However, not all farmers could quickly realize this truth as he did, or rather... the vast majority of farmers would likely never come to this realization in their lifetimes, spending their days harboring resentment towards merchants.

Laurel conveyed to them that the merchants had undervalued the wheat, asserting that these high-quality grains could have fetched a much higher price.

The farmers were well aware of how to assess the quality of wheat, and they also knew the miraculous nature of the wheat cultivated on this magic-infused land.

Unsurprisingly, they believed Laurel's words, convinced that their wheat deserved a higher price and that they were being exploited once again.

Yet, they lacked the courage to confront the merchants; for them, maintaining their farmlands was already a significant fortune, and none harbored thoughts of resistance.

Thus, Laurel told them, "I will stand in for you, securing the compensation you rightfully deserve."

He showcased the advance payment received from Reginald to the other farmers.

Without a doubt, Reginald was far more generous than any trader in Pelican City, for he was not selling this special wheat in the modest Pelican City but in the central city of the Watson territory, Greenridge City.

This meant he could sell the wheat at a higher price, which he indeed did, providing Laurel and James with a reward extravagant enough for the farmers — even paying in advance, at a time when the farmers were still negotiating with the traders.

This situation undoubtedly agitated the farmers who watched as their wheat was purchased by other Pelican City traders at lower prices, and who later faced further price reductions due to market saturation.

In the end, Laurel gave the farmers an irrefutable reason.

"Pelican City cannot eat such a great number of grains. Our produce will surely be sold throughout the Watson territory. With such quality, it will definitely win a higher price. Why should we allow the merchant and nobles to exploit us? If you are worried, if you are afraid, then leave it to me to negotiate." Discover more stories at m,v l'e|m-p| y r

Now, sitting here, Laurel had secured the right to supply the farmers' grain.

Because he had indeed received the money, and in advance at that, moreover, if he were to handle the price negotiations, any issues that arose would not be their responsibility.

If this fellow intended any mischief, they could simply cease cooperation with him; after all, a new batch of crops could be grown in just seven days, with a pitifully low cost.

The farmers had ample reasons to let Laurel negotiate on their behalf.

But what was utterly inconsequential to the farmers was entirely different for every trader.

— Because they could not employ any "improper" means to wrest control of the wheat and subsequent food production from Laurel.

Moreover, Laurel was now associated with Reginald, the wealthiest individual in Pelican City.

From any perspective, this stout farmer was exceedingly troublesome.

"Out of sheer incomprehension, I took the liberty of delving into your background, Mr. Morlamo," Reginald suddenly said. "Your father expended all his savings to send you to the tutelage of a second-tier extraordinary being, merely to serve as his assistant... no, to be more precise, a menial laborer, a servant, but at least it was a step above being a mere farmer."

"So..." the man leaned forward slightly, "you are far more astute than the other farmers, aren't you? Even a second-tier extraordinary being, through the scant knowledge that slips from his fingertips, can endow you with wisdom for a lifetime, can it not?"

Reginald smiled, "I can picture you, toiling away at menial and demeaning tasks, all the while scheming to pilfer knowledge... or perhaps imploring your master to bestow upon you a book he cares little for, but which to you is as precious as a treasure."

"..." Laurel's fists clenched under the table, veins on his neck standing out in barely concealed agitation.

Clearly, Reginald had struck a nerve, and it was evident that Laurel had no desire to reminisce about that period of his life.

"Oh, please don't be offended, I'm not mocking you, Mr. Morlamo. I am, in fact, in awe of your perseverance and resolve," the wealthy merchant tapped Laurel's glass on the table.

"To make such a commitment, to strive to this extent, and to achieve the level you have today... it's quite remarkable."

"... I am grateful for your recognition, Mr. Hegel."

Laurel exhaled slowly, striving to keep his voice calm.

He had anticipated this, just as he had said before, that one does not become the wealthiest in a city by being foolish. Since Reginald was not foolish, how could he not investigate Laurel's past?

"But here, we must discuss something more... tangible."

"You have earned the right to say that," Reginald laughed heartily. "This move of yours, I can only admire."

Laurel had obtained control over the entire grain production of the farmers, and the real coup was his mastery over timing.

Even if the merchants wanted to raise their offers to wrest back the bargaining power from Laurel, it was simply not feasible.

They had acquired too much grain in a short time, and their capital was insufficient to bid higher for the next week's supply. Meanwhile, the grain merchants of Pelican City, with their sales confined to the city, could not recoup their funds in time — could the small city's population consume dozens or hundreds of tons of grain in seven days?

Even if they realized their mistake and attempted to sell the grain to other cities, the capital turnover would take time. In short, they would not have enough to make a high enough offer to tempt the farmers next time.

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