WEAPON SELLER IN THE WORLD OF MAGIC

"Well, it's obvious that you are here to see whether you can gain something from this meet." Shen Ling shrugged her shoulders as she answered him. She further said, "But, what can our kingdom give you that you won't get it at the Imperial City?

Additional customers? Nope, I heard that your store was closed a few times due to the lack of goods.

Huge business opportunity? We have wealthy individuals here but can't be compared to the Phoenix Empire. Moreover, the rich people wouldn't care whether the store is within the city or outside. They can always hire people to buy things for them. So, it's a no.

Land? You had an 80-acre plot at the Kunyu mountain range but you have yet to start your manufacturing facility. One would only think about the second one when the first one is completed. So, it's a no, too.

Western Moon can give you two things. First is the access to Leon Empire. Second is the access to the ocean where you can even bypass the Leon Empire and go to the Dragon Empire, other northern independent kingdoms, or even the beast Empire.

Of course, you can also go from the Phoenix Empire for it has a long coastline but it will take more time unless you plan on flying. Western Yan has a lot of ports but you have a sour relationship with the Ji family. They might or might not be able to stop you but they can trouble you for sure.

Apart from this, no one here had the strength to trouble a person like you who even managed to tame a legendary realm beast king. Whatever you demand, it will be done, atleast if we talk in theory.

And in the future, even if you turn against the Imperial family of Phoenix, you can simply shift your store as well as home here. The King won't go against you and the Empires cannot break the treaty and invade this land.

This is why I think that you are in favor of expanding your store in our kingdom."

Mark was indeed surprised by her analysis once again and felt as if she managed to see through his mind. But then again, she wasn't aware of his truth and neither does she knows his revenge plan for his parents.

To confuse her a little bit, he responded with praise, followed by a vague statement, "You have a broad mindset, Princess Shen. It is a rare quality among the people who have an upbringing in a wealthy household. Whatever you said was indeed right. However, it wasn't complete, Princess Shen. You are only half right."

"Incomplete?" Shen Ling curiously looked at him. What is that she missed?

Mark simply smiled, "I heard that you are the most intelligent person in this kingdom and are a great lover of solving puzzles. How about I give you a simple question and then, a riddle? I will give you a clue for each one. If you aren't interested, then, we can forget it."

After hearing all the bragging about her, he was curious about whether she is also wise or not. He also wanted to check her knowledge.

As she had guessed his intentions, he felt embarrassed and wanted to defeat her in her own game. Maybe, that will give him a sense of satisfaction. He was from the era of the internet where one is easily able to acquire information about a lot of things. So, he was confident in challenging her.

And Shen Ling accepted right away because she was proud of her intelligence and wisdom. "Please go on…"

Mark then proceeded to ask her the question he was asked when he was recruited into the army in his past life. "Who are the two major friends and two major enemies of a soldier? Or in general, a warrior."

"Friends and enemies of a warrior?" Shen Ling thought for a bit. She never heard of such a statement in academic teachings and neither did she saw in any book. So, she had to answer out of her own experience.

It took her about half a minute of thinking before opening her mouth, "I believe impatience and greed are the enemies of a warrior."

"And friends?" Mark asked with a smile. He was celebrating the small victory in his mind because she was wrong.

"Hard work and luck?" This time, she sounded a bit unsure.

Mark then said, "You have only answered one correct, Princess Shen. Sleep and tiredness are the two major enemies of a soldier. As for friends, they are hard work and caution.

A warrior/soldier who vanquishes these two enemies and befriends the two friends could accomplish anything."

He had expected the princess to argue regarding her answer but to his surprise, she fell silent for a while before nodding in agreement, "You are right. Impatience and greed are indeed enemies of humans but the deprivation of sleep and tiredness will cause more damage. I'm impressed."

Unlike Mark, this wasn't any challenge to her. If she wins, then, it displays her skill and if she loses, then, she will learn something new.

So, she didn't feel any disappointment by the failure and said, "You can ask the riddle now."

"Alright," Mark felt a little bit embarrassed by his thoughts upon seeing her positive attitude.

This time, he felt a little bit easy on her.

He spoke of the riddle he still remembered from his past life, although he changed the name for his convenience.

"Suppose, Princess Shen is stranded on an island covered in forest.

One day, when the wind is blowing from the west, lightning strikes the west end of the island and sets fire to the forest. The fire is very violent, burning everything in its path. Without intervention, the fire will burn the whole island, killing you in the process.

There are cliffs around the island, so you cannot jump off. There's a mysterious seal placed on you, which suppresses your strength and ether energy. So, you only have the strength of a civilian, and your body cannot resist the flames. However, you are indeed quick on your feet.

In such a case, how can you survive the fire?"