Chapter 22: The Fortress, Section 2

On Silver Star, yet observing massive resource shipments to other star systems. This matter was neither significant nor trivial.
Silver Star was a duty-free commercial planet with numerous fleets traveling back and forth, belonging to different factions. Conceptually, there was no room for lords to interfere. Even if a lord wanted to meddle in Silver Star’s internal affairs, they could only manipulate the laws—not target an individual directly.
But now, his nephew had come to him personally. This raised questions.
On the surface, he pretended to be panicked, but secretly, Koko’s mind raced as he tried to figure out the reasons.
Money? Unlikely. Silver Star already had sufficient taxes. Even if they wanted to extract something from him, they wouldn’t go to such extremes. Besides, he didn’t care about spending money on nobles. Give him a message, and he’d just oblige right away.
People? His Creek Commercial Association did unite some scattered forces, but compared to the lords, they were probably insignificant—certainly not enough to affect their rule. That could be ruled out too.
So, if it wasn’t for money or people, then what was the purpose of this so-called lord’s nephew coming in person?
Before Koko could figure it out, the other party spoke again.
“Hmph, no need to play tricks on me. I’ll tell you the truth. Traditionally, Silver Star’s trade freedom is protected by law—it’s the foundation of this planet. But for some reason, recently, it’s been challenged by some unscrupulous merchants. I don’t know where they got all those precious resources, but their actions have suppressed legitimate traders. You must understand the severity of this without me explaining further. If Silver Star’s market is stifled because of this, even the lofty lords can’t stand by.”
It was like a thunderclap above his head. Koko immediately understood what they meant.
Clearly, it was because his recent dumping had taken over most of the market, forcing small-scale merchant groups to survive. This had led to today’s conflict. And judging from this noble young man’s behavior, there was surely more to it.

Talking about the lord’s dissatisfaction? Hmph, I’m afraid it’s just an excuse. It must be that you’ve received favors from those merchants. That’s why you’re causing trouble at the Creek Business Association. But the Creek Business Association of today is no longer what it used to be. No one should try to strangle themselves!

At these thoughts, the smile on Koko’s face faded, and her back straightened slightly.

“I see… I understand now, Lord Jack. Actually, this matter can be resolved quite easily.”

“Hm?” The noble young master showed a hint of surprise but still nodded, signaling Koko to continue. For some reason, from the moment this little Ganluo starling straightened her back, he suddenly had a badpremonition, as if things were no longer under his control.

“It’s simple. Since the market has changed like this, it only shows that some merchants can no longer keep up with the times. They should be eliminated. In my opinion, the great lord should support those who can control the pulse of the market. Believe me, the benefits gained this way will be far greater than before.” Koko spoke confidently and without arrogance, displaying a very special demeanor.

“Dare you!! How dare you question the lord’s judgment?” The noble young master flew into a rage and started roaring loudly. The guards around him immediately moved in, surrounding Koko tightly. Each of them wore a fierce smile, clearly ready to draw their weapons at the slightest provocation!

In their eyes, Ganluo starlings were all cowardly scoundrels. With such intimidation, they thought Koko would immediately flee in terror and beg for mercy.

But unfortunately, they miscalculated this time. With blades right in front of their noses, Koko didn’t even blink. Instead, a mocking smile appeared on her face.

“This is the Creek Business Association. Bringing weapons in without permission violates the laws of Silver Star. Even if you’re the lord’s nephew and hold a high status, allowing your subordinates to act like this could have negative consequences if it gets out.”

“You!?” The noble young master was furious. He was about to order his men to kill this annoying Ganluo starling. But for some reason, he suddenly stopped. After thinking for a while, he chuckled.

“It seems the rumors are true. You little Ganluo dwarf really have guts. You’re right. Killing you here would indeed harm my uncle’s reputation. Thanks for reminding me. But then again…”

The noble young master suddenly let out a cold snort, his face turning fierce.
“Since you dare question the lord’s orders, you must bear the consequences. Wait and see—within a week at the earliest, and at the latest a month, I’ll make it impossible for you to stay on Silver Star!! Life will be worse than death!!” With that, he waved his hand, ignoring the jewelry box on the ground, and left with his guards.
But before he could take a few steps, Koko suddenly shouted,
“No need!!”
“What? Have you made up your mind!?” With a fierce smile, the noble young master turned around, waiting for Koko to surrender.
In his view, stripping a merchant of their status on Silver Star was more effective than any other punishment. And indeed, as the most professional business planet, Silver Star offered tremendous benefits to merchants. Leaving here would severely weaken the Creekle Business Association, if not cause it to collapse immediately.
But Koko’s next words froze his smile in place.
“There’s no need for you to bother, noble Jack young master.” Koko bowed respectfully. “Since Silver Star can’t accommodate me, a legitimate merchant, then I’d better leave. Rest assured, without your urging, I’ll reorganize my team right away. I’ll start evacuating tomorrow—no, this afternoon. I’m extremely grateful for your care all this time. I will repay you someday!”
Ah!? The noble young master was shocked.
He never expected that this small demonstration would end up like this!!
In fact, Koko was right. He had indeed stepped in for those excluded merchants and thus received great benefits—twenty-eight business associations, each willing to give him 20% of their shares. That’s what tempted him. But now, he had no time to consider such gains anymore.
After all, although Silver Star was highly developed commercially, the departure of one business association wasn’t a big deal. But that applied only to ordinary associations. An organization as large as the Creekle Business Association couldn’t be generalized like that. That’s why, when he threatened Koko, he had already planned everything—saying it would take at least a week and at most a month, including time to mobilize other associations to fill the market gap.
But Koko’s words shattered all his plans!! How could he not be panicked?

87% market share? If they suddenly leave, who can fill that gap immediately? Relying on those excluded business associations? Ridiculous!! All of this market share represents precious resources. Right now, on Silver Star, apart from the Creek Business Association, who else has so many resources? Moreover, the buyers of these resources are complex, and it’s unclear how many forces are involved. The actions of the Creek Business Association have undoubtedly angered many enemies for Silver Star, no, for the entire star system!! A simple demonstration has led to such serious consequences. Not to mention, won’t my uncle, the lord, skin me alive?

Cold sweat poured down his forehead as the noble young man realized the severity of the situation and was stunned.

But his stupor didn’t mean Koko would change his mind. This little Ganluo Star native still wore a humble smile, while his subordinates quickly began to see off the guests.

Even after reaching the door, the noble young man hadn’t recovered from his shock. His face had turned as pale as paper, and his heart was pounding like a rabbit’s. In his tension, he didn’t even notice a lecherous merchant approaching.

The merchant stepped up beside him, wearing a flattering smile. Bowing and scraping, he said, “Young Master Jack… um, you’ve come out. It seems that little brat from Ganluo Star must have given in, right? Haha, I knew it! With Young Master Jack involved, that kid would be terrified and run away in panic. Our business association’s representatives have already prepared a celebration banquet. Please come with me right away, Young Master Jack.”

“Run away in panic… celebration banquet…” The noble young man repeated blankly, with cold sweat on his forehead. Suddenly, he roared and slapped the merchant’s fat face.

“I don’t give a damn about your celebration banquet!! It’s all because of you, you damned bastards!! The Creek Business Association is leaving now!! What do you suggest we do!! What do you do!! Can you guys stabilize the market?? Damn you, you stupid pigs!!”

The lecherous merchant fled in panic, clutching his head. Before he could react, a guard stepped forward, grabbed him by the collar, and threw him out violently. As he flew through the air, he faintly heard a sentence:

“Run away in panic… Now it’s me who’s running away in panic… Damn it, are you trying to kill me?”