Chapter 108 Chapter 108: The Simple-Minded Talulah
Chapter 108: The Simple-Minded Talulah
Several boxes were opened in succession, revealing rolled-up oil paintings and various bottles and jars inside.
Even the very bottom was lined with a layer of gold bars.
Talulah smiled sheepishly. Truth be told, these were items she had found and taken from the mansions of officials who had long since fled, just before she led the Reunion Movement away.
Her eye for appraising such items wasn't particularly strong. However, under Koschei's tutelage and having acted alongside the Serpent Scales, Talulah naturally knew where these nobles would hide their valuables.
She never thought that the actions of the Serpent Scales, which she once despised, would now become a means for her to profit.
The world is neither black nor white, but a delicate shade of gray. Only now has she finally begun to grasp a little of the meaning behind the words Kevin once said to her.
Although a faint sense of discomfort still lingered in her heart, she had at least taken the first step. There are no completely clean individuals among the nobility, not even herself.
So, taking these things from them was not unjust in the slightest.
At the very least, starting from the basics, she had to ensure the members of the Reunion Movement could survive and have food to eat!
What she didn't know was that such conviction was precisely the "first step" one should take to grow into a qualified Amiya.
Holding onto this belief, Talulah looked rather apprehensively at the items on the ground. The price of those gold bars was stable; she only hoped these antiques and paintings could fetch a good price.
At least enough to exchange for the supplies they needed for relocation.
"Dr. Kal'tsit."
Amiya looked at the old lynx and called out. The other party nodded and stepped forward.
There was probably no one present with more experience than her. As an appraiser, she was more than suitable.
She put on cotton gloves, bent down, and began appraising the items one by one.
"Polychrome and gilt floral pattern dish, produced between 750~780, condition intact..."
" 'The Trinity' icon painting, original work by Andrei Rublev..."
She was very professional. Her serious demeanor almost made the people from the Reunion Movement hold their breath. At the very least, her professionalism seemed unquestionable.
There were many items. It took Kal'tsit nearly thirty minutes, and that was with her inhuman appraisal speed.
Fortunately, apart from two counterfeits, the remaining antiques were all genuine and held considerable value.
"In this land, ancient artifacts often represent profound value and heritage. However, those who can truly recognize them are ultimately few, making it difficult to realize their full worth."
Kal'tsit removed her cotton gloves and slowly stood up, delivering her final judgment on these several large boxes of items.
"Ahahaha... What does this lady mean?"
Lemontov looked utterly confused but still asked with a dry laugh.
"Dr. Kal'tsit means these items are very valuable. However, if you are in a hurry to find buyers to sell them off, you might lose a portion of the money."
Amiya smiled and translated for the Reunion Movement members. Indeed, if one wasn't accustomed to dealing with Dr. Kal'tsit, her way of speaking could be somewhat... perplexing.
"Oh, losing a portion is fine, as long as they are indeed valuable."
Talulah slowly let out a sigh of relief. At least all the effort spent hauling them back wasn't in vain.
"As fees for using our channels and handling the process, Rhodes Island will take a portion as commission. How about a sixty-forty split?"
The Doctor propped up his hand and proposed a split method comparable to that of a ruthless exploiter.
"We get forty?!"
"......"
The Doctor fell silent. This was the first time he had seen someone place themselves in such a low position.
Was it possible that his meaning was for the Reunion Movement to get sixty?
"That's too little! A fifty-fifty split! That's our absolute limit."
Talulah's face showed difficulty. A sixty-forty split? That's treating us like beggars! What's the difference between that and robbery?
Although these things were essentially looted to begin with, you can't exploit us like this?
She extended a hand and proposed a compromise split method.
"Deal."
The Doctor decisively shook that hand. Under Talulah's bewildered gaze, the deal was considered sealed.
Where do you find such a simpleton? Who takes the initiative to concede profit in a transaction? Well, today he had seen one.
"....... Then it's settled like this. We will deliver part of the supplies in advance. Subsequent supplies will be delivered based on the progress of handling the antiques. As for the books you need, they can be sorted, copied, and ready by tomorrow..."
Even after completing the contract signing and a series of procedures, and everyone had left the conference room, she still seemed to be in a dazed state.
"Lemontov, did I sell them too cheaply?"
"... An obvious fact, Amiya."
The quartermaster hesitated for a moment but decided to tell the truth. The stark contrast in attitude from the Rhodes Island personnel before and after almost blatantly indicated that their Reunion Movement was completely being taken for a ride.
But there was no helping it. Who let them lack channels for "disposing of stolen goods"?
"You did your best."
Patriot patted Talulah on the shoulder and said solemnly.
At least in her, he once again saw "Fighter" Talulah... no, someone even more mature than during her "Fighter" days. Although admittedly a bit simple-minded, she undoubtedly already possessed the initial qualities of becoming a true Amiya.
That is, being down-to-earth.
——————
"Miss FrostNova, are you really decided?"
Zilan held two cups of tea, placed one in front of FrostNova, then sat down on the sofa herself, once again confirming with the Amiya girl before her.
"Yes, both Father and Talulah support my decision."
Perhaps influenced by Fiammetta, FrostNova appeared very serene during non-combat times.
As for why she came to the Rhodes Island Human Resources Department?
It was naturally to bring her Yeti Squad to join Rhodes Island. Wanting to see what this place where her teacher once stayed was like was one reason.
Another reason was that during Rhodes Island's operation to rescue the Doctor, she had indeed seen differences between Rhodes Island operators and those of the Reunion Movement.
"Then, please sign this agreement. You will hold the status of an observer representing the 'Reunion Movement' stationed at Rhodes Island. During this process, you and your squad will need to provide strategic support for some of Rhodes Island's operations."
"Rest assured, we will provide corresponding remuneration."
Zilan placed the already printed contract documents in front of FrostNova.
At least after the Chernobog incident, Rhodes Island's funds were more ample. Hiring a few more operators was still manageable.
"Then, welcome to your joining, Operator FrostNova."
The two shook hands. Rhodes Island officially welcomed a new member—a living one.
Meanwhile, in another place, inside the Doctor's office, a discussion was also taking place.
The two sat facing each other.
"Kevin, now that you're back this time... are you leaving again?"
"Doctor... you should know the answer to that question."
"......"
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