Ronin's talks with Lord MacLaren continued for quite some time.
The talks must have gone well, as Lord MacLaren even enthusiastically invited Ronin to stay for dinner.
It was late in the evening when Ronin finally left in a carriage, heading for an inn that catered to the nobility.
Both of his objectives for the visit had been achieved.
The first was to find a buyer for the lumber from Rapids Island.
Although the price of Five Gold Coins per cubic meter wasn't very profitable, it was the best option given his current lack of strength.
If he didn't cooperate with MacLaren, a single pirate attack on his ships—resulting in damage and crew deaths—would be a loss Ronin could not afford to bear.
It was necessary to bide his time at sea.
Once Ronin became stronger, he could come back and renegotiate with him.
Perhaps, at that point, he could not only negotiate the price but also choose his own partners, no longer limited to the Earl of Scream Island Clan.
