Although Wayne regretted not being able to win some coins from Levardon through a Gwent card match, he had significantly influenced Geralt's card skills with the cards he generously provided. With a set of sponsored Gwent cards, the White Wolf had become quite the master of Gwent.
The two engaged in several rounds, their heated competition continuing until the served food nearly grew cold. Despite some unsatisfied intentions, they eventually concluded their match. Geralt, having a bit more luck, emerged victorious, winning over a dozen Orens and a relatively common card from Levardon, leaving the wealthy businessman somewhat frustrated.
Post-lunch, the plump businessman wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead, smacked his lips, and expressed, "Ah! Ever since I tasted Wayne's bear paw last time, these rough foods are hard to swallow. I wonder when I'll have the chance to savor such deliciousness again."
Wayne, understanding Levardon's exaggeration, maintained a friendly attitude toward the influential businessman in Vizima. He was aware that, a decade later, Levardon would even become the behind-the-scenes benefactor for Princess. Unconcerned, Wayne valued his amicable relationship with the businessman.
Smiling, Wayne assured, "It won't take long, Levardon. In a few days, after I move to my new house, I plan to invite friends for a celebration dinner. I extend a sincere invitation for you to join the festivities. I'll personally cook and prepare a table of delicious food for the occasion."
Upon hearing this, Levardon displayed a surprised smile in agreement.
"Great, Wayne! I will definitely be there on time for the dinner. I really look forward to that day coming soon."
It had to be said that Levardon's expression was so natural and sincere that if Wayne didn't know his true face, many people might be deceived by him. Similarly, Geralt, although not considering Levardon a friend yet, seemed to have a good impression of this generous and kind businessman.
After some enjoyable moments, the trio finally delved into discussions about the commission. Levardon's request wasn't overly troublesome. He had invested a substantial amount to purchase a large forest on the outskirts of Vizima City from the city hall, intending to establish a lumber camp.
However, venturing into primeval forests for development often meant encountering various wild monsters. According to Levardon, three loggers had been injured recently, hampering work efficiency. To remedy this, he sought to hire a witcher to eliminate the monsters in the forest, ensuring the lumber camp's smooth operation.
Upon further discussion, Wayne realized that this was a long-term and relatively leisurely job. He would only be called in when monsters were present, allowing him to engage in other activities during downtime. The position offered a fixed weekly salary, making it an appealing prospect for a witcher.
After consulting with Geralt, they decided to accept the commission. Given that a lumber camp didn't require two witchers at all times, they planned to take shifts at the camp, allowing one of them to remain in Vizima to handle city commissions.
After discussing the commission, Wayne brought up another matter with Levardon.
"Levardon, you have a lot of friends and connections in Vizima City. Can you introduce me to a highly skilled blacksmith? I want to ask him to help me build a piece of equipment."
Levardon paused upon hearing the request. He looked up at Wayne, took more than ten seconds to ponder, and then replied:
"You are really lucky, Wayne. I doubt whether the goddess of luck is truly looking after you. Just last month, I recruited a group of dwarven lumberjacks. The foreman's father, Master O Henry, is a highly skilled dwarf blacksmith. It is said that he is also quite a famous weapon master among the Mountain dwarves in Mahakam. I just got acquainted with him yesterday. We had a drink and made some friends."
The fat businessman tapped the table with his jeweled ring, pondered for a few seconds, and continued:
"But you also know that most dwarves have peculiar personalities. Master O Henry is not short of money. If you want him to forge a weapon for you, I don't know if he is willing. I can write you a letter of introduction, but you'll have to handle the rest yourself."
Wayne was satisfied with the response, expressing his gratitude: "Thank you, Levardon."
Leaving the Hotel, the two headed back to the Fox Tavern. Geralt, curious, asked:
"Wayne, are you looking for a dwarf blacksmith to make any equipment?"
Wayne turned to look at Geralt, patted the steel sword on his waist, and replied:
"You should be able to guess it. I only have a steel sword now, and I don't have a silver sword. Every time I fight, I have to borrow your silver sword. In case of an emergency, isn't that very dangerous?"
Geralt nodded in understanding but expressed surprise: "Have you saved enough money? My master-level silver sword was forged in Novigrad. It cost me almost a thousand orens. It took me three years to save that much money."
In fact, Wayne is a little hard to explain this problem. Recently, he has to buy a new house and forge a silver sword. These two expenses are not small sums. He and Geralt have been staying together, and there is not even a good excuse for the source of the money.
So Wayne could only say vaguely:
"When I defeated the wild dog gang last time, I made a small fortune there."
"Although it is not enough to pay these two expenses, I will find a way when the time comes."
Seeing this, Geralt didn't ask any more questions, but patted Wayne on the shoulder.
The money on his body was only enough for expenses. After going to the Queen of the Night clubhouse last time, he had already spent a lot of money, and there was no extra money to
lend to Wayne.
After returning to the Fox Tavern, before Geralt could sit still, Jaskier ran over again. He winked in Geralt's ear and said a few words, and the two hooked up and went out again.
Wayne probably guessed what the two of them wanted to do, and probably wanted to rescue those wandering women again. Since Wayne rejected their invitation several times, when the two went to that kind of place, they didn't invite him anymore.
Wayne wasn't even interested in these vulgar fans. It happened that Geralt wasn't by his side this afternoon, so he could feel at ease and prepare to open another wave of treasure chests.
Whether it is forging a silver sword or buying a house, a large amount of money will be needed. He now has less than a thousand orens in total, and it is estimated that he will need to prepare at least three thousand orens to cover the expenses of these two things.
Greeted Old Yueke standing behind the counter, Wayne was about to go upstairs to open the chests, Old Yueke suddenly said:
"Hey! Little bastard, I've sold out of your stuff, remember to come to me to get the money."
Hearing this, Wayne looked back at Old Yueke, and couldn't help but feel a little bit emotional, a local snake is a local snake, and within a week, all the stolen goods were disposed of.
He was in need of money right now, and it was a timely gift.
He thanked Old Yueke a few words, but Old Yueke didn't appreciate it, but snorted and said:
"Hmph! It will be the anniversary of your mother's death soon. Remember to donate a sum of money to the Church of Melitia and pay homage to your mother."
"Anyway, if she hadn't insisted on sending you to become a witcher, maybe you would have died long ago.