Translator: Cinder Translations
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"It seems our products are quite popular in the Horns Bay."
Paul smiled as he looked at the others in the room.
The people present were shareholders from Northwest Industries—Duke Fraule, Viscount Parker, and Earl Heller, among others. The only one not present was Earl Malon Ganard, who had been entrusted with an important position by King Rodney XVIII in the south. They were all reading through a letter.
The letter was from Friedrich Liszt in the Horns Bay.
From the contents of the letter, it was clear that the Horns Bay Alliance was urgently seeking to purchase more military equipment from Northwest Industries. In fact, several coastal nations in the Horns Bay had expressed similar demands through Liszt's letter.
Paul spoke: "We should do our best to meet the demands of our clients."
Duke Fraule silently finished reading the letter and passed it back to Paul. A slight smile formed on his lips, "There's also the other side, we should meet their needs too."
"Of course, Your Grace. Northwest Industries will fulfill all of our customers' needs."
Paul handed the letter to Bernard, who was standing beside him.
"Please continue liaising with them under your name. It's better to keep both sides separate, or else they will surely have objections."
Henry Fraule nodded. "Understood."
Viscount Parker asked, "According to the letter, the Horns Bay Alliance seems to want to commission the mercenaries under your command in the future."
"Yes," Paul furrowed his brow. "I'm still conflicted about this. If they really make such a request, should I agree?"
A sound echoed as Derrick Heller, seated beside Earl Heller, stood up.
Everyone turned their gaze to the young and impetuous man.
"Lord Grayman!"
Derrick made a request that surprised everyone present.
"If you decide to send troops to participate in the war in the Horns Bay, please allow me to join as a soldier."
Paul had yet to respond when Earl Heller snapped, "Nonsense! Get out of here."
Derrick initially seemed to want to argue with his father, but then appeared to reconsider, realizing that it was inappropriate to quarrel in such a setting. He left quietly.
Earl Heller gave a slightly awkward smile at Paul.
Paul found it strange. If Derrick were the second son of the family, his desire would be quite normal.
Not inheriting the family title meant he would have to rely on armor and a sword to make his own fortune.
However, Derrick was the eldest son, and Earl Heller had invested much in his education, delegating many responsibilities to him.
As long as Derrick remained in the Northwest Bay, the title and land would eventually be his.
It should be noted that Derrick was very interested in the army under Paul's command. Upon arriving in Alden Town, he immediately attended military school. He was well-versed in many aspects of the Alden army, except for those involving confidential matters.
It could only be said that this man had a natural interest in warfare.
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"Unbelievable!"
When Nathan and Edward stepped onto the docks at Frand Port, they both simultaneously exclaimed in astonishment.
Frand Port now looked like a large city.
The densely packed buildings, broad streets, and the busy flow of people and vehicles all signified its prosperity.
Nathan didn't even blink. "I never imagined there would be such a port city on the northwestern side of Aldor. It's truly shocking."
"Believe me, Nathan, no matter how shocked you are, my shock is double yours," Edward replied.
If Nathan looked surprised, Edward's expression could only be described as stunned, with none of his usual composure.
The reason for this was simple: Edward knew exactly what Frand Port used to be like.
He had once been the pirate leader of Northwest Bay, and Frand Port felt like his backyard.
But the moment he set foot on land—no, even when he first caught sight of the city from the sea—he had thought his ship had taken a wrong turn.
After entering Northwest Bay, everything had been calm. Perhaps... the lords of Northwest Bay had finally united, and those small pirate groups he had abandoned were eradicated.
It seemed likely, otherwise, how could Frand Port have developed into such a large-scale city?
"Nathan, do you know? Before I left Northwest Bay, Frand Port was the smallest fishing port imaginable. The streets were dirt roads, the low houses were scattered chaotically. The church here... oh, look at the church now! How grand, magnificent, and beautiful it is."
"The lord here must be an extraordinary person."
Nathan suddenly became interested in the ruler of this place.
As the two walked along the streets of the city, talking as they took in the surroundings, Edward said, "By the way, I'm a bit concerned about the people from Eaton in the Horns Bay."
Nathan asked, "What's wrong? Why so melancholic all of a sudden?"
Edward sighed, "After all, this is the first country to officially recognize the rights of magic users."
Nathan shrugged, "Everything is a choice, but it comes with a price."
Edward replied, "Oh, you're so cold-hearted. We were the ones who facilitated this."
Nathan dismissed it, "We just offered them a choice. They made the decision, and it's clear that their choice spared them from the impending disaster."
Edward said, "Don't forget, we are magic users."
Nathan replied, "So what? The weak do not deserve to survive. If Eaton falls like this, we will accept fate."
Edward shook his head and changed the subject, "Nathan, when will the lord arrive?"
"I'm not sure. We came by sea. They'll pass through the Neron Corridor, and head northeast across Aldor before reaching Northwest Bay."
"Not just Lady Marianna?"
"The letter mentioned several people."
A month ago, the two of them, still in the Horns Bay, received a confidential letter from Gabella.
It was from Marianna, instructing them to immediately head to Northwest Bay and meet her there to complete an important mission.
Though the letter did not specify what the mission was, Nathan had a rough idea.
Northwest Bay was the last known location of Bennett, one of the members of the Ten Men Council.
It seemed that the Ten Men Council had finally had enough of this reclusive, eccentric figure. Perhaps many in the Hidden Path Society hoped that something had happened to him, and sent people to confirm.
(End of the Chapter)
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