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The north-south trade route, from south to north, was marked by Allen's northward route. Edward drew the route with a brush between the maps spread out on the table. It was basically the same as planned, except that it would pass through the Coldspine Mountains and then head to Dragon Spear Town, then go through the secret realm to the old Great Wall. This way, it would go around the devil's throat, and it would take a few days less than the original route.
Edward drew a circle around Dragon Spear Town. "We will build a supply point in this town, and the trade route will bring prosperity to the town. At the very least, your equipment will be able to be transported north and south through this trade route. If the High Blue Race doesn't object, Dragon Spear Town will be two to three times larger than it is now in a few years. Most importantly, once your town and the interests of the majority of the people are combined, there won't be people like Marquis Pierre who can easily force you to move away. "
Pyro listened intently. How could he not know that this was an important opportunity for the High Blue Race? Edward then said that in order to respect some of the High Blue Race's customs, the supply point could be built outside of the town, which was within the first phase of Dragon Spear Town's expansion. As for the original town, it could be preserved as the High Blue Race's private land. Passing merchants wouldn't need to enter the High Blue Race's territory if there was a need for that.
Pyro laughed. "Although we aren't exactly hospitable, we aren't so closed off. As long as you can guarantee that passing merchants won't cause trouble for my people, I think the mayor will agree to this plan. "
"I can promise you this right here and now. We will arrange for soldiers to maintain order at every supply point, so what you're worried about won't happen." Edward said confidently, "Because apart from us, the second prince and some other important people in the imperial capital are also participating in the north-south trade route plan. Speaking of which, we are just the organizers, and they are the ones who will ensure that the trade route can run smoothly. "
"Then there's no problem."
Edward nodded and looked at Allen, saying, "The trade route plan and the mining of the frost crystal mines have gained the support of a lord. Without that lord's statement, it would have been very difficult for me to attract so many investors. Tonight, that lord will also come to His Highness Julian's celebration party. At that time, you have to get closer to him. "
"Who is it?" Allen asked.
Edward pretended to be mysterious. "You'll know tonight. While there's still time, I need to rest. I've been exhausted these past few days." After arriving at the capital, Allen was busy preparing for the spring hunt for Julian, and Edward was not idle either. He brought Sean and the others to visit the nobles and officials in the city every day with Rhine's help to attract investors for the North-South trade route and the Ice Soul Crystal Mine. The shopping mall was another battlefield. Although there was no smoke, it was not necessarily easy.
Soon, night fell.
The celebration banquet was held in Julian's private manor. Since the day, the manor had been fully decorated from the inside to the outside. At night, the lights in the manor were all turned on, as bright as day. Guests entered through the gate and saw a passageway with colorful flags hanging on it. There were bands playing on both sides, and chefs roasting all kinds of meat in the small square, from steak to fresh fish. The square was set up as a venue for last night. Waiters shuttled through the square with silver trays filled with fine wine. Guests can enjoy fine wine, barbecue, and other delicacies at will, chatting freely under the melodious music in the night sky.
The main building of the manor was even more magnificent, and the hall on the first floor was another venue. However, not everyone could enter this venue. Those who could enter this venue were all personally invited by Julian. Tonight, Nabott was also invited here. The arrival of the Prime Minister pushed the atmosphere of the venue to a climax. The Prime Minister rarely appeared in public, especially when it was so obvious that he was on his own student's side.
Anyone who wanted to read his arrival could read many hidden meanings, and adjust their attitude towards Julian and even Nabott and the other officials. The key to all of this was Julian's victory in the spring hunt. Being able to take over the Star Wings and Dragon Flames from Tangerio's hands was a clear signal in itself. It meant that Julian had taken a big step towards the position of Crown Prince.
This step passed Howson and left Severs, who had done nothing in the spring hunt, behind him. If one were to say that someone was hot, then Julian was now. From the previous disfavor to the current highest voice of the Crown Prince, it could be said to be a dramatic change. Behind all of this brilliance, the real big shot didn't see Julian, but another one.
Earl Allen!
His arrival immediately reversed Julian's disadvantageous situation and was privately rewarded by Tangerio. Although no one knew the contents of the reward, being able to meet the Great Emperor alone in the Triumphant Palace was enough to make the young Earl from the Southern Territory a popular man in the imperial capital.
Edward was able to pull in so many investors in just a few days, not only because of the support of the so-called lord he spoke of, but also because of Allen's second entry into the Triumphant Palace. Who didn't want to get closer to this popular man in the imperial capital? Moreover, the north-south trade route and the Cold Crystal Vein were indeed tempting. It was good to push the boat along with the current, but it was also good to have the heart to make friends. Edward's plan was able to proceed so smoothly under the urging of various reasons.
When the guests in the main hall were almost there, Julian and Allen both entered. The Second Prince held a bright girl in his hand. She was the granddaughter of a hereditary marquis in the imperial capital. If nothing unexpected happened, she would become Julian's legal wife. Behind Julian, Allen, who was dressed in the Earl's uniform, and Lucy, who was dressed up, also attracted everyone's attention. Especially Lucy, this was her debut in the upper class of the empire. She was originally born in the royal family of Adahua Planet, and after some careful grooming, she looked even more noble and generous. She was far more dazzling than any other woman in the hall, and even Julian's fiancee was overshadowed in front of her.
The meaning of Allen bringing her along could not be more obvious. Those who had originally planned to pull Allen through marriage could only smile bitterly and shake their heads when they saw Lucy. The Count already had such an outstanding woman by his side, so how could anyone else take a fancy to her? However, they still didn't give up. If they couldn't be a wife, they could at least be a concubine, right? As a result, the heat in his gaze towards Allen did not change, and he began to look for an opportunity to get close.
After whispering a few words to Nabott, Julian walked to the high platform and coughed twice to attract everyone's attention. Then he said, "Everyone, it's a great honor to be here with you tonight." I'm not afraid to say that since I'm an old friend here. If it weren't for Earl Allen, if he hadn't killed Vanishing Shadow for me, none of this would have happened tonight. Therefore, the fine wine in your hands right now is all thanks to our good Count. For that, I propose a toast to him! "
Julian pointed at Allen. Under Lucy's gentle push, Allen shook his head and walked onto the platform. A waiter brought wine to the two of them. Julian raised his glass, and everyone, including Nabott, raised theirs and drank it in one gulp. Julian put down his cup and said, "Earl Allen, I'll need you to work for me in the future."
"It's my honor." Allen smiled.
Julian blinked his eyes and said, "I'm very happy to have Earl Allen's help. Earl Allen has contributed greatly to this spring hunt. What kind of reward do you think I should give our good Earl? "
There was a lot of discussion below the stage.
Julian spun around on the stage and said in suspense, "Gold? How can money buy loyalty? Besides, I think the count is richer than me. At the very least, once his north-south trade route is opened, he will naturally be rich. "
People laughed.
"Equipment?" Julian nodded. "Father has given me a full set of equipment that can equip me with a hundred cavalry names, including warhorses. But I don't think Earl Allen needs anything like that. What about jewelry? "
He looked at Lucy and stretched out his hand with a smile. "He already has the most brilliant treasure of the empire. I don't think the count needs it," he said.
With another chuckle, Lucy shook her head and smiled brightly.
Finally, Julian said, "So after thinking about it, I can only show my sincerity by giving something to the count." The Second Prince snapped his fingers and a Silver Frost Guard walked up to the stage. He held a long box in his hand. No one knew what was inside. Julian walked to the side of the Iron Guard and opened the box with his own hands. When everyone saw what was inside, there was a collective gasp.
Inside the long box was a longsword. The scabbard of the longsword was dark red, decorated with gorgeous gems on both sides and in the middle. The hilt of the sword was gilded and shone golden under the light. On the handguard, there was a dragon head carved in metal. The dragon head bit into the scabbard, and on the left and right sides were flying dragon wings. When Julian pulled out his sword, the scarlet sword reflected the light like a blazing flame.
"Dragon Flames?" Nabott didn't expect Julian to be so generous as to gift him the First King's sword. Dragon Flames were not a sharp weapon. Its symbolic meaning was more than its practical use. Gifting him with dragon flames showed how much Julian valued Allen.
"Your Highness, this gift is too generous." Allen smiled bitterly and said, "Besides, His Majesty gave you the dragon flames. How can I accept it?"
"That's a reward from Father." Julian corrected. He grabbed Allen's hand and stuffed the dragon flames into it. "And now, I give it to you. I hope your loyalty will burn forever like dragon flames! "
At this time, Allen had to accept it even if he didn't want to, so he could only thank him respectfully. Next, Julian rewarded the others who participated in the spring hunt. For example, Gao Hu received a barrel of fine wine, while Fares received a deed to the Mercenary House. Everyone was rewarded. Although they couldn't compare to the dragon flames in Allen's hand, no one was left out.
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