The atmosphere in the banquet hall of Marlin Castle was very lively. The big businessmen had gathered together to discuss how to teach this disobedient Knight King a lesson.
In the eyes of these businessmen, the one thing that Lionel shouldn't have done was not borrow money from them when he was in need of money. Instead, Lionel wanted to use Marlin Castle's channels to absorb the savings of the citizens, but at the same time, he ignored them and did not give them any benefits. Not only did he not give them the spoils of war from the great expedition to sell, he also did not allow them to participate in the dividends. This really made the business princes of Marlin Castle very angry.
Originally, when it came to the great expedition, everyone should earn money together and share the profits. Now, he wanted to use the national debt to raise funds in Marlin Castle. What was the meaning of this?
To put it simply, this was called crossing the line.
Just as everyone was discussing, Viscount Casanova, the president of the Gentlemen's Alliance, the second largest Chamber of Commerce in Marlin Castle, felt that something was wrong.
In the magnificent banquet hall of Coburg, there were luxurious banquets, balls, and parties. The big businessmen of Marlin Castle and various artists, nobles, socialites, poets, and academics attended parties and made friends. They ate together, discussed various kinds of avant-garde art and fashionable clothes, talked about the news of the old world, and attended balls. Everyone was dressed to the nines. Many of the fine wines and delicacies in the banquet were the finest luxuries that many peasants working outside could not afford. Everyone was enjoying themselves in the luxurious manor that belonged to Viscount Casanova.
After a short discussion on how to attack the national debt of Eight Peaks Mountain and force the Brittany royal family to submit, Viscount Casanova sat in his luxurious private office and looked through the gold-rimmed window at the people dancing to the music on the dance floor below. The second largest businessman in Marlin Castle still felt that something was not right.
But he could not pinpoint exactly what was not right.
Casanova was less than 50 years old this year. He had inherited an extremely rich inheritance from his father, Caballerdo, and further developed it. This tycoon of the business world had a net worth of hundreds of thousands of gold marks. His Chamber of Commerce covered every industry in Marlin Castle and the entire Empire and Brittany. He also had a trade contract with the High Elves.
The Viscount sat on an office desk and an armchair made of high-quality chicken wing wood. He thought over and over again. What was wrong?
Was it Van Hugsman?
No, the predecessor of the Judon Chamber of Commerce was the descendant of the royal family of the Judon Kingdom. The Judon Kingdom was an independent kingdom that existed in the current area of Marlin Castle about two thousand years ago. Later, it was conquered by Emperor Sigismund II of the Empire and incorporated into the Empire. After the Rebellion of the Three Emperors, Marlin Castle gradually became completely independent and separated from the Empire. After the great Holy War, Marlin Castle once again pledged allegiance to the new Empire Emperor Ludwig, the Savior. However, they maintained their independence and autonomy. This group of people wanted to see the world in chaos so that they could make money. They may have already given up on the idea of restoring their country, but their determination to maintain their independence and make money was second to none.
Was it the Casanova Adab?
It did not seem like it. Casanova understood Adab's thoughts very well. There had always been a saying in the underworld of Marlin Castle that whoever could take advantage of Adab must have served him well. It was obvious that he had his eyes on Queen Suria. Perhaps others did not know, but Casanova had a deep understanding of Adab's behavior and character.
So what was the problem?
"Sir, this is the guest list for today's visit." Casanova's secretary, a blonde beauty with huge breasts and long legs, wearing a white shirt, a red jacket, and a tight skirt, walked over in a delicate manner. She had long wavy hair that was honey gold and was very beautiful. "Do you need to take a look?"
"Give it to me." Casanova smiled and gestured for the secretary to pass the list to him. The secretary was overjoyed when she saw this. She quickly approached and deliberately bent down so that the viscount could see the view under her collar. At the same time, her finger gently brushed across Casanova's palm.
This was some kind of secret signal, and Casanova naturally understood. The tycoon shook his head. "Not tonight."
The blonde secretary was a little disappointed, but seeing Casanova's firm attitude, she could only nod. She twisted her body and left the room.
Casanova looked at the back of the secretary and smiled meaningfully. His secretary basically did not do much other than pour tea, hand over documents, and relieve his needs. Ever since he inherited the family business, his eleven secretaries were all women like this. Each of them was full of confidence that they could turn the tables and become his wife. However, none of Casanova's secretaries were older than twenty-four years old.
He was almost tired of this. It was time to ask Steward Johannes to help him find a new one.
Wait! Casanova suddenly realized something. He immediately took the list and looked at it carefully.
That's right! Grand Duke Schultz did not come! He did not participate in this banquet!
The reason why Schultz did not come was very normal. Laing used his channels to issue the Eight Peaks Mountain's national debt. Therefore, the ruler of Marlin Castle needed to avoid suspicion. No matter how the merchants in the city council discussed the Eight Peaks Mountain's national debt and hinted in the dark, or how they constantly spread panic and anxiety on the surface, Schultz remained silent!
The businessmen all thought that Schultz kept silent to avoid arousing suspicion, but Casanova had a feeling that something else was going on.
Schultz's silence might not be because he wanted to avoid suspicion.
"Someone, immediately arrange a carriage for me. I want to go to the Marlin Castle City Council Hall!" Casanova suddenly raised his head.
"But Master, the banquet is now in progress." His steward, Johannes, came in from outside. He was surprised by his master's order.
"Didn't you hear my order?!"
"Yes! Master, I'll go prepare now. "
Just like that, Casanova's own luxurious manor, Coburg, was still hosting a grand banquet. The owner of the manor rode a carriage and disappeared into the quiet night.
About 20 minutes later, in Marlinburg, Amber Avenue, Marlinburg City Council hall.
Grand Duke Vanderguber Schultz, who had ruled Marlin Castle for thirty years, was sitting in his luxurious office. In his hand, he was playing with a divine artifact, a golden key.
This key was called the "Key to the Marlin Castle City Council Hall." This key had the blessings of the God of Wealth, Hendrik, the Human Lady of Wealth, and the God of the Sea, Mannen. Possessing this key not only meant possessing great power, but also the supreme authority of Marlin Castle.
"Casanova? What a rare guest. Why are you not having a banquet in your manor? What are you doing here? " Grand Duke Schultz sat behind his desk. The large desk was filled with many exquisite decorations. The Grand Duke of Marlin Castle was wearing a silk suit and a fox fur coat. There was a deep smile on his face.
"The banquet was a bit boring, so I came here to take a look." The president of the Gentlemen League focused his gaze and attention on Schultz's desk. In addition to the familiar skulls, irises, and double-headed eagles, Casanova also saw some new small sculptures.
There was a beautiful female warrior with a pair of wings on her back. She was wearing a gorgeous golden plate armor with a lot of scriptures on it. She was holding a long sword in her hand as she soared in the sky. She was burning some enemies (aliens) to death. She was not wearing a helmet, and her face was full of pious fanaticism. What made Casanova feel strange was that there was an iron halo behind her head.
Heh, if the playboy Adabe saw such a sacred and inviolable woman, his thing would probably react immediately, Casanova thought.
Another small sculpture was a statue of a man wearing a blue full body armor. He had a laurel crown on his head and a huge flaming sword in his hand. The man's big face was handsome and charismatic, and he was full of leadership. Obviously, he was also a warrior. His aquamarine armor was covered with golden double-headed eagles, and there was a big "U" symbol on his shoulder. There was also a ribbon on it. Casanova wanted to see the words on the ribbon, but he was a little short-sighted, so he did not want to get too close. "I didn't know you had such a hobby, Grand Duke. What are these? Chess pieces? A game for the nobles of the Empire? "
"Chess pieces? You can say that. " Schultz, who was sitting behind his desk, noticed that Casanova seemed to be interested in these figurines, so he smiled and said, "It seems that you are interested in Her Excellency Saint Celestine and the great His Excellency Kiliman. It's a pity that I can't give this to you, because it's something he gave me. "
"Saint? The Great Sir? I don't even know them. " Casanova did have some thoughts in his heart, but after hearing Schultz's words, the tycoon immediately changed his attitude. "Why would I be interested in these unknown guys, Celestine? Kiliman? These two people don't exist in the history of the Empire, at least I haven't heard of them. "
"Hahaha, read more, young man." Schultz smiled, and the light in the Grand Duke's eyes flashed. He got up and took out two goblets and a bottle of Pallavon brandy from his wine cabinet. "Casanova, we have known each other for almost forty years. Back then, you were only a ten-year-old child … Do you want a drink?"
"Of course, good wine is always sacred." Casanova took the goblet. "Forty years ago, you looked like this."
"Hahaha," Schultz and Casanova clinked their glasses. The two of them took a sip from their goblets and sat down.
The moonlight shone in Schultz's office and shone behind Casanova. The Grand Duke of Marlinburg and the Marlinburg Senate looked at each other without saying a word. Schultz was very calm and patient, while Casanova was paying attention to the Grand Duke's every move. However, the man in front of him seemed to be impeccable, and he couldn't see anything wrong with him.
Casanova understood Schultz well. He was well aware of how terrifying this Grand Duke was. Before his death, his father, Caballero, had instructed his son to never start an all-out war with Schultz. Even if he did, he had to leave some leeway for mediation.
After a moment of silence, Casanova said, "Have you heard about the recent events?"
"Yes, I have." Schultz nodded.
"What about the Senate?"
"Of course, I know all about it." Schultz continued, "To avoid suspicion, I can only keep quiet. After all … Marlinburg is a free trade city. They have the freedom to choose. No matter what they do, as long as it is within the rules, I will not object. After all, everyone is an adult. They have the right to do so, whether they support or oppose."
"Understood." Casanova nodded and stood up. "Then, I'm sorry to disturb you so late at night."
"No problem." Schultz stood up and wanted to see the guest out, but Casanova immediately stopped him. The second richest merchant in Marlinburg quickly left the office and the city council.
Schultz watched Viscount Casanova leave. When he looked down from the window and saw Casanova get on the carriage, he laughed mockingly. "Caballero has a good son."
In the carriage, Casanova frowned. He sat in the luxurious carriage and thought for a long time before shouting outside, "Johannes, how much has the Eight Peak Mountain national debt fallen?"
"Fallen, fallen very badly. Not to mention the first issue of the Eight Peak Mountain national debt, the second and third issues are being sold all over the city. People are suffering from not being able to sell." Johannes didn't quite understand why Casanova would say that, but he still said, "The national debt that was originally worth ten gold marks is now worth six gold marks on the black market. Many people are willing to pay six gold marks for it."
"Six gold marks? Johannes, I'll give you five thousand gold marks, "Casanova said in a low voice." Secretly, go to the market and buy the Eight Peak Mountain national debt! If it's worth ten gold marks, we'll buy it with five gold marks. Buy as much as you can, got it? "
"Yes, but Master, if you do this, won't …" The butler was hesitant.
"Humph, it's just five thousand gold marks. Just do as I say." Casanova had already made up his mind.
"Okay, I'll do it tomorrow."
"Remember, you must be secretive. Buy it slowly, bit by bit."
"Yes!"
… I'm buying the section break bit by bit …
A week later, in the Old World, Brittany, Jean City, Duke Musillon's castle, the palace of the king and queen.
After the Knight King, Suria, Morgiana, and François, Duke of Winford, sat together, discussing the formation of reinforcements.
Morgiana had already received an oracle from the Lady of the Lake, asking François to form a new reinforcements. The scale didn't need to be too big, but it had to be big enough. François quickly understood Laing's idea, and immediately began to gather troops across the country. In this great expedition, the Duchy of Bastogne and the Duchy of Winford, who had sent the most elite troops, reaped the most benefits. His father-in-law's treasury was now filled with gold, silver, various ores, and a large number of rare treasures from plundering the Green Dwarfs. The knights and nobles led by him were full, and naturally, they would fully support Laing in continuing the expedition.
As soon as François started to call for reinforcements, a large group of knights responded. All the knights in the kingdom were drooling over the huge profits brought by the great expedition. As soon as they heard that there were people participating in the great expedition, the knights immediately gathered. François carefully selected eight hundred knights and more than two thousand squires to form an army of about three thousand people and prepare to set off.
"It has to be big enough. Father, the bigger you are, the more help it will be to Laing and the others." Sitting behind the fine white jade furniture, Suria, who was wearing the standard female knight's shirt and breeches, said seriously to François who was sitting opposite her, "As for whether or not we can support Laing and Belega, it's not important. We can go as slow as possible."
"Hahahaha …" François was now at the peak of the Sanctuary-realm. He laughed and stroked his goatee, "I understand, Suria. I don't need to remind you. You underestimate me too much, don't you?"
"I'm not underestimating you, François. The expeditionary army's retreat is now cut off. They can only go forward now." Morgiana frowned, "… I've always felt that I have to go to the frontline myself, but Laing doesn't agree."
"I also want to go to the Evil Lands and fight side by side with Laing, but the best support we can give to Laing now is to stabilize the entire kingdom, Your Highness Morgiana." Suria did not know how many times she had rejected Morgiana's idea of going to the Evil Lands. The female knight was always full of patience and a playful tone.
Just as the three of them were still discussing, the head maid of the palace, Sylvia, came in from outside.
"Your Highness, Your Highness Morgiana, Your Highness François, we have a guest. A famous merchant from Marlin Castle and the actual controller of several major guilds, Adabai Hensman, is outside the castle. He wants to see you."
"See me?"
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