Chapter 100: The Money-Bringing Boy Charles, Part Two

The next morning, Charles kept his head lowered as he followed Kazak step by step toward the castle atop the mountain.

Along the way, aside from the sound of their footsteps, the two exchanged no words.

At the castle gate, Kyle watched as a group approached and calmly addressed the noble youth leading them, “My lord has been awaiting you. Please, follow me.”

“Thank you.”

Kazak politely produced a pouch of coins and handed it to Kyle.

Without comment, Kyle took the pouch, hung it prominently at his waist, and led the group toward the castle’s great hall.

Inside, Kazak furtively scanned the surroundings—the overall style was rugged yet retained an air of elegance.

At that moment, Kazak caught sight of the half-elf Eunice passing nearby and could not help but steal a few glances before quickly averting his eyes.

He wondered whether this half-elf was already the lover of some member of the Ex family or if it would be wiser not to pay too much attention, lest he invite trouble.

After all, he was here to offer an apology, not to provoke enmity.

Before the great hall’s doors, two guards eyed Kyle’s approach. Upon seeing him, they struck their chests in salute and said, “Lord Kyle, please have these guests leave their weapons outside.”

“I understand, I understand,” Kazak quickly said, setting his sword on a nearby rack and instructing his attendants to surrender their weapons as well.

“What is this?”

“These are three bolts of cloud silk cloth, a gift for your lord.”

The guards exchanged glances with Kyle, who nodded approval, and then allowed them to pass.

Within the hall, Verin sat upon a stone throne, looking down upon the newcomers.

Flanking him were high-ranking knights clad in full armor, their swords planted firmly on the ground—a presence that weighed heavily upon Kazak and his companions.

“Greetings, Lord Verin. I am Kazak, son of Governor Fisk. I have come today to offer an apology on behalf of my scoundrel cousin and ask for your forgiveness for his disrespect,” Kazak said politely.

Charles lowered his head, gritted his teeth, and knelt deeply, pleading softly, “Please forgive my previous arrogance and rudeness, my lord. I am willing to pay any price for this.”

Verin, wearing a faceplate, looked at Charles—the same man who a month prior had been arrogant and vengeful—and now knelt, begging for pardon. It made Verin grateful for having such a united and powerful family.

Because of the mask, Kazak could not read Verin’s expression, so he broke the silence himself: “My lord, these three bolts of cloud silk are a specialty of our family. I hope they may earn your forgiveness.”

Verin slightly raised his head and glanced at the attendant behind Kazak, who removed the cloth bag to reveal the pristine white cloud silk.

“Cloud silk from the Dosk family—usually reserved for royalty and a few duke families. I’m surprised you would part with such a gift as an apology.”

“As long as we can secure your forgiveness and avoid enmity between our two families, it is worth it,” Kazak replied courteously.

Verin did not immediately accept the gift but instead asked, “I heard that after your cousin left, he met with misfortune. Only about twenty survived, and the rest of his belongings were stolen.”

“That was due to his arrogance and insufficient strength. Losing those things is simply our misfortune,” Kazak stated firmly, indicating he would not pursue the matter further.

“That makes sense. The borderlands are rife with monsters, and the drought has only worsened banditry.”

“Your words are wise,” Kazak answered obediently, choosing not to contradict.

“Kyle, burn the letter in my study later,” Verin instructed.

Kyle was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered and responded loudly, “Yes, my lord.”

Hearing this, Kazak’s heart skipped a beat. Fortunately, they had arrived in time; otherwise, all would have been lost.

Charles felt weak in the knees, grateful to have survived and realizing how close he had come to ruin.

“I accept your gift. Let this matter be closed.”

“Thank you, my lord. We will take our leave now.”

Afterward, Kazak had the items stored safely and left the castle with Charles.

“Everyone, withdraw.”

Seeing the guests depart, Verin removed his faceplate and gestured for everyone to leave.

Soon, only Verin and Kyle remained in the hall.

“My lord, this is the gratuity from the governor’s son,” Kyle said respectfully, removing the cloth pouch from his waist.

“If they gave it to you, then keep it.”

Kyle smiled broadly and pocketed the pouch.

“It is now March. Let us observe for another month to see how these four species fare. If all goes well, I will plan a trip back.”

Verin looked at Kyle’s beaming face and silently contemplated.

Since teleportation cost three hundred gold coins per person, to save expenses, he intended to bring at most one companion.

This journey back to the Western River Province was not just about delivering golden apple trees; he also planned to establish an estate on his own lands to cultivate glowing grapes.

If possible, he hoped to find several merchant guilds in the Western River Province to market the Ice Blue Elixir.

Additionally, he intended to visit Landor City in the Kurze Province to retrieve a book from a foreigner and see if it contained any treasures worthy of destiny’s guidance.

This expedition, Verin estimated, would last two to three months.

...

By mid-April, having settled his affairs, Verin and Kyle traveled light toward the provincial capital of Kadero.

At the start of the month, Verin received explosive news.

“In June, the Kingdom of Kube and the Elven Kingdom of Iss will erupt into the Third Ice Island War.”

Upon hearing this, Verin sensed an opportunity for profit.

It is well known that war brings wealth, though only to those nations not directly involved.

He still had twelve thousand bottles of Ice Blue Elixir: two thousand reserved for himself, and ten thousand available for sale. He even considered raising the price five or six times over.

Once the idea took hold, it was unstoppable. This time back, he planned to seek connections through his father to reach the Kube Kingdom’s military.

Verin sat astride his crimson horse, gazing at the provincial capital of Kadero with a twinge of melancholy.

Two years prior, he had come here with fourteen men to begin his pioneering career.

Now, two years later, he owned a parcel of land, and only time separated him from becoming a baron.

“Let’s go to the teleportation array.”

Displaying his credentials, the guards swiftly allowed passage.

They passed through a familiar street, not much changed from two years ago—still dilapidated and worn.

Outside the teleportation hall, Verin handed Kyle the reins and proceeded to pay the fee.

Three hundred gold coins per person, fifty per horse; for two people and two horses, the total was seven hundred gold coins.

After waiting nearly two hours, Verin and the others—more than a dozen nobles bound for the Western River Province—entered the teleportation array.

Four mages stationed at the corners began infusing magic into the surrounding apparatus.

The elemental pool beneath the array activated, supplying energy to the magical circles.

Seconds later, a multitude of magical glyphs lit up and activated.