The communication crystal was connected.
But as if by tacit agreent, both parties kept silent.
After another three or four seconds, the Marquess of West Berlin was the first to speak—
"I'd like to speak with Lord Kledos in private."
With that statent, everyone around dispersed.
And Arthur seed to walk to one side alone out of respect.
"I apologize, Lord Kledos.
The cooperation this ti was my mistake.
I will compensate double for the loss I caused you."
The Marquess of West Berlin said very sincerely.
"I appreciate your generosity, but so things once done, cannot be undone.
Wrong is wrong.
How could a shattered mirror ever be restored to its original state?"
Arthur drew out his tone, with an appearance of regret.
"We can negotiate again, about the revenue from Port Doldot.
If a twenty percent revenue can't make the broken mirror whole again, then I think an additional ten percent might find a better craftsman to create an even better mirror."
The Marquess of West Berlin said with a smile.
"Of course.
If there are sufficiently good craftsn, it's not impossible to replicate a mirror that's exactly the sa.
But to find such a craftsman, ten percent won't be enough, will it?
I believe at least twenty percent is needed."
Arthur nodded in agreent with the Marquis's words, imdiately smiling and responding.
"Forty percent of the revenue would indeed attract more buyers of mirrors to Port Doldot."
The Marquess of West Berlin's smile faded, and his tone deepened as he emphasized his point.
"Hmm, but among these buyers of mirrors, who could be more sincere than ?
We have a foundation of cooperation, and...
Our recent cooperation has naturally put us in the sa boat.
At least, that fellow from Inner Bay hates no less than he hates you.
But if it were soone else?
Marquis, are you certain you won't be bought by that person from Inner Bay?"
Arthur maintained his smile.
Why did he dare to demand forty percent of the revenue of Port Doldot?
Apart from the Marquess of West Berlin being seriously injured, it was the shared enemy they had.
And this enemy hated them both trendously.
Perhaps Ainhars and the Bert Family could help West Berlin at a lower price, but who could guarantee that these families wouldn't be bought out?
After all, the Old Lion of Inner Bay was known to be quite generous.
The Marquess of West Berlin was clearly aware of this.
Therefore, the Marquis dared not gamble.
Eventually, after pondering for a mont, he agreed to Arthur's demand, but at the sa ti, he posed his own request—
"Since Jacqueline and Catherine recognize Miss Caesar as their sworn sister, it would only be natural for so mbers of the West Berlin Family to accompany them to South Los, right?"
"Of course."
Arthur didn't rebut, appearing readily agreeable.
But inwardly, Arthur felt a chill.
He had observed that sword strike.
It was most unexpected.
And extrely ruthless.
The poison on it could instantly kill an elephant.
And the curse?
It lingered like an infectious disease in the bone.
However...
With the resources of the Marquess of West Berlin, curing the injury, eliminating the poison, and dispelling the curse shouldn't be difficult, not even the most troubleso curse.
So, this was—
'Pacifying Inner Bay while also plotting for South Los?
This is indeed...
Perfect!'
Arthur liked having such ambitious collaborators.
Without such partners, how could he possibly stir up trouble?
As for the Countess's fury?
If it ca to it, he could just give the Countess ten percent of the revenue from Port Doldot in exchange for her support.
Of course, in addition to the necessary support, so additional conditions would be required.
Two scheming fellows were conversing outside of West Berlin Castle.
The night wind had stopped at so point, as if it had been frightened away by these two individuals.
About half an hour later, the glow of the ssenger Stone faded away.
Arthur walked towards Gergis, handing over the ssenger Stone he held in his hand.
The Guard Commander of the Marquess of West Berlin respectfully received the ssenger Stone, while those around them had already started to head towards Port Doldot.
Clearly, the Marquis's ans of communication were not limited to just this ssenger Stone.
"Lord Kledos, it was both a pleasure and an honor to et you.
I will never forget our first encounter for as long as I live.
I look forward to our next eting."
As Yekaterina rode past Arthur on her warhorse, the lady suddenly pulled on the reins, looked down at Arthur with earnestness in her erald eyes.
Arthur, however, was completely indifferent.
"Hmm, okay, goodbye."
Arthur, full of perfunctory, walked into the secret passage.
Behind Arthur, Yekaterina, atop her warhorse, clenched her fists.
"Beware of my older sister, she has her sights set on you."
Catherine, following behind Arthur, quietly cautioned him.
"She's not after .
She just can't stand to lose."
Arthur shrugged his shoulders, continuing to act unconcerned.
But deep down, the young Spirit dium wished he could reach out his right hand towards Yekaterina, curl his fingers, and shout, "Co at ."
Given the depth of his cooperation with the Marquess of West Berlin, Arthur of course had to play the role of an Alert Line.
And who better suited for that than Yekaterina?
None!
As the designated Heir of the Marquess of West Berlin, Yekaterina was the most fitting.
As for underhanded?
This wasn't underhanded.
It was just a 'self-preservation thod' a young, kind, righteous, and naive Spirit dium had to adopt.
Catherine, of course, was unaware of all this.
Indeed, Arthur was not about to give his twin sister's younger counterpart any chance to ponder further.
"What does freedom taste like?" Arthur asked, turning his head.
The light was dim in the secret passage.
But even in such dimness, Catherine could still see the smile on the young Spirit dium's face, filled with warmth and benevolence.
Of course, the words were even more important.
Only at this mont did the younger of the twins suddenly co to her senses.
Her longed-for wish was fulfilled!
Freedom!
She was free!
She had broken away from the West Berlin Family!
She was no longer bound by her family!
This, this...
Catherine was at a loss for words, halting in her steps, standing there with her lips slightly parted but unable to speak.
Arthur's steps, however, did not halt.
"I wish you a happy freedom.
Also!
You still have a little ti to gather your personal belongings from your room—don't be shy, this is part of the contract I made with your father.
You're entitled to take your personal belongings.
I suggest you take the decorations from your room, especially any gold or silver.
After all, living expenses are high, especially in a city like South Los, where the cost is substantial.
Of course, I'm not saying you should strip the walls bare, mind you."
The young Spirit dium said as he walked.
Catherine, standing where she was, had her eyes grow brighter.
By the ti she heard the last sentence, the younger of the twins had already shouted out in cheer—
"I'll take all that's mine!
For my freedom!"
With that shout, Catherine chased after Arthur.
Hearing the footsteps behind him, Arthur's lips curved into a light smile.
Then, the young Spirit dium took a deep breath, his eyes revealing a serious look—
The most critical mont had arrived!
Reviews
All reviews (0)