Inner Bay, Storm Inn.
This inn, located in the Docklands, has a long history. It was rumored that the first owner bought the land here during the late Holy Era and built this inn, which initially had only seven guest rooms.
After more than two hundred years of good developnt, the Storm Inn had not only expanded to include forty individual guest rooms, five large communal ones, three small courtyards, and twelve stables, but it also boasted its own signature dish: the Feast of the Storm.
Rumor had it that the first owner invented the dish while rescuing others during a storm.
Others said that those who were rescued invented the dish to thank the owner.
Of course, many speculated that the na of the Storm Inn was also due to this event.
However, Kalal knew all this was false.
Any rescue, any gratitude, it was all a fabrication.
The so-called Feast of the Storm was initially called the Eye of the Storm.
Kalal thought that naming it the Eye of the Storm was quite appropriate, considering the appearance of fish in a pie, their heads held high, dead but with eyes open.
As for the Feast of the Storm?
Please!
It wasn't a radish conference, a dozen dead fish staring at you was creepy enough, but hundreds? Kalal figured he might just draw his sword and chop the chef.
"There's news!"
Outside the suite, Jimte walked in.
Kalal, stroking his Twin Swords, looked up.
Hayes, who had been lying in Manta's arms eating grapes, paused as well.
"The Storm Hotel is called the Storm Hotel because the first owner's fishing rod was nad Storm—a rod rumored to bring stormy weather every ti it was used, resulting in no catch," Jimte relayed the information he had gathered.
Click!
Kalal's sword slightly unsheathed.
Hayes unceremoniously spat a grape seed at Jimte.
"Seberlin! I want to hear the specifics about Seberlin!"
As Kalal spoke, his Twin Swords unsheathed even further, as if warning Jimte that another nonsensical word would lead to him being chopped.
"No sense of humor!
I did betray my fiancée after all!
Shouldn't you allow to comfort myself in my own way?"
Jimte argued indignantly.
However, as he saw Kalal's swords nearly fully unsheathed, he quickly said—
"Sir, a complete victory!
Not just shares in Doldot Port, but a great reputation as well!
The locals are imnsely grateful to you!"
Jimte spoke earnestly, sharing everything he knew.
The information ca from his fiancée, the second daughter of the Marquess of Seberlin.
As for his so-called betrayal?
Impossible!
Unlike her two sisters, the marquess's rebellious second daughter, upon discovering that her father treated her rely as a tool, began to resist quietly. With Jimte's appearance, they quickly hit it off—engagent was just a necessary step in their plan.
After leaving Seberlin, those secretly developed scouts were truly effective.
At least, they allowed Jimte to partially uncover the truth.
"That's wonderful!"
Kalal smiled.
Hayes, on the other hand, rubbed his temples—
"A complete victory in Seberlin, huh?
That's going to make things difficult for the Ainhars Territory and Bert Territory next!
Why would you do this, sir?"
The nephew of Count Bert voiced his confusion.
In Hayes's understanding, a small victory or none at all was preferable.
Because only then would the Ainhars and Bert territories and their backers be less likely to notice him, making it easier to achieve his goals afterward.
At that ti, whether to make a quiet exit or a joyous entrance would all be effortless.
"You're speculating about the lord using your own ideas again!
How could you possibly guess the lord's intentions?"
Kalal snorted disdainfully at Hayes's contemplative expression.
For Kalal, he had never t anyone as strategically minded as Arthur. He firmly believed Arthur had his own considerations.
And Jimte, who had personally experienced it, believed so too.
Watching the expressions of the two n who were just like himself, Hayes grew ever more curious about the Southern Lost Spirit dium, whom he had never t.
Count Bert's nephew was so eager to see what kind of person Arthur really was that he directly made these two proud n willingly perform the "Lionheart Ceremony."
It couldn't be a deception, could it?
This thought surfaced in Hayes's mind, and imdiately, Count Bert's nephew shook his head.
Impossible!
Others might be deceived!
But Jimte and Kalal would never be!
If the two of them were deceived!
Then wouldn't he be deceived as well?
So, impossible!
The equally proud Hayes would never admit to these things.
"I certainly can't guess!
But now, I am very curious about what the lord will do in Ainhars!
According to the titable, the lord's ship should be arriving at Ainhars soon!"
After swallowing a grape Manta handed to him, Hayes said with a smile.
"I am very much looking forward to it as well."
Jimte and Kalal nodded simultaneously.
And just at that mont, the ssenger Stone in Kalal's embrace suddenly lit up.
"It's Windsor."
Kalal explained briefly.
Jimte and Hayes had heard of this lady.
She was considered Kalal's good friend.
Why 'considered'?
Because, when Kalal was still in Ainhars Territory, this lady had expressed more than once her desire to invest in Kalal — demanding the kind of long-term high returns after her needs were t.
After Kalal explicitly refused, she did not give up.
One thing led to another, and their relationship grew close.
Even after Kalal was expelled, they maintained contact — Kalal needed to purchase news of Ainhars Territory from this lady.
And her initiating contact naturally ant she had important news.
So, Kalal directly connected —
'Do you know why I chose to go hunting today?'
An unexpected male voice appeared.
It was Lori!
Kalal confird in an instant.
Then, the interest of this nephew of the Marquess of Ainhars surged imdiately.
Not just Kalal, Jimte and Hayes felt the sa.
Even Hayes got up from Manta's embrace and sat upright.
As ti ticked by second by second.
The expression of the three n shifted from focused to realize, and from realizing to surprised.
Especially Hayes, who was extrely shocked.
"So that's it!
The lord actually wanted to use this opportunity to capture all the young nobles of Ainhars Territory in one fell swoop—There's nothing more precious than the gratitude owed during the chaos of war!
Worthy of the lord, even considering Lori in this plan!
It's really...
Impressive!"
Hayes's sincere admiration made Kalal's mouth curve into a smile.
"Believe it or not, what you just guessed is only what the lord wanted you to guess, the lord's true intention is still hidden where you can't see!"
The once experienced Kalal spoke with extre confidence.
The lord's plan couldn't possibly be seen through at a glance, there must be other motives.
Similarly, Jimte also nodded in agreent.
"Exactly, it must be so!"
But the trio's discussion didn't continue.
Because, from the ssenger Stone ca the sound —
"Look quick, it's the 'Oriental'!
He, has arrived!"
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