Chapter_39

Translator: Yonnee

The day the Ewen caravan arrived at Lagos Castle was like a festival.

They brought thirty wagons packed to the brim with goods.

People flocked to the outer castle grounds where the wagons were unloading, and an impromptu market sprung up.

The Ewen caravan brought a variety of items beyond the pre-arranged goods, even purchasing items from Lagos Castle.

“This ironwood isn’t what I expected. Look here, it’s got holes.”

“A massive fire recently hit the ironwood groves. This is all we could manage to secure.”

“So, the price will go up?”

“Isn’t that obvious?”

“It’s already expensive enough. This is going to be trouble.”

While carpenters haggled with merchants over the wood, laborers unloaded furniture from the wagons.

Hoffman was there to inspect things personally.

“Careful with that! Do you know how much that piece is worth? Not a scratch!”

A slim, white-haired elder approached him.

Despite his silver hair, the man’s upright posture and sharp gaze made him look much younger than his age.

Hoffman recognized him and muttered gruffly,

“I’ve been asking for these pieces to be delivered sooner. Quite a prompt arrival, I see, Leader.”

Dustin chuckled.

“Business never runs on your schedule. Haven’t you learned that yet?”

“But if anyone could make it happen, it would be you, old man.”

“I could, but why should I rush here for no gain?”

“Oh, come on.”

As Dustin walked around, taking in the lively scene, his gaze paused upon someone, and curiosity flickered in his eyes.

‘Well now…’

Dustin held a high opinion of Russell Cardros, the Lord of Lagos Castle.

Throughout his life, Dustin had traveled the continent, meeting the seven grand dukes, their heirs, and many other promising figures.

But he hadn’t encountered anyone quite like Russell.

Though wiser, more cunning, or more courageous men existed, Russell’s potential was especially promising, particularly at just twenty-three.

Dustin could only imagine what he’d accomplish in five or ten years.

If Russell had been born into one of the seven grand duke families rather than Lagos, that family would have flourished exponentially.

Even though Russell’s origins limited him, that very fact also made Dustin’s interest in him all the more compelling.

Dustin also admired the people of Lagos Castle.

No matter how skilled the leader, a poorly managed foundation stifled potential.

The people here were loyal, skilled, and grounded.

The Lords of Lagos, using talent above connections, had cultivated a loyal and capable following over generations.

Though Dustin was the leader of this caravan from the Ewen Guild, he still made time to come to Lagos Castle several times a year, viewing it as an investment in the future.

Typically, Russell was the first to catch his eye upon arrival.

But today was different.

A stunning woman with golden hair, radiating beauty, walked alongside the lord.

‘So, she really did come to Lagos.’

Dustin had been puzzled when Hoffman urged him to expedite the furniture shipment in his letter.

Dustin had informants throughout the continent, feeding him a constant stream of information.

Initially, Cecilia wasn’t someone he’d deemed significant—just another wealthy noblewoman.

But upon learning of her marriage to Russell, Dustin began paying more attention to the information surrounding her.

He knew about the power struggle between Grand Duke Jericho, who wanted to send her to Lagos Castle, and Cecilia, who tried to delay her departure.

He was also aware of the multiple stops she made en route, under the pretext of resting, which turned a two-day journey to a villa into a five-day ordeal.

Dustin had discreetly shared these insights with Hoffman.

So he’d been surprised when Hoffman, while pressing for quicker delivery, recently called his intel ‘utter nonsense’.

As a top-tier information broker, Dustin’s intelligence had never before been questioned.

 

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