The Wizarding Guild of the Red Blood Castle.

What had not so long been a loose gathering place for wizards had become a tight-knit organization and teaching institution, with empty courtyards and towers no longer in the same place, and everywhere apprentices could be seen hurrying through the corridors and stairs with books in their hands.

After receiving funding from the United Chamber of Commerce, the Wizarding Guild soon began to work with local unions and workshops, starting with the smallest bits, especially with the help of Ain Rand - even before Loren could say anything, the little wizard was already helping.

Starting with the most basic techniques of metallic painting and engraving, Byrne is the home of knights, and the most beautiful and beautiful weapons are especially popular with intricate patterns and bright colors, and the Society's alchemist apprentices only need a few processes to color the armor instead of applying it to the surface.

In addition to this, the association, of course, has not forgotten the "old business" of wizards... The various new potion recipes that Al Yin brought back from Ebolden and the Grove of Woods, throwing out those that require special materials, most of them can be sold for a good price in the banquets and salons of the nobles.

As he passed through the halls of the tower, Charles also saw that the apprentices were being led by their mentor to improve the fluorite lamps from Eberden, as well as the West Sacland-style farming tools—it would not be long before the nobles of the Red Blood Castle would use the new lamps, and the farmers of Byrne would have to work like the Sackland farmers.

"It's amazing. The butler, who followed the black-haired wizard step by step, couldn't help but sigh.

"It's early. Loren smiled indifferently: "This is just the beginning. ”

"Viscount Loren is really humble, and that alone is enough to be an eye-opener. ”

"If I could, I hope that would be enough. Shaking his head, the black-haired wizard slowly spoke, "But it's not enough, it's far from enough. ”

Loren had traveled to Ebolden and Golovin and had seen first-hand how the Academy-centered wizarding clique exerted influence in the region.

Not to mention the city of Ebolden, which has been completely "wizarded", from the internal affairs to the construction of towns and industrial production, it is completely controlled by the Nine-Pointed Star Wizard Tower, and even the workshops of the free nobles are full of wizards, and even the most severely suppressed Golovin can have an impact on the empire through collusion with the Chamber of Commerce and Trade Union.

At the moment, the Wizards Association is not at that level at all... But it's a matter of time.

"Charlotte... How's the countess?"

Hearing Loren's question, Charles's expression darkened, but he still forced a smile:

"Also... OK. ”

"Really?" Loren sighed.

Of course, it was impossible to hide what happened in the Red Blood Castle from her, so the black-haired wizard chose to take the initiative to admit it, but it seemed counterproductive... Charlotte, who learned the truth, did not rush into a rage or stab Loren to death with a sword, but simply ignored him completely.

In her heart, the name Loren has been equated with "liar", and Charles and Lusen and others are accomplices.

"Everything will be fine, it will be. Charles repeats something he doesn't even believe, and he knows better than anyone how stubborn Charlotte really is:

"On the bright side, we're about to defeat Gaspar, and the Blood Order will come to an end... There may even be a time when the Count will be able to regain the title of Lord of Byrne for the House of Turin. ”

"I hope so......" Loren, who held his forehead, had a trace of unspeakable bitterness at the corner of his mouth.

It is true that at this moment, I got almost everything I once wanted - status, wealth, and friends.

The little wizard and Lusen are by their side, and they can spend an idle afternoon with them whenever they want, and Isaac, the megalomaniac who is far away in the imperial capital, is on the road to winning in life, and may one day marry Lena de Salion and become Brandon's "brother-in-law".

Leven Fried became the Earl of Deepwood, and the elf Lea was the most famous wardancer in the Woods... Although they haven't met for a long time, they are still willing to help them as long as they need it.

Charlotte... Although this countess is affectionate, she is also rational enough, and she is just gambling with herself at the moment, and sooner or later she will be able to release her previous suspicions.

As for Brandon De Salion... This "lord", who is half an ally and half a friend, has begun to show his minions, and when he takes the Red Blood Castle and even Byrne for him, his position will be more secure, and he will need his allies and "courtiers" even more.

But... If Fanecis really had the unfinished Holy Blood Elixir in his hands, then all of this could be reduced to ashes at any time!

You have to eliminate this threat yourself... Whether it was a farnesist or a potion, as long as there was such a possibility, it had to be stifled at the very first moment - for this sudden "unexpected surprise", he had never liked it for a moment!

..........................................

“...... Your Excellency Loren Turin, you have won. ”

These were the first words Loren heard from old Roger as he walked into the room.

The black-haired wizard was stunned for a moment, and sat down with a smile: "I'm sorry... I don't know what you're talking about. ”

"I said you won... Are you still prepared to continue to play with an old man when he surrenders to you?"

Old Roger frowned slightly, his expression was calmer and more real than ever, and there was no hint of disguise - it reminded Loren of another old man, surnamed Corona.

It's a bad feeling.

"Mato... Ah, even Yod's clever tricks, but if he was really the mastermind behind the United Chamber of Commerce, he wouldn't be alone, and it was clear that he was loyal to someone, and because of this person, the Corona family of Eberden would agree to lend a hand, so that the unsuspecting Yode Chamber of Commerce would be brought down in an instant. ”

"I guess... 'That person' you mean am me?" Loren raised an eyebrow.

"I can't guess the second one anyway. The old man crossed his fingers on his thighs, looking recognized: "All in all... Your plan was executed in a very complete way, the Yod Chamber of Commerce stepped on almost every trap you laid, and the surprise attack caravan was very decisive... We're resigned to the wind. ”

"But that's not enough to defeat the Yod Chamber of Commerce, because she's been beaten so badly by you that she will have to survive at the cost of becoming a lackey of Gaspar altogether - which means that the Governor's House of Byrne will truly have most of Byrne's wealth and nominal authority over Byrne, and you will never have a chance to defeat him again. ”

Loren's eyes narrowed into a slit... He really didn't expect this.

...... Careless.

"But now I can help you avoid that risk, and not only that, but the Yod Chamber of Commerce is willing to give up the business of the Red Blood Castle and the North, and give it to your United Chamber of Commerce in exchange for a way to survive and... Temporary settlement. ”

"It doesn't sound like much good for the Turin and Corona families. ”

"Yes, but this pair of 'that guys' is what he desperately needs... Because it will take time to wrest control of the United Chamber of Commerce from the Corona family, please rely on them as well. ”

Old Roger Mune hooked the corners of his mouth, and at this moment he was shrewd like a real businessman: "Believe me, Your Excellency Loren Turin, if you really want to become the ruler of Byrne, it is not enough for a United Chamber of Commerce, we will have many opportunities for cooperation in the future!"

"Let's compare it like this - if the United Chamber of Commerce can do nothing more than any Chamber of Commerce can do, but the Yod Chamber of Commerce... We can help you get the last copper plate out of each lord's pocket, and don't forget, Byrne's mining rights are still in our hands!"

"As long as I want, the United Chamber of Commerce can take it from your hands at any time?"

"No, I don't think you have that much trust in Little Yod - as long as the mining rights are in your hands, what does it matter which chamber of commerce is in charge?"

The black-haired wizard's face was calm, and he didn't react to his words.

"Of course, I also know that this kind of trade also requires enough chips and deposits to prove my sincerity. Old Roger let out a chuckle, and his tone was equally flat.

But the moment he said that sentence, it made Loren's expression tremble unnaturally:

"I know... Where is the headquarters of the Blood Order?"