Arthur thought of the Pearl of Illusion!

Or to be precise, the last sentence in the remarks of the [Pearl of the Illusion]: Baron Novia's treasury!

Arthur wasn't sure if Carmen the Rogue had succeeded in taking what he wanted from Baron Novia's treasury, but he thought back to his encounter with Malinda, except that the vault looked like a trip to the 'Cat's Cave. Except for the slightest clue about the 'Nine Lives', nothing else is likely.

Always can't be with the' cat hole. The clue to 'Nine Lives' is that Malinda's cook Mary made an egg tart, right?

That's.

'Baron Novia?' ’

Arthur silently recited the name in his heart.

Unlike the seven nobles of South Los, West Berlin, Einhaas, Bate, Inner Bay, Rorschach, and Sidion, they divided the 'inland river' equally, and relied on coastal trade to obtain a large amount of taxes, which allowed them to build territories and armed armies, and the civilians in the territory were also considered to be living in peace.

In particular, Nanlos is an export of ocean-going trade, and its wealth is enviable to the point of drooling.

But Novia, Ruud, and Carter Demont are different.

All three are entirely inland territories, and most of them rely on the traditional methods of breeding and animal husbandry to provide for themselves, but Novia is particularly special.

Because, there is an abundance of iron ore there!

Although the land does not produce crops and there are no livestock to raise, the Novia Collar is still desirable because of the mines, at least even the previous Baron of Novia.

As for this Baron of Novia?

During the 'Seven Years' War, he blindly advanced and lost 2,000 of his own elite soldiers.

When leprosy occurs in the territory, it is left unchecked, resulting in the death of one in five civilians in the territory.

Moreover, he was extremely poor and extravagant, and raised the tax to an unprecedented limit of seventy and a half since the 'Silver Age', almost catching up with ninety percent of the 'indulgence tax' during the 'Holy Empire'.

However, the Novia collar is still safe.

Because, this baron is strong enough.

Four years ago, the baron's tax collector was hanged due to a tax conflict in the realm, and then the baron slaughtered the entire town by himself, killing about 700 people, all of whom were hanged.

This made Baron Novia's extravagant prefix with more tyranny.

Even some merchants were reluctant to go to the Barony of Novia.

Recalling everything about the Norvia Baron in his mind, Arthur couldn't help but raise his hand and touch his chin.

Obviously, because of the existence of the 'mysterious side', the 'true nobles' in the current world are much more nourished, and there is no possibility of being overthrown by civilians as imagined.

No wonder they are so aggressively seeking power – once awakened, it's really peace of mind! ’

Arthur thought to himself.

Then, subconsciously thought of the Count of Nanlos.

Compared with the 70% and a half tax of the Baron of Novia, the 'half to 30% and half tax' carried out by the tigress according to different occupations is simply the birth of the Virgin.

Call!

Heavy smoke blows in the face.

It is mixed with a hint of cocoa and an extremely pronounced sweet aroma.

"Did you change the tobacco?"

Arthur glanced in surprise at Malinda, who was sitting in the chair and squinting her eyes as if she were pretending to sleep.

Before, Malinda's cigarettes were more woody and fragrant, and sometimes there was a hint of wine, which was far less sweet than now.

"I didn't change it all, just a little bit of old burley tobacco and Cavendish and Virginia seasoning grass in the middle - did you feel my friendliness to you?"

The lady said, winking at Arthur.

"Hot cocoa and tobacco are two different things!"

Arthur rolled his eyes, not appreciating at all.

Because, he knew that Malinda was so 'flattering' only because of that Sigmund's 'soul school'.

Obviously, the so-called 'school of souls' is extremely important to this woman.

You know, Malinda is a very realistic woman.

No profit can not be early, is to describe this woman.

Arthur wasn't annoying, though.

Because, this woman does not have any unrealistic fantasies, but prefers to bind him with interests.

It's like after discovering that he is a contemporary 'black cat', he didn't ask for help directly, let alone draw cakes, but deepened the relationship between the two parties little by little with interests - Arthur knew very well that only when he really 'couldn't leave' her would this woman ask for it.

So, the woman became his partner.

No one would say no to such a 'visionary' partner.

Arthur was no exception.

Even, in a way, Arthur prefers this kind of partnership.

It's definitely not about taking advantage.

It's a real sense of 'mutual benefit' -

"Bernice should be coming to me soon, and before that, I need to leave South Los and head to Ymir Manor in the Garr Mountains.

After that, it's up to you. ”

Arthur said.

"Well, lazy guy!"

Malinda, who had been punctured for her 'careful thoughts', replied to Arthur with the words on her lips, but her eyes flashed with excitement.

As Arthur had speculated, the lady was not in a hurry.

With the excellent family teaching, she knows that the future is important, but the immediate is even more important.

Because, having the latter is the only way to continue the former.

"How is the other party's eldest son, Clay?"

Arthur asked as he began to pack his luggage.

"Far less shrewd than the outside world portrays, and quite greedy, with the previous deal between Bernice and me, this is a perfect way to use this as a breakthrough - you have to be a little more careful than here......

The old lion of the inner bay! ”

Malinda suddenly lowered her voice.

"I'm away from Nanlos, but I'm still in Nanlos territory!"

"Have faith in our Earl!"

Arthur said with a smile.

Of course, the young 'medium' understood Malinda's warning, but that didn't stop him from complimenting the tigress of South Los.

Although the other party can't hear it.

But, what if?

Complimenting others in person is a good way to close the distance, but complimenting others behind your back is the best way to do it! ’

Old Charlie's words always benefited Arthur a lot.

"Huh!"

Malinda sneered.

Not against the Count of South Los.

It's a shamelessness against Arthur.

"A guy like you will definitely be safe and sound—because only a shameless guy like you can live a long time."

With that, Malinda got up and walked outside.

She had already had a short break.

Next?

Nature is to work.

Arthur sent the lady out of No. 2 Kirk Street, and after watching her board the carriage and leave, he waved at the children of Dahl Lane, who were staring at the place.

Immediately, a small, thin, dark-haired, fair-skinned kid rushed to Arthur.

"Good morning, Lord Credos!"

"What's your name?"

Arthur asked with a smile as he looked at the child who had served him several times.

"Merlin!"

The child of Dahl Lane replied, and then, as if thinking of something, immediately bowed slightly—

"Merlin, happy to serve you!"

(End of chapter)