Chapter 107: The Secret Exchange

After spending several hours, Viren, accompanied by the Blood Moon Count’s family, toured the entire castle.

Although the Blood Moon Castle covers only a quarter of the area of Windsor Castle, it was perfectly suited for living. It was clear that his great-aunt was a person who truly understood how to live well.

But then again, as the founder of the Blood Moon Domain, the Blood Moon Count naturally designed her castle according to her own tastes.

While the Eagle Domain had other beautiful castles, Windsor Castle was built by their ancestors who had established the family code: the main line of the Ex family must use Windsor Castle as their foundation, forbidding indulgence, insisting on doing things personally, and never delegating mundane tasks to others to avoid corrupting their fighting spirit.

Still, every few years, the Eagle Count would take the whole family to temporarily reside in other castles for a few months.

“Viren, what do you think of Blood Moon Castle?” Myali asked kindly, looking at her great-nephew.

Viren replied respectfully, “Great-aunt, Blood Moon Castle is beautiful—the most beautiful castle I have ever seen.”

“Good eye,” Myali said, her vanity greatly satisfied, her smile brightening further.

“By the way, I heard from your father that you want to get in touch with the military of the Kubei Kingdom?”

“Yes, great-aunt. I speculate that tensions between the Kubei Kingdom and the Is Half-Elven Kingdom are escalating and may lead to war. I want to seize this opportunity to engage in trade, earn money, and develop my domain,” Viren answered frankly, revealing the true purpose of his visit.

Myali, Vitris, and Drigos exchanged glances, all reading shock in each other's eyes.

“Viren, do you know why I returned to Blood Moon Castle from the border this time?” Vitris said with a serious tone, no longer his usual carefree self.

Before Viren could answer, Myali spoke first: “Your great-uncle came back because the Kubei Kingdom’s military secretly contacted us. They want to purchase a batch of military supplies.”

“Viren, I must say, you truly are the descendant of Lord Angus—renowned as the kingdom’s God of War. Naturally, your insight is not lacking,” Drigos said emotionally. They had only recently learned about this matter and never expected their nephew to have moved ahead so quickly.

Viren was bewildered inside but forced a calm demeanor and smiled, “It’s nothing special. Lately, I’ve been short on money and reluctant to borrow from the family, so I made some speculative assumptions and discovered the likelihood of war between Kubei and Is Half-Elven Kingdoms. I got a bit rash and hurried over.”

“You’re a genius, Viren. I believe you will shine brilliantly in the future, perhaps even surpass your father.”

“Great-uncle, you flatter me,” Viren responded smoothly.

Myali then said, “In a week, military representatives from the Kubei Kingdom will arrive at Blood Moon Castle. I’ve also secretly notified the nearby provincial counts and marquises. They will come here to discuss matters. You will attend the trade fair with Drigos. Whether you succeed in selling depends on you.”

“Thank you, great-aunt,” Viren said gratefully.

The following week passed pleasantly for Viren, who even got to experience riding a dragon, feeling for a moment like a true dragon knight.

…

On the evening of June 3rd, Viren followed Drigos to an underground theater in the western district.

“Lord Drigos,” a powerful knight approached and respectfully reported.

Drigos looked at the Golden Knight Kearol with a stoic expression and inquired, “Kearol, how is the situation at the trade fair?”

“Eight counts, three marquises, the Dukes of Moravia and Stoya have all sent representatives. Additionally, the capital has dispatched three shadow knights.”

“Ensure the underground theater’s security. If this trade is exposed, it could jeopardize the fragile diplomatic relations we have established with the Is Half-Elven Kingdom.”

“Rest assured, my lord. I swear on my life that nothing untoward will happen.”

Viren wore a mask the entire time, following silently behind Drigos.

At that moment, Drigos took Viren backstage at the underground theater and whispered, “Viren, the Kubei Kingdom has plenty of money. When they ask your price, quote ten times higher first, then bargain down.”

“Um, uncle, isn’t that a bit inappropriate?” Viren replied, though he carefully noted Drigos’s advice.

“These rich dogs have been cashing in on their geographic advantage for years. It’s only fair to squeeze them a bit.”

“The trade fair is officially starting. Please maintain order,” a seductive voice announced, nearly causing Viren to lose his composure. Were it not for Drigos patting his shoulder at the critical moment, Viren might have had hearts in his eyes.

“Uncle, I’m embarrassed.”

“It’s alright. Andrea is the bishop of the gods of opera and art. Your reaction is quite natural,” Drigos reassured him.

“Let’s go. The trade has begun.”

Viren followed Drigos to the main hall of the underground theater.

As the curtain lifted, over a hundred people gathered, each with an item displayed before them.

Then the Kubei Kingdom military representatives entered, playing the role of customers, bargaining with the nobles representing the merchants from the Ilia Kingdom.

Ignoring their identities for a moment, the stands were filled with spectators, resembling a vivid ensemble drama.

“Blessings of the God of Plenty, this is too expensive.”

“By the Goddess of Life, there’s a reason for the price. How about a 5% discount?”

“If you offer a 20% discount, I might consider.”

“No, 20% is too low. 10% is my final bottom line.”

“Deal.”

Watching such a transaction, Viren couldn’t help but brighten his eyes.

He recalled that the Fire Spirit Potion cost only 200 gold coins per bottle in the kingdom. Yet here, they sold 2,000 bottles at 800 gold coins each, making a profit of 1.2 million gold coins, both sides clearly pleased with their gains.

This was understandable, as quality goods were traded among nobles of equal rank, while subpar items were sold abroad at inflated prices.

Bored, Viren was approached by a young noble from the Kubei Kingdom who asked, “Your Ice Blue Potion works as you described?”

“Yes. If you doubt it, you can verify it on the spot.”

The young noble whispered to his attendant, who shortly returned with an alchemist.

The alchemist politely inquired further, and after Viren’s nod, he immediately cast a spell to test the Ice Blue Potion’s effects.