Chapter 246: Preparations Before Departure, Five Hundred Thousand Pounds!

Chapter 246: Preparations Before Departure, Five Hundred Thousand Pounds!

George III stared at Hastur for a long time before saying, "Voltaire's son, I saw you when you were young. I didn't expect that in the blink of an eye, you have grown into a young talent who can share the kingdom's burdens."

"Thanks to His Majesty's promotion of educational reform, I was able to receive a better education and grow into a young man who can serve the country."

Hastur's words of loyalty made Earl Hall nod in approval.

"You are more eloquent than Voltaire."

George III's stern expression softened considerably as he said, "Do you know the dangers of this trip to South Wales?"

"To relieve the king's worries and to do my best for the kingdom has always been the mission of the Campbell family."

"Very good."

George III was very satisfied with Hastur's attitude. "From today on, you are Earl Hastur Campbell. I hope you can inherit your family's loyalty to the kingdom."

Then, George III asked some questions about the coastal defense line of South Wales, for which Hastur was well prepared.

Finally, George III, in the name of the kingdom, awarded him a fund of one hundred thousand pounds, instructing him to go to South Wales before January 10 to help the Duke of South Wales defend the coastal line.

After leaving Soderak Palace, Hastur originally wanted to go home directly but was stopped by Earl Hall's coachman, who said that Earl Hall wanted to invite him to dinner.

Hastur had no reason to refuse this invitation.

After waiting for half an hour, Earl Hall walked out of Soderak Palace.

"Let's go, I have something to discuss with you."

Earl Hall got into the carriage, and Hastur instructed his coachman to follow.

At Earl Hall's residence.

Hastur and Earl Hall appeared together, causing Audrey, who was learning adult etiquette from her teacher, to find an excuse to skip the lesson and bring Susie to meet Hastur.

"So, the guest Earl Hall is hosting today is Mr. Hastur."

"I really miss the desserts here."

Audrey smiled and exchanged a few words with Hastur before frowning slightly, "Mr. Hastur, are you leaving Backlund?"

"Yes, I will depart in a few days."

After a moment of silence, Audrey smiled and said, "I believe Mr. Hastur will be able to solve the problems in South Wales."

After chatting with Audrey, Hastur enjoyed lunch at Earl Hall's residence and then followed Earl Hall to his study.

Audrey couldn't enter the study but was curious, so she sent Susie to follow Hastur and successfully sneak into the study.

Hastur glanced at Susie, who pretended to sleep on the floor, knowing she was Audrey's spy.

"The situation in South Wales should be clear to you, but the Duke of South Wales might not be."

Earl Hall began with a hint.

"Is there something special about the Duke of South Wales?" Hastur asked humbly.

"He is narrow-minded and ruthless. He will stop at nothing to crush nobles who do not follow his will. Many nobles who were bullied by him went to Backlund to seek justice from His Majesty, but to no avail."

Earl Hall paused and continued, "His power and status are not just because of his loyalty to His Majesty. There is another reason. He is the illegitimate son of the former Duke of South Wales, a fact known to few."

"Do you mean Duke Drink Augustus?"

Earl Hall looked at Hastur in surprise, "I didn't expect you to know about this Duke, a figure almost forgotten by many older nobles."

"I just like reading some idle books, which recorded the deeds of the former Duke of South Wales."

Earl Hall nodded, "Since you know him, you should understand how terrifying this Duke is."

Hastur understood Earl Hall's warning to avoid conflict with the Duke of South Wales to prevent provoking Duke Drink Augustus.

Alas, unfortunately, Hastur and the Duke of South Wales were destined to be rivals.

"Here is one hundred thousand pounds. I believe you know how to use it."

Is this money meant to bribe the Duke of South Wales?

What a waste.

Hastur feigned ignorance, "What is this money for?"

"It's an investment from the Hall family. I believe your future will be extraordinary." Earl Hall made it clear.

A hundred thousand pounds of angel investment, Earl Hall was indeed wealthy.

Hastur was deeply moved. The funds he had raised from the law firm and factory recently amounted to about one hundred thousand pounds, his entire savings. Earl Hall had just doubled his assets.

...

Hastur left Earl Hall's residence and had just returned home when Greck, who had heard the news, came to meet him.

In the study, Hastur and Greck sat opposite each other.

Greck sighed, "Hastur, I didn't expect you to grow to this point."

"Maybe I am naturally suited for the path of the extraordinary."

Hastur understood what Greck was referring to. His speed in finding and killing Lockhard last time had revealed a lot.

"Now I understand why you chose this path. No power is more reliable than holding great strength."

"Greck, we are still friends. That hasn't changed."

Greck smiled, "That's the best news I've heard in a while."

"I am also very grateful to have you as a friend."

After chatting for a while, Greck suddenly said, "I know you need a lot of money to build your territory in South Wales, so I have prepared two hundred thousand pounds for you. I also have some properties in South Wales that I will hand over to you."

"This is too much money."

"It's not much. One hundred thousand pounds is the bounty for the assassin, and the other hundred thousand pounds is my personal sponsorship for a friend's travel expenses."

"..."

A hundred thousand pounds for travel expenses?

The road from Backlund to South Wales was indeed long and arduous.

"I hope you won't refuse. This wealth means little to me."

Greck didn't give Hastur a reason to refuse.

"Two hundred thousand pounds... I can hardly say no." Hastur was deeply moved.

In just one day, he had gained four hundred thousand pounds!

Adding his own one hundred thousand pounds, his wealth had soared to five hundred thousand pounds!

This money was more than enough to build his territory; he could even form a private army.

No, it should be called a knight order to guard the territory.

...

January 9, 1350.

Since meeting George III, Hastur had spent several peaceful days.

To ensure the safety of the large sum of five hundred thousand pounds, Hastur secretly transported four hundred thousand pounds to the Hall of Stars, as the next Star Gathering was a month away.

He had already planned to depart for South Wales the next day. Before that, he visited Professor Wayne with Lecturer Floren, who gave him a list of friends in South Wales who could help if needed.

Hastur also attended one last extraordinary gathering with Grellint, who generously gave him a lot of potions with various effects.

He also visited Leonard at the Brave Bar, where Klein was also present, thanking him for the opera seats during the New Year.

Before leaving, Hastur asked Klein a question.

"Do you prefer the current peaceful and warm life, or the adventurous life of wandering alone?"

Klein chose the former.

This was not a surprising answer. Klein's fate had begun to shift, and his growth had slowed.

This was good news for Hastur.

The later the Fool ascended, the later the divine war would begin.

At night, Hastur invited Maric and Sharon for a farewell banquet.

"I will leave Backlund tomorrow. Would you like to come with me?" Hastur invited again.

Maric regretfully said, "I would love to join you in South Wales, but I have many things to do."

Sharon remained silent.

Hastur felt a bit disappointed but still smiled, "I will send you some specialties from South Wales to make you regret not coming with me."

Maric laughed, "That's not a punishment; it's a reward."

Sharon looked at Hastur and calmly said, "Did you open the gift I gave you for the New Year?"

(End of the chapter)

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