Duke’s Invitation

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Paul was stunned by what was inside the wooden box.

It turned out to be a whole box full of gold coins, shimmering brightly enough to almost blind his titanium alloy eyes.

"What... can someone explain to me what's going on here?"

"Could it be that Quik guy returning to his old ways at sea, pulling off some big deals?"

"Uh... my lord, these were sent by His Highness the Grand Duke of Eaton. We didn't dare to handle them without your approval, so we leave it to you to decide."

The more Paul listened, the more puzzled he became. "Why would the Grand Duke of Eaton send you a box of gold coins?"

This was a whole box of gold coins. Although people in Alden and most countries described amounts of money in terms of gold coins, in actual daily life, commoners were prohibited from using gold coins, and the most valuable currency circulating among non-nobles was silver coins.

Gold, in this era, was incredibly precious. Even when minted into coins, it was often alloyed with other metals.

Ladia stood up beside him.

"My lord, the Duchess and I encountered a wolf pack in the forest. Captain Quik and his crew rescued us. In gratitude, the Grand Duke of Eaton sent this box of gold coins. Half of them are gifted to you, and the other half to the officers of the Southern Star."

"The Grand Duke's consort? And you? How did you get involved with her?"

"I studied with Her Highness Helen, the Grand Duchess of Eaton. She's like my senior. When I arrived at the capital of the Alliance, Niceport, she happened to be visiting with her husband, so I went to visit her."

Paul was surprised to learn this background about his own advisor. Even so, she was forced into exile, just how rampant had the Church in Angle Bay become?

Eileen, on the other hand, seemed to remember something. "That Duchess of Eaton? I heard she's a civilized beauty from near and far."

Paul turned back to Quik again. "Since you also have a share, why not keep half of the gold coins?"

"This... the amount is too large. We dare not accept it."

"No, this is what you deserve."

After several attempts to decline, Paul insisted they accept. "Consider it a material reward for this voyage."

Seeing the lord so generous, everyone on the Southern Star was instantly enveloped in an incredible sense of happiness. It was half a box of gold coins. Once divided, everyone who participated in this voyage, whether officer or soldier, would become wealthy.

"Then, on behalf of all the officers and soldiers on board, I thank you. There's one more thing... The Grand Duke of Eaton asked me to convey his friendship to you. If you or your envoy ever visit Angle Bay, the Grand Duchy of Eaton will warmly welcome you."

Paul furrowed his brow. "That's an unexpected gain. Anyway, you've done well this time. Relying too much on the Foster family is unreliable. The more friends we have in Angle Bay, the better. As a reward, is there anything else you wish for me to help realize?"

While others, momentarily overwhelmed by their sudden wealth, currently had no desires, Quik hesitated and finally made a request.

"My lord... Some of my old pirate comrades are still serving sentences. At the time, they missed the opportunity to serve in the navy due to not meeting recruitment conditions, but I assure you they are not serious criminals. Could you reduce their sentences? I can do without this money."

Paul didn't expect Quik to be sentimental.

"Very well, I promise you. After investigating, I will appropriately reduce their sentences, or even release them directly."

Quik was overjoyed, thanking Paul profusely.

Paul invited everyone to stay for dinner, and amidst a joyful atmosphere, he invited them to visit the newly built "Iron Works" in the heart of Alden Town the next day.

The experimental hydraulic-driven air blast system at the mechanical factory had joined with the ironworking craftsmen arranged by Paul to build the first blast furnace on the banks of the Wes River. Guy Burns notified him to come and witness the first molten iron produced, a moment of great significance.

"We will soon monopolize the supply of steel in the northwest!"

Paul announced confidently to everyone.

Ladia was curious about what could give the lord such great confidence.

"Can I also visit your ironworks?"

"Of course, Lady Setia, you're welcome to visit."

Paul didn't mind being seen just standing there watching the blast furnace produce molten iron, which was an opportunity to show off Alden's "black technology."

Just as he was about to continue describing his beautiful blueprint to everyone, Butler Philip approached with two wooden boxes.

"My lord, Duke Fraule's household sent two invitations, one each for you and Lord Ganard."

"Invitations? For me and Malon?"

Paul and Malon exchanged a glance, both puzzled.

They each opened their wooden boxes and took out neatly tied parchment papers inside to read.

"It's the Duke's birthday, inviting us to attend the banquet."

"But isn't the old man's birthday still far off? Isn't it in February? It's still more than two months away."

Paul recalled being extorted in the name of Duke Fraule by Earl Kent, which made him furious. He heard that Maltz Kent was Duke Fraule's most obedient dog; these two must be colluding together.

"Uh... maybe the Duke wants us to spend more time preparing gifts."

"Is he trying to extort us under the guise of holding a birthday banquet? I knew it, Maltz Kent, what kind of person he is, and how good is his backing?"

Paul was quite indignant. "I'm not going. Let him celebrate his own birthday."

Butler Philip became anxious. "My lord, please reconsider. Duke Fraule is not someone we can afford to offend."

Malon also advised him, "Paul, more than half of the lords in the Northwest Bay are of the Fraule lineage. Although we are direct vassals of the royal family, we cannot afford to sour our relationship with him."

Paul nodded helplessly. "Alright, since you all say so, I'll attend his birthday banquet. As for the gift, I'll have a special porcelain piece made for him."

Butler Philip and Malon finally breathed a sigh of relief.

(End of the Chapter)