Chapter 73

Chapter 73 New Project

Just as the Charites Chamber was holding a discussion meeting internally, the Tisiphone family also began to discuss the current situation in a secret room.

Under the dim light of fluorite lamps, four figures sat in the underground secret room of the castle. The walls of the room were made of cold, smooth bluish-gray stones, and occasionally one could hear the sound of dripping water from afar. The passages outside the secret room were very complex, filled with traps. Even if the enemy breached the castle above ground, they could be stopped here, then escape through the underground drainage channels into the sea.

The head of the Tisiphone family had sparse hair and some white whiskers, looking quite old, although he was actually only in his fifties. However, early battles had left him with lingering ailments, and his health had never been good. His face was somewhat haggard.

“This is the result you have produced? Truly disgraceful,” he said hoarsely, speaking slowly.

In recent years, the head of the family had already retired to a secondary role, entrusting major affairs to the younger generation. Unfortunately, this time he was greatly disappointed. Although the assassination attempt on Angus was somewhat risky, it was not impossible. However, they had let Angus’s daughter escape, not just once, but eventually she managed to reach Hope Lane alive.

“Edley, you were once the child I was most satisfied with, but now… I am very disappointed in you. Has the comfortable and affluent life made you forget the family’s mission?” The elderly man spoke slowly, yet his words somehow instilled fear.

Edley sat on a stone chair, supporting his head with one hand while looking at the table, expressionless. He neither argued nor showed shame.

Seeing the situation becoming tense, Wick had to step forward to mediate slightly.

“We did not expect that the Charites Chamber would suddenly hire an unknown expert who killed Nihanla in the rain. This led to the failure of the second operation.”

Nihanla was precisely the leader of the black-clad cavalry. In the rain, his strength increased significantly, approaching Sequence 4. If not for Lolan Hill taking advantage of the rapid charge to intervene, they would not have been able to win in a direct confrontation unless they activated their extraordinary core.

It was precisely because of the rapid charge that the reaction time between both sides was extremely short. Using gaming terminology, this meant that at this moment, the attack power was extremely high, but the defense was extremely low. Thus, the young lady was able to find a small opening amidst the danger and kill him.

“Did you identify who the opponent was?”

“No, according to the memories of the three cavalrymen who escaped back, at that time, the duration was extremely short, it was night and pouring rain. They only saw the opponent wearing a black robe and could not see his face. After the Charites Chamber returned to Hope Lane, this black-robed person did not appear.”

“Hmph, you don’t even know the opponent’s strength and identity? With so many people in their chamber, wouldn’t they know if they just captured one and interrogated them?”

“We considered this too, but

Ceres, that old man, was born in the military and strictly enforced confidentiality. After returning to Hope Lane, he immediately reassigned these guards to the Southern Islands, saying they were there to recuperate and do some light work for a while. Now, we have no idea which small island they’re on, as that’s not within our operational range.

“Ceres? So he’s still alive. Hmph,” the elder seemed to recall something and stopped questioning this matter, turning to ask about other things.

“What did the organization say?”

“They’ve received new instructions, with the primary goal being to master Karithes’ shipbuilding technology, while unifying Hope Lane should be temporarily put on hold.”

The elder listened but remained silent, closing his eyes for a long time. “Have you understood?”

“Yes, if we can’t take Karithes immediately, the organization might turn to support them and abandon us.” Edri finally spoke up.

“That’s good to know. We, the Tisiphone family, originated from the noble houses of Oz Country. It’s because of this connection that the alchemists of Rourna chose us first.”

“But after all these years, under the dark moon’s pursuit by the Verdant Empire, our power has greatly diminished. If we don’t achieve anything, it’s only right to be abandoned.”

“As a vengeful clan, we once assassinated a Grand Duke and two young princes of the Verdant Empire. Such enmity won’t stop on its own. If Tisiphone doesn’t progress, we will perish. This isn’t just scaremongering.”

“Yes, Father,” the three responded.

“Edri and Wick, you two continue handling matters in Hope Lane and at home. As for Abel…” The elder turned to look at his youngest son.

“You lead part of our people and assets to the Southern Islands, severing ties with the family, cough, and establish yourselves independently over there.” The elder was still uneasy and began preparing a backup plan for the family.

“Yes, Father.”

Abel wasn’t very old, probably around sixteen, with black hair and lively eyes in his gaze.

—

Meanwhile, in the conference hall where Lolan Hill was located, heated arguments had also begun.

“I disagree with lending our fleet to other merchant guilds for cargo transport!” A large man stood up, dressed in blue and black stripes, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a rough beard, his expression furious.

Lolan Hill, sitting in the middle, was somewhat surprised why the fleet leader would react so strongly.

The one standing up was Heze, the leader of the ‘Swordfish’ fleet. He continued,

“Does the Young Lady consider their difficulties? Have they considered ours?”

“When we followed Lord Angus to contest the shipping routes, those old merchant guilds didn’t spare us any pressure. They joined forces with the Darias family, constantly undermining us in secret.

“Stumbles and humiliates us, and we have even had real battles with Dias’s fleet at sea, where lives were lost.”

“Lord Hazes, these are all old matters from over a decade ago. Both sides have long since made peace. Each generation has its own way of doing things. Now, Miss Lacy is in charge, and she won’t tolerate your loud outbursts!”

Chelsea stood by Loran Hill’s side, sternly questioning him. Although she was only the head maid, her experience at Callithes was extensive; many were her juniors who had once received her care. Her words silenced the crowd.

Looking at Chelsea’s sharp gaze, Hazes stood for a moment before reluctantly sitting down, muttering under his breath about the old woman.

“Because we received the news early, most of the resources in Westwind have already been transported out. Now, we can lend a hand to other merchant guilds,” Loran Hill’s eyes slowly scanned the audience, many watching her with expressions of anticipation, admiration, and reverence.

“Certainly, we won’t help without benefit. Through this cooperation, we at Callithes will sign long-term supply agreements with other merchant guilds to obtain their unique goods.”

“Thanks to such a rich supply channel and variety, we will establish a new kind of super store.”

“In such a store, customers can easily purchase all daily necessities and various goods.”

“There are many advantages to this approach. First, it is very convenient for customers. They don’t need to run around to different stores to get what they need.”

“Second, there is a gathering effect. Once a good reputation is established, future customers will think of this super store whenever they shop, and will come here first.”

“Third, there is excellent advertising. Many items that customers do not usually buy are not because they don’t need them, but because they don’t know about them. In a super store with heavy foot traffic, these products can spread quickly.”

“Fourth, it lowers operating costs for some items that are not bought frequently, like books. Opening a dedicated store for these is expensive, but here, they just need a small corner.”

“Fifth,”

Loran Hill patiently explained the tremendous advantages and the disruptive impact of supermarkets on ordinary stores. She had experienced those times; in a small town, the opening of a supermarket would be packed and novel, with long queues of people, completely disrupting the local small shops.

Under her description, the senior executives of the Callithes merchant guild listened intently, their hearts surging with excitement, almost unable to resist jumping up to start a grand venture.

Looking at this peerless and wise young lady in the seat of honor, some of the merchant guild’s elders were convinced, unable to help but marvel at how the student surpasses the master. This young lady might achieve far greater feats than Angus.

(End of Chapter)