Chapter 819

Chapter 819: A Night of Rare Stars

“Glad everyone could gather here today.”

Seeing the crowd looking at her, Lolan Hill recalled the scenes taught by Chelsea in the past while handling the current situation.

It was worth noting that Lady Chelsea was still an imperial citizen, having only come to work at a tavern in Vergha when she was young, where she met Angus.

Under the hospitality of fine food and music, the atmosphere of the banquet gradually reached its peak. Lolan Hill also found herself sitting beside a noblewoman at a small table near the dance floor, engaging in conversation.

“Good evening, Lady Vanessa.”

“Miss Lacy, good evening~” The noblewoman, dressed in a dark red and black chiffon dress, covered her lips with a smile, a mole at the corner of her eye adding a touch of mature beauty.

“I wonder what Miss Lacy would like to inquire about. As long as it’s not too sensitive, I will answer all your questions.”

After receiving Lolan Hill’s gift, this noblewoman naturally knew that the dreamy merchant lady must have something to ask of her. Such interactions were not uncommon among nobles and the wealthy.

“Thank you, Lady. Actually, it’s because the merchant guild’s fleet has just returned from the Eastern Region, braving the treacherous Endless Sea, bringing back a batch of goods, hoping to get a good return in the Imperial Capital.” Lolan Hill spoke the prepared words, a reason that was indeed reasonable and wouldn’t raise suspicion.

“Miss Lacy is truly wise. Despite the many events that occurred this year, Titania remains a gathering place for many high nobles and dignitaries. If you wish to sell some luxurious goods, there is no better place than here,” she introduced skillfully.

“In fact, Miss Lacy has done very well today. All that’s left is to attract more attention.”

“Additionally, I can give you some small suggestions. Always keep it mysterious. Don’t actively sell rare and valuable goods to the high nobles; instead, show them off ostentatiously to attract their interest, making them come to you to inquire. This way, they will assume the goods are rare and the price is high.”

“This will maximize your profits.”

“Things whose prices are not disclosed are always the most mysterious and often the most expensive,” she said, looking at the merchant lady in the black-red dress, sharing her insights sincerely.

“Thank you so much, Lady Vanessa.”

Although her intention wasn’t to make money, the young lady still showed gratitude. Isn’t showing weakness a way to build rapport?

“Then, according to your opinion, who should I interact with or invite to achieve good results?”

“Well, there are quite a few people, such as the famous poet Lord Tepheri, Mrs. Hathaway, known for her fashion sense, and the highly respected Earl Howard,” she listed several names.

These people were indeed prominent figures in the Imperial Capital, but they fell short of the influential nobles the young lady hoped for. She continued speaking.

“Is there anyone more influential who could create a sensation? Given the value of these goods, I want to maximize their value,” the young lady blinked, expressing her higher aspirations.

“Oh, I understand Miss Lacy’s intentions now. It seems I’ve made some mistakes too.”

Vanessa looked at the beautiful young lady before her, suddenly understanding something, and smiled knowingly.

“If Miss Lacy has such intentions, how could I not help as a friend? However, I haven’t paid much attention to this matter in the past, and I might not think of valuable targets immediately.”

“Considering Miss Lacy’s strength, I believe you wouldn’t be interested in ordinary people. Could you give me some time to investigate properly?” Lady Vanessa gradually became enthusiastic. She wasn’t foolish and quickly realized many things.

Seeing that the noblewoman seemed to misunderstand her intentions, but this was beneficial to her plan, Lolan Hill didn’t want to break her illusion. She nodded slightly, a faint smile on her gentle face.

“Then I’ll leave it to you, Lady Vanessa.”

She could only take things step by step.

“No need to be so formal. Just remember me as a friend in the future, hehe,” Lady Vanessa covered her smiling face with a lace fan.

In her heart, this might be a good opportunity. With Miss Lacy’s dreamy appearance, she could attract many prominent figures, and she could use this to climb higher in the empire and gain more benefits. Perhaps she would be more proactive and energetic about this than Lolan Hill.

“Let’s say our farewells for now. Thank you, Miss Lacy, for your gift.”

They continued talking for a while, and seeing the banquet nearing its end, Lady Vanessa stood up to bid farewell. Lolan Hill then accompanied the lady out of the hall, watching her board a carriage with her attendants.

“It seems the lady really likes the silk dress Miss gave her,” the elf maid whispered softly, approaching with small steps.

“It’s not just that. Oh, it feels like I’m going in the wrong direction,” Lolan Hill said, turning back toward the brightly lit hall.

There were still several guests worth meeting tonight.

Watching the nobles in luxurious attire dancing in the ballroom, the young lady sighed inwardly. If Letis were here, she would be the best at handling such occasions, being from a prestigious family.

The thought vanished quickly, and she stepped back into the golden world of fame and wealth, greeting people with practiced phrases.

Under the golden glass chandeliers, the people at the banquet immersed themselves in the wonderful music and enjoyment, gradually forgetting the fear and unease of the past months, regaining their noble grace and pride.

Isn’t that how the world works? No matter how it changes, they remain the ones with power and wealth.

—

In the Purple Robe Province of the empire, the undulating hills were covered with lush purple fir trees. These tall and straight firs were abundant in the mountains and forests, an important asset for the local nobles who used them to make furniture, bows, and arrows, selling them across the empire.

However, such substantial profits did not benefit the common people doing heavy labor; most of it went into the pockets of the local nobles.

They owned land, lumberyards, furniture factories, and arrow-making facilities. Their guards controlled the main roads in the forest, regulating the flow of goods outward, ensuring that all profits and gains were controlled by the nobles, who hoarded gold coins in dusty warehouses.

Tonight, under a sky dotted with few stars, a man riding a horse galloped through the mountain paths at night. His wine-red short hair blended into the darkness, indistinguishable from his silhouette.

When he reached a hilltop, he slowed down, gazing at the deep green and lush mountains.

He had arrived again. He wondered what news his “old friends” would bring. Recently, he heard that Western pamphlets promoting ideas incompatible with the empire were becoming popular in this region.

(End of Chapter)