Chapter 6

Then, how about we invite him to attend the party in three days? Today is really not suitable; our daughter is occupied with those people. In three days, there will be significantly fewer guests, and they will have more opportunities for private interaction

At this time, joining any faction, as Rebo stated, offers no benefits

As for drama, Ruibo does not like it; he is very interested in true history, but does not enjoy drama

Has this young man been treated too dismissively? He has traveled a long distance only to be kept waiting in the small living room for such a long time, which is bound to make him feel somewhat uncomfortable

This also includes Baron and Baroness Long.

The fear of war prevents France from reducing the size of its military. The total troop strength stationed at the three military strongholds of Bress, Tarentum, and Polang along the French border exceeds 200,000, which undoubtedly represents a substantial expenditure for the financially strained treasury.

Therefore, Ruibo spoke confidently: "We never use the Dromiller profit calculation method because it is not precise enough. You see, this method has a fatal flaw; it only accounts for clear inflows, outflows, and losses, but it cannot accurately calculate delayed expenditures.

Therefore, Francis V designated three-quarters of this forest as an independent county—Bard.

Moreover, Rebo is not interested in those elegant works in the bookshelf

In fact, relying on the stunning reputation of his daughter, he could even attract the aristocratic families of southern France. However, the baron and his wife feared that these aristocrats would lack sincerity and frivolously toy with emotions (this was also the reason why the baroness had previously rejected the pursuits of numerous young nobles)

However, Mr. Hector Hyde indeed possesses an elegant manner of speaking, a broad knowledge, and most importantly, unique insights into poetry

I do not know, although he did not understand me when I made the decision, the long years of solitude have long since faded away all of this. He has always felt guilty for not attending my wedding, and he has always been waiting for me to step back into the house. " At this point, the voice of the baroness became somewhat choked.

However, he does not enjoy books that describe the inner thoughts of people, while poetry expresses the genuine voices that come from the hearts of poets

"Then it is settled," said the Baroness with delight

"At such a young age, you are also involved in managing the family business?" The baron was clearly very surprised by everything that Rebo had said

Although he enjoys reading very much, he prefers to learn from books about the knowledge of the world that he does not know, including distant countries, rare plants and animals, and the great creations of humanity, the crystallization of wisdom. All of this is what Ruibo wishes to understand through reading

What does it matter if there is a two or three year age difference? It is not significant. Francis III married his cousin who was exactly five years older than him, and Francis XI's second wife was also an older woman. Moreover, I do not wish to suffer the same regrets as before. To marry you, a man without power or influence, I went against my father's wishes. Until the moment my father passed away, I believed he had not forgiven me, which is why I did not return to see him

Reibo estimated that it should be time to take his leave

I do not know much, but I have heard the name of Lord Caweire Egrete Haide. He is a rather distinguished diplomat who made outstanding contributions during the negotiations following the Battle of Reyes. Moreover, he has a close relationship with the Church, and the person who nominated him for the title of nobility is the current high priest. He also has a close relationship with the Pope residing in Irei... The baron reported everything he knew to the lady in great detail.

If Mr. Hector Hyde evokes a sense of poetic harmony and tranquility, then Rebo Hyde imparts a sense of steadiness, competence, and a unique aura of mystery

These fallen aristocrats have always looked down upon those newly wealthy individuals

Because according to convention, once internal turmoil occurs and the storm subsides, many powerful nobles among the wealthy families are bound to suffer misfortune, while these fallen nobles find their lives improved instead, as the rulers need to win the hearts of the people.

After saying this, Ruibo suddenly recalled having heard Mr. Hyde discuss the topic of tea drinking. He repeated it verbatim: "There has always been a saying that drinking tea can slow down aging, but unfortunately, no strong evidence can be found. Francis V was a tea enthusiast; however, it is well known that a dagger ended his young life at the age of thirty. Nevertheless, drinking tea can help restore energy, and for those who suffer from lack of sleep, tea can rescue them from the clutches of drowsiness.

The affluent people of Nangang and Lairen have not forgotten the "generosity" of the Piton people

Is this diplomat cultivating a successor

The protagonist of the ball is undoubtedly the beautiful daughter of Baron Long.

Moreover, how could Lord Caweire Egrete Haide know that Baron Long would inquire about such matters

Baron Longna was fully aware of everything that had recently transpired in Sethburg. The various factions within the court were in disarray, and for the first time in several hundred years since the founding of the nation, political conflicts had reached a level of severity that rendered them irreconcilable

The couple directly escorted Ruibo to the door

Reibo stayed in the small living room, patiently waiting for the end of the ball

It is a great honor

Only when Ruibo expressed those political insights that even he barely understood did everyone realize that such knowledge should not be possessed by a mere youth

It is an immense honor," said Ruibo as calmly as possible

Baron Long had to admit that Rebo was as remarkably attention-grabbing as his uncle, Hector

Otherwise, I fear that my own son will absolutely have no hope of competing with this half-grown child

"Forget it, forget it, it was just a joke. However, you must come in three days, otherwise I will have to sever ties with your uncle. You must, you must," the baron repeatedly urged.

In these unequal trades, the Lair people have suffered greatly; however, in order to sustain their livelihoods, they have no choice but to accept such inequitable transactions

You flatter me. Reibo felt a sense of joy within, as he had at least succeeded halfway.

In his plan, at least 100,000 troops should be reduced from the three counties including Biles, and even retaining only 50,000 troops is considered sufficient in the eyes of the king

The trade convoy does not stop at Piton

All of this is not derived from books; no book pays attention to this inconspicuous history of the South

The struggle of a group of wanderers in the South over several hundred years, in the eyes of historians, is far more significant than any political declaration or ceasefire agreement

According to the Baroness, the poet-like charm of Baron Long in his youth was the reason that won her heart

The ample supply of grain, cattle, and horses had once caused Francis V great concern about the independence of this remote county or its potential occupation by neighboring countries. Therefore, he did not permit the construction of defensive walls in Pidton, while simultaneously building a strong fortress further south, known as Laer.

Although there is not much knowledge about Lord Caweier Egrete Haide, Baron Longna can fully ascertain the noble and pure lineage of Lord Haide's family based on the mermaid emblem on his family crest

Like all the rooms in this manor, the small living room has windows facing south, with a row of six large floor-to-ceiling windows that allow ample sunlight to flood into the small living room

A row of mahogany bookshelves is placed against the door, indicating that the owner was evidently a lover of poetry and drama in their youth, with the shelves predominantly filled with poetry collections and plays

Yes, I am much happier than you. I really hope to get to know you better. Are you free these days? In three days, my family will be hosting a dinner at a villa in the woods, and I hope you can come.

The originally planned granary at Piton has thus become less significant.

Oh? I thought you were concerned about the disparity in noble status said the Baroness with a gentle smile

The people around finally realized that it was tea, and moreover, it was an intact, large block of tea bricks, which was extremely precious. These large blocks of tea bricks are generally cut into one-inch cubic pieces, tightly wrapped in gold foil, and sold to the wealthy.

Upon witnessing this scene, Ruibo was filled with deep emotions

After sending out the invitation, Baron Long did not expect that Mr. Hector Hyde would not come himself; instead, it was his nephew who arrived

The nobles there were filled with unease, and the atmosphere had evidently become tense and oppressive. Baron Long did not wish for the grand ball he had so rarely organized to turn out like this

The baron said, "In a few days, I will host a dinner at my villa. Will you be able to attend?"

If there are other intentions, one has nothing at all; the only most precious wealth is a gentle and considerate wife and a beautiful and charming daughter

Wealthy individuals are increasingly relocating to Laier or Nankang

However, the baron also paid a heavy price for this happy marriage; under the covert pressure from the defeated noble families, he lost his job and simultaneously created countless rivals in love

Everything has already passed said Ruibo nonchalantly

Bard County is the poorest county in France, with only one city—Bard—situated in the very center of the forest

Until he met his beloved, the baroness who would share the long years of the future with him

Nobles with such status in France are indeed rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns

They can only be regarded as civilian nobility, without the qualification for hereditary titles

In fact, apart from the time when the ball began, when the nobles approached to exchange a few polite words and offer greetings and congratulations, the baron and his wife were surrounded by a cold and desolate atmosphere at all other times

Reibo had long anticipated that the baron would say this. Eckert had explicitly mentioned in his own materials the public office that this baron had once held, and accounting was indeed the only means of livelihood in which this baron excelled

Such large blocks of tea bricks are rarely given as gifts; they are indeed an extremely expensive present

Baron Longna originally had a rather limited social circle. In his youth, he was once deeply immersed in poetry, wholeheartedly aspiring to become a poet. Poets are often solitary figures, not easily understood by others. However, later, under pressure from his father, he secured a position under the former Chancellor of the Exchequer. The treasury of France was one of the most obscure and incomprehensible entities in the world, and sorting through those accounts was akin to solving a riddle. This job consumed most of the baron's youthful years.

However, following the assassination of that ambitious king by an unknown assassin, several plans he had formulated during his lifetime, such as a massive army of 500,000 men, a cavalry regiment of 100,000 men, and a large navy of 100,000 men, were permanently shelved.

Nangang and Laier are willing to bring wealth to Sersburg and any other city in France, even to the hidden Bat in the deep mountains, but Piton will absolutely not enjoy such treatment

In my opinion, tea seems to have a natural affinity with mint; just a drop or two of mint in a pot of tea makes it perfect. Tea also aids digestion, and mixing tea with milk along with some hard nuts makes for the best beverage after a meal. My grandfather enjoys juniper berries, while I prefer walnuts.

However, the esteemed figure from the Battle of Blais, His Majesty's brother, Prince Philip, certainly does not share this view

For a deceiver, leaving his hunting ground too early can only signify two things: either he has been discovered, or he has succeeded in his scheme. You do not appear to be in a hurry, thus it is absolutely impossible for it to be the first reason; therefore, only the second possibility remains

However, they still believe that it is the essence of merchants; the offspring of merchants are also merchants, and they certainly have an understanding of the goods they sell

Soon, this descendant of a bankrupt noble family from Italy was regarded as a confidant by the baron

While resting, Ruibo pondered whether that baron was already quite attentive to himself, questioning if his own performance had been excessive and whether he had left a negative impression on this target individual

"It is precisely because I live far away that I must take my leave. I have matters to attend to tomorrow, and I am certain that Uncle Ekt will still need my assistance. As for dancing, I truly do not wish to tarnish your esteemed reputation. Those who have worked so hard to queue are indeed too pitiful. Let us wait for another opportunity, and I shall invite your esteemed daughter to dance then" said Ruibo.

However, it is ultimately this powerless Baron Longna who truly captures the beauty

However, for Rebo, this is history that he has witnessed with his own eyes, a history that bears witness to the rise of two cities and the decline of one city

You must be present, do not be like your uncle and send a representative to handle it," said the baron

"You really know how to indulge yourself," the Baroness shot a glance at her husband

The design of the small living room is exceptionally unique

"You succeeded, didn't you?" Ekter asked without even raising his eyes

However, due to their noble lineage, they are treated as exceptions and are entitled to hereditary privileges, although they are required to pay a substantial amount of tax to His Majesty the King

Indeed, I have long heard of the reputation of Lord Kewai Eile Egrete Haide. The baron said sincerely. It is indeed quite remarkable for a lord to have made such an impression on him

Leaning against the sofa, Ruibo gently closed his eyes. He truly needed to rest, after all, today marked the farthest he had ever traveled in his life.

Is it something that has already been taught at home?

A child who merely recites from the book does not appear in this manner

Perhaps the education of that diplomat grandfather was truly exceptional, as the baron felt that Rebo possessed a depth and sophistication that was not typical for his age

Moreover, it is indeed not a favorable time to take risks. The ministers around our King are all eager to make their moves, and it is a perilous and challenging task for anyone to survive under their command. Rather than stepping into a situation where one must tread carefully, it would be wiser to observe from the sidelines for a while. When the right moment arrives, one can then join one side, which would be more appropriate. Furthermore, throughout history, there are numerous examples of those who share both joys and hardships together. After the fruits of victory are obtained, it seems rare to find those who do not harbor suspicions towards those who have contributed.

"How much do you know about Lord Caweire Egrete Haide?" asked the Lady of the Book.

"I didn't pay attention to this, but she should know herself that such feelings are completely impossible, right?" the baron asked

"Calculating profits, is it using the Dromiller surplus calculation method? That would require quite a mastery of arithmetic." The baron was evidently somewhat skeptical, as the work he had done years ago was precisely to calculate the treasury surplus, a task that had given him a daily headache

Moreover, Rebo's gaze was much deeper and sharper than that of Mr. Hector Hyde; such a look the Baron had seen before, one that belonged to seasoned warriors and highly skilled holy knights.

Countless individuals have exchanged their courage and lives to finally secure the maritime route to Xibai and Yilei

"Indeed, how did you know?" asked Ruibo

Now, Baron Longna hopes to bring lifelong happiness to his daughter as well

Piton does not have bustling commercial streets, nor does it boast outstanding scenery. To the south of the city, however, there are vast stretches of dense forest. It is said that this forest is the largest in southern France, extending all the way to Sestibourg

Piton is a rather impoverished area. Although its population is several times that of Laier and Nangang combined, the majority of its residents rely primarily on agriculture. They typically raise one or two sheep, which they sell or slaughter for their own consumption during festivals. For most people, this is the only way to improve their living conditions.

"I don't need your reminder; I have already decided to invite him to the banquet in three days. Even if he is not an ideal match for our daughter, Mr. Reibo Haide is certainly a guest with whom one can have a good conversation," said the Baron.

He walked down the stairs

Suddenly, Ruibo heard footsteps outside the door, and he instinctively dodged into a corner of the room

As for the abandoned military fortress of Laier, it has become a settlement for some bankrupt freemen. For two hundred years, this barren land was a place beyond the reach of the kingdom's power

However, Ruibo is not like this

There is some confusion regarding this baron; is it truly just to express his apologies for not being able to attend the ball? If so, such a generous gift is indeed too extravagant

Kaierle once told him that in such circumstances, closing one's eyes is the worst choice, for at that moment, a dagger could bring everything to an end

By the way, Ruibo, you must tell me how to preserve these precious beverages from the East. Ever since the war between Yilei and Tuol, these drinks have become increasingly rare, and I certainly do not want to waste your uncle's thoughtful gesture

Upon hearing this, Ruibo could not contain his joy; he had successfully passed the test, and his excitement was evident in the expression of delight on his face

In fact, all the nobles who were invited came primarily for the sake of the Baroness and her beautiful and charming daughter

When Ruibo enthusiastically discussed accounting with the baron, the nobles present had already regarded him as a genius young merchant. Perhaps it is not entirely unreasonable that these merchant families could rise to wealth in such a short time. If a family could have one or two such remarkable individuals over a couple of generations, it is conceivable that, after decades of effort, they could accumulate substantial wealth. It is not entirely unreasonable; just this one young man is so impressive, and if a family could possess one or two such figures over a couple of generations, it is indeed imaginable that they could amass great wealth after years of hard work.

At that time, the Baroness was a renowned beauty in the southern regions of France, possessing numerous suitors. Even many wealthy nobles disregarded the differences in status to propose to this daughter of a fallen aristocracy

Ultimately, Laier expanded into a city

The finest wool produced in Pidton is clearly not as attractive as the silk transported from Nankang, and merchants would rather travel an additional hundred miles, as higher profits await them in Nankang

Thus, Lord Caweire Egrete Haide is remembered by himself

Approaching the baron, Rebo gently bowed and said, "It is a great honor to attend your ball. It is getting late, and I should take my leave."

Although the baron greatly admired this wealthy and erudite young genius and wished to find an opportunity to have a good conversation, perhaps discovering even more astonishing qualities in him, it was evident that the best course of action at present was to slightly neglect this young man

As for Mr. Hector Hyde, Baron Long has not known him for long, but although they get along well, his impression is that he is a charming and knowledgeable person, quite to his taste. He did not expect him to be so generous.

Although there were some doubts in his heart, the baron felt it necessary to express his gratitude for the valuable gift from Mr. Hector Hyde. He turned to Rebo and said, "Oh, your uncle is truly generous; you must convey my appreciation on my behalf. Your uncle is a great man. Rebo! By the way, may I call you Rebo? Your uncle is the most learned person I have ever encountered. Is he not a scholarly master? Oh, without a doubt, he must be a scholarly master; only such a title is worthy of a person as knowledgeable and talented as he. Your uncle is the most learned person I have ever encountered. Is he not a scholarly master? Oh, without a doubt, he must be a scholarly master; only such a title is worthy of a person as knowledgeable and talented as he.

Oh, my lady, I see that there is no one as remarkable as I used to be anymore," the baron said jokingly

Even something that even Reibo can see, the baron and his wife will turn a blind eye to it

Sethsburg serves as the center for controlling the three southern counties, while Piton is responsible for grain cultivation. Originally, there was no plan for the county of Bart, but the vast forest between Piton and Sethsburg provides a natural refuge for the farmers and thieves hiding within it

The noble young gentlemen formed a long line, eagerly inviting the baron's daughter to dance in turn.

Mr. Reibo Haide, I have brought you the candlestick. May I sit down? I hope it does not disturb your rest

Lai was originally a military fortress capable of accommodating 20,000 soldiers and could sustain itself for an entire year without any external assistance

After thinking for a long time, Ruibo said: "Originally, my grandfather indeed hoped that I could serve His Majesty the King, in order to benefit the family lineage. His three sons have indeed made significant achievements in the business world. However, the reputation of Lord Kawei Aile Egeleite Haide has gradually faded from the political arena, which has left my grandfather somewhat regretful.

He originally hoped that I would inherit his business in this area, but that disaster made my grandfather's hopes increasingly dim. The family business is, after all, fundamental; while glory can indeed shine for generations, the family business affects the descendants.

At the beginning, they were merely astonished by the wealth possessed by Rebo. Although many were almost certain that Rebo's grandfather, Lord Caweirelle Egrete Haide, was boasting about his riches, this was, after all, a common trait of nouveau riche individuals.

Situated on the fringes of a power struggle, Baron Longna's perspective on the matter is far more profound than that of the outsider, Rebo

You must have many things you like, right? Playing? At least two years ago, when I was your age, I still enjoyed playing a lot, the young lady explained

"This is nothing," said Ruibo modestly. He knew that he had successfully captured the attention of everyone, including Baron Longna. Now was a good opportunity to solidify this impression. Although he himself did not enjoy drinking tea, Ruibo was an expert in this area. He spoke eloquently about everything from cutting tea bricks into pieces, storing them, grinding them for use, brewing, filtering the tea leaves, to the precise proportions of mixing honey and milk.

Thinking of this, the baron said gently: "With the book 'Reibo', you must be tired from your long journey. You can use the small parlor upstairs at any time; the ball will last quite a while."

In any case, he did not want to be regarded as a rival in love by those noble young men present for no apparent reason, so taking this opportune moment to leave the sight of the crowd might be a good choice

The baron listened to all of this in a daze, and after a long while, he comforted her, saying: "Alright, my dear, alright, do not think about these things anymore. I will listen to you, I will listen to all of your words. If our daughter likes it, I will not oppose it. I also hope our daughter is happy, at least as happy as I am.

Having lost the trade in wool and cotton, the woven cotton fabric could not be sold, and groups of skilled artisans left this hopeless place to seek a livelihood elsewhere

The approval of heraldry is undoubtedly a matter that must not be taken lightly

What does it signify to be able to express such words

However, he certainly did not expect that Rebo Haide, this unexpectedly remarkable young man, would publicly express his views on the situation.

On both sides along the wall, there is a row of sofas. Although there are no precious furs thickly laid out, the cushions and backs, sewn with plush fabric and filled with thick cotton, still evoke a warm and comfortable feeling. This reminds Reibo of the identical cushions and pillows that Aunt Betty made for him.

The baron and baroness devoted countless efforts to meticulously select the list of nobles invited to the ball

These words were not something a boy of Rebo's age could typically express, which inevitably surprised Baron Long. He carefully scrutinized the fifteen or sixteen-year-old youth.

However, the Bart people continue to fulfill the obligations they have held since the time of Francis V—guarding the forests, maintaining the roads, and capturing thieves who have fled into the woods

The baron was taken aback; he leaned close to his wife's ear and whispered, "My dear, you must be joking. Are you really planning to let our daughter marry someone two or three years younger than her?"

Thus, he engaged in conversation with the young lady in the most neutral tone possible

Because their lineage is ultimately of noble aristocratic blood

In the following centuries, Piton became a place largely forgotten by most of the French.

However, for the past three years, I have not seen him step out of the house even once. Most matters at home are managed by my uncle, while I assist in overseeing the two properties in Laier and Nangang.

Fortunately, this is also the area in which Rebo excels the most. He had always hoped to become the accountant of the store in the future, and thus he had originally studied arithmetic diligently. Once Ect became his teacher, he learned almost all the profound accounting knowledge from Ect.

Hearing Rebo's response, the young lady's eyes suddenly brightened. She sighed and said, "Although I am older than you, it is clear that you are much more mature. You already understand how to take responsibility for your own life, yet I still cause my parents worry."

Enough with the jokes. To be honest, I truly feel sorry for those young people; their luck is simply too poor. Before them stands a model that they can never hope to surpass, exemplified by that person in the lounge upstairs. None of them can measure up.

While Rebo was deep in thought in the small living room, the ballroom downstairs had already come alive with excitement

In the eyes of the baron, Mr. Hector is a scholar, a true scholar, and one might even say a poet. Reflecting on it, the reason for the deep affinity between myself and Mr. Hector may be that he is a person much like myself, who was once passionate about poetry in his youth but abandoned his dreams due to familial pressures

"Do you think it is very inappropriate?" asked the Baroness.

The joyful expression on Ruibo's face clearly led to a misunderstanding on the part of the baron's daughter. She blushed and hurriedly took her leave, all the while pondering whether her earlier invitation had been too abrupt, and how she should bring it up with her parents later. Would her father strongly oppose it?

Thank you for your kind invitation, I indeed need a brief rest to regain my energy, as my grandfather has always told me. " Reibo said while bowing. He fully understood the baron's intention behind these words

Thinking of this, Baron Longna smiled and said, "There is still plenty of time; you haven't danced with my daughter yet, have you? Shall I exercise my privilege as a father?"

In comparison, my own reserved son is simply incomparable to the heir cultivated by that diplomat

The strictness of those members of the council is well understood by the nobles, thus it is most appropriate for them to determine the authenticity of the heraldry

"Have you never considered taking up public office? You are very intelligent and would have a bright future," the baron inquired

In fact, Rebo's words not only shocked Baron Longna, but also astonished all the other nobles present.

"That is what you consider impossible; from my perspective, the likelihood is quite high. If I am not mistaken, had it not been for the rudeness of leaving without permission, which would offend many on our behalf, our daughter would have likely already gone to the small parlor." said the Baroness

Matching social status is ultimately a matter of maintaining the dignity of the aristocracy

Ah, it's nothing. The more you come into contact with it, the more you remember it," said Ruibo.

Yes, ever since that disaster, my grandfather has collapsed all at once. In his youth, he was a person who lived in a carriage all day, traveling between different countries every day. Before that disaster, he proudly referred to himself as the finest sailor in the entire Southern Ocean

The same erudition, the same composure, the same elegant demeanor, the same gentle temperament; compared to ordinary noblemen, their grace is more refined, which is evidently an indelible trait passed down from a long lineage. Unlike ordinary nobles, they do not possess that aloof pride that makes them unapproachable. If Baron Long had not aspired to be a poet who renounced everything in his youth, he too would have been a stern and serious nobleman.

A descendant of the Yilei royal family, regardless of the circumstances, is undoubtedly a prominent noble. Inviting such a person to attend one's ball should be considered acceptable

Baron Longna does not wish to do anything that would betray his ancestors

The ambitious king sought to transform the vast and fertile lands of southern France into a warehouse capable of providing a continuous supply of grain, and thus established the three counties of Sèze, Puy-de-Dôme, and Bâtie.

In the living room, Ruibo did not have much understanding of everything around him. When he felt bored, he would open the window and gaze into the distance.

It is this forest that has turned the original southern region of France into a desolate land. The residents of Pidton were originally forced to relocate here by Francis V several hundred years ago.

"That is one of the reasons. I have not given this aspect much thought, but the age difference is quite evident, and I thought it should be impossible," said the Baron

Is your uncle managing everything now? the baron asked

Nevertheless, Nangang and Laier have finally prospered due to this maritime trade route

As for those foreign bankrupt nobles with coats of arms, the Elder Council will only recognize them after repeated verification and approval from the *Atlas*.

A woman's intuition; as a mother, I care more about our daughter than you do. You were just chatting and completely overlooked our daughter's expression. Although our daughter pretends to be very natural and unconcerned, her attention has long been captured by Mr. Reibo Haide.

Among the three counties, Pidun is the truly most prosperous city, having once boasted the largest population, vast farmlands, and dozens of estates

"Are you happy like this?" the young lady asked

Fortunately, whether in Nangang or at Ekt, there is certainly no shortage of what can be heard and seen

Seeing that Ruibo remained unmoved and was determined to leave, Baron Long and his wife were evidently somewhat disappointed

There is nothing remarkable about it; it is merely a matter of calculating the incoming and outgoing goods, assessing the monthly profits, and at most estimating potential expenses and operational risks. Originally, all family affairs were managed by my grandfather, father, and two uncles together, but now everything rests solely on my uncle's shoulders. If I do not assist him, how can he manage?

I am very interested in tea; could you tell me something about it? This young lady clearly could not find a topic to discuss at that moment

For instance, some goods are originally scheduled to be delivered by the end of this month. If everything goes smoothly, then there would be no issues with the Trolley-Miller calculation method. However, as you know, there is no such thing as perfection in this world. Even the divine beings encountered countless failures when creating the world, resulting in the emergence of those dreadful species. Mistakes are an eternal reality, and thus the Trolley-Miller ledger can never be perfectly balanced

However, Piton, which was originally the most prosperous and largest county in the south, has gradually fallen into a state of disrepair.

Originally, Laire and Nangang were not given much attention; during the reign of Francis V, it was a barren land

"Impossible? Why is it impossible? Is it simply because that young man is two years younger than our daughter? If our daughter truly likes that young man, she wouldn't care about that." The Baroness said

Moreover, since the prolonged war that occurred in Bires thirty years ago, lasting nearly a decade, this long-standing nightmare of France, a nation entangled in animosities, has not troubled the French borders again

As the shadow of war dissipated, His Majesty the King found it increasingly difficult to endure what he perceived as a heavy and utterly unnecessary burden

I must say, Rebo, you are as learned as your uncle!" the baron exclaimed

"No, no, no, this is your home; it is I who should be the one to apologize for the disturbance," said Ruibo

The beautiful melody of the band seems to be played solely around this charming young lady, with everyone else merely serving as a backdrop

"You know so much," the young lady remarked with a sense of wonder

The Baron of Longna does not welcome common nobility, but the situation is different for foreign bankrupt nobility

However, Mr. Rebo Haide did not come for matchmaking; he merely attended the ball in place of his uncle, Mr. Hector Haide. You see, if he were truly interested, he would have come down long ago to dance with our daughter

The baron and his wife thought to themselves how quickly this girl acted

The only difference is that the young lady beside him is clearly not paying attention to the product itself, but rather to the person selling the product. This greatly concerns Ruibo

In Nangang, no one has ever used the Dromiller calculation method; some use the Mibell accounting method, or the Letot calculation method, while I prefer the Dulit calculation method. You must know that Mr. Dulit has long been honored by our esteemed King as a Master Scholar, in recognition of his contributions to the field of accounting; he was even on the verge of being ennobled as a commoner noble.

In fact, what this beautiful young lady is most concerned about is precisely this point, as she has developed feelings for a boy who is two or three years younger than herself, which is something she could never have imagined.

Why? The baron was quite astonished

Baron Long was indeed somewhat surprised; in his view, it was still early, and the ball had only just begun. Aside from one guest who hurriedly left due to urgent business, most people had no intention of taking their leave at all

You have a pair of kind parents and a warm family, while I, my parents have long since passed away. " Reibo sighed similarly as he spoke

Squinting my eyes, although I cannot see clearly, I at least know where the danger is coming from

"I am sorry to remind you of sad memories," said the baron, feeling ashamed for not knowing about the regrettable and poignant past of his good friend Hector

Rebo had not anticipated that the baron would touch upon these aspects, and he had to be particularly cautious in choosing his response. His mind was racing, gathering the political knowledge he had previously encountered.

From the discourse just now, it is evident that this young man possesses all the qualities necessary to become an outstanding diplomat—confidence, courage, demeanor, and knowledge

It is an honor! In fact, I have already accepted your esteemed daughter's invitation.

The door creaked open, and the bright candlelight suddenly illuminated Reibo's eyes

"This is tea, brought from Tor via Yile. My uncle originally prepared a set of silverware as a gift, a set sufficient to host six guests. However, just as he was about to leave, a shipment arrived, and the most valuable items in that shipment were these beverages from the East. To express his apologies for not being able to come in person, he asked me to take one piece as a gift. Due to the urgency of time, there was simply no opportunity to cut the tea bricks into smaller pieces and apply gold leaf. You see, these treasures from the East, if not adorned with gold leaf or sealed with wax, will quickly become damp, just like youth and beauty; precious things are always so easily deprived of their luster," said Ruibo. "You see, these treasures from the East, if not adorned with gold leaf or sealed with wax, will quickly become damp, just like youth and beauty; precious things are always so easily deprived of their luster," said Ruibo.

Therefore, there is absolutely no one on the guest list who is associated with the powerful nobility

"That plague took away most of my relatives," said Ruibo with a heavy tone. He was not lying; his parents had indeed left this world because of this disaster.

However, Reibo has never considered it necessary to understand these poets

Essentially, the baron still considers himself a poet, and he now believes that Mr. Etek Haider is the same.

"Yes, I hope to become a navigator like my grandfather," said Ruibo, which truly reflected his inner desire

The Pidton sheep, originally known for producing the finest wool in all of France, has unfortunately become a delicacy on people's plates. The farmland that was once used for cotton cultivation is now overgrown with weeds, and everything has become so desolate

The population of Bart is also the smallest, with only a little over 7,000 people. However, the residents consider their lives to be extremely fulfilling and happy. In order to escape the clamor of the mundane world, they have relocated several times, moving their city deeper into the forest, far away from the thoroughfare between Pidton and Sethsburg.

Rebo had little interest in the beautiful young lady; he did not wish to invite unnecessary trouble upon himself. Ecter's instructions were merely to secure an invitation for three days later, not to abduct a baron's daughter as a bride

"This is quite good," said the Baroness. "Such a family background is quite suitable for us."

Ruibo got onto the carriage and immediately saw Ekter engrossed in reading a book under the oil lamp.

"Your uncle is very busy, so he sent you here. It seems that it is indeed because of your extensive knowledge in illustrations and books, isn't it?" the baron asked

This matter, which is beneficial yet carries no risk, is something that Baron Longna has assessed very accurately

What kind of family is capable of raising such a young man?

Many bankrupt noble families were originally renowned aristocratic households

Although the nobles of France have expressed some discontent regarding the king's excessive bestowal of titles upon commoners, at least they have not been granted family crests that symbolize honor

What was unexpected was that the one who brought the candlestick was none other than the beautiful baroness's daughter

However, Baron Longna intuitively felt that Rebo and his uncle were two entirely different types of people

When the ball concluded, the sound of the carriages as those fallen aristocrats departed was sufficient for him to know when to take his leave from the host

However, looking at that confident expression, it does not seem like it at all

Um, Ruibo... Can I call you Ruibo? The beautiful young lady's gaze was fixed on Ruibo.

The baron and baroness remain one of the most attention-grabbing targets

However, that war also drained the national treasury of both countries. When I held public office, it was just after the war had ended, so the Baron was most aware of how many gold coins remained in the King's pocket

Therefore, commoners and nobles are absolutely not on the invitation list

"Oh, it's not like that. Besides my grandfather and me, my uncle has no other relatives," said Ruibo, as he now needed to elicit sympathy according to the plan.

If all of this is the young man's own insight, then what a genius he is!

"That was truly a disaster," the baron remarked with a sense of lamentation

In the several hundred years of history in France, such events have occurred

Under the guidance of the servant, Reibo arrived in the small living room upstairs

Nevertheless, the baron still believes he is the happiest person in the world

However, those shortsighted families that seek immediate benefits are despised by all other nobles. The descendants of these families find it increasingly difficult to find marriage partners within the noble circles, resulting in a growing presence of commoner blood in their lineage. Soon, these families disappear from the noble circles.

The mermaid mark is the emblem of the Yilei royal family, indicating that at least one queen has emerged from this family throughout its long history, and it is even possible that there was a ruling queen.

The rise of maritime trade routes was not an overnight achievement; the construction of the southern port alone took over one hundred years.

Reibo squinted his eyes, using the method taught to him by Kaierle, as he adjusted to the suddenly brightened room

A few years ago, the plague that occurred in Nangang, you should be aware of it, right? said Ruibo

I once again express my apologies on behalf of my uncle said Ruibo

Reibo gazed out the window, lost in thought, unaware that the sky had gradually darkened.

In fact, Lord Kewai Eile Egrete Haide was not originally included in the invitation list

The only thing worth being grateful for now is that this young man is clearly two or three years younger than the baron's daughter. As a prospective marriage partner, it is generally considered mismatched for the girl to be older than the boy.

What Nangang heard, although it was all hearsay, were unique insights articulated by well-informed individuals from various perspectives. In contrast, the political science knowledge imparted by Eckert was much more systematic, with each argument supported by clear evidence

However, when Ruibo spoke of the tea ceremony, his eloquent words, unique and exquisite insights, and the demeanor of a learned scholar somewhat dispelled the trace of disdain in the hearts of these fallen aristocrats

Most people have little impression of Lord Kewai Eilei Egrete Haide. From the exchanges between the baron and the young man, it is understood that this elderly gentleman was once a distinguished diplomat

This is better for Baron Long.

Indeed, it is quite rare to come all this way, leaving so early now seems inappropriate, the Baroness also advised from the side

The baron and baroness clearly did not expect that the "unremarkable gift" would turn out to be so valuable; Mr. Eckert, whom they had only recently befriended, was indeed a generous individual

No, games and play are truly two luxuries for me. "Reibo spoke frankly.

However, looking at the young man he sent, he is indeed too young for that possibility

Baron Longna glanced at Rebo, confirming that the young man was not joking. He asked, "Excuse me for being blunt, but I have never been able to discern what exactly this gift from Mr. Hector Hyde is"

"Yes, the Dragmiller calculation method is already an antique," the baron said with a hint of melancholy, as he realized that even his only source of consolation was gone. "By the way, what are your plans for the future? Will you inherit the family business?" the baron inquired

Being able to pass the scrutiny of those elders, this mermaid mark is undoubtedly genuine

The arrogant Ptolemaic people finally provoked the inhabitants of Laer and those further south

Regarding this perplexing question, Ruibo was momentarily at a loss for how to respond

In his view, this is no different from the usual situation in the store where he describes the characteristics of the products in detail to a customer.

As long as the descendants of the Hyde family possess substantial strength and extensive connections in southern France, and more importantly, hold the title of lord, it is only a matter of time before the prestige of the Hyde family is revitalized. There is no urgency to accomplish this within one or two generations; this is my perspective

Intense conflicts arose among the royal family members regarding disarmament matters

Likewise, he never anticipated that this young Mr. Hyde would turn out to be such a character

The moon hangs at the treetop, and the night gradually deepens. Finally, the first carriage has departed.

If she prefers someone two or three years younger than herself, then let her be. Women generally live longer than men, so her husband will not die before her, thus sparing her from loneliness and sorrow

Everything that Rebo said not only left the baron and his wife stunned, but also puzzled all the surrounding nobles who were watching

However, this city is not conveniently connected to other places in France; they can only trade with Pidton

As Baron Longueuil was carefully discerning the two relatives, he heard his wife's voice softly beside him: "Dear, which young man do you think our daughter is more interested in?"

"How do you know?" the baron asked

If one were to marry off their daughter to a commoner of noble descent, it might appear to others as if they are selling their daughter in exchange for money, which would undoubtedly be the most devastating blow to the reputation of the nobility

Generally speaking, nobles who have fled from other countries are merely considered commoners in France, and their noble status is not recognized. However, occasionally some fleeing nobles are elevated to the rank of lord due to their exceptional contributions.

Regarding Lord Caweile Egrete Haide, Baron Longna has a vague impression of him; he seems to be a bankrupt noble from abroad who was once active in the diplomatic arena. At that time, I was still serving as a private secretary under the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Earl Batumon. The reason I can remember this person is entirely because Lord Caweile Egrete Haide is one of the few exiled nobles who has been honored by His Majesty the King.

The baron was extremely surprised and said, "Isn't this obvious? That boy is at least two or three years younger than our daughter"