Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys

Chapter 760: Chapter 291: Metal Barrier (Two-in-One Large Chapter)

When Lord Reine arrived at the entrance of the Sword Bearers Branch, he saw a luxurious carriage already parked at the door.

A middle-aged man with a bushy mustache and hunting attire had been waiting by the carriage early on. Seeing Reine emerge, Fabien greeted him with a smile and took a few enthusiastic steps forward, saying,

“Lord Reine, excuse the intrusion. I am Fabien from the Yakesen Auction House.”

“There may have been some misunderstandings in our communication before.”

“Oh? You try to kill me twice, and you call that a misunderstanding?” Reine waved his hand and cut off the other man’s words.

Fabien, facing Reine’s words, showed an awkward expression, but he quickly explained his purpose:

“Cough… That is precisely why we hold you in such high regard. Drake himself has come all the way from the Imperial City, and he is right next door at Mona Cafe. Would you consider granting us the honor of discussing this over?”

Following the direction Fabien pointed, Reine looked up to see a coffee shop not far ahead.

“Very well,” Reine nodded.

Reine had initially thought that his discussion would be with Viscount Fabien, but it appeared that was not the case.

Since Admiral Edward might find time to meet him in the afternoon, Reine had already considered on his way over that he would not engage in a lengthy discussion.

Since the meeting place had been arranged right at the entrance of the Sword Bearers Branch, it certainly saved a lot of traveling back and forth.

Additionally, the other party must have also considered some safety factors. If it had been at a private residence, he might not have agreed.

It seemed, then, that there was a bit of sincerity in the arrangement.

Thus, accompanied by Fabien, Reine walked towards the coffee shop about twenty or thirty meters away.

The entire coffee shop had been reserved by them, with two guards clearly identifiable as knights standing watch at the door.

Entering the coffee shop, Reine saw a slightly portly middle-aged man with a meticulously groomed pompadour waiting inside a booth. The area was spacious and bright, with no places for an ambush.

Upon seeing Reine enter, the man smiled and rose to greet him, “Lord Reine, it is our first meeting. I am Drake O’Lence.”

“Lord Drake, hello,” Reine nodded and said.

Seeing Reine’s displeased expression, Drake smiled reassuringly and said,

“Lord Reine, your time is precious, so I will get straight to the point.”

“On behalf of Marquis O’Lence, I offer my apologies for the past incidents. For this, the Marquis is willing to provide 2% of the shares of the Yakesen Auction House’s Mingster Branch as compensation for you.”

Upon hearing this, Reine nodded but didn’t speak.

He had already grasped the general idea.

Did they think that eliminating him would be too costly and thus opted for a strategy of reconciliation?

And just how much was 2% of the shares worth?

Seeing Reine’s contemplative silence, Fabien, a bit restless, glanced at Drake, got a nod, and then said,

“Lord Reine, perhaps you’re not fully aware, but even a 2% dividend from the Mingster Auction House can yield an income of two to three thousand Imperial Gold Coins a year, which is not a small amount, and moreover, it will continue to increase over time.”

“I believe this thoroughly demonstrates the sincerity of Marquis O’Lence and his genuine apology.”

Huh?

Two to three thousand Imperial Gold Coins a year?

That indeed wasn’t a trifling sum.

The Iron Hammer and Rose Trading Company, managed by the beautiful Jennifer, had about that much income over a half a year.

“Oh? And what would I have to give in return?” Reine asked with a smile.

“You would just need to overlook the past misunderstandings, and perhaps, lend a hand if any trouble arises at the Mingster Auction House branch,”

Drake waved his hand and said, smiling.

“Just that easy?”

“Just that easy.”

“It appears Lord Reine agrees?” Drake’s smile brightened.

“Yes, if that is the case, I agree,” Reine nodded and said.

The offer wasn’t just good—it was too generous, and Reine faintly sensed the other party might still have some cards to play.

Indeed, upon his agreement, Drake continued,

“Ah, Lord Reine, there is one more thing. The pair of Ancient Giant Troll tusks are of special significance to Marquis O’Lence. Thus, if feasible, could we purchase them back?”

“Previously, our people were not very sensible. Naturally, your spoils of war, belong to you, but we would like to buy them this time.”

“Sadly, I used the Ancient Giant Troll tusks,”

“What! Used them?” Drake looked at Reine incredulously, suddenly standing up.

This was not part of the planned scenario.

Ever since Reine had been gifted the Red Dragon Scale by Prince Meinya, and after contacting the Imperial City, his brother, Marquis O’Lence had decided to make some concessions.

The response was that they could extend a friendly gesture by offering a portion of the Yakesen Auction House Mingster Branch shares that originally belonged to the O’Lence family, as compensation to Reine.

At the same time, they would propose buying back the Ancient Giant Troll tusks.

This series of actions, they figured, would likely not be refused.

But now, Drake hadn’t expected the troll tusks to have been used by Reine.

So, he was somewhat unsure how to handle the current situation.

“Why, is there a problem?” Reine looked at him, half-smiling.