Northwind City, the city gate.
Unlike the cities in other territories of the Northern Territory, the city gate of Northwind City wasn't made by directly piecing together wooden planks. Instead, it was constructed from the hardest Black Pattern Wood found in the Northern Territory and wrapped in a thick layer of iron on the outermost layer. Lis could even see various reinforcing Magic Runes on the city gate.
Just this city gate alone would be a challenge for even Gold Level warriors to breach in a short amount of time.
Today was the day the Feis Guild finished their repairs and continued on their journey. The winter of the Northern Territory was gradually setting in, the chilling north wind incessantly penetrating through the seams of clothing.
Roque was aware that time was pressing, as the caravan had to return to the south before the first snow fell.
All members of the caravan had become aware of Lis's identity. Roque thus ceased any pretense, standing respectfully by Lis's side and said,
Lis, having rested well the day before, was full of vigor as he currently sat in the carriage and sorted through the treasures inside his ring.
The collection in Uer's hands was truly substantial, especially since he had converted most of his wealth into Magic Metals and gemstones.
It was most likely prepared for the Dillon Kingdom, specially purchased from the Feis Kingdom, but now all of it had become Lis's gains.
Mithril, Gold Essence, Red Copper...
Various colored Magic Crystals and gemstones, including three high-level gems not inferior to the Sky Blue Gemstone in Lis's hand.
These precious Magic Materials were far more valuable to Lis than mere Feis Gold Coins.
"Count Solo's steward just came by to ask when we will be departing, saying that Count Solo might come over."
Roque said, being someone who naturally wouldn't dare to offend either of these two big shots, he was well-prepared to be just a messenger.
Lis nodded. With his reminder, Count Solo should have already been aware of Dillon Kingdom's impending invasion. Lis believed that Feis Kingdom's situation this time around should be much better than in his past life.
Whether to inform the other Nobles of the Northern Kingdom of this intelligence wasn't something Lis needed to concern himself with.
As the confidant of King Morton, Ande would surely report the whole affair to His Majesty the King, and let those in power worry about the nuances.
After all, after the defeat of Dillon Kingdom's invasion in Lis's past life, many of the Northern Kingdom's Sealed Nobles' territories that were conquered became property of the Royal Family.
Not much time passed before the sound of hoofbeats approached. Lis saw Ande, attired in eye-catching silver-white Armor, leading a group of soldiers galloping over on sturdy horses.
Ande pulled on the reins, and without waiting for his horse to fully stop, he dismounted and stood in front of Lis.
Lis too stepped down from the carriage, looking at Count Solo who, despite being over sixty years of age, was as agile as an age-defying warrior.
However, considering his lifespan as a high-level Martial Monk, he was indeed at the prime of his life.
"Ande, dressed like that, are you planning on taking action?"
Lis asked with a smile, looking at Ande dressed in full military attire.
When the two met yesterday, they were both dressed in stylized noble clothing. Now, with one in Armor and the other in adventurer's garb, they didn't look like Great Nobles at all.
"I have received permission from His Majesty the King. This time, I plan to clean up the Cold Pine Chamber of Commerce's strongholds in other Nobles' territories of the Northern Territory."
"That won't be an easy task. I didn't expect to cause such a big problem for you."
"Oh, my dear Lis, then I truly wish for more such troubles!"
Upon hearing this, Ande laughed heartily, patting Lis's shoulder.
In the end, Ande leaned in close to Lis and whispered,
"After I reported the matter to His Majesty the King using the Magic Communication Tool yesterday, His Majesty specifically asked me to bring his regards to you."
"He said he is looking forward to the day you return to Bright City."
Ande said with a smile, clearly sensing King Morton's favor toward Lis.
"Then let's not waste any more time. I shall take my leave now and wish you a safe journey."
Ande was quite decisive, after conveying the King's message, he mounted his horse and galloped away with his soldiers.
Lis did not linger either; he had to continue his journey.
"Lord Lis, I am here."
"If I remember correctly, the next city should be within Viscount Raya's domain, right?"
Roque nodded respectfully and said:
"However, it will take a ten-day journey to reach Viscount Raya's domain."
The farther north one traveled, the greater the distances between the nobles' territories, often autonomous cities and uninhabited areas separating them.
"I will part ways with the merchant company there; I need your help with some matters."
"The two young ladies in my carriage plan to go to Bright City, intending to return with the company. That can be considered a promise I've made to them."
"Rest assured, I will ensure the safety of the two young ladies!"
Roque promptly assured, as it was no big task.
"You know that I have established a new guild in Bright City!"
Lis turned to Roque, a smile on his face.
Roque was silent for a moment before nodding.
The name White Dove Chamber of Commerce might be unfamiliar to the ordinary people of Bright City, but to Roque, a member of the guild industry, it was nothing new.
"Would you be interested in joining the White Dove Chamber of Commerce?"
Lis smiled, extending an invitation to recruit him.
Having traveled with the Feis merchant company for so long, Lis had taken notice of Roque's abilities.
Shrewd and capable, calm and patient, and with years of work experience honing his judgement and self-awareness, Roque was respectful without being obsequious in Lis's presence.
Roque was indeed talented; had it not been for his humble background, he would likely have reached higher positions by now.
Lis's intention was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, as Mora had already built the framework for the White Dove Chamber of Commerce. However, the guild could not only nest in Bright City – it needed sufficient manpower to operate branch locations and build merchant companies elsewhere. Mora had also brought this situation to his attention.
After considering, Lis felt Roque was fully capable of taking on this task.
As for his personal desire...
"I am willing, Lord Lis!"
Roque hesitated only briefly before eagerly accepting Lis's offered olive branch.
In the Feis Chamber of Commerce, he had no idea how long it would take to climb higher, but it was different with the White Dove Chamber of Commerce.
For Roque, a newly established guild represented the most valuable opportunity.
Anyone insightful could see that White Dove Chamber of Commerce was the emerging Marquis Kane building his own power in Bright City, and now was the best time to join.
Not to mention when the invitation came directly from the guild owner, Lis himself!
This was an opportunity of a lifetime, and Roque would not let it slip away.
Lis appreciated Roque's decisiveness. He wasn't afraid of those with ambition to climb higher; having such capability was what mattered most.
Lis was confident that he could keep all his subordinates in check.