Chapter 730: Chapter 730 Praise Is A Weapon
Downton City wasn’t large, yet it bustled with an unusual flow of travelers and merchants.
Typically, a settlement this size would struggle to produce more than twenty Military Marquis.
Not just a modest place like Downton City—even the Capital might find such numbers challenging.
"Maybe Downton City really does hold some hidden mystery," I mused silently.
I settled beside Guy Noble, lifting my wine glass for a sip.
"Clearly, Mr. Noble commands great respect here in Downton City." I raised my glass with a casual gesture.
Guy Noble puffed up immediately at my words. "Absolutely! Every second-generation heir who steps foot in Downton City must pay their respects to me first!"
"Remarkable, truly remarkable." I gave him an approving nod.
"Noble Guy, reaching the Military Marquis Realm represents extraordinary achievement. How does the Noble Family manage so many Marquis?" I probed carefully.
Noble straightened with obvious pride. "What’s the big deal? Our Noble family even boasts three at Peak Military Marquis level!"
"Did you cultivate all these people personally, or..." I tested the waters.
Guy Noble gave a dismissive snort. "The Noble family values ’Loyalty’ above all else! You think a Marquis bought with gold could ever be truly faithful?"
He gestured toward the Marquis surrounding him. "These servants—if I command them to kneel, they wouldn’t dare remain standing. That’s complete dominance!"
My brow creased slightly.
The Noble family had actually trained over twenty Marquis independently?
Training a single Marquis demanded enormous resources.
Even gifted prodigies needed massive investments to reach Marquis level—tens of billions in monetary terms.
More critically, abundant money alone couldn’t guarantee creating a Marquis.
"Mr. Noble, achieving Marquis rank presents extreme difficulty and devours tremendous resources. Usually, prosperous families consider themselves blessed to have one or two Marquis." I continued fishing for details.
"While the Noble family certainly operates extensively with substantial business interests, certain resources can’t be purchased—rare herbs, spiritual energy, and such."
Guy Noble beamed with satisfaction. "Our Noble family never lacks resources! With our family’s capabilities, we could easily create another ten Marquis!"
This revelation shocked me.
What kind of organization was the Noble family to possess such wealth?
The more Guy Noble bragged and boasted, the more animated he became about his family’s depth.
Meanwhile, I had figured out Guy Noble’s character completely.
As long as someone showered him with praise, his ego would swell dramatically.
"Honestly, before meeting Mr. Noble, I considered my achievements respectable." I let out a theatrical sigh.
"But after encountering Noble Guy, I suddenly realize I’ve accomplished nothing. I simply can’t measure up."
My flattery delighted Guy Noble even more.
He personally refilled my drink, grinning widely. "Brother, what nonsense! You’re impressive too. Your reputation in Downton City precedes you!"
"Really, Noble Guy, you’re too kind." I responded humbly.
Guy Noble grabbed my arm enthusiastically. "Today I’ve discovered you truly get me! I genuinely admire your character!"
I chuckled. "Thank you for the compliment, Noble Guy."
Guy Noble grew increasingly excited as we talked, and soon we were practically blood brothers.
I didn’t hold back with the compliments either. Every sentence dripped with praise for Guy Noble.
After several hours, Guy Noble treated me like his closest sibling.
"Brother, within Downton City—any Martial Arts Association, any Capital City aristocratic family—none of them matter!" Guy Noble thumped his chest confidently.
"Inside Downton City, I guarantee I’ve got your back!"
I quickly expressed gratitude. "Thank you for your generosity, Noble Guy."
"You don’t have accommodations yet, right?" Guy Noble suddenly seemed to remember something.
He turned to his servant and commanded, "Go give my brother the island villa!"
The servant didn’t dare object and promptly handed me the key.
"Noble Guy, I couldn’t possibly accept this," I protested.
Guy Noble waved dismissively. "Don’t mention it! Brother, whatever you need, just say the word! Nothing’s impossible for me in Downton City!"
Seeing his insistence, I didn’t continue refusing and nodded appreciatively. "I’m grateful."
Then I cautiously inquired, "Noble Guy, I’ve heard valuable medicinal herbs frequently surface in Downton City. Is that accurate?"
Guy Noble burst into hearty laughter. "Certainly! Our Downton City is truly blessed territory!"
"Many outside forces come hunting for herbs, naturally they must notify our Noble family first, or they won’t leave!"
My expression darkened slightly with concern.
From Guy Noble’s words, their Noble family would likely interfere with any ten-thousand-year medicinal herb situation.
Direct confrontation with the Noble family wouldn’t be wise.
But I felt conflicted, uncertain whether Guy Noble knew about the ancient herbs.
If he remained ignorant and I mentioned them carelessly, I’d accidentally expose the secret.
After weighing my options, I decided against revealing my true purpose for coming.
Time passed quickly, and in the early morning hours, the servant escorted me to the island villa.
"Mr. Raymond, this will serve as your residence." The servant informed me politely.
"Wow, this place is absolutely stunning!" The mustached man exclaimed with excitement.
"Mr. Raymond, if you require anything, please contact me. Here’s my information." The servant offered me his card.
I accepted it courteously. "Please give Noble Guy my thanks."
The servant nodded. "Of course. I won’t disturb you further."
After the servant departed, I entered the villa.
The mustached man seemed amazed by the luxury, racing around both floors constantly.
As for me, such opulent surroundings didn’t particularly impress me—I casually selected a room and settled in.
The room featured a balcony overlooking the endless blue ocean.
I stood on the balcony, my brow furrowed as I contemplated something.
"What’s on your mind?"
Just then, Watson Thompson entered from outside.
I glanced at Watson. "I came to Downton City for a ten-thousand-year medicinal herb, but I’m uncertain whether I should inform Guy Noble about it."
"Though Guy Noble seems decent enough, a ten-thousand-year herb represents a supreme treasure—no one could resist such temptation."
As I’d said, when resources were involved, anyone might turn hostile, especially someone I’d just met like Guy Noble.
Watson remained quiet momentarily before responding, "I think you should tell him. The appearance of ten-thousand-year medicinal herbs will create earth-shaking disturbances—concealment will be impossible."
"Perhaps informing Guy Noble beforehand would earn his favor."
I looked at Watson with surprise, teasing, "Watson’s really matured."
Watson shot me an eye roll. "Think it over yourself. After all, it’s just my suggestion."
