Since the Imperial Merchant Oliver rose to prominence in Brittania through Laine's connections, he gradually became another wealthy merchant. With the exclusive rights to Wood Elf goods and half of the procurement channels for Magic Potions from the Veronica Wizard Tower, Oliver earned substantial profits, and the Duke of Marinburg Schultz also opened many doors for Oliver on numerous issues.
Subsequently, as Laine and Emperor Carl Franz signed trade agreements and defense alliances with Prince-Elector Boris Todbringer, many high-end luxuries from Rick Territory and furs, timber, and livestock from Midland Territory could be found here.
Oliver's identity and status consequently rose as well. This great merchant recently accomplished a significant task—he found ways to assist the Kakasong Duchy and Borelion Duchy in paying a fixed "war tax" to the King. During storms at sea, he managed to transport it by land to Kulona. The cunning Oliver even held onto this money for two months, seizing the opportunity to place many large orders with Marinburg, and after successfully revolving funds, delivered it to Kulona.
The guards at the door waited for a while, contemplating stepping inside to warm themselves by the fireplace, when they immediately noticed a few people heading towards the Commerce Association.
Those capable of being guards naturally have sharp eyes. He took a closer look, got frightened, and quickly ran inside: "Fake, Mr. Fake! The Count has arrived!"
Oliver's former close guard, now promoted to Guard Captain, was sitting with some guards in the first-floor hall sipping fish soup. Hearing the call from the door guard, Fake lazily asked, "Who's here?"
Oliver's status is different now. Fake, having followed him in early years, also considers himself a figure in Brittania, and over the years, his temper has grown significantly.
"The Count! Count Macado is here!" the door guard quickly said.
"Quick, quick, quick!" Fake almost dropped his bowl upon hearing this. He hurriedly gathered the guards to welcome the guests, with an ingratiating smile on his face: "Lord Laine! Lady Surya! What brings you here?"
Laine and Surya entered side by side, with Kasenberg following them into the hall.
"In this cold weather, Fake, you certainly know how to enjoy yourself, drinking fish soup in a cozy room." Laine chuckled, thinking the name of this guard sounded peculiar, and had no intention of entangling with him: "Where's Oliver?"
"The President is checking accounts upstairs. Would you like me to take you up?" Fake bent his waist to sixty degrees.
Laine was not inclined and shook his head, indicating they would go up themselves.
Ascending the wooden staircase, Oliver had already received the news and personally stood at the stairway to greet them: "Lord Laine! Lady Surya! Mr. Kasenberg! Very, very welcome to my Commerce Association. You should have informed me earlier."
"It's a surprise attack to see what Mr. Oliver is doing." Laine held Surya's small hand and smiled at the merchant.
"Oh, please sit, please sit!" After a year of absence, Oliver appeared slimmer. The great merchant seemed aware that excessive obesity was detrimental, so he worked diligently to lose weight, meanwhile using expensive diet medicine from the Veronica Dawn Wizard Tower to slim down.
Laine and Surya sat on the expensive leather couch, while Kasenberg took his place behind them. Standing skills were deeply trained by Kasenberg as a steward, but Laine gestured for him to sit down as well.
Oliver served them three cups of hot coffee, with the beans imported from the southern Tiriel Kingdom, of considerable value: "Lord Laine, what brings you to the Commerce Association on such a cold day?"
"In this freezing weather, I decided to come out for a stroll." Laine held the coffee without adding sugar or milk and drank it directly. He enjoyed the raw bitterness and charcoal aroma of the coffee.
"President Oliver has always been our friend, and we just came to visit an old friend. It's like a greeting between friends; no need for formality." Surya also smiled, her few words making the great merchant feel a sense of relief and causing any tension and insecurity to dissipate immediately.
"Without the Count, there wouldn't have been the Oliver Commerce Association today." Oliver nodded repeatedly. His Commerce Association now had a trade network spread throughout Brittania, the empire, Tiriel, and Estalia, also maintaining good trade relations with the Dwarfs of the Gray Mountain Range and Wood Elves of Aisloron, all thanks to Laine's influence.
"Have you heard about Hemgart?" After a brief chat, Laine steered the conversation to the main topic.
"I've heard about it from Axe Bite Pass. Duke of Montfort Fulcard has defeated the Skaven Ratman Army attacking Montefel Castle. However, Hemgart's destruction is an indisputable fact, and rebuilding the entire city is expected to take one year. During this time, Axe Bite Pass can only temporarily stop commerce." Oliver took out an unopened letter and handed it to Laine: "Count, this is the news I just received."
Laine took the letter, which came from the Commerce Association's subordinate shop in Axe Bite Pass, stating that the trade route there must pause for at least a year, even this is a conservative estimate. Resuming trade depends on Hemgart's reconstruction.
Duke of Montfort Fulcard and Laine have poor relations, but he has good relations with the Empire. After finally defeating the Skaven Ratman attack, not only did Fulcard send Knights to help the Imperial Army clear the underground, but he also actively dispatched craftsmen to aid Hemgart's reconstruction.
