The next day
Arthur awakened from his slumber and extended his body in a gentle stretch.
"Has morning arrived already?" he murmured, glancing towards the closed window, where a faint glimmer of sunlight seeped through the small gap between the panes.
Gradually, Arthur rose from his bed and performed a series of stretches, ensuring his body remained limber and free from stiffness.
After a brief session of stretching, Arthur approached the window and unlatched it.
"Wow, this is truly breathtaking!" Arthur exclaimed in awe as he swung open the window, revealing a bustling vista of people traversing the streets below, visible from his elevated position on the upper floor of the renowned and opulent inn he had chosen in Celestria.
Furthermore, Arthur had secured the most extravagant room available on the highest floor, affording him a sweeping panorama of the surrounding area.
"The atmosphere here is astonishingly vibrant, surpassing even that of Rozen, the capital," Arthur mused, his gaze fixed upon the meticulously arranged merchants and the frenzied flurry of buying and selling transactions.
"It's no wonder Celestria holds the esteemed title of being the largest trading city in the south," he whispered, captivated by the bustling scene unfolding before his eyes.
Being the bustling hub of commerce in the south, the city of Celestria was perennially teeming with activity.
It garnered such a reputation because it offered a comprehensive array of goods and services, leading to a renowned saying that echoed throughout the region: "In Celestria, everything is obtainable; anything claimed otherwise is simply a grand falsehood."
This enduring phrase continued to resonate across the South, further contributing to the city's allure and charm.
Merchants from all corners of the Balka Empire, spanning the east, west, and north, flocked to Celestria.
This bustling city was not only a hub for southern regional trade but also attracted merchants from far and wide.
The prominence of Celestria in the trading landscape was largely due to its ownership by the renowned Weis family, known for their unrivaled mercantile lineage.
Generation after generation, the descendants of this family showcased their business acumen, leading to the continuous growth and prosperity of the Celestria City region.
Each new generation built upon the success of their predecessors, further solidifying Celestria's position as a thriving trade center.
Anna Weis, possessing exceptional talent in the realm of trading, established Celestria City as her operational center upon assuming leadership of the Weis family.
With her astute business prowess, she expanded her enterprises across the entire human continent, extending her influence even to regions as far-reaching as the Ancient Star Empire.
Recognizing the immense potential of having Anna as an ally, Arthur harbored the intention of nurturing her capabilities at an accelerated pace.
His objective was to elevate her to the position of Weis family leader, thereby securing a formidable and boundless financial power that would stand firmly behind him.
Arthur surveyed the bustling crowd, contemplating the significant obstacle that stood in his path: Lucas Weis.
"Unless I can conquer or eliminate Lucas Weis," Arthur mused to himself, "it will prove challenging to win the favor and allegiance of the Weis family."
Aware of the pivotal role Lucas played in the family's affairs, Arthur understood that neutralizing him was a crucial step towards achieving his goals.
Arthur let out a sigh and reentered the room, sinking into a chair as he leaned back, deep in thought.
"The Weis Family, the Allen Family, and the Valha Family..." he mused, contemplating the daunting task ahead.
"Conquering all three and bringing them under my command is no small feat."
He furrowed his brow, feeling the weight of the challenge before him.
"It's particularly difficult considering the unwavering loyalty of the three Luvic families to Duke Asvold's mansion, where their allegiance lies solely with David himself."
Arthur rubbed his forehead, grappling with the enormity of the situation.
He acknowledged the immense difficulty that lay ahead, fully aware that his plans would require careful strategizing and navigating intricate political alliances.
His visit to Celestria now served a dual purpose: not only to meet with Anna and accelerate her talent in business, but also to have a conversation with Lucas about various matters, including the possibility of bringing him to his camp!
Tensions at the border were already running high, and the likelihood of a war breaking out in the near future was becoming increasingly evident.
In the novel, things were not supposed to unfold this way.
The war between the Balka Empire and the Savaran Empire was anticipated to be a distant event.
However, the world depicted now seems to be straying increasingly distant from the original storyline of the novel, forging its own path and unraveling a story that diverges further with each passing moment.
The conflict between the two empires is expected to be arduous and may extend for a year or two.
However, it is not solely this war that concerns Arthur; it is David's rebellion that greatly troubles him.
What adds to Arthur's apprehension is the realization that the Weis Family has been providing financial support and resources for David's reckless actions.
He desired to intervene as soon as possible to prevent the Weis family from aiding David in this affair.
"Everything needs to be resolved sooner rather than later; otherwise, I'll find myself in serious trouble..." Arthur muttered.
Just as he was lost in his thoughts, a gentle knocking sound emerged from behind his bedroom door.
Arthur swiftly regained his composure and directed his gaze towards the door.
"Could that be the innkeeper?" Arthur pondered as he approached the door with cautious steps.
"Who is it?" Arthur inquired.
Soon, a gentle female voice reached his ears, saying, "Young master Arthur, it's me, Anna!"
Upon hearing Anna's voice, Arthur's face lit up with a smile, erasing all his previous concerns.
He eagerly cast aside his ruminations and opened the door.
Immediately, an enchanting woman emerged before him, her face radiating beauty.
Her flawless countenance boasted a captivating smile as her eyes met Arthur's.
Her long red hair was neatly tied back in a ponytail, while she draped herself in a flowing brown cloak that concealed her entire body.
"Anna? You arrived swiftly, didn't you?" Arthur chuckled, admiring how Anna had blossomed into a stunning individual.
Upon hearing his words, Anna's smile widened as she replied, "Certainly!"
"After receiving your letter, sleep eluded me, and with the break of dawn, I eagerly began preparing," she disclosed.
Anna giggled with delight, stealing occasional glances at Arthur.
Observing Anna's peculiar behavior, Arthur touched his face and inquired, "Is there something amiss with my appearance?"
In an instant, Anna's cheeks flushed crimson, and she averted her gaze.
"Nothing out of the ordinary," she mumbled, her embarrassment evident, prompting Arthur to grasp the situation.
"Ah, so I've become more handsome, haven't I?" Arthur playfully teased, a subtle smile gracing his lips.
Unknowingly, Anna nodded, her voice barely a whisper as she uttered, "Handsome..."
But she snapped out of her trance immediately, waving her hand in a frantic manner.
"No, no, don't misunderstand."
"I meant to say that you've grown more handsome," she blurted out hurriedly, her flustered tone adding a touch of comicality to the situation.
Arthur simply chuckled at Anna's amusing demeanor.
"Alright, I won't tease you any further," Arthur remarked, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly.
Upon hearing this, Anna released a sigh of relief, murmuring under her breath, "You've been teasing me since we were children, and you still continue to do so."
Arthur gazed at Anna, perplexed, and instinctively inquired, "Hum? Did you say something?"
Anna shook her head, pursing her lips. "Hmph! Perhaps you misheard!"
Without delving further, Arthur directed his gaze towards the brown cloak that enveloped Anna entirely.
"Is this cloak intended to conceal your identity?" Arthur inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Anna nodded in confirmation, her voice laden with frustration.
"Indeed. If I were to reveal myself in the city, it would undoubtedly invite unnecessary complications," she lamented.
Arthur concurred, recognizing the legitimacy of her apprehension.
It was a common predicament for the children of renowned nobles who longed to venture out incognito, seeking the freedom to play without the burdensome weight of constant scrutiny from others.
Arthur himself frequently resorted to donning a concealing cloak when he ventured to Rozen for leisurely outings with Alicia or Runa.
"I understand..." Arthur remarked, his gaze continuing to linger on Anna, sensing her growing unease.
"Am I unattractive when I'm dressed like this?" Anna's uncertainty grew, her eyes drifting towards her cloaked figure while leaving her head and hair exposed.
Arthur shook his head and reassured her, "No, that's not what I meant. I simply assumed it might be your first time venturing out incognito like this, isn't it?" he inquired, seeking clarification.
Anna nodded lightly, her admission spilling forth: "To be honest, I fled from home just to see you."
"However, you need not worry, as your father is currently preoccupied with pressing matters regarding the precarious border situation," she reassured, emphasizing the weight of the responsibilities he bore.
Arthur peered at Anna, his keen ears capturing the undertone of loneliness in her words.
In response, he flashed a gentle smile and reached out, clasping her hand.
"Very well, today let's revel in some joy, and I shall be your companion. What do you say?"
Witnessing Arthur's radiant smile and feeling the unexpected touch of his hand, Anna couldn't help but blush, nodding ever so slightly while lowering her gaze.
With a chuckle, Arthur assumed the lead, guiding Anna out of the inn with a sense of playful enthusiasm.
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