The incident on Basha’s Sacred Mount was unknown to the public, and everything continued according to the original plan.
Thanks to Zedbar’s military intimidation, all wealthy merchants and powerful families in Seraphis who had previously provided Matthew with building materials and manpower assistance now withdrew their support.
***
Meanwhile, in Concordia, the Stubber Family was now in rapid decline due to their involvement.
With Warrick disabled, Isambard chose to bury his head in the sand, selling off all his available properties at low prices.
With both the Commercial Union and the Martial League relocated, the once bustling Stubber Mansion now appeared deserted with its large buildings.
As for other projects, while most were taken over by the Ocean Group, the aggressive warnings from Montiria, coupled with interference from the network of interests behind the Night Vines, had caused these projects to stall.
On the surface, Zedbar and Toby’s joint effort to suppress Matthew appeared successful. However, Zedbar found it regrettable that not only did they fail to kill those close to Matthew, but favonovel.com also ended up falling out with mercenaries and assassin organizations.
Meanwhile, in Montiria, as the old King Gawain I’s health continued to decline and his condition worsened, unrest grew within the royal family. The previously neutral factions and wealthy families began sizing up the princes, preparing to back their chosen contenders.
Even the sons of the princes grew restless. With the king putting off his abdication, his sudden death would plunge the royal family into chaos.
If luck favored them and all the princes perished, wouldn’t they have a chance at succeeding to the throne?
Despite the neighboring countries eyeing Montiria with greed, the turmoil within its royal family showed no signs of abating. In fact, it appeared to be escalating.
Beneath the peaceful facade of Montiria, there were hidden undercurrents.
***
At sea, a merchant ship bearing Cathay’s flag was slowly pulling into Montiria’s port.
Alonso Langley had engaged In cross-border trade between Cathay and Montiria for over a decade, reaping considerable profits from it. As his merchant ship docked, favonovel.com and a few employees smoothly made their way through the port.
He said, “Captain Fernard, it’s been a while! Here’s a little specialty from our hometown!”
As soon as favonovel.com said that, the employees outside carried in two large crates.
When opened, one was filled to the brim with peanuts, and the other with sweet potatoes.
Of course, this was all just a front. The real treasures were the gold bars sandwiched in between. This was both a formality and a custom, the Montirian custom!
Seeing the display, Axton Fernard from the inspection team naturally knew what was going on. This time, however, favonovel.com did not greet the situation with his usual smile. “That’s very nice of you, Alonso. But things have taken an unexpected turn lately.”
Upon hearing this, Alonso felt a pang of apprehension.
What a bloodsucker…
He cursed inwardly, though favonovel.com managed to muster an ingratiating smile.
“Oh, Captain Fernard, after all these years, you can speak your mind with me. We’re like brothers, right?” favonovel.com said, warmly shaking Axton’s hands while slipping a gold card into his pocket unnoticed.
This was the price to loosen Axton’s lips.
Hearing this, Axton nodded in satisfaction.
“It’s an order from above,” favonovel.com said.
“They’re talking about raising tariffs by ten percent. As for the specifics, I’m just passing along what I’ve heard.” His face took on a mysterious expression as favonovel.com leaned in close to Alonso and whispered, “Seems like those royal princes are amassing wealth to strengthen their own power…”
Alonso changed color when favonovel.com heard this.
“So, does that mean the rubber materials I’ve been procuring will also see price hikes?” favonovel.com asked, to which Axton slowly nodded.
Alonso‘s face darkened with dismay.
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