Because Veronica's dress was so long, moving up and down the stairs, Laine had to hold her.
"So, you think it's Dock No.6?" Sitting in the living room, Veronica curiously asked, "Just because the Aesthetic Society has rented the whole dock for the entire day?"
"No, I'm sure it's the group at Dock No.8." Laine wagged his index finger side to side: "Because of the wild partying, because they are spiritually drained."
"Spiritually drained?"
"Yeah, spiritually drained, clearly after a huge spiritual stimulation, they go crazy seeking that feeling again." Laine leaned back, pondering while pinching his chin: "That seems like the initial recruitment infected by the Pleasure Sect; remember when we asked them about the guests, but none of them could explain anything clearly."
"Indeed." Veronica nodded.
Among the Chaos Four Gods, most of the Northern Barbarians worship the Blood God Khorne, who symbolizes blood and slaughter, and Nurgle, who symbolizes disease and plague, due to the extremely cold environment of the Northern Wasteland.
In the Human Realm, however, the rich and orderly people are more likely to be corrupted by Tzeentch, symbolizing intrigue and conspiracy, and Slaanesh, symbolizing the pursuit of boundless pleasure and harmonious joy.
"So, Belte's passenger ship arriving at Marinburg is certain..." As the two continued their discussion, Veronica's apprentice Catherine walked out in a white embroidered dress, softly saying, "Member of Parliament, I'm ready."
Although the apprentice looked only fifteen or sixteen, she was already like a budding flower, with a graceful demeanor that reminded Veronica of herself just entering Jialan, looking just back then.
"Catherine, come here." Veronica gestured for her apprentice to come over. The young girl shyly took small steps forward. Veronica motioned for her to sit beside her and then introduced to Laine: "I forgot to formally introduce, this is my apprentice; her name is Catherine, she's sixteen years old. I personally selected her from the apprentices last year as an outstanding girl."
"Hello." Laine greeted politely.
"Catherine, this is Laine, whom you've often heard about in the parliament and from me. He is my partner and my..." Veronica hesitated over what she was going to say, then stopped: "In short, his orders are my orders, understand?"
"Understood." The apprentice lifted her white skirt and curtsied.
"Also, don't touch things you shouldn't; I won't remind you a second time." Veronica warned, holding Laine's hand with a cautionary look.
"Veronica!" Laine squeezed Veronica's hand lightly: "I'm not the type to lose control."
"It's best if you're not interested." Veronica clapped her hands, signaling everyone to set off: "Let's go."
At night, Marinburg was as noisy as ever. The endless stream of traffic and diverse crowds headed to the city hall of Marinburg, preparing to attend the Duke of Marinburg's banquet.
Banquets were not uncommon in this city. Each evening, banquets were an eternal theme of the city, but today's event was different; today's banquet was in honor of welcoming the hero Laine from the north.
The city hall in Marinburg was less of an office space and more of a huge clubhouse, adorned inside with the most luxurious items from the Old World. The interior featured nobility from the Empire, fine cuisine and wine from Brittania, luxurious crafts from the High Elves, exquisite products from the Dwarves, and famous paintings and sculptures from the Southern Realm, all decorating the center of Marinburg. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novel-fire.ɴet
"The position of Duke of Marinburg is not hereditary but elected. Marinburg has an Upper House and a Lower House. The Lower House consists of the presidents of major guilds and the ten wealthiest merchants, while the Upper House comprises the Ocean Church Archbishop, the Wealth Church Archbishop, and several great nobles of Marinburg, as well as a High Elf representative. These great nobles are not only nobles but also big merchants and landlords, controlling all the power in the city." In the carriage, Laine explained to the witch and her apprentice: "The current Duke of Marinburg 'the Lender' Van der Gubben-Schultz alone controls several shipping routes. He is the only one able to trade with the Lizardmen of Lustria, a super-rich merchant, and he personally holds the titles of Marinburg Duke and Baron Antio."
Veronica nodded. After an elaborate makeover, the woman shone brilliantly: "Jialan has always attempted to establish cooperative relations with him, but the Wizard Alliance never gives us the opportunity."
As the bearings of the carriage gradually stopped, Laine opened the window and saw that the roads were clogged with carriages, though the city hall was close by.
So, the three of them got out of the carriage. Laine got out first and reached into the carriage. A small hand clad in a black lace glove was placed in his big hand, and the stunning Jialan Witch, like a purple rose, drew open the curtain, lifted her skirt carefully, and exited the carriage, holding Laine's arm.
"Mr. Laine? Welcome, the Duke is already waiting inside, let me lead the way." Mueller, in full dress, immediately spotted Laine in the crowd, swiftly coming forward to greet him as the Duke's courtier.