"How could this be?" Carl frowned. "Such a big matter, and I’ve never heard of it."
The coachman shook his head. "Ah! My Lord Baron, your esteemed status surely limits your contact with the common folk. Moreover, those factories to the north are major enterprises in the city. Even if problems arise, they tend to be suppressed, and no one dares to report them."
He faltered, "My Lord..." Then, realizing he had spoken out of turn, he immediately slapped himself. "I’ve overstepped," he said hurriedly. "Please, just consider my words nonsense. Don’t take them seriously."
Carl looked contemplative, then shook his head and continued to read the newspaper in his hands.
Today’s experience was merely a trivial matter for him, hardly worth mentioning. However, the people involved were quite interesting.
Strong spiritual power manifested not only in casting witchcraft but also in all aspects of life.
For instance, the ability to sense the emotions of others.
As an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice, Carl could faintly perceive the true thoughts of others when they conversed with him.
Malice? Goodwill? Unease? ... Things like that.
And today, he had sensed malice from others—that bearded man named Nielsen.
For some reason, Eugene, who seemed respectful and polite, also harbored malice.
No wonder Wizards often live in solitude. Human hearts are deceitful, two-faced even. Who could bear it?
Earl Reckton often held banquets at his estate outside the city.
This time was no exception.
By the time Carl arrived, many people were already there, conversing in small groups.
He avoided the crowded areas and headed straight toward the rear living room.
Even before he drew near, he heard a dull thud.
"This is impossible!"
The familiar voice belonged to Hibell, an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice, causing Carl to involuntarily stop in his tracks.
"A thousand gold coins?" Hibell exclaimed angrily. "Our tutor bought the estate for two thousand gold coins, and it was dilapidated at the time! Now, after meticulous care, two new buildings have been added, along with various pieces of furniture and other items... And you offer a thousand gold coins? Robert, are you insulting the intelligence of an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice?"
"Hibell," an unfamiliar voice spoke slowly, likely that of the renowned Doctor Robert. "If you think it’s low, we can still discuss the price, but three thousand gold coins is definitely not possible."
"No need!" Hibell shouted. "There are plenty of buyers for our tutor’s estate. I only approached you first out of respect for a fellow Wizard Apprentice. Since you lack sincerity, there’s no need to talk further. Please leave!"
"You..." Robert sighed. "Fine!"
Carl quickened his pace and saw an unremarkable middle-aged man walking towards him.
The two were acquainted and greeted each other politely.
"Senior Sister," Carl said upon entering the living room. "There’s no need to be upset. Our tutor’s estate won’t fail to find a buyer."
Their tutor had already confirmed he would not return and had sent a letter to Hibell to handle his properties in the city.
The estate was one of them.
Adolph’s estate was vast and adjacent to Earl Reckton’s, so it should have been easy to sell.
However, not everyone could afford the high price; only a few in the city possessed such financial means.
"Hmph!" Hibell, her face a mask of anger, snorted coldly. "What did today’s paper say? For Robert to dare to lower the price so much, he must have received some news that gave him such confidence."
"Um..." Carl pondered briefly and replied, "The war on the front lines is not going well. The vanguard of Kolon, led by Tucker of the Thunder Spear, is sweeping through everything in its path, and Sigerno City is no longer very safe."
"Tucker?" Hibell curled her lip, her tone disdainful. "That Tucker? Born in the Gando Kingdom, later joined the Sake Kingdom, and now serving Kolon?"
"That’s him," Carl nodded. "Also known as Tucker, the Great Knight, who is expected to become Legendary."