CHAPTER 240: CHAPTER 237 BUSINESS COMES KNOCKING (TWO IN ONE)_1

After finishing her words, Karol fixed her gaze intently upon Yan Xing, waiting for his response.

Her eyes and brow conveyed a myriad of charming expressions.

The Thunderous Swamp was a very special existence on the Wildwind Highlands.

Previously, the Swamp Tribe’s presence had been minimal. They preferred to stay in the marshes, not engaging with the three factions vying for control of the highlands, appearing quite harmless.

But then Yan Xing, bringing with him the Alchemy from the depths of the Thunderous Swamp, suddenly emerged, compelling the outside world to face this long-isolated civilization.

War?

Or peace?

The Silvermane Principality had to consider it seriously.

But under no circumstances could they allow the Thunderous Swamp to expand unrestrained.

The issuing of Grain Tickets by the Eternal Grain Bank in Nuta City had given Karol a great sense of urgency. The alliance between Yan Xing and Count Theodore must be dissolved! Whether it’s for the principality to smoothly take over the Wildwind Highlands or to contain the Thunderous Swamp. As long as Yan Xing sways towards the principality for greater benefits, neither of them will be a threat.

As for Yan Xing, Karol’s attempt at drawing him in had been well within his expectations, and he had also made a promise to Count Theodore.

The alliance between the Eternal Domain and Nuta City was unbreakable.

This vow stemmed not only from his personal friendship with Count Theodore but also fully considered the Eternal Domain’s interests.

Currently, the Eternal Domain did not possess the strength to directly confront the principality. Nuta City, serving as the buffer zone between him and the Silvermane Principality, was therefore essential.

Therefore, even if the worst-case scenario occurred—the principality succeeding in ousting Marquis Anderson and taking control of Storm City—the Eternal Domain would still have to do everything in its power to help Count Theodore maintain control over Nuta City.

This alliance with Count Theodore was absolutely indispensable, no matter what conditions Karol used to tempt him.

At that moment, a maid served a plate of roast duck. Yan Xing picked up a thin pancake, placed some sliced duck and garnishes on it, and replied to Karol in a casual tone, "I’m someone who loves making friends. Count Theodore is my friend, Miss Hibel is my friend, as are Sir Corliffe, Lady Aila... You’ve stayed with me for quite some time, so surely you’re also my friend.

I’m not interested in the internal affairs of your Silvermane Principality, nor does it concern me who wins or loses.

I once told Count Theodore... The Thunderous Swamp is right there, and whoever controls this city had better consider their relationship with me.

Karol, this roast duck is one of my favorite dishes. Do try it..."

With those words, Yan Xing passed the pancake he had just rolled to Karol.

Much like the roast duck, Yan Xing thus handed the topic back to Karol.

Karol accepted the rolled duck and took a small bite.

The softness of the pancake, the crispiness of the duck, and the diverse textures of the garnishes blended together, creating waves that tantalized her taste buds.

It led Karol to close her eyes and savor the taste attentively.

"I strongly suggest you open a restaurant in the capital of the principality," Karol praised, highly appreciating the cuisine Yan Xing had offered her. "I’d hate to think I’ll never eat something this delicious again after I return.

I also formally invite you to visit the capital of our principality as a special envoy from the Thunderous Swamp.

Duke Silvermane knows all that you have done here and is very much looking forward to meeting you for the first time."

Yan Xing picked up another pancake and continued to roll the roast duck.

"Opening a restaurant is a great suggestion. As for visiting the principality’s capital to meet the Silver Mane Duke... I’m afraid I won’t make it this year." Yan Xing passed another roll of roast duck to Karol and continued, "As you just said, when winter comes, the war will end, and the spheres of influence on the Wildwind Highlands might need to be redrawn.

The Thunderous Swamp also needs to prepare to face a new situation.

As for you...

I think you will be staying in Nuta City for quite some time.

If you want to eat something in the future, I’ll have my chef prepare it."

Yan Xing tactfully declined Karol’s invitation.

He was afraid that visiting Duke Silvermane might be easy, but returning would be difficult. One needs a strong fist before considering a long journey.

As Karol ate the roast duck Yan Xing had rolled for her, she asked, "The Duke welcomes your visit at any time, and the principality will certainly treat you with the highest standard of courtesy.

However, you said I would remain in Nuta City for quite a long time?

On what basis do you make such a conclusion?"

Yan Xing picked up another pancake and began rolling it.

"There’s no basis, just a guess. And besides, I don’t hope for you to leave early. Having a beautiful woman staying in my home is, in itself, a delightful thought..." Facing Karol’s outstretched hand to receive the duck, Yan Xing instead stuffed the entire pancake into his own mouth, chewing as he said, "You arranged this meeting for more than just inviting me to the principality’s capital, didn’t you?"

Karol, somewhat embarrassed, withdrew her outstretched hand and picked up a napkin from the table to wipe the corner of her mouth.

From the start of the meal, Karol had deliberately displayed her charm.

She knew what men liked and how to make them lower their guard in her presence.

She thought she had been successful, with Yan Xing being attentive to her. Instead, she was the one who ended up embarrassed.

Karol realized that Yan Xing was very different from the men she had encountered before. He was completely unamenable to her usual experience and strategies.

"Yes. In addition to requesting your visit to the principality, I have prepared a lot more for this meeting," Karol confirmed.

Karol cleaned her hands, softly muttered an incantation, and slowly rubbed a ring on her other hand.