CHAPTER 527: CHAPTER 505: GRADUALLY FAMILIARIZING THE 3 FACTIONS

After discussing the most crucial issues of interest distribution, the remaining key minor issues were swiftly resolved.

For example, mutual opening of borders and roads, registration of Wizards, jurisdiction for both parties (territorial jurisdiction, do as the locals do), and unified tariffs, among others.

Louise also inquired about Horn’s marriage, but he dismissed it by saying, "From a Witch’s lifespan perspective, I am still underage."

At this point, Horn suddenly realized why Jia Li said she could ensure the children of both parties would be recognized as heirs by the Ruo’an Faction’s leader.

Isn’t this like a grandmother taking care of the children?

It must be said, among the four Witches Horn knows, Jia Li is the only one who has a mother.

With these discussions concluded, there were basically only a few minor details left, such as the name of the alliance.

This couldn’t affect the overall situation, so the parties decided to leave it for tomorrow’s formal meeting. The remaining task was for each to go back and consult and revise.

If all three parties are satisfied, the covenant can be signed on the third day after the formal meeting, officially establishing an alliance.

After tidying up the documents on the walnut round table and putting them back in their respective bags, Horn looked at the clock on the wall and found it was already half-past six.

The dinner banquet should be starting soon.

"Time flies so fast." Stretching lazily, Horn walked to the drinks cabinet in the break room and took out a silver wine flask.

Holding the silver wine flask, Horn lined up three hourglass-shaped copper cups and poured a glass for each of the three.

Ludvik was the first to pick up the cup, while Louise, though she looked young, was quite familiar with smoking and drinking in private and naturally picked up the cup deftly.

She looked at the amber liquid swirling in the copper cup, took a sniff, but it wasn’t a familiar aroma: "What is this?"

"Apple cider." Horn raised his cup, "Our Salvation Army is not too fond of grape wine, we prefer apple cider, and in important occasions, we substitute grape wine with apple cider.

Of course, we don’t forbid others from drinking it; if you want grape wine, I can have someone bring it to you right now."

"No need, apple cider is just fine." Louise held the cup, standing on the chair, just about eye level with the other two.

"To our friendship!" Horn gave the toast first and then drank his wine in one gulp.

......

"So fragrant, and not bitter at all." A young Wizard shoved a piece of candied sweet root into his mouth and wanted to eat more, but was stopped by a companion tapping his head.

"I really can’t believe it, Yam." Although Refruwa was not a member of the Dragon Language Scholar Alliance, the two had a close relationship being both part of the Secret Faction of Northern Black Snake Bay County.

Watching the candied sweet root in Refruwa’s hand eagerly, Yam retorted, "What’s the matter?"

"Today, you can eat as much as you want, and you’re here eating sweet roots instead of meat and cheese?" Putting down the sweet root, Refruwa dragged Yam by the arm and forcibly pulled him to the table on the other side.

"Here, eat, you can be full even without eating the staple food."

A red and white checkered cloth covered the long table, with vegetables and fresh flowers arranged in the middle and barrels of beer at the end.

The wooden plates were neatly arranged with caramel egg tarts, the sweet aroma overwhelming Yam.

Looking at the plethora of utensils in front of him, including crispy pork knuckles, amber-red Saint’s Grandson roast duck, and a large pot of rich creamy mushroom soup, Yam found himself unable to decide where to start.

"I’m going to get some wine; let’s meet at the round table over there." Refruwa pointed to a group of Secret Faction members gathered by a pillar.

Walking around the table with his plate, looking at the stove still heated with honeycomb briquettes, he was unsure what to eat.

"If you don’t know what to eat, I suggest you try the Saint’s Grandson roast duck."

The somewhat introverted scholar-type Wizard Yam widened his eyes, at a loss for how to respond.

"Pardon my intrusion, I am Juer Dan, Legion Commander of the Black Hat Battle Group’s Fifth Legion." Placing the wooden tongs on his plate, Juer Dan extended his hand to Yam.

When Refruwa returned with several bottles of wine, he was surprised to find that the area where Secret Faction members had gathered was now packed with officers and Secret Faction members.

Most of the Secret Faction members were rough people who couldn’t talk to the Monks, but could get along well with these officers.

Especially since these officers also brought cards and wine, soon the noise from the Secret Faction and the officers almost drowned out the music from the band.

Seeing the spittle flying and the clattering of cards on that side, Martin shook his head helplessly.

"Come on, let’s go over there."

Pulling Grampwen and a few Blago Monks, they moved to the quieter window side, just able to enjoy the dense and beautiful night scene outside the window.

A group of people had already gathered in the quiet spot by the window.

These people were wearing standard Priest robes, holding glasses, and quietly talking about what they’d seen and heard in Langsande County.

They were all newly promoted senior Monks, many of whom were the first batch supported by the Blago Monastery.

Many of them weren’t as knowledgeable as the second batch, but they now enjoyed better treatment and superior status, which made many new Monks envious.

Do not think that all the monks of the Juanist Faction are entirely devoted to faith; they too have their pursuits of interest, which the Church simply cannot satisfy.

The monks mingle with the merchants, the Secret Faction with the officers.

Between both sides, it’s as if there is a distinct line, clear and separate.

A part of the purpose of hosting this banquet is to allow the Salvation Army to first get acquainted with these future colleagues.

Horn also invited some shrewd merchants to join, having them act as lubricants and mediators, trying to create a warm atmosphere for the banquet.

Surrounding Catherine were a group of people, but they were not there to mediate the atmosphere, rather to report.

"4000 pairs of military boots, 4000 pairs of marching shoes, you’ve only delivered a third so far?" Catherine’s eyes suddenly narrowed, and those familiar with her knew this was a sign of anger.

"Your Highness, we can’t manage that."

"This is precisely calculated; as long as you work together, you can certainly accomplish this!"

"We do indeed have difficulties..."

"What kind of difficulties, name four."

A few merchants from the Leather Guild and the Shoemaker Guild exchanged glances, bowing their heads, without speaking.

"Enough, if you dare play those little tricks again, I will bankrupt you within a year, drain all your assets, and make your entire families wander." Catherine spoke with an elegant demeanor, but her words sent chills down their spines.

This is no empty threat; back in Rapids City, Catherine relied on insider trading and futures manipulation to turn several unruly master artisans and wealthy merchants into homeless wanderers.

The guilds at Joan of Arc Castle never had much weight before Horn, and they didn’t dare to resist.

Horn needed the guilds only because the Salvation Army currently lacked the ability to organize large-scale artisan activities.

There are a lot of production avenues and supply channels involved, which the senior monks are still learning.

Even if Horn confiscates their homes, many assets are untraceable, and it might even cause massive chaos in the entire industrial commerce.

Catherine, however, is different; she rose to prominence among the guild oligarchs.

Not only can she precisely cut guild and oligarch assets with surgical precision, but she can also mobilize personnel to replace local artisans for a while.

Watching their work being taken away, the artisans could no longer possibly continue striking or engaging in non-violent non-cooperation with these guild oligarchs.

Currently, Catherine has not acted against these guilds for one reason only—

They are still usable, and unless necessary, do not add physical measures.

"I don’t care what entanglements or guild rules you have, it doesn’t matter. Not completing the orders is challenging my authority.

I have only one requirement; deliver everything before winter, no excuses, and don’t entertain any lucky thoughts. I’ll tell you just one thing—the Ibe River’s winter water is very cold, you know."

Seeing the small bud rising from the grass seeds on their companion’s shoulder, a few guild merchants swallowed hard, nodding as if in fear.

"Good that you understand, excuse me for a moment." Elegantly lifting her glass, Catherine, after making her threat, walked with a smile toward Ludvik by the door.

She happened to meet him, as there were a few questions regarding Kasha County’s grain supply she wanted to ask.

But she hadn’t taken a few steps when she stopped again, just standing by a pillar not too far away, watching the two old men in front intently.

The night wind blew through the crack in the door, bringing not only the cool autumn night air but also the two men’s fragmented conversation.

"...you don’t have the authority to make all decisions alone...this matter at least needs the agreement of the majority of the Monastery heads..."

"This is a highly profitable affair...I don’t understand why you..."

"...barefacedly cooperating with the wizards of Black Snake Bay?...are we a monastery or a secret faction?"

"We are cooperating with the Salvation Army; it is the Salvation Army that is cooperating with the Secret Faction."

"The Salvation Army is the Secret Faction! You can’t do this!"

"I am the Abbot of Blago Monastery, Blo!"

"Ludvik, you will regret this!"

Watching Rang Buluo storm off, Ludvik’s facial features seemed to scrunch together.

He stood there for a moment before chasing after.

Raising her eyebrow, Catherine stood behind the pillar and called over an attendant: "You must be Cheka, right?"

"Me?"

"Don’t pretend, I know you’re Cheka." Catherine directly interrupted the attendant, "Relay what just happened to His Eminence, this is urgent."

"...yes, Her Highness the Saintess."