Published: March 12, 2025
Chapter 448: Dark Soldier Fortress
After everyone settled down in the living room, Charlie smiled at Zhao Hai and said, "Why did you come to me first this time? By the way, the last time you performed splendidly in the Versailles Principality, hahaha, you instantly gained fame. Now, no one on the continent dares to look down on you as an earl. I’ve thought it over, and I’m going to arrange a higher title for your Budah family in the Roson Empire."
Zhao Hai understood that some of the major nobles held titles in multiple countries and even had territories in several nations. Such matters were not uncommon on the continent, so it was understandable for Charlie to consider this. After all, the Budah family's title in the Aksu Empire was merely that of an earl, and their domain was located in the Black Earth Wilderness, which seemed almost non-existent to others.
Zhao Hai smiled and said, "Thank you, Your Highness. By the way, this time Trazeb asked me to bring you a gift, and you must accept it." After saying this, he took out the Pure Iron Armor and placed it on the table.
Charlie looked at the Pure Iron Armor and nodded. In fact, he had already received a letter from Trazeb and was aware of the armor's significance, so he was not surprised.
Charlie also knew that Trazeb wanted to gift this armor to Zhao Hai, but Zhao Hai had not accepted it. Thinking of this, Charlie looked at Zhao Hai and said, "Little Hai, just accept this armor."
Zhao Hai smiled, "Your Highness, this armor is really of no use to me, so please keep it for yourself. By the way, I came this time to bring you gifts as well—some seafood. They’re all high-quality items I specifically selected, much better than what we usually sell."
Charlie, of course, was aware of this matter. He smiled and said, "Good, then I won't be polite. Those seafood items are indeed very popular, and what you sent has brought us enormous benefits. Little Hai, I really must thank you."
Zhao Hai smiled and replied, "You’re too kind, Your Highness. Not only did you profit, but I made quite a bit as well. I came to wish you an early happy Divine Grace Day. After the Divine Grace Day, we’ll be busy, and our wine should be ready for market soon. Also, when spring arrives, I’ll start my business with the orc tribe. I hope you can be prepared here so that things don't get chaotic; otherwise, it will be your money lost."
Charlie laughed heartily, "You can rest assured that there won’t be any problems here. How could I miss out on something profitable? Don’t worry."
Zhao Hai nodded, glanced at the sky, and said, "Your Highness, I need to go to the Karlqi family now. Since I just arrived, I should pay my respects. When I'm not busy, I’ll come back here for a meal."
Charlie smiled and said, "Alright, I know your situation. You’re busy, but you’re always welcome here." Zhao Hai nodded and followed Meigen out.
Charlie saw Zhao Hai off and had the knights he sent to welcome Zhao Hai leave after dropping him at the Karlqi family’s Dark Soldier Fortress. The Karlqi family was also a notable family in the Roson Empire, but their residence was not in Karsen City; it was on a small mountain in Karsen City called Shadow Soldier Mountain, where a castle named Dark Soldier Fortress was located. The Karlqi family only had a small residence in Karsen City where some servants lived, while the core members of the family resided in the Dark Soldier Fortress.
Zhao Hai and the others had to travel by carriage out of Karsen City to reach the Dark Soldier Fortress, but fortunately, it was not very far, taking a little over an hour by carriage.
Along the way, Zhao Hai noticed that many mountains outside Karsen City had castles built on them, and those living in them were undoubtedly the established nobles of the Roson Empire; otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to acquire such land. These castles formed the first line of defense around Karsen City. To attack Karsen City, one must first breach this line of defense.