Lord Wolcott, Adelyn, Richmond, and their attendants were entering Valencia, the Capital of Xander, in a horse-pulled cart with new tires. People riding bicycles were coming and going. Then they saw long poles with white glass on top of them on each side of the road at small intervals. They also noticed that the roadside was dug up for some reason. Everyone in the cart was perplexed about what they were seeing.
Adelyn looked at Wolcott, “So, the reports were true. Something is definitely going on.”
“We will know for sure soon enough,” Wolcott replied.
Richmond kept his mouth shut all this time. He was in a bit of fear. What if the prince makes it happen? My oil business will surely die like many others. The losses will be insurmountable. …...No! No! I am thinking too much. I will not go down that easily, and definitely not because of some kid!
The delegation reached the Ministry of Finance & Trade building. Minister D’Fleur welcomed them herself. After exchanging greetings, they all went into a diplomatic meeting room on the 3rd floor. They conversed about trade and prices while some refreshments were served. Adelyn enquired more about the bicycles and the bigger version of the tires.
Richmond couldn’t wait to ask, “is it true you have an alternative for whale oil?”
Iliana answered diplomatically. “We are hoping to get it.”
Castiel hasn’t told anyone about the successful experiment yet. He is planning to reveal it on New Year's Day, one month from now. Thanks to magic, it will only take four to five months to build the rest of the Arc Reactors. Otherwise, it would have taken years to make it happen.
“If you don’t have it, then what’s with all the construction in Xander?” Richmond asked with skepticism.
“We are just getting ready for the time when we do have it,” Iliana replied.
“What is this ‘alternative’ anyway?” Adelyn asked with curiosity.
“Ohh! I have no idea. The Crown Prince is handling this project.” Iliana replied with a blank face.
“So, your prince said that he can make it happen, and your Senate decided to simply trust him? Invest significantly in his project?” Richmon smirked.
“Well, he is a genius, and the Senate has full confidence in His Highness as he has already proven himself,” Iliana replied boldly.
Lord Wolcott interjected, “I am eager to meet His Highness. Where is he anyway?”
“Yes! Where is he? He was supposed to be here right now.” Richmond waved his hand impatiently. Adelyn also nodded.
“The Crown Prince sends his apologies. He is very busy with his work. The Queen has organized a small garden party in your honor tonight. His Highness will meet you there. For now, let us talk some business.”
***
The Queen's party was in full motion. People from all over the country were here tonight. Not only that, Ambassadors from friendly and allied nations and foreign dignitaries, including envoys of the Beastmen Alliance from the far southwest in the Azelia Continent, were in attendance. Some of them were interested in the bicycle and tires, and some were here after they heard the topic of the last Xanderian Senate hearing. The Beastmen were here specifically for high-grade potions as they were in a middle of a proxy war with their neighbor. Thanks to Oasis’ higher quality herbs, the news that high-grade potions than any other country were being made and sold by Xander spread like wildfire thanks to traveling merchants and adventurers.
Lord Wolcott and Richmond were conversing with the Queen. Adelyn was speaking with a young handsome Xanderian noble. She noticed that Richmond kept looking at the Beastmen Alliance envoys. Beastmen simply disgust Richmond. 75% of his slaves were beastmen or demihumans. He became the largest slave merchant in Azelia Continent by selling beastmen. Richmond sees them only as a commodity, not someone to drink wine. He also hates the fact that some of Xander's ministerial and other high-ranking positions are held by beastmen or demihumans. He had a tough time holding back his true emotions while talking to Minister D’Fleur.
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The Queen excused herself and went to greet the other guests. Lord Wolcott went toward a foreign merchant, and Richmond started pacing toward the group of beastmen, so Adelyn followed him. Noticing Richmond walking towards them, the beastmen bowed their necks.
Richmond smirked, “Yes! Your kind should always bow before mine. How did you lot even enter this place?”
The leader of the beastmen, a Werewolf, Sir Lugar Wolfram, picked up his head and growled in anger, “Huh! Another one. I guess Xander is not completely free of bigots.”
Richmond’s eyes get red in anger, “What did you just say to me? You filthy mon…..”
“He is not a Xanderian. He is a merchant noble from the Troca Union, Lord Richmond Kobe. But as he seemed to have forgotten that he is in Xander right now, Let me apologize for his behavior.” Richmond gets interrupted by the noble who was speaking with Adelyn a moment ago.
Hearing the name Richmond Kobe every one of the beastmen looked at him with anger. Many of the Beastmen Alliance have been sold by Richmond. One of the beastmen went into a fury and took an attacking stance, but Sir Wolfram calmed him down. Richmond’s anger turned into fear when he suddenly realized that he might get killed tonight, so he took some steps back from the scene.
Sir Wolfram turns to the noble, “No need for you to apologize, young man. If only others were like you, this world would have fewer problems. May I have the honor of knowing your name?”
“I am Matthew Dorren, and please! The honor is all mine.” Matthew bows slightly.
Adelyn released a deep sigh seeing that the situation was resolved without an incident. Matthew and Sir Wolfram started to have a very friendly conversation. Richmond slowly went back to Lord Wolcott's side. Adelyn apologized again to the beastmen for his colleague’s behavior. Meanwhile, Iliana entered the party, accompanying her fiancé Lord Julian le Vert, Knight Commander of the third Legion of Xander. Everyone’s eyes went towards the beautiful couple. The beastmen were especially happy seeing one of their kind getting married to a human. The Couple first presented themselves to the Queen before meeting with others. The Beastmen conveyed their heartfelt congratulations as well as the other guests.
Lord Wolcott and Adelyn presented a gift of an adamantite sword and a ruby necklace, “Congratulations to the both of you.”
Richmond kept drinking while brooding in the corner of the garden. Lord Julian got pulled by his military colleagues to celebrate by getting drunk. Seeing Minister D’Fleur alone, some of the foreign guests started to gather around her. She started to get suffocated with too many questions and requests, and at the opportune moment, Castiel entered the garden with Oscar.
“My….. My….. You look beautiful… Big sister.” Castiel teased Iliana.
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Iliana gave blushing looks toward the guests.
“My Cousin is a lucky man. Welcome to the family. Big sis!” Castiel gave her earrings as a gift made out of zaralite, and Iliana accepted graciously.
Iliana introduced the Beastmen to Castiel. They exchanged pleasantries and talked about their time in Xander. Then She Introduced him to the dignitaries from the Troca Union.
“Your Highness, this is Lord Astar Wolcott. Head of the Troca Union Council.”
Lord Wolcott and Castiel bowed slightly to show respect.
“This is Lord Richmond Kobe.”
Richmond bowed his head, but Castiel stood still and gave no response for a few seconds. Castiel moved his head down about one millimeter just to get it over with. Richmond could feel the disrespect coming from his eyes but said nothing.
“And this is Lady Adelyn Crain.”
Adelyn curtsied by slightly bending her knees while holding her dress with both hands. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” Castiel replied with a bow.
“We have been eager to meet you, Your Highness. Your inventions are changing the market quite a bit.” Said Lord Wolcott.
“My inventions will change the world,” Castiel said with a cocky tone.
“.....Hahahahahaha, then let the Troca Union help you. Our economy is the strongest there is. With our funding and connections, you will be able to invent anything you wish.” Richmond looked at him surprisingly while Lord Wolcott presented his proposal to Castiel.
Castiel replied, “I am honored by your offer, Lord Wolcott. But I think Xander is more than capable of funding my inventions. So, thank you but I have to say no.” Castiel continued, “ Please enjoy the evening and wait for the unveiling, as we are about to step into the future.”