Chapter 234: This Viscount Gervas Is Truly Someone You Can Trust!

(Dear lords! I made a slight revision at the end of the last chapter—please take another look, specifically the part about the caravan's arrival!)

Sorry, lords! I realized yesterday's version wasn't effective, so I made a small adjustment—please forgive me!

"Oh? Thirty-five single-tube telescopes? That's quite a number!"

But to Cooper's disappointment, Gervas's expression remained calm.

The quantity of these thirty-five single-tube telescopes didn't elicit any surprise from him.

Yet upon further thought, Cooper found it reasonable.

After all, he's from a prominent family—previously, he spent hundreds of gold coins on slaves, twice.

And my single-tube telescopes are worth at most one hundred seventy-five gold coins total; it's normal for Gervas not to be astonished.

"Lord, another caravan from the capital has arrived!"

At that moment, Old John knocked on the door again.

"Oh? Perfect timing—Old John, show them in!" Gervas smiled upon hearing this.

"Yes, my lord!" Old John bowed and hurried toward the castle's exterior.

"Lord Gervas, do you have an important guest? If so, perhaps I should step aside for a moment!"

Cooper heard the words "from the capital" and immediately realized the caravan was no ordinary one.

After all, in the capital, if you threw a brick, you might hit a count—or even a marquis.

And for someone to travel such a distance specifically to visit Gervas, a scion of a great family, they were likely another count—or even a duke or marquis.

"No need to leave, Cooper—just wait here," Gervas declined outright.

While they waited, a middle-aged man dressed in elegant silk ceremonial robes entered the parlor, led by Old John.

"My lord, this is Lord Ma Kesi, the steward of the capital caravan," Old John introduced.

Ma Kesi stepped forward, "Lord Gervas, it's an honor to meet you. I am Ma Kesi, steward to Marquis Mixius."

"I've been sent by the Marquis specifically to visit Lord Gervas in Stormhold."

"Welcome, Lord Ma Kesi—your journey must have been tiring," Gervas replied politely.

At that moment, Ma Kesi glanced at Cooper beside him.

"Lord, it's an honor to meet you!" Clearly, a steward of a marquis was flawless in social etiquette.

Even though Cooper's silk ceremonial robe was the lowest quality available, since he stood in this parlor and wasn't a servant, Ma Kesi greeted him warmly.

Cooper was stunned—he'd been awed by Ma Kesi's presence; the quality of the man's silk robe rivaled even Lord Leo's.

No wonder—he's a marquis's steward, a true big shot!

In contrast, I used to wear only linen.

Even this silk robe I'm wearing was a gift from Lord Leo before I departed.

"Y-you… hello, my lord. I'm Cooper. It's an honor to meet you!"

"Ha! Lord Ma Kesi, Cooper—let's sit down and talk."

Gervas had everyone resume their seats, and servants began brewing tea.

After Ma Kesi sipped a few mouthfuls, Gervas didn't delay, "Lord Ma Kesi, it's been over two months since I last saw Marquis Mixius—is he well?"

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Gervas. Marquis Mixius is well. In fact, I've heard him mention you several times."

Gervas smiled happily, without questioning its truth.

"Then, Lord Ma Kesi, what mission has the Marquis entrusted you with in coming here?"

Ma Kesi straightened his posture, glanced at Cooper beside him, saw no reaction from Gervas, and decided not to avoid the matter.

"Lord Gervas, I've come on the Marquis's orders to purchase your single-tube telescopes."

"During a recent military drill, the Marquis and Deputy Commander Adri used your telescopes to secure victory—your telescopes have now become famous in the capital!"

"Many nobles have asked the Marquis to help them procure them."

He's here to buy telescopes too?

Upon hearing Ma Kesi's words, Gervas showed no reaction—but Cooper froze.

Instantly, his face turned rigid.

After all, Gervas had already warned him: these telescopes are valuable, with low output, and he must inform clients in advance—they might need to pre-order.

And Ma Kesi came from the capital, acting on behalf of a marquis.

If Gervas's stock is insufficient, he'll surely prioritize Ma Kesi.

Then my trip will have been for nothing.

Many nobles are waiting for me to return with these.

Especially those like Viscount Farid—Lord Leo himself couldn't afford to offend them.

If I fail this mission, I'm finished!

Now, Cooper only hoped Gervas had more stock.

"So they've become famous in the capital too? I'm deeply grateful to Marquis Mixius and Deputy Commander Adri!"

"Then, Lord Ma Kesi, how many telescopes are you ordering in total?"

"One hundred ten," Ma Kesi pulled out a purchase list. "Lord Gervas, do you have that much in stock?"

"I'm sorry, Lord Ma Kesi. Due to production limits, I currently have only seventy-two in stock."

Ma Kesi frowned slightly but had no choice—he nodded. "Seventy-two is a bit short, but it'll suffice."

"Marquis Mixius has already informed the nobles that pre-orders are necessary, so we'll distribute the existing telescopes first to those of higher rank."

"Those of lower rank will have to wait a while longer."

"Lord Gervas, pack all seventy-two for me—I'll pay in full right away!"

"As for the rest, send them to the capital via the Tulip Trading Company—we'll cover the shipping fees."

In an instant!

Cooper's previously hopeful face turned deathly pale.

He'd hoped Gervas's stock was sufficient.

He didn't ask for much—just ten or so to take back and fulfill his duty!

But now, even Ma Kesi's share takes up more than a third of the total.

He'd likely get none at all.

He regretted bitterly—he should've arrived in Stormhold sooner.

Even an hour earlier might've prevented this disaster.

Gervas glanced at Cooper, who looked like he might cry, and gave Ma Kesi an apologetic look.

"Forgive me, Lord Ma Kesi—I must make one thing clear."

"Though I have seventy-two single-tube telescopes in stock, I cannot give you all of them. Please understand."

"Huh? Lord Gervas, what do you mean?" Ma Kesi immediately frowned, confused.

But Cooper's eyes widened in disbelief.

He thought he understood the implication in Gervas's words.

Gervas explained slowly: "Lord Ma Kesi, this gentleman, Cooper, is the representative of the nobles from the Kingdom's Eastern Frontier."

"He's also here to procure single-tube telescopes on behalf of a group of nobles—and their order is for thirty-five."

"Oh? He's here to buy telescopes too?" Ma Kesi finally grasped Gervas's meaning.

He frowned at Cooper.

Cooper's eyes now blazed with excitement.

This Viscount Gervas is truly someone you can trust!