Chapter 286: The Arrogant Envoy!

"Lord Gervas, thank you for your generous hospitality—I'll take my leave now!"

"Lord Ma Kesi, please convey my regards to Marquis Mi Xiu Si!"

After lunch ended, Gervas watched as Ma Kesi and his caravan departed.

Shortly after Ma Kesi left, a Dark Swift Eagle landed in the front courtyard, and its members swiftly approached Gervas to report in hushed tones.

"I understand."

After hearing the Dark Swift Eagle member's report, Gervas nodded.

This Dark Swift Eagle member was not reporting on dark creatures, but on a knightly force from the southern region—a rare sight on the royal road northwest of Stormhold.

Even the scouts sent by that knightly force to investigate Wheatfield Town had been clearly observed by the Dark Swift Eagle members.

Clearly, this was unquestionably the Second Prince's force.

Without special arrangements, Gervas chose to observe quietly.

About an hour and a half later, the knightly force mentioned in the report finally appeared outside the castle.

"My lord, I am Gervas Gail. I heard you've come from the capital to visit me—may I ask your name?"

At the castle gate, Gervas regarded the visitor, dressed in vibrant green and fine attire, with clear confusion.

Japas also studied the Lord of Stormhold before him.

But a country bumpkin is still a country bumpkin—his clothing was merely plain, and behind him stood nothing more than a baron's castle, prompting an instant flicker of contempt in his eyes.

Just as he'd expected: this borderland noble, who had dragged him all this way, was indeed old-fashioned and shabby.

Of course, to fulfill the Second Prince's orders, he still had to maintain appearances.

Straightening his back, lifting his chin, he declared, "Lord Gervas, I, Japas, come here on behalf of His Highness the Second Prince! I have come specially to visit you!"

After speaking, Japas deliberately waited for Gervas's reaction.

Such a minor noble, upon hearing he was noticed by the Second Prince, would surely feel immense honor and be overwhelmed with excitement!

Gervas had lived two lives—he could see right through this man's intentions.

He silently sighed: the Second Prince was blind to send such a fool on this mission.

Yet he recalled that even Ma Kesi, when visiting his lands, had carried a faint air of arrogance.

And that was despite Gervas's existing ties with Mi Xiu Si.

So for Japas, as a trusted subordinate of the Second Prince, it was only natural for him to display such arrogance.

This wasn't aimed specifically at Gervas—it was simply his habit.

After all, even a seventh-rank official at a chancellor's gate carries pride forged into his bones; those who've never lived in such a rigid feudal society simply cannot comprehend it.

Gervas played along perfectly, feigning mild surprise: "The Second Prince? Really? My lord, this truly brings honor to my humble Stormhold!"

Though Gervas's reaction wasn't as exaggerated as Japas had imagined, he couldn't press further.

Gervas then invited Japas into the castle.

The knights behind him moved to follow, but Lei Meng and Mi Ke and others blocked their path.

Japas immediately frowned. "Lord Gervas, what is the meaning of this? These are the Second Prince's personal guard knights!"

"My lord Japas, no offense intended—my castle is small and cannot accommodate so many knights. Why not select only two to accompany you inside, while the rest rest outside? Surely you don't fear danger within my castle?"

With the matter put this way, Japas had no further grounds to object.

In the end, two knights—the strongest among them, both at the Silver Knight realm—entered the castle, while the rest waited on the gentle slope below.

Inside the reception hall, after servants served tea and snacks, Gervas cut straight to the point.

He knew the true purpose of their visit, so there was no need to treat this man like other minor nobles would—worship him as a god.

His goal was to send him away without offending him.

Of course, that depended on whether the man cooperated.

"Lord Gervas, since you've asked, I'll stop beating around the bush!"

"Let me tell you—you're lucky. Your Magic Wind Fan and single-tube telescope have caught the Second Prince's attention due to their unusual effects!"

"And His Highness greatly values talent, so he has sent me here to encourage Lord Gervas to continue your excellent work!"

As he spoke, Japas gestured to his personal servant, who presented a finely crafted gift box.

Inside the box lay six glow pearls, each the size of a lychee.

Gervas blinked, his expression turning peculiar.

Japas mistook this for excitement. "Lord Gervas, no need to be so moved! The Second Prince cherishes talent above all—these glow pearls, though precious, are fitting for a noble of your caliber!"

Upon hearing this, even Lei Meng, standing by the wall, nearly lost his composure.

Fortunately, Gervas immediately declined: "My lord Japas, I am deeply honored by the Second Prince's recognition, but I cannot accept this gift—it is far too precious. No merit, no reward."

Japas assumed Gervas was merely being polite. "Lord Gervas, the Second Prince's favor is worth these pearls—please accept them without hesitation!"

"No, My Lord Japas—I truly cannot accept them. Please convey my apologies to the Second Prince. I am merely a humble borderland noble; possessing the Magic Wind Fan and single-tube telescope was pure luck, not skill."

At last, even the slowest-witted Japas understood.

This minor noble… he had actually refused the Second Prince's overture?!

"Lord Gervas, do you realize that refusing the Second Prince's gift will anger him?" Japas fixed his gaze tightly on Gervas.

"My lord Japas, though I too wish to avoid such a situation, I truly cannot accept this gift." He spoke with the lowest posture, yet the firmest words.

Japas was momentarily speechless. This mere borderland noble actually had the audacity?

Suppressing his urge to explode, Japas said: "Lord Gervas, if you find the gift too valuable to accept, then let us speak of something else."

"The Second Prince wishes to collaborate with you."

"Oh? I'm just a humble borderland noble—what could I possibly offer the Second Prince?" Gervas knew full well, yet feigned ignorance.

"No! Lord Gervas, I just said—the Second Prince admires you because of the Magic Wind Fan and single-tube telescope!"

"Therefore, His Highness is deeply interested in these two devices and is willing to pay five hundred gold coins to purchase the technology."

"Furthermore, you will receive ten percent of the profits from all future production of the Magic Wind Fan and single-tube telescope."

"Lord Gervas, though ten percent may sound small, consider this: with your resources, your output of these devices is limited."

"And Stormhold is far from the capital—transporting and selling them is extremely inconvenient."

"But if you cooperate with the Second Prince, even that ten percent will earn you several times—or even dozens of times—what you make now."

With that, Japas wore the look of a man who had just bestowed a great fortune.