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He was dressed in a simple dark outfit, his hair completely white, but vibrant, with a sturdy and upright body. One look and one could see he had the deportment of a soldier, likely having fought on battlefields in his youth.

“Grandfather!” Webb struggled to get up and greeted hurriedly.

Only then did Colin realize that this elderly man was the very person they had come to visit, Governor Sebastian.

“Humph! Is this how you welcome guests?” Sebastian glared at Webb, scolding him.

The sudden change in atmosphere seemed to drop the temperature several degrees.

“Grandfather, I was wrong.” Webb, who had been domineering and imperious, was now utterly subdued in front of Sebastian.

Seeing this, Vera intervened with a smile and said, “Dear uncle, you don’t need to be too harsh on cousin. He was just playing with Colin.”

Sebastian turned his gaze to Vera and a smile finally appeared on his face. He nodded, saying, “Vera, it’s been years. You’ve grown so much. I heard you even got married?”

“Yes, uncle.” Vera came to Colin’s side and held his arm, smiling sweetly, “This is Viscount Colin Angler, my husband.”

“Sir Governor, pleasure to meet you!” Colin hastily bowed in respect.

“I’ve heard a bit about you, quite impressive indeed. Truly a young hero!” Sebastian nodded at Colin in praise.

Colin responded modestly for a few moments.

However, the friendly demeanor of the other party didn’t reassure him. Every political fox was skilled at this type of superficial joviality. But only when it came to their vested interests and political positioning, would their true colors emerge.

Following some small talk, the atmosphere was considerably relaxed, and Sebastian graciously led Vera and Colin into the main hall of the manor.

The decoration style of this lounge perfectly embodied the concept of opulence to the extreme.

The curved dome, crafted from hundred-year-old tree trunks from the dark forest, was adorned with gold foils and surrounded by various gemstones. A crystal chandelier hanging down, casting a soft light reflecting on the exquisite wall paintings and sculptures, created an air of splendor and elegance that breathed aristocratic artistry.

Sebastian took his place at the main seat, and then several young and beautiful maids quickly brought forth a variety of fruits, desserts, and a purple golden wine pot. The maids poured the clear liquor into the wine cups of each guest, and soon a unique fresh, delicate, but thick and sweet fragrance diffused throughout the lounge.

Even Colin who isn’t really a connoisseur, could tell that the wine was exorbitantly priced and even better than the one served at the palace banquet the previous night.

Sebastian raised his wine cup in salutation, laughed heartily saying, “This is a bottle of Juniper wine, part of my collection for eighty years, have a taste!”

Colin and Vera quickly raised their cups in response.

While savoring the fine wine, Colin took the opportunity to look around.

He had to admit that Governor Sebastian’s wealth exceeded his imagination.

Sebastian, despite his high status, doesn’t hold a title nor has ancestral land, hence lacks a steady income from taxes. Colin couldn’t fathom how he built such a lavish manor with just his salary as a Senate governor.

There have always been rumors about the “greed” of the Senate elders. Seemingly, Colin had underestimated their grey income.

He was suddenly grateful for Mr. Emon’s advice when he had intended to modify the family crest. Had he startled the Senate, it would have been significantly expensive for the Angler family.

Sebastian put down the wine cup and asked, “Vera, I heard your father left a will?”

“Yes, dear Uncle.” Vera immediately brought out the will and handed it to Sebastian.

Sebastian glanced at it without any strong reaction, then returned it to Vera and said gravely yet affirmatively, “Since your father named you as the Northern Viscount, then you should inherit the title of the Northern Duke and I have no objections.

However, at this point in time, to receive formal recognition from the Emperor, you need to do one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Accept the knight baptism!”

A thought flashed across Colin’s mind, and he hurriedly asked, “Sir Governor, the Law of the Lord does not require that only a knight can receive an imperial title, does it?”

“Indeed, it does not.” Sebastian nodded affirmatively, but then frowned saying, “But the current situation in the Imperial Capital is special. Vera’s identity as a Mage will expose her to considerable criticism, and may even prevent her from successfully inheriting the title of Northern Duke.”

Vera asked earnestly, her voice heavy, “Is it because Prince Lexie is preparing to wage war on Yevir?”

Sebastian nodded, “Correct.”

Choosing his words carefully, Colin tried to probe, “This matter is still at the proposal stage, isn’t it? It may not be implemented.”

Sebastian smiled lightly, confidently saying, “Trust me, the Empire will soon declare war on Yevir.”

Colin felt a sinking feeling in his heart.

That a Senator would say such things meant that Prince Lexie had been successful in gaining the support of the vast majority of the Senate Elders. He was highly confident he could pass this proposal without Emperor Reinhardt, directly through the Senate.

This was not a good situation.

“Uncle, you also support declaring war on Yevir?” Vera couldn’t help asking.

Sebastian looked Vera in the eyes and sighed. “Vera, I know you have feelings for Yevir, but I urge you to switch your position as soon as possible, convert to the Lord of Glory, and avoid setting yourself against the nobles of the Empire,” he declared.

Vera shook her head. “Uncle, in truth, I have long since converted to the Lord of Glory. I just believe that mages and knights are not natural enemies. On the path of pursuing Arcane Truth, I also feel the guidance of the Lord of Glory!”

Sebastian’s expression became stern. He said firmly, “Vera, if you wish to serve the Lord of Glory with all your heart, you must give up the path of arcane. Else, it would be a blasphemy to the Lord of Glory!”

Seeing that Vera wanted to argue further, Colin quickly took her hand and shook his head slightly.

Vera understood and held back her dissatisfaction and grievances without saying more.

Colin smiled, alleviating the somewhat heavy atmosphere. He said:

“Mr. Governor, Vera is somewhat unfamiliar with how to serve the Lord of Glory, but please trust, she is genuinely devoted to the Lord of Glory. We will arrange for her baptism with the Church soon.”

“Hmm, that’s naturally best.” Sebastian’s face eased. “After Vera is baptised, I can put the matter of inheriting the Northern Duke’s position on the Senate’s discussion agenda. However, to pass this smoothly, you need to prepare some lobbying funds.”

Lobbying funds?

Wasn’t that just bribery…

Colin was somewhat speechless as the Senator sought to accept a bribe so openly – and from his own niece no less – gaining a deeper understanding of the Senate in the process.

“Mr. Governor, do you have an amount in mind for these lobbying funds? ” Colin asked carefully.

Sebastian picked up his wine cup and took a light sip, saying lightly: “Five million gold coins.”

Seeing Colin and Vera with their eyes wide open, he immediately added: “Don’t be so surprised. This is only the cost I need to help you lobby personally. If it were someone else, they would need even more!”

Colin sighed, pretending to be troubled. “Mr. Governor, it’s not that we don’t trust you, but the North just went through great chaos. The St. Hilde family really doesn’t have the capacity to raise such a large sum in a short time.”

Sebastian looked at Colin and said lightly: “Viscount Angler, didn’t you defeat the Troll Empire, forcing them to sign a peace agreement and obtaining a large amount of war indemnity and slaves?”

Colin felt anger rising within him- the old bastard was trying to calculate from his gains!

“Indeed that happened. However, I’m afraid you don’t know the financial situation of the Troll Empire was also quite difficult. The war indemnity is being paid in installments, and as for the slaves… I’m afraid it’ll take more than a moment.”

Sebastian smashed his wine cup on the table, coldly saying: “Viscount Angler, if you’re not willing to show the necessary sincerity, I’m afraid you’ll face difficulties in Dragon City!”

Colin pretended to be panicked and said: “Mr. Governor, you misunderstand. I was just trying to confirm with Ice Rock City about the arrival of the Troll Empire’s indemnity payment. Once I have solid news, I’ll be able to give you a response.”

At last a smile returned to Sebastian’s face, he nodded and said: “That’s more like it. You two are too young to fully understand the rules of the Imperial Capital. Erring and offending people you should not, is inevitable.

So, from now on, consult me before you make any decisions. As your elder, of course, I’ll provide the necessary help.”

Colin and Vera quickly rose to express their gratitude.

After some idle chatter, they excused themselves and left.

After exiting the manor gates and boarding the carriage, Vera’s face turned from sunny to cloudy, and she asked, “Colin, should we really trust Sebastian?”

Colin heard the change in Vera’s address for Sebastian and could not help but laugh in his heart, saying, “You should already have your answer.”

Vera nodded her agreement, her eyebrows faintly knitted, “I don’t like him.”

“Then don’t bother with him,” Colin said lightly.

Vera was still hesitant. “What if… we anger the Senate by doing so?”

“Sebastian alone does not represent the Senate!” Colin said coldly. “Moreover, he may have forgotten it was the St. Hilde family that helped him become Governor.

He needs the St. Hilde family

Not the St. Hilde family needing him!”