Lord blessed by the elves

Chapter 130 Old Friend

A preliminary collaboration, though driven by mutual motives, was finalized over this breakfast.

Kruse secured his first real order, earning his first pot of gold for his condiment empire; while Mrs. Winnie added a secret weapon to her tavern's menu that could attract more customers.

Only Reyes, watching his son quickly reach an agreement and the shrewd Mrs. Winnie, stroked his chin, feeling as if he... was a little out of touch with the young man's thinking.

After enjoying breakfast, Reyes also closed a small business deal, putting him in a very good mood.

He straightened his robes and then left the "Fire Wind" tavern with Kruse, Rezael, and Elena, heading straight for the city's government hall.

A hero with three gangs.

Reyes's rise from an ordinary knight to a baron was not solely due to his personal bravery; he also had his own relationships and allies within the power structure of Campino.

The purpose of this trip to the government office was not only to handle some necessary procedures, but also to take the children to meet an old friend of his, so that they could get a feel for the power structure within the county.

The city hall of Campino is located on the main street of the eastern district. It is a magnificent stone building with uniformed guards standing at the entrance, giving it a solemn and dignified appearance.

The group immediately attracted attention as soon as they stepped into the spacious and bright hall of the government affairs office.

Clearly, Reyes was very well-known here. Many officials and clerks who came and went would stop in their tracks, put on smiles, and greet him warmly.

"Baron Reyes! Congratulations on your promotion!"

"Good day, Your Excellency!"

"It's been a while since I've seen you at the government office."

Reyes responded calmly and confidently with a smile, appearing completely at ease.

While exchanging pleasantries with those around him, he walked straight to the reception desk on one side of the hall and asked a man who looked like a junior manager:

"Is Governor Martin here? I need to speak with him."

His tone was familiar, clearly indicating that he was an old acquaintance of the political official named Martin.

The political officer Reyes was looking for, Martin, whose full name was Viscount Martin Clover, was another powerful viscount in Campnor County besides Viscount Clyde, and had also followed the Earl of Campnor on the previous expedition.

His surname "Four-Leaf Clover" comes from a precious four-leaf clover fairy passed down in his family.

Through years of cultivation, the four-leaf clover gave birth to the potion Black Four-Leaf Clover, which can be used to refine potions for knights' training. As a result, Viscount Martin's family almost monopolized a significant portion of the potion raw material supply in the county, making them a major potion merchant in Campnor County with considerable wealth and influence.

When the servants led Reyes and his party to Viscount Martin's office, Kruse met the old friend his father had mentioned for the first time.

Viscount Martin looked to be around forty years old, with an extremely ordinary appearance—neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin, dressed in simple official robes, and wearing a gentle, even slightly reserved, smile.

If you were to change his clothes and throw him into the bustling market of Campno, no one would believe that this middle-aged man, who looks like a small shopkeeper, is actually a noble viscount, a powerful government official, and the head of a vast potion industry.

However, it was precisely this harmless and easily overlooked ordinary appearance that repeatedly became a powerful tool for Count Campono to conquer cities and territories.

It is said that Viscount Martin was most skilled at disguising himself among civilians or low-ranking soldiers. With his unremarkable appearance and superb "acting skills," he repeatedly opened the city gates for Count Campono's army at crucial moments, making outstanding contributions.

"Reyes! My old friend! I heard you had a brilliant performance this time, and finally got what you wanted!" Viscount Martin greeted him warmly and gave Reyes a big hug. His smile was sincere and infectious, showing no sign of a "master spy" who had carried out many dangerous missions.

“Haha, Martin, stop making fun of me. My achievements are nothing compared to yours.” Reyes replied with a laugh, then stepped aside to let the children behind him out. “Come, let’s get to know them. These are my three children: Kruze, Rezal, and Elena. Children, this is Viscount Martin, one of my best friends.”

Kruse led his younger siblings forward and respectfully bowed to Viscount Martin. He keenly noticed that when the seemingly ordinary viscount's gentle eyes swept over them, there was an imperceptible scrutiny and insight, as if he could see right through them.

"You're quite promising for your age, especially Kruze. I've heard quite a bit about you." Viscount Martin looked at Kruze with a smile, his tone casual, but the amount of information in his words made Kruze's heart skip a beat—this viscount's information network was exceptionally extensive.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Reyes and Viscount Martin clearly had important matters to discuss.

Viscount Martin beckoned a maid and said gently to the three of them, "Let the children sit in the lounge over there; there are some snacks and juices prepared there. Your father and I have some mundane business to discuss."

Knowing that the adults were about to discuss serious matters, Kruze obediently led his younger siblings away with the maid.

In the instant he turned around, he caught a glimpse of his father, Reyes, exchanging a meaningful glance with Viscount Martin.

Kruse understood that this meeting was far more than just a reunion of old friends.

This seemingly ordinary Viscount Martin will likely be one of the key figures they need to maintain close ties with in Campino. His unassuming nature also serves as a reminder to Kruse that one must never judge a book by its cover in this city.

In the spacious yet simply and practically furnished office, Reyes and Viscount Martin took their seats. Without much small talk, Reyes went straight to the point:
"Martin, the main reason I'm here is to secure an admission for my second son, Rezal, at the Campino Knight Academy." His tone carried the familiarity of an old friend and a hint of a father's expectation.

Viscount Martin seemed unsurprised. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and asked in a casual tone, but with a hint of probing: "Oh? So... you've decided to give up on grooming your eldest son?"

“Give up? How could that be!” Reyes immediately shook his head, his face showing a mixture of pride and relief. “I have complete confidence in entrusting the territory to that kid Kruze! Besides, that kid… is already a Bronze Knight.”

　I was too busy yesterday and forgot to post it. I'll post it today at 4 PM. I apologize to everyone.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)