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This gathering, filled with Arnold’s high expectations, can only be said to be a total failure.

Indeed, after Colin’s departure, he did succeed in establishing the Northland Businessmen Association and even became the chairman. However, judging from the absent-minded and perfunctory attitudes of the merchants afterwards, Arnold realized that his Northland Businessmen Association was but a laughingstock.

Fear, confusion, anger, indignation… All these emotions were constantly changing on his face. This once influential businessman in the North Territory surprisingly emitted an unspeakable sense of desolation.

The tavern door creaked open.

Arnold squinted and turned around, only to see Knight Weber walking in.

“Since you’ve left, why are you back?” Arnold’s tone was filled with undisguised mockery.

However, just after uttering these words, Arnold noticed someone trailing behind Knight Weber.

As soon as he recognized that face, Arnold immediately sobered up, quickly got up from his seat and bowed, “Count Evan, I didn’t expect to see you in Winterfell City!”

Count Evan chuckled as he walked in, “What? Is the North Territory not welcoming me?”

“Of course not, I’m just a bit startled.” Arnold quickly poured a glass of wine for Count Evan, meanwhile, trying to find out, “Are you on a diplomatic mission to the North?”

Count Evan’s gaze was noticeably drawn by the wine on the table. Rather than answering Arnold’s question, he lifted the wine cup, placed it under his nose for a light sniff then took a sip, even closing his eyes to relish the taste for a moment. Eventually, he exhaled and commended,

“Not bad! Wine from the Winston Manor never disappoints!”

Arnold hastily flattered, “Count, you truly understand wine. There are many more treasures in my wine cellar. If you are willing, I wish you would be able to help me appreciate them!”

Count Evan’s eyebrows raised, appearing quite tempted. However, he resisted his desire, sat down at the bar and informed Arnold,

“I am here in the North Territory in a personal capacity this time, so, I hope you will not disclose my whereabouts.”

“Of course, of course, I promise I will not.” Arnold’s mind was slightly stirred, constantly speculating the reason for Count Evan’s visit to Winterfell City.

The animosity between the Eastern and Northern territories were never a secret in the Glorious Empire.

Therefore, Arnold immediately realized that the surprise meeting between him and the son of the Duke of the East Territory, led by Knight Weber, is likely to harbor ulterior motives.

Nevertheless, this could also be an opportunity!

What happened today made Arnold understand that Count Angler was set on integrating the business sector in the Northland. Unfortunately, the candidate to represent their line of business was not him.

This dissatisfied and enraged Arnold.

Still, the appearance of Count Evan gave him a glimmer of hope.

As he was contemplating, Count Evan has already drained the wine in his cup.

Arnold hastily refilled it himself while listening to Count Evan asking, “I heard that Count Angler is planning to form an international trading company in the Northland?”

“Yes, Count.”

“So, Mr. Arnold, do you plan to invest in this company?”

“Absolutely. Count, I have no choice but to join. Otherwise, in no time, my name will no longer be heard in the North Territory market.”

Count Evan nodded, acknowledging the situation, yet advised, “Mr. Arnold, I’m not too knowledgeable about the specific operation of this new company.

“However, I think you can try starting with the board of directors, which is similar to the Senate.”

Arnold’s eyes shifted as he said, “You mean I can try to control the board of directors?”

“Yes, you can give it a try. With your prestige in the business universe of the North Territory, it wouldn’t be hard to gather a group of merchants and acquire some say in the directorate.”

“Thank you for your suggestion, I will try.” Arnold thanked him verbally, but he was somewhat sceptical in his heart.

In his view, how could Count Angler possibly let the control of such an important North Territory foreign trade company slip through his fingers?

The St. Hilde family didn’t mind allowing the major merchants to hold a certain share of this new company and share some of the profits. But if someone truly didn’t appreciate their kindness and tried to wrest control of the company from the St. Hilde family, well, did they really think that these aristocratic lords wouldn’t resort to killing?

Count Evan seemed to see through Arnold’s doubts and laughed as he asked, “Mr. Arnold, are you worried that doing this will provoke retaliation from the St. Hilde family?”

Arnold looked at the young face of the Eastern Count, and considering his own awkward current situation and bleak prospects, he couldn’t help but admit, “Yes.”

Count Evan laughed, reassuring him, “You needn’t worry about that. The North Territory isn’t merely Vera and Colin’s North Territory.”

Hearing Count Evan’s enigmatic words, Arnold’s heart stirred, and he hurriedly asked, “Count, I ask for your forgiveness for my stupidity, but I fail to grasp what you mean.”

However, Count Evan was only focused on drinking his wine and didn’t answer Arnold’s query.

Just as Arnold was growing impatient and frustrated, Knight Weber, who had been silent for a long while, suddenly interjected, “Mr. Arnold, haven’t you heard, recently Young Master Joyce has been getting along well with Princess Judy?”

Huh?

Young Master Joyce?

Arnold wanted to say, with the position of the Northern Duke already settled, can Young Master Joyce still stir up any waves?

But soon, Arnold realised that if Young Master Joyce would indeed be able to marry Princess Judy and possibly even gain the support of the Royal Family, it was actually possible to break free from his current awkward situation.

Arnold’s gaze swept across Knight Weber and Count Evan’s faces, and his heart suddenly uplifted.

If the royal house, governor Sebastian, and the East Territory all support Joyce… then even if he can’t become the Northern Duke, he could definitely form a power in Winterfell City that can check the Northern Duke.

In that case, could he seek protection?

Seeing Arnold’s eyes gradually brighten, Count Evan smiled faintly, saying, “Mr. Arnold, do you have confidence now?”

Arnold suppressed his excitement and said solemnly, “Can I arrange to meet Young Master Joyce?”

Knight Weber nodded politely, saying, “When the time is right, I will arrange it.”

Count Evan also spoke again to encourage, “Mr. Arnold, if you need financial support, the St. Prowse Family may be able to help.”

“Thank you so much!” Arnold immediately said his thanks.

“But don’t get too excited,” Count Evan reminded him. “The financial help that the St. Prowse family can provide will certainly be limited. After all, it would be difficult for me to persuade my father to invest a large amount of money into a Northern company.

Moreover, if you suddenly come up with a large amount of money of unknown origin, I’m afraid it would arouse Count Angler’s suspicion.”

“I understand.” Arnold, now filled with renewed fighting spirit, confidently said, “Please believe in my many years of influence in the North Territory business realm. How can that young pup, Oliver, compete with me?”

Count Evan also joined in laughing, “Haha! That’s what I think too. Count Angler certainly backed the wrong horse!”

With the main topic covered, Arnold immediately extended an invitation, “Count, do you have time now to taste some of the fine wines I have collected?”

Count Evan’s eyes brightened, nodding vigorously, “Great! I’m sure you won’t disappoint me!”