Chapter 369: Chapter 369: 367 Departure_1

Red Maple Manor.

The mild afternoon sun is sprinkled in the back garden, and a recent autumn rain has added a hint of grassy fragrance to the air.

Jason, who had hurried from Alfalfa City, was led by the butler to see Colin and Isa who were strolling in the garden.

However, their intimate pose made Jason involuntarily lower his head, not daring to look any further.

The ambiguous relationship between Count Angler and Queen Isa is no longer a secret in the Half-Elf Kingdom, and there are even some speculations about the father of the child in the queen’s womb being spread by some with ulterior motives.

Following behind the butler, Jason couldn’t help but mutter under his breath – couldn’t you two have some restraint in public?

“Your majesty the Queen, Count Angler, please allow me to represent all members of the Lute Clan, and all citizens of Alfalfa City, to express our highest respect to you!”

Queen Isa glanced at Jason, her expression lazy, and said lightly: “Can the Lute Clan represent the citizens of Alfalfa City now?”

Faced with the queen’s slightly sharp question, Jason was taken aback and didn’t know how to answer.

Fortunately, Colin chuckled and said, “Knight Jason, it seems that your Lute Clan’s actions in Alfalfa City still can’t satisfy Her Majesty.”

“Yes… it’s our fault for failing to live up to Her Majesty’s expectations…” Jason responded bitterly.

Colin patted Isa’s arm, signaling her with a look.

Isa understood and immediately ignored Jason, continuing to walk slowly forward.

Colin stayed in place, smilingly looking at the knight from the Lute Clan, and asked, “Knight Jason, why are you here this time? Are you here to seek support just like last time?”

“No, Count, this time I have an important matter to announce.”

“Let’s hear it.”

Jason recounted the matter of the North Wind Business Association bringing a large amount of bonds into Alfalfa City, only to have them stolen by local thieves.

However, to his disappointment, Colin listened quietly, his face showing no expression.

It seemed that such a thing could not arouse his interest.

Jason was restless in his heart, and quickly reminded: “Count, the North Wind Business Association dared to send a caravan through Alfalfa City to conduct foreign trade. This is nothing short of a challenge to the policies you set earlier!

If you do not severely crack down on this smuggling activity, there will certainly be other followers in the future!”

Colin chuckled, looked at Jason with an interesting gaze, and asked, “So, as the lord of Alfalfa City, does your father have the ability to help me crack down on these smugglers from the North Territory?”

“Not at the moment…” Jason was somewhat discouraged, but immediately said, “Count, as long as you are willing to support us, of course, I also understand your concerns about the Angry River. However, if you send troops to help us occupy one of the three city areas of Alfalfa City, our Lute Clan will certainly be able to block such a smuggling route for you!”

However, Colin still firmly shook his head and said, “As I said, now is not the time to send troops to Alfalfa City.”

Jason was not discouraged, and continued to persuade, “Count, this time the North Wind Business Association is even trying to take a huge amount of bonds out of the North Territory, don’t you worry about who the buyers of these bonds are?”

“Of course I don’t worry.” Colin said calmly, “At the time these bonds were issued, Duke made it clear that anyone could exchange food for bonds, and they could also exchange them for food from the St. Hilde family after the expiration of the bonds.

The North Wind Business Association obtained a large amount of bonds from the St. Hilde family in exchange for food. Now, how they plan to deal with these bonds, who to sell them to, has nothing to do with the St. Hilde family and me.”

“But the North Wind Business Association is obviously planning to trade such a large amount of bonds to the East Territory this time! Count, aren’t you worried that the East Territory might have some kind of conspiracy?”

“What conspiracy?” Colin asked with interest.

Jason opened his mouth, but did not know how to answer this question.

Colin seemed a bit disappointed and said lightly, “All right, Knight Jason, your Lute Clan should better focus on how to stabilize its position in Alfalfa City.

This incident is actually a rare opportunity for you. Don’t you understand it yet?”

“Opportunity?” Jason was dazed, obviously not understanding what Colin meant.

Colin didn’t explain in detail, he only commanded, “Since you don’t understand, then go back and observe carefully. Don’t run around all day, thinking about unrealistic help.”

“Alfalfa City is about to undergo drastic changes, I hope you can seize this opportunity well,”

Jason seemed to have realized something and wanted to inquire further, but Colin had already waved his hand to signal him to leave.

Although he was full of doubts, Jason did not dare to defy Colin’s will and had no choice but to excuse himself with a bow.

After Jason left, Colin quickly caught up with Queen Isa who was strolling ahead and once again put his arm around her waist.

Isa gave Colin a gentle smile and asked, “You’re the one stirring up the storm in Alfalfa City, aren’t you?”

Colin also smiled without denying it, “There’s no fooling you.”

“However, there’s something I am curious about.”

“What is it?”

“Do those priceless bonds truly exist?”

Colin laughed heartily and nodded affirmatively, “Of course they exist. Moreover, it is Count Evan of the Eastern Region who specifically instructed the North Wind Business Association to take it to Alfalfa City, prepared to exchange it with him for food.”

Isa blinked her eyes, “So, that means you have the North Wind Business Association under your control?”

“Exactly.”

“But that will pose a problem.”

Colin nodded, seeming to already know what Queen Isa was about to say, “Are you trying to remind me that in doing so, the eastern region will realize that the North Wind Business Association is controlled by my undercover agents?”

“You’re already ahead of me.”

“Yes, and the solution is quite simple.”

“What’s the solution?”

“Find a scapegoat.”

“A scapegoat?” Isa Queen pondered over the fresh term that appeared in Colin’s conversation, she seemed to understand its implication, “Does it involve the Lute Clan?”

“Smart!” Colin teased, pecking Isa’s alluring red lips softly, “But don’t worry about the Lute Clan. I’ve already arranged for personnel in Alfalfa City to protect Ron from any potential assassination for revenge.”

As for whether he’s capable of cleaning up the mess in Alfalfa City, it’s up to his own abilities.”

“As the Lord of Alfalfa City, it is only right for Ron to take the blame,” Queen Isa said seriously. “You’ve already done him a huge favor. If he holds resentment towards you, then he really doesn’t know any better.”

“Hold grudges? No, he will hold on to me even more tightly. After this incident, the Lute Clan will become the thorn in the East’s side. If Ron even wants to survive, he has to defend Alfalfa City for us with all his might.”

Queen Isa nodded, then expressed some concern, “However, I’m a bit worried. Ron might not be able to control the chaotic situation in Alfalfa City.”

“Actually, that doesn’t matter.” Colin shrugged nonchalantly, “At least it wouldn’t be worse than it is now, right?”

“True. As long as it’s not controlled by forces supported by the East, it doesn’t matter even if Alfalfa City ends up in a mess.”

At this moment, the confident Colin didn’t know that the situation in Alfalfa City had deviated from the trajectory he had envisaged.

Nothing remains constant in this world, human hearts are unpredictable, and many times, plans can’t keep up with changes.

…

While they were chatting leisurely, the butler once again approached them and handed a letter to Queen Isa.

After glancing through it hastily, she passed it to Colin, and simultaneously chuckled, “We can almost return to Silver Moon City.”

Colin read through the letter and a smile spread across his face as well.

Then, he gently placed his hand on Isa’s bulging belly and said,

“Great, then let’s go welcome the birth of this new life together.”