Chapter 473: The Deal
When he saw Zhou Ning, Viscount Hall's eyes lit up. He hurried forward and shook Zhou Ning's hand.
"Mr. Sturwell, this is my wife, Katherine. I've invited many distinguished guests tonight to introduce to you. Some are still on their way."
Zhou Ning handed over the bottle of red wine he bought on the way and smiled.
"I'm looking forward to it."
Anyone could guess that the guests Viscount Hall mentioned definitely included people from the government, but Zhou Ning didn't mind. In fact, this was exactly why he came — to make himself known to the authorities of the Sepharic Kingdom.
After greeting the viscount, Zhou Ning looked toward the alluringly dressed Lady Katherine. She smiled and extended her hand for a light, polite clasp.
"Good evening, Mr. Sturwell."
"Good evening." Zhou Ning felt her gaze sweep over him briefly. Then the couple led him through the doors and into the drawing room.
Inside, many nobles dressed in a variety of styles were already seated, each appearing to hold fairly high status.
"Everyone, allow me to introduce the famed legendary gunslinger, Wayne Sturwell," Viscount Hall announced loudly.
The drawing room fell silent for a brief moment before a girl in a light lake-green dress spoke up in excitement. "You're the legendary Wayne Sturwell? You really do look just like the stories say — a very handsome man."
The people present displayed a mix of expressions — reverence, curiosity.
That was the intimidation of eight points of Legendary Reputation. In front of him, no one dared put on aristocratic airs. The proper attitude toward a legend was awe.
To be honest, it was rather strange. Just because of a set of numbers, countless people had heard of him and respected him… It really made no sense.
Viscount Hall continued introducing the people present. Following old Falric custom, introductions were made from closest to least close, youngest to oldest.
He began with the girl in the lake-green dress.
"This is Miranda Hall, my daughter."
Seeing her, Zhou Ning paused. Because of her partial elven blood, her features were exceptionally sweet — easily among the top five beauties he had ever met.
More importantly, she looked almost identical to the portrait of Louisa Hall he had seen earlier.
In the field of mysticism, that wasn't exactly normal.
Zhou Ning discreetly removed his hat, held it to his chest, and greeted her. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Miranda."
"I'm very happy to meet you too. Can I tell my best friend about this? She's also your fan," Miranda said sweetly.
"It would be my honor." Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't mind chatting with her more to get to know each other better. But considering the setting — and that her parents were present — he thought better of it.
Viscount Hall continued introducing the others in the room, most of whom were neighbors living on Bauhinia Road and Golden Law Avenue.
By the time the guests had all arrived, it was already six in the evening. The last to show up was a striking blond youth wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a deep navy military uniform.
"It's him… Smith Hall!" Zhou Ning immediately recognized the handsome man.
One of the main characters of the Apocalypse Continent — the Child of the Plane of the Sepharic Kingdom. Like Viscount Hall, he was also a descendant of Louisa. In his previous life he had stood center-stage with Leandro.
In the future, he would become a representative figure of the War God Church and the Sepharic military, mastering the rules to perfection.
He was clearly the one sent by the kingdom's army.
Zhou Ning's gaze flickered, but he didn't greet him right away. Instead, he continued chatting casually with the innocent and lively Miranda.
A few minutes later, Viscount Hall announced that the banquet had begun, officially opening the evening's social interactions.
In a corner, musicians in dark vests and white shirts began playing the Sepharic Kingdom's traditional piece, "Luanna Banquet March." On the tables were rosemary lamb stew, pan-seared goose liver, roasted Temple wolffish, and other delicacies.
Zhou Ning twitched his nose, instinctively wanting to grab a plate and start filling it — but several nobles eager to make his acquaintance blocked his way, striking up conversation.
To them, befriending a legend was invaluable for both family and personal matters. In crucial moments, a legend could offer help — and beyond that, he was a badge of prestige in social circles.
More and more people approached.
Zhou Ning forced a tight smile and patiently exchanged pleasantries one by one.
As for their names — honestly, he remembered almost none of them. He felt like he was sitting on needles, a thorn in his back.
Finally, when these people reluctantly dispersed, Zhou Ning rubbed his temples, his head buzzing.
After a long day, he was starving. He picked up a tray and headed toward the table on the left.
Just then, Smith Hall approached.
"Mr. Sturwell, could we speak in private?"
Zhou Ning silently exhaled, loosened the fist he'd instinctively wanted to use on someone, and pulled his gaze away from the rosemary lamb stew. He looked at Smith Hall. "Where?"
Sensing a strange chill from him, Smith didn't push further. Since Zhou Ning wasn't refusing, he led him through a side door into a study.
A portrait of Louisa Hall hung there as well. Smith paused, then said:
"Hello, Mr. Sturwell. I'm here on behalf of the military to confirm a few matters with you."
Just as expected. Zhou Ning nodded and signaled for him to continue.
"We want to know what exactly happened on Teldron Island. And what your purpose is in coming to Nathaniell City," Smith asked.
The Sepharic Kingdom didn't know what happened on Teldron Island? Zhou Ning found that absurd. After organizing his thoughts, he answered:
"Someone used a summoning scroll to call down the Moon Demon Wolf, Seras, intending to assassinate Angus Motley. It caused a massive outbreak of werewolf mutations. I stepped in and gave Angus Motley a hand."
"As for why I came to Nathaniell… I don't have a purpose. You should've heard I was exiled from the Bryston Kingdom. Nathaniell just happened to be my next stop." Zhou Ning paused briefly.
Smith adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and nodded thoughtfully, as if weighing the truth of Zhou Ning's words. Then he smiled. "Very well. Then on behalf of the Sepharic Kingdom, I welcome you."
"There is one last question — the most important. Is there a possibility of cooperation between you and the kingdom? We're also interested in purchasing the firearms and Devil Fruits you sold to the Sunwatchers. Price is negotiable."
"You don't need to answer immediately. We can wait. And of course, you have the right to refuse."
To be honest, Smith's proposal surprised him a little — but a deal wouldn't hurt him, and the price could be discussed.
Zhou Ning inhaled quietly, fingers tapping the table unconsciously. Then he nodded. "I agree."
---
[I'm begging for support, everyone. Please help! Support me at patreøn.com/craxx_real.]