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Platform 2 of the Backlund Steam Train Station, which was originally bustling with people, became empty, with only guards and servants wearing the East Tucker Family crest remaining.
People on the other platforms all looked in this direction, watching this rarely seen scene and whispering softly.
Butler Dido Werner, dressed in a dark black tailcoat and a semi-high silk top hat, stood at the very front of the crowd.
Seeing Lord Aaron alight from the carriage, he quickly walked over, bowed his head, and said,
"Respected Lord Aaron, it has been a long and tiring journey. Please allow me to escort you by carriage to the Duke's mansion in Backlund."
"There will be a welcoming reception tonight, and Duke Negan of the Conservative Party and Earl Hall of the New Party will both be attending."
Lord Aaron glanced at the butler with slight surprise, suppressed the urge to ask questions, and followed his steps into a luxurious carriage adorned with the East Tucker Family crest on its exterior.
Lord Aaron sat inside the carriage, looking at the butler sitting opposite him, and slowly asked,
"What's going on? Why would such prominent nobles as Duke Negan and Earl Hall personally attend a reception?"
Although the East Tucker Family was also a ducal family, it had long been removed from Backlund's political core, focusing more on the interests and development of the military.
In terms of politics, it only retained voting rights in the House of Lords and House of Commons, and was a political ally with some neutral nobles, not participating in the struggles between the New Party and the Conservative Party.
Lord Aaron did not believe that his current status as a Lord alone could prompt those two prominent nobles to personally attend his welcoming banquet, unless something special had occurred.
Butler Dido bowed his head slightly in respect, then spoke,
"During the House of Lords meeting in late April, the New Party, represented by Earl Hall, proposed the repeal of the grain act in Parliament."
"This met with strong opposition from the Conservative Party, and therefore, it was not passed at the meeting."
"However, the news of the grain act's repeal received support from the vast majority of the common people. Since late April, Backlund has seen several resident protests demanding the repeal of the grain act."
Lord Aaron knew about the grain act. Its core purpose was to protect the prices of domestic agricultural products, preventing the import of grain from countries like Feynapotter, Masin, and Lenberg until prices rose to a certain level.
As for the repeal of the grain act, Lord Aaron believed that the shadow of George III was definitely behind it.
Seeking novelty through change, the repeal of the grain act was part of an era of transformation, and this era of transformation was also the distorted order needed in George III's Black Emperor ritual. The large number of unemployed workers thus created could also be used as labor for building the Black Emperor's mausoleum.
Indeed, when there is prosperity, the common people suffer; when there is decline, the common people suffer. Lord Aaron mused, a mocking smile appearing on his face. The butler opposite him continued speaking with his head bowed, not noticing the mocking smile on Lord Aaron's face.
"There are many contradictions between the New Party and the Conservative Party. Whether in the House of Lords or the House of Commons, many other issues have also been shelved due to the conflicts between the two parties."
"And the news of your impending arrival in Backlund as the future heir of the East Tucker Family reached Backlund yesterday."
"Not only have prominent nobles like Duke Negan and Earl Hall sent their butlers with visiting cards, but many bankers and old-fashioned nobles have also sent visiting cards, including your maternal grandfather, Earl Wolfe."
"Tonight, a welcoming gathering will be held at the East Tucker Duke's mansion in the Empress Borough. This is the first gathering hosted by Your Lordship. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me."
Lord Aaron's expression returned to normal as he fell into thought:
"Hmm... Father and Duke Negan both believe in the Church of the Lord of Storms, and Grandfather Earl Wolfe is one of the representatives of the old-fashioned nobles. Duke Negan, as a representative of the Conservative Party, naturally wants to gain the support of the East Tucker Family through various means."
"As for Earl Hall, the representative of the New Party, he must have learned of my identity as a Blessed of the Evernight Goddess from the Church of the Evernight Goddess. As a prominent noble supported by the Church of the Evernight Goddess, Earl Hall also wants to gain my support."
After understanding the reasons behind it, Lord Aaron nodded slightly and looked at Butler Dido, saying,
"I am already familiar with the procedures and etiquette of the gathering within the family. You just need to compile a list of all the guests."
Butler Dido respectfully nodded in response and took out a beautifully bound card from his embrace, filled with the list of attendees.
Lord Aaron raised an eyebrow, took the list, and began to read it. Suddenly, his finger twitched slightly, and his gaze stopped at a name after Earl Hall.
"Audrey Hall"
His lips moved slightly, he looked up, put away the list, and said to Butler Dido,
"Hmm... I understand. Prepare a exquisite evening gown for me. You personally supervise the preparations for the evening gathering, and make sure there are no mistakes."
The carriage, made of splendid wood and metal decorations, moved slowly, accompanied by slight creaking sounds and the clatter of horseshoes.
The carriage, adorned with the East Tucker Family crest, drove into the luxurious East Tucker Family villa in the Empress Borough.
Lord Aaron ignored the servants unloading luggage, exchanged a few words with the butler to give instructions, and then went with Darren and Harland to the reception room on the second floor.
He looked at Darren and said seriously,
"You will be responsible for the security of tonight's gathering. You must closely monitor all visiting guests, as there might be someone who wants to see our East Tucker Family make a fool of ourselves."
"Additionally, I have spoken with the butler, and he will provide you with the necessary funds. You will take over the construction of the East Tucker Family's intelligence network in Backlund."
"For now, focus on areas where common people gather, such as the East Borough, Docklands, and Backlund Bridge area, as primary breakthrough targets."
"Those are also the main areas where intelligence organizations from various countries infiltrate. I hope to see some results within a month. I hope you will not disappoint me."
Darren, with a serious expression, stood up and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your trust and support! I will definitely not fail to meet your expectations."
Lord Aaron then turned to Harland, who was standing nearby, and said with a smile,
"Go find the butler and ask for a visiting card. Find Mr. Leopard; he is someone who can provide you with help. Hmm... he lives on Sach Street in Backlund's St. George Borough."
"The bicycle I mentioned to you on the steam train, you need to develop it and put it on the market as soon as possible. All expenses can be obtained from the butler."
"I only have one request: you must produce a satisfactory sample for me within two months. Can you do it?"
Harland's eyes lit up, and he eagerly stood up, replying excitedly,
"Respected Lord Aaron, I am full of confidence in machinery. I will definitely complete your task."
Lord Aaron nodded slightly in satisfaction, looked at the two standing before him, and made a promise,
"If your contributions satisfy me, I can provide you with the subsequent potions."
Lord Aaron looked at the two, whose eyes were shining and who were slightly excited, and waved for them to go down and start working.
After standing by the window and pondering for a moment, Lord Aaron felt that as a Blessed of the Evernight Goddess, he should be more proactive, so he called for the butler:
"Prepare a carriage and 1000 gold pounds for me. I am going to Saint Samuel Cathedral."
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