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Xio finally breathed a sigh of relief as she received the 50 pounds in cash for the bounty mission from the intermediary, Kaspars.
Unwilling to let her family suffer injustice, she left her Mother and younger brother, coming alone to Backlund, her savings already dwindling.
During this time, she mostly relied on her good friend Fors for financial assistance, and now she could finally repay her.
Xio valued her friendship with Fors greatly; they huddled together for warmth in this big city.
After a moment of happiness, her mood couldn't help but sink as she thought of her father's case and the unknown time until she could obtain the Sequence 8 potion formula.
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Backlund, St. George Borough, the research and development studio of the already listed East Tucker Bicycle Company.
Aaron led his Mother and sister out of the carriage and began to tour the company he founded.
Upon hearing that the Duchess and Miss were coming to visit, Harland and Humphrey quickly pushed out the newly developed ladies' bicycle, which had been rushed into production.
After a detailed introduction to the bicycle's operation and precautions, Avonie eagerly sat on the bicycle.
Evelyn, who was visiting for the first time, wagged her tail with interest, then lightly pushed off and jumped into the basket in front.
Avonie rode Evelyn around the factory, completing the sample's initial experience under Mrs. Celine's satisfied gaze.
After receiving positive feedback, the tour concluded.
After the visit, Aaron took two ladies' bicycles and one men's bicycle, planning to give them to Audrey and Earl Hall when he attended Audrey's invitation that evening.
The remaining ladies' bicycle was left for Avonie.
Upon learning that Aaron was going to attend the party, Avonie hugged Evelyn and pleaded for a long time to go along.
Unable to resist his sister's persistent nagging, Aaron finally agreed.
Backlund, Empress Borough, Earl Hall's luxurious villa.
Audrey was dressed in a pure white gown, her golden hair casually styled, flowing smoothly and lustrously.
Her emerald eyes were as deep as the ocean and as pure as the most precious gem, her features and face shape creating a breathtaking beauty, with an elegant and pure demeanor.
Beside her, Susie was lowering her head, eating her favorite snack—dog biscuits made from flour, vegetables, meat, and water by the Backlund Pet Care Company.
Her body was noticeably larger, and she could no longer be called a 'little golden retriever'.
Accompanied by the clip-clop of hooves, a luxurious carriage stopped at the entrance.
A man and a woman stepped out, carrying a very cute white cat in their arms.
Audrey, who had originally intended to greet them personally, stopped when she saw the girl beside Aaron, unsure why she felt a little unhappy.
Aaron directed the servants to remove the three bicycles from the back of the carriage, then walked towards Audrey with a smile, introducing Avonie and Evelyn to her.
Upon hearing Aaron's introduction, a look of realization flashed across Audrey's face, and she showed a sweet smile, stepping forward to perform a graceful court curtsy.
Susie also lifted her head from eating snacks, a dog biscuit in her mouth, and wagged her tail as she ran to Aaron's side.
Avonie also placed Evelyn, who was in her arms, on the floor.
The white cat and the golden retriever stared at each other.
Aaron cleared his throat, patted Susie and Evelyn's heads, and said with a smile:
"Susie, her name is Evelyn, you can eat the dog biscuits yourself."
Then, the group entered the main hall, where Earl Hall sat on the sofa in the center, smiling and inviting everyone to sit.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Earl Hall glanced at Audrey and Avonie, then invited Aaron to the study for a talk.
Upon entering the study, Earl Hall did not beat around the bush, looking at Aaron and asking, "What are your thoughts on the repeal of the Grain Act?"
Aaron thought for a moment, hesitated, and then said, "The repeal of the Grain Act is essentially a struggle between the old aristocracy who control land and the new aristocracy who control productivity and production technology."
"Whether it is repealed or not, this will greatly increase the conflict between the two parties, creating a division.
Of course, this is only from my perspective as a noble."
Earl Hall nodded with satisfaction, not asking for other perspectives, but instead sighed and continued:
"Mr. Humphrey is indeed a very far-sighted and courageous talent, but unfortunately, many things are beyond one's control; we are all people swept along by the times."
Looking at Earl Hall, who had suddenly become emotional, Aaron smiled and said:
"Recently, I had a sudden idea and had my subordinates create a new type of transportation tool, which I call a bicycle."
"Currently, several models have been designed and mass production has begun.
I plan to invite my maternal grandfather, Earl Wolfe, one of the Conservative Party members, to invest.
I wonder if Earl Hall is interested?"
Conservative Party?
Earl Hall's eyes narrowed slightly, and he suddenly laughed as he looked at Aaron: "Of course I'm interested.
What price are you willing to sell the shares for?"
After some negotiation, the specific details were finally settled.
Earl Hall invested 100,000 pounds, acquiring 10% of East Tucker Bicycle Company's original shares, and also agreed to provide assistance in subsequent product promotions.
Both parties were quite satisfied with this transaction.
A company established by the Duke of East Tucker family, with both New Party and Conservative Party backgrounds, and with excellent product quality, could fill a market gap.
Earl Hall felt that this transaction had broad future investment potential, and also carried an unusual political significance.
Aaron was also very satisfied, as this meant that future promotions would be smoother.
After the deal was concluded, Aaron and Earl Hall walked out of the study and heard laughter coming from the living room.
Avonie was riding the ladies' bicycle, with Susie quietly lying in the front basket, her tongue hanging out, and Evelyn lying on Susie's golden fur.
Audrey stood quietly to the side, seemingly tempted, but the cumbersome gown she was wearing made her abandon the impulse to try it.
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Backlund, West Borough, 9 East Vilas Street.
A gathering was also being held here, but the guests present all had pale skin, black hair, and blood-red eyes.
Everyone held a glass, with red liquid swirling inside, and a faint scent of blood permeated the air.
Mistral, with light silver hair and crimson eyes, appeared in the center of the hall, and all Sanguine bowed in salute.
Mistral smiled, holding Louise's hand, and introduced her to everyone:
"This is one of my descendants, Louise Sears, from Feynapotter.
She has just come of age this year and is already a Sanguine Baron.
She will be training in Backlund for a period of time."
The Sanguine watching immediately became restless; many Sanguine who had come of age years ago but had not yet been promoted looked dejected, though a few recently-aged Sanguine were filled with fighting spirit.
A man with hair slicked back to the side, a serious yet dashing demeanor, unconcealed arrogance in his eyes, a high nose bridge, and thin lips, muttered to himself:
"I will also become a Baron, and even a distinguished Viscount."
A Sanguine next to him couldn't help but scoff, "Emlin White, with you obsessed with dolls every day, do you really deserve to become a Baron, or even a Viscount?"
Emlin then let out a cold laugh, mockingly saying with disdain, "Art, that is great art, something a pauper like you, who hasn't even paid off his debts, naturally wouldn't understand."
Without waiting for that Sanguine's retort, he looked down upon his fellow Sanguine who wished to integrate into Backlund's social circles or converse with Miss Louise.
Emlin picked up a glass of fresh blood and left the crowd, his mind already thinking about what new clothes to change his doll into when he returned home.
Louise watched this scene with interest through the crowd.
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