Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1564 - 538: Crisis and Search (3)
Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...
Every day, the entrance to Rein Mansion buzzes with constant activity, resembling a lively market square.
Lady Jennifer, the stunning beauty, once struggled to secure even a single business ally in the Imperial City, yet now she faces the dilemma of selecting from a crowd of potential partners.
Not only are there numerous options available, but each surpasses the previous in power and reach. Trade groups backed by Duke lineages number over a dozen, Marquis-tier ones top thirty, and Earl-level associations? They're beyond counting...
Both the elegant Lady Jennifer and Cleya, seasoned by her time at the Royal Academy, stood in awe of the sweeping impact from Rein's triumph.
The barbarian lass Lagaray, however, saw nothing unusual in it, as the Barbarian Tribe's customs dictate that the mighty claim all possessions.
Rein’s mother, Emma, beamed endlessly, her former ailment fully healed, thanks to the daily influx of noblewomen and young ladies who followed the 'Madam route' to call on her, showering her with heartfelt warmth and salutations.
Yet, the lively commotion doesn't thrill everyone. To Bo He, it proved rather irritating.
Each time she tried to frolic a bit in the courtyard, eager noble ladies would shower her with compliments, tug her along by the hand, and draw her into animated chats, forcing her to perch demurely, flash smiles, and offer nods in line with her fresh grasp of noble manners.
In the study once more, Rein turned to Matteo at his side and remarked:
"Matteo, turn away all visitors save for those we know well."
For starters, he intended to ponder deeply the hunt for the Dragon Scale Brotherhood's hidden lair. Besides, broadening ties with nobility felt like a pointless drain on his hours.
Given his current stature, such polite rituals held no value unless involving an Imperial Guardian of matching might.
After all, he embodied the very connections others craved, rather than chasing them himself.
"As you wish, Lord Rein," the small-statured Matteo replied, offering a respectful bow.
Yet, moments later, a rap echoed at the door.
What? Rein's brow creased—hadn't he only just directed Matteo...
"Lord Rein, Viscount Hamadi is here," Matteo's voice filtered through from outside.
Hamadi?
In a flash, inspiration struck Rein's thoughts!
Indeed, while that issue might stump every arm of the Empire's bureaucracy, the Federation presented a whole other story.
"Bring him to the study."
"Right away, my lord."
...
Before long, Hamadi's recognizable form showed up in the study's doorway.
"Lord Rein, my felicitations on vanquishing the Crown of Pantoscoke," Hamadi offered a profound bow to Rein as he spoke.
Hamadi's grasp of Rein far outstripped that of typical Imperial aristocrats. On Federation-linked topics especially, he'd gleaned details via dedicated routes, so reuniting with Rein shifted his perspective sharply, prompting a much humbler stance.
"My thanks, Lord Hamadi. That's generous of you," Rein gave a faint smile, motioning him toward a chair.
Following brief chit-chat, Hamadi revealed his aims: first, passing along the Federation's cheers, and second, relaying an invite from Haleem, leader of the Federation Mechanical Research Institute.
Rein accepted it and saw that Haleem chiefly desired Rein's return visit to the Federation for joint work and swaps on relics of ancient goblin machinery.
"Kindly thank Lord Haleem for the invite. Sadly, my schedule won't allow it just now. In due course, though, I'll make the trip. I'm eager to swap thoughts on mechanical crafting with him too."
"Understood, Lord Rein. I'll relay your words without fail."
"One more thing—do you have any recent tasks for us? Don't hesitate; our reach may be modest, but we'll escalate it higher if needed."
Hamadi's inquiry came offhand, without much hope attached.
He knew full well Rein had transformed since last time, surging in power and widening his circle immensely—what snag could possibly need their input?
Hamadi himself drew a blank.
Right as Hamadi rose to depart, Rein offered a subtle grin and noted:
"Lord Hamadi, actually, there is a favor I might ask of you."
"Oh? By all means, tell us," Hamadi paused in surprise at first, then his gaze sparked with keen interest.
"Could you look into a hidden base of the group known as the Dragon Scale Brotherhood? It's likely tucked inside a Small Secret Realm. No need to breach it—just pinpoint the general location for me."
Rein weighed his phrasing with care.
"Leave it to us, Lord Rein; we'll handle this," Hamadi felt truly delighted!
"Should the site lie in the Imperial City, expect results from us in three days at most. Though... are you sure we can't take full charge?"
Hamadi eyed Rein with hopeful anticipation.
Though unaware of the exact details yet, he trusted that if they fell short, the Federation would step up.
With the great Lord Rein seeking aid for the first time, Hamadi vowed to execute it flawlessly.
...