Chapter 70:

Chapter 70:

After the chaotic dinner had passed, one unwelcome guest had left, but three more remained.

It was a headache, but Elric had to resolve whatever was at hand.

“It was quite a spectacle. I didn’t know Valentina was such a delightful person,” Elric remarked late at night in the reception room, after sending Tyria back to her room.

Elbus, to whom he narrowed his eyes in visible annoyance, merely shrugged nonchalantly.

“Would I have come here if I had known? It’s all a remarkable coincidence.”

“That’s hardly something I want to hear.”

But that didn’t mean he didn’t understand why they had come. As mentioned before, Elric was sensitive enough to the news of the west to somewhat anticipate their objectives.

“Your Highness, it’s been a long time.”

Elric gave a small nod.

Only then did the third prince, Credon Mahir, who had been sitting with his legs crossed, remove his bowler hat.

Blond hair, red eyes.

The handsome man with sleek features exhaled deeply before responding.

“It has been a long time, Kasha.”

“You know that’s not my name anymore, don’t you?”

“What I need is that name.”

For Elric, this was the second meeting since the imperial banquet years ago.

Years had passed, but that blunt personality seemed unchanged.

“Can I take that man with me first?”

Credon pointed at Edward, who was fidgeting with some snacks.

“Hm?”

After cocking his head, Elric eventually drew a sly smile.

“Are you going to make me feel left out like this? I came here with a purpose too.”

“Isn’t your business with Valentina?”

“Oh dear, sir. I already admitted my mistake, didn’t I?”

Edward raised his eyebrows as if unjustly accused.

Indeed, Edward had apologized as soon as Ygrett left. He had emphasized several times that the whole incident was an accidental mistake and clarified that there was no malice intended.

But could that really make him look favorable?

Even if it was a mistake, it had led to an accident, and that couldn’t be denied.

Furthermore, the feelings towards him were already not very favorable.

“You should be thankful this happened within the manor walls.” Elric expressed his feelings succinctly.

At that, Edward’s face fell flat.

However, he didn’t seem to have any intention of leaving quietly.

“Ah... I have no allies here.”

“If you know that, perhaps it’s time for you to leave.”

Edward pointed at Credon and Elbus.

“Let’s be frank. You came here to recruit Elric, didn’t you?”

“I’m not foolish enough to discuss such matters with a military leader of a rival nation.”

“The answer is already clear, isn’t it?”

Just as Elric began to wonder, Elbus spoke up.

“Look here, friend.”

“None of the rewards you’ve offered actually benefit him in any real way, do they?”

A look of confusion spread across Elric’s face.

Edward’s forehead creased with tension.

Amidst this, Elbus remained nonchalant.

“Look here, Goldsmith.”

“What is it?”

“Hmm, how should I put this?”

Tap, tap.

Elbus tapped his cheek with his index finger, then flashed a sly smile.

“You’ll have to deliver on what you’ve promised, whether Elric steps onto the battlefield or not.”

“What?”

“That friend of yours is your shareholder.”

“What are you talking about...”

Edward’s expression went blank.

A passing thought struck him.

‘Wait a minute.’

The relaxed demeanor of Elbus.

Kasha’s seemingly clueless face.

The mention of a shareholder.

And the silent 6% stake in EW known as KS.

As soon as the puzzle pieces clicked into place regarding KS, Edward’s mind raced.

“Kasha. Kasha. KS?” The conjecture completed itself in a moment.

“What are you talking about?”

“I told you. I invested the money you entrusted to me.”

Elbus gestured towards Edward with a nod.

“It’s in there.”

Suspicion turned into certainty.

Edward acted swiftly. He slid off the sofa and gracefully knelt on the floor, embodying the picture of deference.

His posture could have been taken straight from a textbook.

“So you were here?”

Edward looked up at Elric with a desperate gaze, like a puppy that had found its lost owner.

“Shareholder...?”

To Edward, ‘shareholder’ and ‘lord’ were synonymous.

Whining faintly, Edward’s eyes sparkled with earnestness.

Recruitment and agendas aside, his primary concern now was to make a good impression on his shareholder.