Chapter 172: Suspicions

Chapter 172: Suspicions

TL: Etude

After Queller bid farewell to the captain of the Southern, he stood at the door but did not enter as he saw his fathers carriage slowly approaching.

He stood quietly at the entrance, waiting for his father to get out of the carriage.

The carriage stopped at the entrance, and Marquis Foster disembarked.

Father!

His second son stepped forward to greet him.

Father?

The Marquis seemed preoccupied with something and only responded after his son called him twice.

Oh, Queller! What are you doing standing outside?

Pauls ship has arrived. I invited the ships captain for dinner and just sent him off.

Oh, Count Grayman? Then make sure you take good care of him these next few days; after all, hes our business partner. Ive already had my dinner, so Ill be retiring to my room now.

The Marquiss attitude was peculiar to Queller. Previously, his father had always placed great importance on the partnership with the northwest bay; he even planned to recommend a few merchant representatives to meet.

Seeing his fathers furrowed brow, Queller wondered if something was troubling him.

He suddenly remembered the significant incident that had recently occurred and followed his father to ask, Is there still no clue about that matter with the Grand Duchy of Eton?

The Marquis looked at Queller with a worried face and decided to share his current troubles with his son.

Alas, theres no clue at all! It looks like the agreements that were about to be signed between the two nations are about to fall through.

The so-called matter with the Grand Duchy of Eton referred to the disappearance of the Duchesss sister.

A week earlier, His Highness the Grand Duke of Eton brought his wife and sister-in-law to visit Fort Ness and discussed with the Alliances high-ranking officials. However, as both sides were about to reach a series of political and economic agreements, the Duchesss 11-year-old sister, Baroness Fennie, was abducted while touring the city district of Fort Ness.

Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Sertia. I am Captain Quik of the Southern.

Cierra Sertia, although middle-aged, was still a great beauty, and possessing a maturity that was lacking in naive young girls, it was no wonder she could give birth to such a handsome son as Mr. Derrick.

But behind the beauty, Quik sensed an ineffable quality in her.

Cierra reciprocated the greeting while responding in Ordo language. Hello, Captain Quik. My child has been under your care. We will have to trouble you for a while longer; its very kind of you.

Quik quickly waved his hand. No trouble at all. Bringing you to the northwest bay is one of the missions of our voyage.

Ladi asked. Captain Quik, how long will the Southern stay in Fort Ness?

Quik pondered.

The return date is not yet certain, but I think at least five days. Those merchant representatives seem determined to thoroughly investigate the southern market. Are you in a hurry to get back?

Ladi was relieved and shook her head. Im not in a hurry. It so happens that I have some matters to attend to, just for a few days.

How about this, Captain Quik? Ill find an inn nearby for my mother and Lisa in the meantime, and when the Southern is ready to depart, I will bring them aboard. I have some personal business to take care of during this time.

Quik readily agreed. Of course, Mr. Derrick.

After all, it was indeed somewhat inconvenient for two women to stay on a ship; it seemed best to wait until departure to have them board.

Thus, the three bid a temporary farewell to Quik and went in search of an inn.

After settling Cierra and Lisa, Ladi apologized somewhat guiltily to her mother. Sorry, mother, I have to leave you for a little while.

Cierra touched her head with understanding. You still care so much about others. Go ahead, Ladi. You have had a deep connection with her; its right for you to help. Even if you cant do much, you should at least go and comfort her. But remember to act within your limits.

I am aware of the boundaries, Ladi replied.

The female advisor then said goodbye to her mother and Lisa and left the inn to head towards the embassy district of Fort Ness.

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