Chapter 168:

Chapter 168: Chapter 168:

Chapter 168:

Grand Elders were usually individuals who had spent decades, if not centuries, studying magic and improving their abilities, and their knowledge and experience were often just as valuable as their strength.

Although the exact requirements for becoming one differed between Magic Towers, there was no doubt that anyone who managed to obtain such a position was someone who deserved considerable respect.

"Now you see why I said I couldn’t possibly do anything in the matter."

He shook his head slightly, still amused by Osborne’s reaction.

Although Albert had considerable influence in the town and maintained connections with several important figures, there was a limit to what he could accomplish, and Lord Ludwig was certainly someone he had no intention of offending.

Even if he wanted to protect a business partner, going against a Grand Elder of the Azure Magic Tower was simply not worth the trouble.

Besides, the old man had only been investigating the disappearance of his herbs, and Albert had no reason to interfere once he discovered who was responsible.

"But I’m sure you came to me regarding something else entirely."

Albert changed the subject, bringing their conversation back to the reason for Osborne’s visit.

"Indeed." Osborne nodded.

He then retrieved all he’d collected from the bandits as well as a good amount of Moonlight Grass.

Several items appeared within the hall, ranging from weapons and pieces of equipment to various valuables that had been collected from the traffickers’ camp.

There were also several bags containing miscellaneous goods, along with the Moonlight Grass that Osborne had harvested from the old man’s garden.

Upon seeing the Moonlight Grass, Albert’s eyes widened for a moment.

’To think he still has more, but he should’ve run out last time.’

He couldn’t help but feel surprised.

He had personally handled the previous transaction involving the Moonlight Grass, and considering the amount Osborne had brought him at the time, he had naturally assumed that the young man had already sold most of what he had collected.

Yet, there was still such a considerable amount in front of him.

’The only way he could still have this much must mean that Lord Ludwig allowed him to. But why would that grumpy old man still let him take more?’

Albert recalled how furious Ludwig had looked upon coming to meet him, and even though he had been fortunate enough to avoid becoming the target of the old man’s anger, he still remembered the overwhelming pressure coming from the Grand Elder.

A merchant of his stature was obviously nothing in the presence of such a man.

He had barely managed to keep his composure during their meeting, and if Ludwig hadn’t been so focused on finding the person responsible for taking his herbs, Albert wasn’t sure how long he would have been able to withstand the man’s presence.

Yet, Osborne was standing right in front of him with even more Moonlight Grass.

The amount was certainly too much to be a coincidence, and considering the circumstances surrounding their previous meeting, Albert couldn’t help but wonder whether something had happened between the two of them.

’Perhaps...’

A strange light suddenly flashed past his eyes.

He looked at Osborne, then shifted his attention towards the herbs once again, gradually forming an idea in his mind.

Rather than calling in others to analyse everything present, Albert went ahead and did it himself.

He carefully examined the Moonlight Grass, checking its quality and quantity before moving on to the other items Osborne had brought.

Such actions naturally didn’t escape Osborne’s notice.

’Could he have put two and two together?’

Osborne smirked beneath his helm.

He was hoping for this, which was why he brought out such a large amount of Moonlight Grass from his sub-space.

Although he could have sold the herbs separately or brought out only a small portion of them, doing so wouldn’t have served his purpose, especially when considering what he wanted to achieve from this transaction.

Albert was a merchant, and people like him were naturally good at reading between the lines, particularly when it came to opportunities involving influential individuals.

By bringing out a large amount of Moonlight Grass so soon after his encounter with Lord Ludwig, Osborne was practically giving the merchant enough clues to reach his own conclusion.

Of course, Albert had no way of knowing exactly what had happened between them, and Osborne had no intention of explaining the details either.

However, if the merchant believed that he had developed a relationship with such an important figure, his attitude towards him would naturally improve even more.

’Not bad.’

Osborne thought to himself.

After all, having connections was always useful, especially when dealing with merchants who placed considerable value on relationships and influence.

Besides, he had no intention of relying on Albert for everything, and as long as the merchant continued to provide him with fair prices and useful information, maintaining their current relationship was more than enough.

After settling the payment, Albert personally confirmed the amount before arranging for the money to be handed over.

Osborne collected the payment and made sure everything was in order before putting it away.

"Please do come again. My doors are always open to you."

Albert said with a pleasant smile.

"I’m afraid that’s not possible."

Osborne shook his head slowly.

"Might I ask why?"

Albert politely asked. Inwardly hoping he wasn’t holding a grudge because of what he did.

To lose such a potential client would be a severe blow to a merchant of his calibre.

Although his expression remained unchanged, he felt nervous inside, thinking that such a good opportunity was about to slip past his fingers.

He had already begun to suspect that Osborne might have some kind of connection with Lord Ludwig, and even if he couldn’t confirm the exact nature of their relationship, it was certainly something worth maintaining.

After all, a merchant’s success depended not only on the goods he traded but also on the people he knew, and having a business partner who could potentially reach someone of Lord Ludwig’s standing was an opportunity he couldn’t afford to ignore.