Chapter 464 214: "There Is 1 Person Who Can Help You

Daeli caught his meaning and smiled. "From what I hear, Viscount Mockray, you intend to hand this business deal over to Knight Howard?"

As a fairly talented Wizard of the younger generation, the Tier Six Howard naturally had his own noble title, though it was only the lowest rank of "Knight." Daeli had already learned this from her earlier conversation with Mockray.

Viscount Mockray smiled and said, "To be frank, Daeli Duke, he is my only son. The family will be his to manage sooner or later. He already handles a good portion of the Grev Family's current business, so there will be no issues if this matter is left to him."

Howard, however, looked confused. "What business?"

Mockray's expression turned stern again. He shot his son a sideways glance. "Is this your place to speak?"

'When adults are talking, children shouldn't interrupt.'

Howard apologized at once. "I'm sorry!"

Daeli couldn't help but chuckle.

'She was reminded of a time long ago when her own father had scolded her just like that. But now, times had changed, and the roles had reversed... or rather, they should have. If a certain someone hadn't suddenly vanished for several hundred years, she would have had children of her own to scold by now.'

Mockray shot Howard a glare before explaining, "Daeli Duke is here to procure Witch Wood. Go and take stock of our inventory. If we don't have enough, replenish it as quickly as possible. Don't you dare mess this up for me."

Howard quickly complied. "Yes, Father."

"That's all. You're not needed here. You may leave," Mockray said.

"Oh, and one more thing. Daeli Duke and Miss Elvire will be staying with us for a few days. You are to arrange their accommodations personally."

"Also, don't forget about the banquet tomorrow."

"Yes, sir," Howard replied.

'Good thing Sean "helped" me out,' he thought. 'I'd originally planned to give Sean the best room in the Guest Castle, but he said he wasn't particular about such things, so I just found him a suite. If I hadn't, I would have been in big trouble…'

'Even if Daeli Duke didn't mind, my own father would have chewed me out.'

'The main thing was that I truly hadn't expected this distinguished guest to be quite so... distinguished. It made me so tense the entire time that I hardly dared to lift my head. After all, she's Tier Ten. Facing a true titan who could kill me with a single breath, it's impossible not to feel restricted and nervous, no matter how strong my composure.'

'And this was in my own home.'

'Had this been anywhere else, if Daeli Duke had revealed even a hint of her aura, I'm not sure I could have remained on my feet.'

Once he was out of the guest hall, he finally let out a long sigh of relief.

He wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling as if a great weight had been lifted. The fresh garden air, fragrant with soil and grass, effectively eased his tension. Excitement quickly followed—

'I actually met Daeli Duke, the Clan Leader of the Blazing Angel Family…'

'And I have the chance to do business with her!'

'I have to give this deal my all.'

'I'll personally supervise the men's work!'

Just as Viscount Mockray had said, Howard truly didn't have much ambition. Otherwise, after so many years as a Tier Six, he wouldn't have only managed to acquire the title of Knight.

Above Knight was Baron. Unlike a Viscount, becoming a Baron had no specific Tier requirement. As long as one did work for the Church Court, one could become a Baron just by putting in the time; no great merits were needed.

Alternatively, one could build connections with higher-ranking nobility. With a recommendation from the High Nobles, the Church Court might be willing to grant the favor.

But Howard wasn't fond of playing that game and had no interest in the Church Court's affairs. The only reason he liked to make friends was to "keep his options open." Howard didn't aspire to climb to a high position; he just wanted to protect everything the Grev Family currently possessed. Should anything happen in the future, those friends might be able to lend the Grev Family a hand.

Of course, it was best if nothing happened at all.

He much preferred being "drinking buddies" with everyone.

Many people say such friends are unreliable, but Howard didn't see it that way. In noble circles, friendships forged over food and wine were at least purer than relationships based on an exchange of benefits.

"Young Master, how did it go?"

Seeing Howard return "unscathed," Azir stepped forward to ask.

"You guessed right," Howard said with a smile. "It's very good news."

Azir also breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good, then."

He didn't ask for details.

If the Young Master was willing to tell him, he would listen. If not, he would pretend the matter had never occurred.

It wasn't that Howard was unwilling to tell him. Azir had cared for him since he was a child. He used to affectionately call him "Grandpa Azir," but Azir had always insisted it was improper, so he eventually stopped. It was safe to say that besides his own father and mother, this old butler was the person he was closest to in the entire family. He naturally trusted him completely.

However, his mind was currently occupied with thoughts of Sean, so he didn't elaborate.

"Let's go. To the Guest Castle first," Howard said.

'I need to warn Sean not to provoke these two distinguished guests.'

At the same time, this was also good news.

Howard knew Sean's background was extraordinary, but he figured that no matter how extraordinary, it couldn't possibly be as "terrifying" as the Blazing Angel Family. For Sean, this could be an opportunity. If he could make a good impression on Daeli Duke, he wouldn't just be able to do as he pleased on the Golden Coast—he could do so throughout the entire Austinburg State.

But to Howard's surprise, Sean and Elise weren't at the Guest Castle.

After knocking for a long time with no response, he called a servant over to inquire.

"Have Mr. Sean and Miss Elise gone out?"

"Yes, Young Master."

"When did they leave?"

"About half an hour ago."

The servant replied, "They said they were going for a stroll in the city."

Howard nodded. "I see. You can get back to your duties."

"Yes, sir." The servant withdrew.

Howard took out his phone, but quickly put it away again.