Chapter 292: Careful Contact
October 3rd, midday.
Bay City, Warehouse District.
The area was bustling with caravans and adventurer teams.
Most were here to sell or purchase various goods.
The Bay Territory collected taxes here, but only once per transaction.
Paris and his team were inspecting the modified iron-reinforced bows and longswords, expressing high praise for their enhanced features and quality.
Annie stood beside him, curiously observing the busy warehouse district, her attention mostly focused on Ralph and the carriage behind him.
Matthew pushed open the carriage door, and Yaya, happily munching on a candied hawthorn stick, sat on his shoulder as usual.
"Wow, are they really elves? They don't look like it at all…"
Yaya sneaked a glance at Paris, asking curiously.
Matthew's thoughts snapped back from his memories: "Yes, they are not just elves but elite elves with average high-tier strength."
"As for their disguise, it's said to be provided by a legendary elf spellcaster."
"Unless it's actively dispelled by another legendary spellcaster, their disguise is almost impossible to see through."
Yaya nodded in realization and pointed at the face looking at them:
"Wow, that big sister is so beautiful!"
Yaya's clear voice made Annie, who was looking over, smile faintly.
She discreetly observed Matthew's arcanist robe, smartly greeting him:
"Greetings, Lord of the Territory."
"She's also very cute…"
Somewhat surprised, Matthew looked at Annie, not expecting this.
This heir of the Silverleaf Family, who he'd only heard of but never seen, was completely unlike the arrogant elves he remembered.
Just this made Matthew regard her more highly.
To be able to form her own values and worldview, independent of her surroundings, was extraordinary.
"Perhaps if this heir hadn't died, the Silverleaf Family wouldn't have perished as they did in my memories."
Hearing Yaya's praise, Annie couldn't help but smile, her round, chubby cheeks shaking adorably, making people want to pinch them.
She happily said:
"My name is Yaya. Pretty big sister, what's your name?"
Feeling the warmth from Yaya, Annie discreetly took her gaze off Matthew and answered with a smile:
"Yaya is such a cute name. You can just call me Annie."
Before Annie could react, Yaya darted toward her with a swift movement, surprising her as she landed in her arms, sniffing curiously:
"Wow, what smells so good? I wonder how it tastes?"
Laughing helplessly, Annie didn't perch Yaya on her shoulder like Matthew but held the adorable creature in her arms, explaining:
"It must be the fruit I just ate. If you'd like, I can give you some later."
Hearing the implication in her words, Matthew, without the intention of taking Yaya back, smiled and said:
"Hello, Miss Annie. I am Matthew, the lord of this land."
"I haven't officially welcomed you yet. Are you enjoying your time in the Bay Territory?"
Annie nodded, matching Matthew's black eyes, as if drawn in by a strange force:
"Hello, Lord Matthew. We are enjoying our time in the Bay Territory and really love this city."
Matthew showed a "satisfied" expression, walking ahead as he casually asked:
"Besides these weapons and equipment, we have many other items. Is there anything else you need?"
Slightly parting her lips, Annie noticed Paris's gaze and softly asked:
"We've found almost everything we need, except for spatial crystals. We haven't seen any, not even at the auction houses…"
Matthew raised his eyebrows in surprise: "Spatial crystals? You're in luck; we have some here!"
Annie suppressed her excitement, pretending to be pleasantly surprised: "Really? That's wonderful!"
"It's already noon; I'd like to invite Miss Annie and your companions to the mansion for lunch so I can show some hospitality."
Not wanting to continue the charade, Matthew noticed Paris edging closer and instructed Ralph:
"Notify the kitchen to prepare a banquet."
Hearing this, Annie turned to Paris with a questioning look:
"What do you think?"
"Let's go!"
Annie immediately agreed, and she and the lively Yaya engaged in a delightful conversation, showcasing her excellent adaptability.
Matthew discreetly observed as they returned to the mansion and entered the newly renovated dining room, motioning for the two to sit.
Looking at the array of dishes, Annie initially hesitated but quickly relaxed when Yaya served her some food.
Paris, showing great patience, praised the food's taste and Bay Territory's weapon quality while refraining from other topics.
He knew that a few compliments could go a long way toward achieving his goals, and he was willing to speak endlessly if it would help.
The family's burden and the kingdom's hopes left Paris unconcerned about his pride.
After about half an hour.
The food on the table was entirely consumed.
Yaya burped contentedly and grinned at Annie, who looked slightly embarrassed:
"Wow, I got too carried away with eating…"
Annie chuckled and embraced the unusually charming Yaya, sincerely praising:
"Eating more helps you grow faster…"
Sensing the timing was right, Paris turned to Ralph, who was gracefully attending to them, and asked:
"We're still short of some spatial crystals. What are the prices like?"
Ralph, already informed of their secrets by Lord Matthew, responded calmly:
Conflicts arise where there are interests.
The Bay Territory is our home, and building it up is more important than anything.
He kept his expression neutral, nodding naturally:
"We have a steady output of spatial crystals, with excellent quality and size."
"However, we generally don't sell them because Lord Matthew is researching how to make spatial storage equipment."
"If the research succeeds, they could sell for much higher prices…"
Spatial storage equipment?
Lord Matthew?
These two pieces of information caught Paris off guard.
He nearly changed his mind but maintained his composure and continued:
"We don't need many; just six for now."
"We're willing to pay 20% above market price."
It wasn't that Paris was stingy with gold coins; he simply needed room for negotiation to avoid being overcharged.
He had suffered such losses more than once!