They all call me Great Master-Chapter 240 - 237: A Morning Out!

Arthur thought of the "Phantom Realm Sphere"!

Or more accurately, he thought of the last sentence in the remarks of the "Phantom Realm Sphere": the treasury of Baron Norvia!

Arthur couldn’t be sure if the "Gentleman Thief" Carmen had successfully taken what he wanted from Baron Norvia’s treasury, but on reflecting upon his interactions with Marinda, other than that treasury seeming to be related to the tiniest clue about ’Cat Hole. Nine Lives’, nothing else seemed likely.

It couldn’t possibly be related to the egg tarts made by Marinda’s cook, Mary, associated with ’Cat Hole. Nine Lives’, right? Stay connected through novelbuddy

That would be too far-fetched.

"Baron Norvia?"

Arthur silently recited this name in his heart.

Unlike South Los, Seberlin, Ainhars, Bert, Inner Bay, Rosha, and Sidon, where seven noble families equally divided the "Inland River" and acquired a great amount of tax through coastal trade to develop their territories and arm their armies, ensuring a stable life for the civilians within.

Especially South Los, being the gateway of transoceanic trade, its prosperity made people drool with envy.

But Norvia, Rude, and Catermont were different.

All three were completely landlocked territories, mostly self-sufficient through traditional farming and livestock, but Norvia was particularly special.

Because it was rich in iron ore!

Even though the land was not suitable for crops and lacked any livestock for husbandry, due to the presence of mines, Norvia’s territory was still coveted— at least by the previous Baron Norvia.

As for the current Baron Norvia?

During the "Seven Years’ War," he recklessly rushed in and lost two thousand of his elite personal troops.

When leprosy broke out in the territory, he let it run its course, resulting in the death of one-fifth of the territory’s civilians.

Moreover, he lived extravagantly day-by-day, elevating the taxes to an unprecedented 75% since the "Silver Age," almost reaching the exorbitant 90% "Redemption Tax" of the "Holy Empire" era.

Yet, Norvia’s territory remained stable.

Because the baron was strong enough.

Four years ago, a tax conflict within the territory led to the baron’s tax officer being hanged; then, the baron himself slaughtered a whole town, killing about 700 people, all of them hanged, without a single survivor.

This added a prefix of tyranny to the Baron Norvia’s extravagance.

Even some businessmen were reluctant to go to Baron Norvia’s territory.

Recalling everything about this Baron Norvia, Arthur subconsciously touched his chin.

Obviously, due to the existence of the "Mystic Side," the "true nobles" of this world lived much more luxuriously than he had imagined, without the likelihood of being overthrown by the common folk.

"No wonder they so actively pursue power—once awakened, they truly have nothing to worry about!"

Arthur thought to himself.

Then, he subconsciously thought of the Earl of South Los.

Compared to that Baron Norvia’s 75% tax, the Mother Tigress’s tax of ’half a percent to three and a half percent’ according to different professions was practically saint-like.

Whew!

Thick smoke rushed towards him.

Mixed with a faint cocoa scent and a very obvious sweetness.

"Did you change your tobacco?"

Arthur looked surprised as he glanced at Marinda, who sat in the chair with her eyes squinted as if she were dozing off.

Previously, Marinda’s smoke was more woody, sometimes even carrying a hint of alcohol, far less sweet than now.

"Not entirely changed, just mixed in a bit of aged White Rib tobacco with Cavendish and Virginia flavoring herbs—can you feel the friendliness I have for you?"

As she spoke, the lady winked at Arthur.

"Hot cocoa and tobacco are two different things!"

Arthur rolled his eyes, not at all appreciating the gesture.

Because he knew that Marinda’s ’flattery’ was merely due to the "Soul School" of Sigmund.

Clearly, the so-called "Soul School" was extremely important to this woman.

Marinda was a supremely practical woman.

"No profit, no waking early," perfectly described this woman.

However, Arthur did not dislike it.

Because this woman had no unrealistic fantasies but preferred to bind him with interests.

Just as when she found out he was the contemporary ’Black Cat’, she didn’t directly seek help or promise pie in the sky, but slowly deepened their relationship through mutual benefits—Arthur knew well that only when he truly ’could not part’ from her, would this woman make a request.

So, this woman became his partner.

No one would refuse such a ’far-sighted’ partner.

Arthur was no exception.

Even, to some extent, Arthur preferred this kind of partner.

It definitely wasn’t with the intention of taking advantage.

But rather a true ’mutual benefit’—

"Bernice should be coming to see me soon, before that, I need to leave South Los and head to Yumir Manor in the Mount Gale Region.

After that, it’s all up to you."

Arthur said so.

"Hmm, lazy guy!"

Marinda retorted with her words, her eyes sparkling with excitement, having been called out on her ’little schemes’.

Just as Arthur had surmised, this lady was not in a rush.

Updated from freewёbnoνel.com.

With her exceptionally good family upbringing, she knew the importance of future matters, but present ones were even more crucial.

Because having the latter allowed the continuation of the former.

"How is the eldest son, Clay?"

Arthur began packing his baggage as he inquired.

"Nowhere near as shrewd as described by the outside world, and quite greedy. With the previous transactions between Bernice and me, we can totally break through from here—compared to this, you need to be more careful with…

the Old Lion of Inner Bay!"

Marinda suddenly lowered her voice.

"Even though I’ll be leaving South Los, I am still within the territory of South Los!"

"We must have faith in our Lord Count!"

Arthur said with a smile.

The young ’Spirit Medium’ of course understood Marinda’s reminder, but it did not stop him from taking the chance to compliment the Mother Tigress of South Los.

Even though she could not hear it.

But, what if?

’Praising someone to their face is a good way to close the distance, but praising behind their back is the correct way!’

Old Charlie’s words always greatly benefited Arthur.

"Ha!"

Marinda scoffed coldly.

It wasn’t directed at the Earl of South Los.

But at Arthur’s shamelessness.

"A guy like you will definitely be safe—because, only someone as shameless as you can live a long life."

Having said that, Marinda stood up and walked outside.

She had already taken a brief rest.

What’s next?

Naturally, it was time to work.

Arthur saw the lady out of No. 2 Cork Street, watched as she got into a carriage and left, then waved at the kids from Dar Alley who were eagerly looking this way.

Immediately, a black-haired, skinny, fair-skinned child who ran the fastest approached Arthur.

"Good morning, Lord Kledos!"

"What’s your name?"

Arthur looked at the child who had served him several times, asking with a smile.

"Merlin!"

The child from Dar Alley replied, then, seemingly remembering something, he bowed slightly—

"Merlin, at your service!"