Bear School Astartes

Female warlocks are a group not constrained by traditional female images, and their unkempt hairstyles are an expression of this.

So even in such an important occasion, Margaret freely expressed her emotions.

Lann pursed his lips, feeling that it was indeed a bit too stimulating.

The merchants below the stage saw the dean of Airetusa escorting a silver-haired strong man onto the stage, initially whispering with a hint of confusion.

But soon after, there was silence.

People looked around, exchanging glances with skepticism, and finally, it seemed they confirmed something.

Their expressions shifted from disbelief to cheerful acceptance and joy.

A spontaneous applause began to spread from the front rows of the crowd, though the people behind were still unsure, but started clapping amidst the noise and discussion, going with the flow.

"I didn't know I was so popular... Is this the academy's arrangement?"

Lann's calm steps remained unperturbed.

The qualities and memories within his genetic makeup enabled him to exhibit extraordinary adaptability in such high-profile occasions.

The gathering of the crowd couldn't impose pressure on him; rather, it brought about a sense of enjoyment and ease.

Every action he made instinctively carried little techniques to engage the audience's emotions and attention.

For those unaware, no one could see that he was a person suddenly brought there unexpectedly.

That familiar mastery would even make people feel he was one of the organizers.

"Do you think the title of 'Hunting Marquis' only instills fear?"

Lann and Margaret walked towards the high platform, both with a semblance of a smile on their lips, speaking with minimal motion and voice.

"At least, those below shouldn't derive their sense of security from this title, right?"

"Indeed, the times are not like decades or centuries ago. Merchants rely on the power of money, and the most outstanding ones even achieve prestige and power not much different from the great aristocrats. But most merchants' greatest pursuit isn't security, Lann... it's profit."

With clear logic, Margaret explained to the man beside her.

"Great aristocrats still maintain control over trade in most areas, which significantly suppresses the vitality of these mediocre merchants. They cannot compete freely, suppress opponents, or annex market shares, because in these matters, relationships with local aristocracy matter more than their business acumen."

"Your appearance here will make many aristocrats to adhere to rules. Many great aristocrats will dislike engaging in this business, at least on the surface. This small change is enough to increase profits for these people below."

"Originally, we only planned to add your name when announcing externally, but now that you're personally present, the effect will be better."

Lann remained silent for a while.

"Truthfully, Rita. How long did Tishaya spend teaching you to understand these words?"

"Hey! You can't belittle me like that!"

"I'm not belittling you, I'm just aware of you."

Faced with a fiery yet alluring golden-haired beauty, Lann spoke with no concealment.

"You'd rather get yourself drunk with Aphrodisia in the female warlock salon, or bury your head in magic books all day, or repeatedly discuss new clothes with a familiar tailor, than expend too much effort on this. Because these things just make you feel bored. Besides Tishaya, probably no one in Airetusa can press your head to analyze the situation."

"Oh, thank you, sir."

The timing was just right, as Lann finished teasing his companion, their footsteps precisely arrived at the table on the high platform.

He offered an impeccable polite smile to thank a dwarf who helped pull out his chair.

Margaret's displeased gaze remained fixed on Lann, but considering the occasion, her verbal retaliation remained unspoken, and she could only swallow it back, revealing a forceful smile.

"Thank you, Giancardi."

Seeing the awkward expression of the female warlock brought Lann amusement.

And their gratitude was directed towards a dwarf dressed in snug fitted clothes, with a fluffy red beard and red hair, who laughed heartily.

"Shilton, ma'am. I've told you many times, just call me Shilton."

First, enthusiastically suggesting that the female warlock directly call his name, then the dwarf warmly extended his hand towards Lann.

"You don't need to be polite either, Mr. Lann. Thanks to you, Airetusa was able to uncover such a magical alchemical formula from dusty files and forge miraculous steel. I, unlike others, don't think giving you twenty-five percent shares is a gift from the heavens, it's your rightful share! Otherwise, who knows how long this formula would've stayed buried? You can call me by my name too."

For the first time, Lann experienced the legendary warmth of dwarves.

Fergus from Master Butcher's forge would always dodge responsibilities, except when Lann came over for card games.

"Indeed."

Lann's face showed no hint of anomaly.

"I just happened upon it, and Airetusa's grand library holds vast knowledge diluted by time that no one can fully grasp."

"Oh, you really are humble."

Shilton Giancardi shook Lann's hand, smiling fervently.

Margaret timely became the intermediary, starting introductions.

"Shilton Giancardi, head of this Giancardi Bank, Giancardi clan among dwarves is on the same level as the Vivaldi clan as bankers. After consideration and investigation, the academy decided to hand over the agency rights of Valerian Steel to Giancardi Bank for operation. This is also the contract being established at this signing meeting."

Lann displayed an expression of long admiration: "A pleasure to meet you, Shilton."

"Aha! Pleasure to meet you too! The renowned 'Hunting Marquis'! The scene where you crushed Steza's skull has been made into ballads! Such satisfaction, that bastard aristocrat deserved a lesson! More importantly..."

The dwarf spoke straightforwardly, but towards the end, he also displayed professional qualities fitting his status.

"More importantly, with you around, our business can be a lot 'freer'! Ah, 'free trade,' such a delightful phrase. Every merchant would sell their wife for this phrase!"

Although Lann had his thoughts about the concept of 'free trade,' considering the historical context and present scenario, he decided not to spoil the mood.

Originally, Shilton only placed two chairs beside the table on the high platform, one representing Airetusa, another representing Giancardi.

But with Lann's sudden appearance, Shilton very tactfully offered both chairs, and then turned to have a human bank employee fetch another one for him to sit.

It wasn't until the signing stage that Lann saw the entire contract.

It was consistent with the initial discussions he had with Tishaya and Margaret, where he would receive twenty-five percent shares in the Valerian Steel business. As for how much of these shares he would allot to Belengar, it was his own matter.

And Giancardi Bank would manage the business aspects, production work and raw material costs would be borne by Airetusa.

Notably, Shilton Giancardi, in his personal capacity, became the general manager of Valerian Steel operations, directly reporting to the major shareholders, which are Airetusa Academy and Lann.

They will likely meet frequently in the future.