Chapter 188: The Citizens of Thunder City Have Never Been So Frenzied_4
Moreover, they could use this opportunity to test and see how much authenticity the Colin family truly holds.
I believe with Princess Erin Campbell's discerning eyes, she wouldn't be fooled by some charlatan...
...
In the wealthy district of Thunder City, at the heart of the manor, in the spacious reception room.
Erin Campbell, sitting in front of the walnut table, spoke with a smile.
"Mr. Andes, thank you for your gift; I had the most restful sleep last night that I've had all month."
Standing not far from the fireplace, Yang Andes nodded slightly, as respectful as a servant.
"To garner the favor of Princess Campbell is our honor."
"You're too modest, Mr. Andes," Erin nodded with a smile and continued, "I must say, I'm curious, what is that mattress made of? How can it be so soft?"
Yang Andes smiled faintly and replied respectfully.
"That's something brought from Mr. Colin's territory, said to be called a spring mattress, crafted by hundreds of craftsmen through hundreds of procedures, its precision not inferior to any intricately designed steam engine or clock."
Erin was silent for a while, then sighed with emotion.
"This must not be cheap, right?"
"Indeed, it's not cheap, but I think there's a reason for its price," Yang Andes nodded slightly and, after a moment's pause, respectfully said, "It's like the motto of the Weaving Shadow's brand, special people need special care."
He liked this phrase very much, so he remembered it instantly, just in time to offer it to the most special guest in this city.
"I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I believe that care isn't just something for special people," Erin gently nodded to express her thanks and then shifted the topic, asking, "How are the preparations for the banquet going?"
"Everything is proceeding in an orderly fashion as per your instructions."
Looking at the smiling face of Princess Erin, Yang Andes paused for a moment and then continued respectfully.
"Additionally, regarding your banquet, there's a matter I'd like your help with... After careful consideration, I think only you are most suitable for this task."
Erin smiled and said.
"No need to be polite, please speak. After all, it's for my banquet, I should apologize for troubling you."
"Please don't say that, serving you is an honor for the Andes family; it's definitely not a trouble for me."
Yang Andes bowed respectfully, paused for a moment, and then explained the purpose of his visit.
"You must have heard about Mr. Colin; the entire high society of Thunder City is currently very interested in this noble from the Empire. I'd like to ask Your Highness to write a letter inviting this faraway guest to your banquet. I believe it will not only encourage the other guests to respond more positively to your goodwill but also enhance the friendship between the Campbell Duchy and the Colin family."
Standing on the side, Theresa slightly frowned.
In her ears, this sounded somewhat presumptuous, and she knew nothing about the so-called Colin family's background; no one could be certain if they were true nobles.
However, the esteemed Princess Erin didn't mind, listened earnestly to his request, and after thinking for a while, said.
"I actually have considered it, but I couldn't make a hasty decision due to identity matters... First, are you certain that he is a noble of the Empire?"
Yang Andes nodded and respectfully replied.
"His territory doesn't seem fake, and according to my servant's investigation, indeed, a cargo ship from the New Continent is docked at the port."
He didn't directly answer Princess Erin's question because he too was uncertain about Mr. Colin's true identity.
In actuality, this was one of the reasons he wanted Erin to send the invitation letter.
He hoped that Her Highness might act as a touchstone; after all, she's a member of the Royal Family, and though she might have limited management abilities, her insight surely wouldn't be lacking.
If that fellow's title was false, it would quickly become evident in the presence of the actual Royal Family.
This was what Yang Andes was contemplating.
Seeing the deep faith on her brother's right-hand man's face, Erin Campbell's slightly furrowed brows softened a bit.
The Empire's territory was vast, and Emperor Peter's reign had spanned a millennium, with nobles as numerous as stars. If it were a low-profile, foundational family, it would be normal not to have heard of them.
Just like how most nobles of the Empire wouldn't necessarily have heard of a duchy called Campbell on the northeast coast of the Vortex Sea unless they were passionate about studying the "Holy Sis Church History" or obsessed with poetry—not everyone is keen on being in the spotlight.
Stealing the Emperor's glory is a dangerous thing.
She forgot where she heard it from, but such a maxim did circulate among the Empire's high society.
After thinking for a moment, Erin gently nodded.
"If so, then I'll personally write the invitation letter to him."
Yang Andes showed a joyful smile, speaking with respect.
"Thank you for considering Campbell Duchy; if Grand Duke Edward knew, he would surely appreciate your actions."
Erin Campbell smiled at these words but didn't take them to heart, instead feeling a little melancholic inside.
She wished her brother thought that way, but ever since she took over that sword from her father, everything had changed.
Not just her elder brother.
Her second brother was the same.
The covert rivalry between both sides led to the fall of several brilliant generals, even causing upheavals within the upper echelons of Campbell Duchy's power.
However, she was someone who understood the bigger picture and didn't show any inappropriate melancholy on her face, merely saying with a smile.
"Such a small matter is insignificant to me; it's people like you who are the true pillars of Campbell Duchy."
Yang Andes bowed humbly, though inwardly he smiled skeptically.
Pillars?
"Fat sheep" might be a better description.
For several centuries, the Campbell family hadn't regarded merchants without titles with any respect, except for the newly ascended Grand Duke Edward.
Of course, such circumstances wouldn't last forever, just like the unbreachable Brass Pass, which now totters on the brink.
One day, they would take the stage of history, and his intuition told him that day might not be far off—it could arrive soon.
"Thanks to your kind words, I hope that day will come."
Not taking the courteous remarks too seriously, Erin smiled calmly and said.
"You're too modest; I think that day has already arrived."