Episode 76
The Graham Duchy ruled over Pansthas, one of the three major cities in Midland.
In the days of the Holy Empire, the Graham family had been powerful enough to govern the entire eastern region where Midland now stood.
Even after the decline of the Holy Empire, the Graham family maintained significant influence, leading the central continent’s finance and real estate sectors.
Zeke, along with Farrell and Felix, was on his way to visit the Graham family in Pansthas.
Inside the carriage, Felix was visibly excited about the prospect of visiting the Graham family.
“The Graham family! Master, this isn’t a dream, is it?”
Zeke clicked his tongue at Felix’s enthusiasm.
“We’re not going there for a vacation, Felix.”
“But still, it’s the Graham family! They’re known for having the most handsome men and beautiful women on the continent!”
The Graham family was famous not only for their wealth and power but also for their striking looks. Rumor had it that they had elven blood, which had long since vanished from the world.
Zeke looked at Felix with a mix of exasperation and amusement.
Farrell, sitting beside them, chuckled warmly. “Haha, the Graham family’s beauty is legendary. It’s not just Felix; everyone visiting them has high expectations. Don’t be too hard on him, Sir Zeke.”
Felix nodded in agreement, turning to Zeke. “See? It’s you who’s the odd one for being so indifferent, Master.”
“Enough with the nonsense. Use that energy to focus on your training.”
Though Felix was four years older than Zeke, their conversation sounded like that of a naive squire and a stern knight.
Zeke had his reasons for not being particularly excited about the Graham family.
“I’ve seen plenty of the Graham family in my past life.”
During the continental war, the Graham family, who had been in finance for generations, fled to the northern continent to escape the Rom Empire’s invasion. They supported the northern continent by supplying war materials from the rear.
Zeke had encountered the Graham family numerous times during that period.
“They may look refined, but if you knew how miserly they are, you wouldn’t speak so highly of them.”
The Graham family never invested in anything that didn’t guarantee a profit. In his past life, they initially sought refuge in the north but switched allegiances to Nirvana when the imperial forces advanced, seeking safety.
Zeke had been betrayed by the Graham family at the last moment, leaving him with little fondness for them.
“They’re not a family I particularly like, but they’re reliable when it comes to business. I should make the most of it.”
“Wow!”
Felix was awestruck by the view of Pansthas from the carriage window.
While Atlas was sleek as a new city and Mycenae held ancient charm, Pansthas had a unique allure all its own.
“Master, I’ve never seen a city with so many different races.”
Pansthas was a crucial hub, connecting the northern alliance with the central kingdom. Anyone traveling between the north and the central regions would pass through Pansthas at least once.
As a result, the city developed a unique charm, blending various races and cultures.
In the city square, halflings performed traditional dances, captivating travelers, while dwarves displayed their handmade goods at stalls. Even the rare naga and the mysterious birdfolk could be spotted occasionally.
Felix was wide-eyed at the fascinating sights, so different from Atlas.
The carriage made its way through Pansthas, heading toward the Graham family’s castle.
With Zeke and Farrell’s clear credentials, they had no trouble entering the Graham estate.
The challenge, however, was meeting the Duchess, Catherine Graham. As a prominent figure in high society, her schedule was packed, making an immediate meeting impossible.
After speaking with the steward, Farrell returned to the drawing room, looking displeased.
“It’s the debutante season, so the Duchess is extremely busy. I apologize, Sir Zeke.”
Zeke nodded at Farrell’s words. “Thank you for your efforts, Sir Farrell. I’ll take it from here.”
Zeke rang a bell to summon a servant.
A Graham family servant promptly entered the drawing room.
“Is there anything you need?”
Zeke addressed the servant. “I’d like to meet with the Duke.”
“May I ask the purpose of your visit?”
Zeke replied, “Tell the Duke I’m interested in investing in the mithril mine.”
The servant was taken aback by the unexpected request. “A mine investment, you say?”
“Yes.”
The servant, trying to mask his surprise, left the drawing room.
Exactly thirty minutes later, a young man, not the Duke, entered the room.
“I’m Albert Graham.”
He seemed to be a banker handling investments for the Graham family. True to the family’s reputation, he was strikingly handsome.
Zeke addressed Albert. “I requested to see the Duke.”
Albert replied with a stiff expression, “The Duke is away on an external meeting, so I’m here in his stead. You can discuss the investment with me. I understand you’re interested in the mithril mine.”
Albert was all business.
Zeke spoke calmly. “I hear there’s ongoing exploration in the northern mountains.”
“That’s correct. We’ve nearly located the vein, so investing now would guarantee stable returns.”
Zeke smiled slyly. “That’s not what I’ve heard. I understand you’ve been searching for three years without success, and your initial funds are nearly depleted.”
Albert’s eyes flickered at Zeke’s pointed remark.
Zeke inwardly chuckled at Albert’s reaction.
“The mithril vein will be discovered next year. I remember the Graham family nearly went bankrupt before the vein was found, saving them at the last moment. I didn’t expect to use that knowledge like this.”
Albert Graham composed himself and asked Zeke in a somewhat arrogant tone, “How much are you considering investing? Mine development requires substantial funds, and we’re not accepting small investments.”
Zeke pulled out a check issued by a northern bank.
Albert’s eyes widened as he glanced at the amount.
“Fifty thousand gold?”
Albert was stunned by the astronomical sum Zeke presented.
Farrell and Felix, standing nearby, were equally speechless.
Zeke asked Albert, “Is this sufficient for an investment?”
Albert, who had been maintaining a haughty demeanor, wiped the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief.
“Of course. Are you planning to invest the entire amount?”
“Yes, I am.”
Albert’s expression changed completely upon receiving the check.
“Sir Zeke, may I verify the check with the northern bank first?”
“Of course.”
Albert noted the check’s details and left the drawing room.
Ten minutes later, Albert returned with the Duke of Graham.
The Duke extended his hand to Zeke.
“Sir Zeke! My apologies for keeping you waiting. I was tied up with an external meeting. I’m Brian Graham.”
As rumored, the Duke was incredibly handsome. Though he was known to be in his fifties, he looked no older than his thirties.
After shaking hands with the Duke, Zeke turned to Albert.
“Did you verify the check?”
“Yes, it’s confirmed. There’s no issue with the investment.”
Given their financial struggles, Zeke’s fifty thousand gold made him a savior to the Graham family.
The Duke wasted no time in drafting the investment contract.
By investing fifty thousand gold, Zeke secured a 38% stake in the mining venture, the largest individual share.
The Duke’s demeanor toward Zeke, now the major shareholder of the mithril mine, was exceedingly respectful.
“Sir Zeke, we have other promising investment opportunities. Would you like to take a look?”
Zeke shook his head at the Duke’s offer.
“I’ll be participating in the upcoming Draker Martial Tournament, so I don’t have time to consider other investments.”
The perceptive Duke immediately understood Zeke’s words.
He smiled at Zeke. “The Draker Martial Tournament! It’s a dream stage for young and talented knights. Ah, I might have a way to assist you.”
“What kind of assistance?”
“I’ll arrange a meeting with my wife, Catherine. She has strong connections with the central region’s nobility and might have information about the tournament.”
Zeke smiled in response to the Duke’s offer. “That would be very helpful.”
“Let’s have dinner together this evening. My wife will be delighted to meet a distinguished knight like you.”
After arranging the dinner, the Duke and Albert Graham left the drawing room.
They provided Zeke and his companions with the best rooms in the castle and assigned the most beautiful servants to attend to them.
Farrell was bewildered by the sudden change in treatment.
“I never imagined such a method, Sir Zeke.”
“Sometimes, money is the quickest solution, Sir Farrell.”
Zeke had learned the hard way in his past life that while money couldn’t solve everything, it certainly solved most things.
That evening, Zeke and his companions had the opportunity to meet Catherine Graham at a dinner party.
Catherine Graham greeted Zeke with a warm smile.
“I’ve heard a lot about you from the Duke. They say you’re the most talked-about knight on the continent right now.”
Catherine Graham was the epitome of a central noblewoman, with her striking blonde hair and every gesture and word steeped in the refined elegance typical of her class.
“You’re too kind. I still have much to learn.”
The dinner proceeded with the usual formalities, filled with polite exchanges and cultured discussions on various continental issues.
As the dinner concluded, Catherine rose from her seat and remarked, “It wouldn’t be right to skip tea after such a meal, would it?”
The Duke of Graham stepped aside, allowing Catherine, Zeke, and Farrell to move to a tea table on the balcony. Felix stood nearby, maintaining a watchful presence.
Catherine sipped her tea gracefully and turned to Zeke. “I hear you’re participating in the Draker Martial Tournament.”
Zeke nodded. “That’s correct.”
“I’ve heard the tournament is known for its surprising and exciting events. Do you know what the events will be this time?”
Zeke shook his head. “I haven’t heard anything yet.”
Catherine covered her mouth with a slight smile. “I see. Let me share a little of what I’ve heard. It’s just my way of wishing you success in the tournament…”
“Lady Catherine,” Zeke interrupted, causing her to look at him with wide eyes.
He continued, “I didn’t come here just to gather a few tidbits of information.”
Catherine’s eyebrows twitched slightly. “I’m not sure I understand, Sir Zeke.”
“I need your help, Lady Catherine.”
Zeke spoke directly, without beating around the bush. Catherine closed her fan and slowly stood up.
“It’s getting quite late. Sir Zeke, Sir Farrell, it was truly a pleasure. I hope we can have another delightful conversation soon.”
As Catherine made her polite but firm refusal, Zeke addressed her again. “I propose a deal.”
Catherine turned her head to look at him.
Zeke spoke slowly, “If I could cure your daughter, Lady Angelina, would you consider my offer?”