Since it was already dinner time, Rein was directly led to the estateâs banquet hall.
With the sunset glow.
Rein took in the beauty of the entire estate and the front garden.
Late summer flowers and shrubs bloomed in layers, even the lawn was meticulously trimmed, clearly well-maintained by special attendants, with sculptures and fountains placed at intervals.
The entire gardenâs design was rich in layers.
Inside the luxurious banquet hall.
Rein and Trena sat opposite each other, a long wooden table adorned with silk as a tablecloth, besides fresh seasonal fruits, was decorated with flowers.
The main course was Angus Buffalo Ribs, with char-grilled Giant Salmon from a salt lake, the side dishes included stewed Chocobo and Honey Roasted Duck. Considering Reinâs appetite, Trena had the kitchen prepare double portions.
"This is Halis Countyâs Tequila, with an extremely limited annual production, Lord Rein, how about we savor it together tonight?"
Trena waved her hand, and a young maid approached, holding a bottle of pale blue fine wine.
"Certainly, with great honor."
Rein took a sip, his eyes slightly stirred.
He realized this Halis Tequila had quite a high alcohol content, far surpassing the Bordeaux Aged Wine he had before, even higher than aged rum, and apart from the fresh herb aroma, it carried a unique spicy note.
It couldnât help but make him a little curious.
After all, this kind of wine, no matter how expensive, seemed hardly suitable for ladies, right?
Perhaps Trena was exceptionally skilled at drinking?
Rein couldnât help but glance curiously at the beautiful woman beside him, only to see her demeanor far from his guess.
Trena had only taken one sip and already, her fair, smooth cheeks were tinged with two red blushes, her beautiful eyes somewhat elusive.
Clearly, she wasnât skilled in drinking.
"Interesting, could it be, this is meant to..." Rein smiled slightly.
After a few more cups, Rein felt a faint warmth emanating from his abdomen, indicating that this Tequila had some special effect, further confirming his suspicion.
Of course, for his robust constitution, such an impact was negligible.
Meanwhile, Trenaâs beautiful eyes had become silky, her cheeks fiery red, looking quite inebriated.
Rein felt his heart stir, unable to resist the urge to help and cherish her tenderly for a moment.
Yet, a thought crossed his mind.
He turned to look at Trena, smiling, and said, "Councilor Trena, last time I asked about that piece of witchcraft, I wonder when I might have the chance to have a look?"
Trena had thought under the special aphrodisiac effect of Halis Countyâs Tequila, Rein would first get involved with her, making things easier to discuss.
But unexpectedly, at this intoxicated moment, he suddenly brought up the matter.
"This..."
"Iâm terribly sorry, Lord Rein, thereâs been some unexpected situation concerning this."
"Hmm?" Rein narrowed his eyes, his whole aura suddenly changed, and his gaze towards Trena became exceptionally sharp.
In his view, the Federation was planning to renege or more precisely, attempting some kind of coercion.
And this was the thing he hated most.
Even if itâs a woman he fancies, if standing on the opposite side, then sorry, he wouldnât go easy.
Seeing Reinâs sharp gaze, Trena sobered up halfway immediately, realizing that despite being young, he had a firm mind.
"Lord Rein, please allow me to explain, it is like this... Zetaya... Haleem..." Trena no longer concealed anything and slowly narrated.
"Oh? Is that so." Rein nodded, his expression calm.
But inside, he was already experiencing a tumultuous storm.
The ancient Goblin Empire site in Zetaya, was it not the one he planned to explore?
Had the Federation found it before him?
However, with the director of the Federation Mechanical Research Institute Haleem and his team trapped inside, it also indicated that the site harbored unknown dangers, not simple at all.
After all, three thousand years ago, the leader of the Ancient Wizard School Valziger was also trapped in there.
Moreover, he naturally saw that Trena wasnât lying.
And verifying this matter wasnât difficult for him, by contacting the Empireâs spies in the Federation, he could roughly get the picture.
"Yes, so Lord Rein, as additional compensation for you, I intend to present this estate to you. Perhaps one day, your family or friends might need it, right?"
"Additionally, I assure you, if Lord Haleem breaks free, I will arrange for the witchcraft to be sent to the Empire and into your hands at the first opportunity."
"Of course, if the site is truly perilous, we are willing to offer compensation with other sectâs Dawn Killing Move, how does that sound to you?"
Worried about further misunderstanding with Rein, Trena laid out the terms in one breath.
Then, she gazed at Rein with her beautiful eyes, a slight nervousness as she awaited his response.
...