Chapter Twenty-Five: The Cocktail Party (Part I)

Registration Number: Xiang B2-20100081-3
Internet Publishing Qualification Certificate: New Internet Publishing Certificate (Xiang) No. 11
Online Culture Business License: Wenwangwen [2010] No. 128

Roya City is a rather unique city among the mountainous towns in the southern region of the Lance Empire.

Its commerce is not particularly thriving, yet its location is crucial, as both Sayang Avenue and Tisgang Avenue—the empire’s main southern thoroughfares—pass through it. A significant river, the Millennium River, also flows through this city. It lies at the borderlands of the Bilias Mountain Range, backed by towering peaks and encircled by a silver belt of hills. On either side, its feet rest firmly on two major roads, while in front stretches a vast plain.

From afar, it resembles a giant seated with its back against the mountains.

Due to its strategic position, Roya City is garrisoned with approximately five hundred regular warriors and three thousand common soldiers. Moreover, the city walls are considerably taller than those of Xiangye City, and all travelers must undergo thorough inspections.

When Xiu Yi’s convoy arrived at Roya City, Hodin stepped forward to negotiate with the guards. After a brief discussion, the convoy passed through the checkpoint smoothly.

This time, besides Brian Buckler, Hodin, Ashlyn, and Lilith who accompanied Xiu Yi, sixty-six bandits, including Lele Esa, were also brought along by Xiu Yi.

Half of them formed a small caravan that entered Roya City under the guise of merchants, while the others assumed various identities and entered separately, adopting a semi-covert approach.

The caravan proceeded along the wide streets paved with bluestone slabs. Hodin had already arranged their lodgings in advance.

The Silent Isle Grand Hotel was the most luxurious top-tier hotel in Roya City.

Situated in the heart of the city’s busiest commercial district, the building stood about thirty meters tall with five stories. Its central tower peaked sharply, housing twelve extravagant suites on the top floor. Flanking wings offered partial lodging, along with grand and deluxe dining halls for guests.

Behind the hotel was a spacious carriage park exclusively for horse-drawn vehicles.

As Xiu Yi’s convoy arrived, several young servants dressed in red promptly greeted them, directing the coachmen to park according to the prearranged plan, while other attendants prepared to retrieve the guests’ luggage.

Xiu Yi, dressed in a black vest, jumped down from the carriage and turned to assist Lilith. She swatted his hand away irritably. “I don’t need your help.”

Xiu Yi sighed helplessly. “Fragility is a requisite virtue of every noble lady, and assisting a lady is the gentleman’s duty.”

Silence fell inside the carriage for a moment before a graceful, beautiful hand extended slowly from within and gently rested upon his. The gesture was elegant and refined.

Ahead, Hodin, sporting gold-rimmed glasses and a gentlemanly demeanor, was already negotiating with the hotel manager. He had reserved four luxury suites on the top floor: one shared by Hodin and Igell, and one each for Brian Buckler, Xiu Yi, and Lilith.

Before arriving in Roya City, Xiu Yi had thoroughly altered everyone’s appearances. This time, it wasn’t just hair color changes; he even helped Buckler restore scars on his face, softened Igell’s skeletal visage to make him look more presentable, and made Hodin appear younger and more debonair. As for Lilith, he concealed her distinct pointed ears.

As for Xiu Yi himself, aside from changing his hair color, he added a pair of lenses that altered the color of his eyes, widened his facial structure, and topped it off with glasses. He had also grown taller.

At sixteen, he was at the prime of youth.

This made him appear much taller and gentler. No one would mistake this elegant, courteous youth for the notorious criminal Xiu Yigelai. Even when standing beside Chucklei and Bailey, it would be difficult for anyone to recognize him as the fugitive they were hunting.

He even dyed Xu’s fur white and curled it, transforming the little black dog into a curly-haired lion dog, and placed it in Lilith’s arms to serve as a proper family pet.

“If you weren’t a fugitive, but instead a beauty expert for noble ladies, you would make a fortune,” Lilith once remarked.

“Is this the Dadaniel family? Please follow me; your reserved rooms are all prepared. Welcome to the Silent Isle Grand Hotel,” the manager courteously greeted nearby. Hodin, dressed in a black tailcoat and exuding the air of a butler despite his attire, returned to the carriage after finishing the negotiation and bowed to the passengers. “Honored guests, all arrangements have been made.”

From inside the carriage came Brian Buckler’s gruff response: “Take the young master and miss to their rooms to rest first.”

“Yes, sir.”

Hodin and Xiu Yi exchanged a glance. A satisfied smile spread across Xiu Yi’s face—clearly, Buckler understood his role perfectly.

Upon entering the hotel, Xiu Yi found the reception hall remarkably spacious.

Around the hall were sofas made from rare beast hides and fine furs, with small groups of people whispering and gossiping, occasionally glancing at the arriving guests. Crystal chandeliers powered by magical energy hung from the ceiling, casting gentle light. The walls were adorned with priceless oil paintings. At the center stood a polished receptionist attending to visitors.

Hodin collected the room keys and returned to Xiu Yi’s side, where the staff member escorted the distinguished guests to their rooms.

To Xiu Yi’s surprise, they did not have to climb stairs to reach the top floor. The Silent Isle Grand Hotel was equipped with a magical levitating elevator, capable of ascending and descending automatically.

“I never expected Silent Isle to have a levitating elevator. I thought few inns in the empire possessed such a feature,” Xiu Yi remarked.

The young attendant, a boy of about ten, answered respectfully, “Silent Isle is the property of the Southern Family, the most powerful merchant family in the entire southern empire. This levitating elevator was personally commissioned by Master Bertlott, head of the family, and was designed and built by the famous alchemist Zel. Every guest who visits Silent Isle is amazed by the master’s work.”

So this place belonged to the Southern Family, and the very elevator beneath his feet was commissioned by Lancelot’s father, Bertlott. Xiu Yi froze momentarily, thoughts drifting to Lancelot—wondering how he was faring now.

The levitating elevator soon arrived at the top floor, and the young attendant led them to their rooms.

Lilith was the first to exclaim upon entering.

Heaven only knew she had never stayed in such an opulent suite before. The decor was luxurious and exquisite, with furniture made entirely from dark lacquered fragrant wood, exuding a subtle aroma. The bedding was woven from splendid brocade. The windows were crafted from crystal rather than glass. Silver teapots and lampstands adorned the room, while the tea table displayed delicate porcelain painted with ancient mythological scenes.

At the rear of the suite was a bathroom featuring a large jade bathtub big enough for two to lie side by side. Beside it was a delicate water pillow, perfect for a restful soak. Surrounding the tub was a small thermostatic enchantment that kept the water warm for four hours.

Of course, activating the enchantment required an additional fee.

“Truly luxurious,” Xiu Yi said with a smile, glancing at Hodin.

If you wish to impress with money, you must not be stingy with the investment. The wealthy must stay in the best places.

“This place must be expensive for just one night,” Lilith whispered when the attendant wasn’t paying attention.

Hodin replied, “One hundred gold Vitts per night.”

“Oh my heavens!” Lilith covered her mouth, trying to stifle her voice. “We booked four rooms—that’s four hundred gold Vitts per day.”

Hodin leisurely replied, “Actually, it’s more than that. Don’t forget the servants’ rooms. In total, it’s five hundred gold Vitts per day.”

“That’s too expensive!” Lilith gritted her teeth. Xiu Yi recalled Clarice; it seemed every woman had an innate sensitivity to money.

“How many days will we stay?” Lilith asked.

“Seven days,” Xiu Yi answered.

“Three thousand five hundred gold Vitts, Xiu Yigelai, this money has to come out of your account!” Lilith huffed.

“My dear sister, please call me Cither Dadaniel,” Xiu Yi’s face darkened slightly; the attendant was still nearby.

Lilith shot him a defiant glare but said no more.

After showing them their rooms, the attendant said, “Honored sir, madam, and young master, if you wish to dine, you may visit the grand restaurant in the wing building. Of course, if you prefer not to go out, just ring the bell at your door, and a dedicated server will attend to you.”

“I heard there’s a cocktail party tonight here?” Xiu Yi inquired.

“Yes, it’s hosted by Earl Brooks. Every year around this time, Roya City experiences a bustling period mainly due to the upcoming alchemical materials trading conference. Earl Brooks is currently the largest domestic buyer of alchemical materials.”

“I heard he is the royal procurement officer?”

“Yes, Earl Brooks comes to Roya City annually to purchase large quantities of materials, though this year his orders have suddenly dropped significantly for unknown reasons.”

A mysterious smile crossed Xiu Yi’s face. “Perhaps the empire no longer needs so many materials. Oh, so anyone who is a supplier or buyer of alchemical materials qualifies to enter this cocktail party?”

“Yes,” the attendant confirmed. “Every year at this time, many merchants gather at Silent Isle. The main buyers are always Earl Brooks, while sellers are primarily suppliers with good relations with the elven clans.”

“This year, there will be changes,” Xiu Yi said lightly. “By the way, can you help me get an invitation?”

The attendant hesitated, “That requires proof of being a material supplier or a bulk trade certificate.”

“I don’t have the documents, but I have something more persuasive: Barnett,” Xiu Yi said calmly.

Hodin pulled out a hefty sum of money and slipped it into the attendant’s hand. “Tell your manager to arrange an invitation for us. I’m sure he can do it—it’s his hotel hosting the event, isn’t it? As guests of the top suites, you are obliged to fulfill our requests.”

The attendant immediately bowed respectfully. “Yes, sir. Silent Isle warmly welcomes you. Our service motto is speed, accuracy, and excellence.”

“Very well. I have no further requests for now. You may leave.” Xiu Yi said.

Hodin casually tossed another two gold Vitts to the attendant, who thanked him and departed.

Catching Lilith’s furious glare, Hodin remarked, “A grand performance always requires upfront investment.”

“You could give him less,” Lilith grumbled.

“That’s precisely why women aren’t suited for big affairs,” Xiu Yi laughed.

“I agree wholeheartedly,” Hodin chuckled.

They walked off to their rooms, leaving Lilith to sulk alone.

After a moment, she exclaimed, “Why don’t we do this ourselves? We could save a lot.”

“Because we’re a group of rude, arrogant, self-important brutes,” came Xiu Yi’s voice from inside. “I must admit, Lilith, you play this role perfectly.”

“Call me sister, or Claudia Dadaniel!” Lilith retorted angrily.

Soon, the attendant returned with what Xiu Yi needed: an exquisitely crafted, gilded invitation.

“Inviting the Dadaniel family representatives to the alchemical materials merchants’ reception hosted by Earl Brooks.”

Before the dinner, Hodin prepared Lilith a gown commonly worn by ladies at formal events. Its wide skirt trailed on the floor, requiring her to lift it as she walked. A golden ribbon tightly cinched her waist, making her gasp. The garish lace hat completed the look, making Lilith feel like a pitifully adorned puppet. The corset was fastened by the former brothel madam, now Lilith’s personal attendant.

“I don’t see what’s good about this dress. I can’t even jump in it,” Lilith complained.

“Noble ladies don’t need to jump,” the madam reminded her.

Lilith ignored her and rummaged around the room.

“What are you looking for?” Xiu Yi asked.

“My weapons,” Lilith replied.

“You don’t need them. You’re just attending a dinner.”

Ignoring him, Lilith found her small daggers stashed behind her back. She weighed her dress and said, “Now I feel much better. Come, my dear brother, let’s go to the banquet.”

Xiu Yi and Hodin exchanged a wordless look.

The cocktail party was held in the left wing of Silent Isle Hotel. A glass skybridge connected the main building to the wing, enveloped by glazed tiles forming a splendid aerial corridor.

At the entrance, Brian Buckler, now going by Brian Dadaniel, waited. Hodin retained his original name, Clementine Barnett, since people only knew him as the infamous Crazy Hodin, unaware of his full name.

“Brooks hasn’t arrived yet, and the party hasn’t started. We can go in early and meet some friends. Hey, Barnett, watch yourself—your face is quite famous. Someone might yell at you, ‘Even if you turned to ashes, I’d still recognize you,’” Brian warned Hodin.

“Don’t worry, master. I assure you, Crazy Hodin is fearsome not just for his tricks, but for the secrets he holds that most nobles dare not reveal,” Hodin replied confidently, in his element.

“Let’s go in, Brian,” Xiu Yi said coolly.

He led the way into the opulent hotel banquet hall.

Walking on the plush patterned carpet, Xiu Yi escorted his “sister” gently, as if helping a fragile lady.

The Silent Isle’s cocktail party was renowned across the empire. Compared to the open platform of the Lanya Theater, which offered freedom, casualness, and relaxation, the guests here had more specific purposes and sought extravagance. Whereas the theater’s space was freer, Silent Isle was defined by luxury.

From the ceiling hung grand chandeliers strung with precious pearls from deep-sea clams, illuminating the entire hall by their own radiance without magical assistance. The long banquet tables were crafted from massive obsidian slabs.

The tableware was almost entirely gold and silver. The dishes were exquisite and refined: thin slices of ice fish from the Gula River, desserts made from Iceheart Grass from the Millennial Snow Mountain, and even rare magical beasts were served for guests to savor.

Walking through such splendor felt like traversing a diamond palace built of wealth itself. Even Lilith’s mood suddenly tightened.

“Calm down, my dear sister. Remember, we are wealthy now and have seen it all,” Xiu Yi reminded her.

“The problem is, where did our money come from?” Lilith whispered. So far, all expenses had been provided by the Wild Wolf Band. Xiu Yi’s profits from selling magical weapons had all been reinvested in materials.

“From the pockets of those nobles, of course. Don’t worry, money is never the problem,” Xiu Yi said confidently, releasing Lilith’s hand to mingle freely.

Strolling among the nobles and merchants, Xiu Yi was notably at ease. Unlike last time, he did not need to prepare magical arrays or brace for confrontation with powerful foes. He could simply walk around and meet people worth befriending. Of course, Hodin was best suited to handle the socializing and networking.

Nearby, Hodin was already distributing business cards and using his charming voice to introduce the Dadaniel family’s status. This was an effective strategy—noble influence was unparalleled. Rather than struggling in the lower ranks, it was far better to succeed once in high society.

Hodin handled this effortlessly, quickly drawing a considerable crowd of nobles around him.

In contrast, Brian, playing the family patriarch, seemed somewhat overshadowed, fitting his role as the taciturn man of action rather than words.

Although Xiu Yi had erased Brian’s facial scars, his robust physique and fierce aura remained unchanged, which pleased Xiu Yi greatly and allowed him to wander freely.

The cocktail party’s atmosphere was solemn yet relaxed. Unless one was as skilled as Hodin, capable of sparking conversations through subtle encounters, most attendees would not easily approach strangers. Consequently, Xiu Yi was seldom disturbed during his stroll.

Occasionally, he overheard whispers judging his presence, much like at the Lanya Theater, where he was regarded as a noblewoman’s kept boy.

He even caught snippets of ladies’ gossip.

“Allow me to introduce my young master. He is the heir of the Dadaniel family and also an alchemist,” Hodin’s voice rang out nearby.

Xiu Yi knew it was time for his grand entrance.

Sure enough, Hodin called him, “Young Master Cither, please come over.”

Xiu Yi walked into the circle of nobles.

“Where is my uncle?” he asked.

“He’s not feeling well and has retired to his room to rest. He left the affairs here to you, trusting your ability,” Hodin replied.

“Thank you for your trust, uncle.”

This was their prearranged plan: although Brian played the patriarch, most social and business dealings were handled by Hodin and Xiu Yi. After all, being brutes excused their roughness but could not serve as bargaining chips in negotiations.

“Allow me to introduce you. This is Viscount Ladur, representing the Bavarian family, one of the empire’s oldest clans,” Hodin said, pointing to a slightly corpulent middle-aged man.

“Viscount Ladur, greetings,” Xiu Yi bowed politely. The man nodded slightly.

“This is Mr. Oakman Dodge. The Dodge Trading House is one of the empire’s three largest alchemical material firms. Mr. Dodge is the vice-chairman of the trade committee.”

“Mr. Dodge, pleased to meet you,” Xiu Yi greeted the lean man in black formalwear.

“Hello. Very interesting. Though I’d never heard of the Dadaniel family before, I must say this family seems to boast an excellent butler and an equally outstanding heir. You look promising, young man,” Mr. Dodge flattered with unabashed enthusiasm.

“Thank you for your kind words.”

“This is Mr. Bradstreet, deputy secretary to Roya City’s lord, one of the lord’s most trusted men,” Hodin continued. The man with a small mustache, aged around thirty, gave Xiu Yi a polite smile.

Xiu Yi admired Hodin’s skill—within a short time, Hodin had made many noble acquaintances, all seemingly interested in what he represented.

He soon understood the secret to Hodin’s success.

Mr. Oakman Dodge asked, “I heard the Dadaniel family recently attempted to purchase a large quantity of materials from the market?”

Xiu Yi thought for a moment and nodded, “Yes, my family plans to officially enter the alchemical materials trading market. We are not short of alchemists, but to create valuable products, good materials are essential.”

“In Roya City, you will never struggle to find quality materials, as long as you have enough money,” Mr. Bradstreet said.

Xiu Yi smiled.

As the empire’s largest economic pillar, the annual alchemical materials trading conference was always highly regarded by the city lord.

However, an unfortunate development had arisen: Earl Brooks, the empire’s chief material purchaser, announced shortly after arriving at the beginning of the month that he would drastically reduce his purchases.

This shocked many material suppliers.

Supply and demand have always been the main factor balancing market prices. In recent years, the empire’s relentless material collection had driven prices up.

This year, the empire’s sudden sharp cut in demand, though unexplained, would inevitably lead to a glut of goods. Many merchants had traveled great distances hoping for profitable sales but now faced a sales crisis.

Some miners selling ore fared better, as ore could be stored indefinitely if their cash flow held, to be sold slowly over time. But perishable special materials were in dire straits. Even with magical preservation barriers, the daily consumption of large amounts of magic crystals greatly increased costs.

In such circumstances, price cuts became inevitable.

Many middlemen who bought materials from the elves of the Ancient Arch had longstanding partnerships with the elves and paid higher fixed prices. Price cuts would mean huge losses for them.

The alchemical materials market, overall, was undoubtedly a seller’s market, with perpetual demand outstripping supply. But during this annual convergence of merchants, the empire’s materials concentrated here, creating a local oversupply.

Earl Brooks’s earlier silence about the cut and his announcement only after everyone arrived was clearly a tactic to force price reductions. He himself would benefit greatly.

Regardless, his position as the empire’s largest buyer remained unshaken. This time, however, many suppliers would be crushed in fierce competition. For Roya City, the sharp decline in trade would severely impact annual tax revenue. According to the deputy secretary, if Brooks’s cut was truly 80%, the city’s tax income would drop by 16%.

This was a frightening figure. The annual material trade taxes accounted for 20% of Roya City’s total revenue.

Even the city lord was alarmed and dispatched the deputy secretary to seek buyers.

When Hodin leaked that the Dadaniel family intended to purchase large quantities of materials, it was no wonder they were so warmly received.

As Hodin said earlier, “When you understand the other party’s needs, even the simplest deception becomes the perfect one.”

With this thought, Xiu Yi smiled more sweetly than ever.

He said, “Rest assured, the Dadaniel family has sufficient funds to complete this purchase. Of course, as material buyers, we are also suppliers of some alchemical finished products. I believe you will be equally interested in these excellent products.”