Chapter Thirty-Three: Light and Shadow (2)

News of the Dardanelles family hosting a ball for the beautiful Countess Christine spread quickly. Although the family was virtually unknown in the upper circles of Royo City, their recent arrival and the bold announcement of their intention to acquire sixty percent of the market’s materials at the Trade Summit had already shocked many. The young heir’s near-manic pursuit of the wealthy Countess Christine had also rapidly become the center of citywide gossip.

This interest made it much easier for the Dardanelles family to secure invitations for the nobility. Many were eager to see what other grand gestures this family, which had shown such staggering ambition upon their arrival, would make, and how far their ambitious business plans would truly go.

The world is never short of figures who rise like comets only to fall like meteors. Every year, the Empire sees families like the Dardanelles—parvenus who use vast wealth to charge through the territory—but very few truly manage to take root in high society. Consequently, the public’s interest in the family was less about their business acumen and more about the young heir’s obsessive courtship of the Countess. It was clear that the Dardanelles family viewed winning the Countess as a shortcut into the upper echelons, and thus, Seath Dardanelles’ actions received the family’s full support; otherwise, such a ball would never have materialized.

Countess Christine, as the most important guest of the ball, had gladly accepted the invitation. Other notable figures who accepted included Count Brooks, the Imperial Procurement Officer of the Lance Empire; Count Derby Anflit, the Lord of Royo City; Mr. Ockham Dodge, Deputy Chairman of the Dodge Trading Firm; and Viscount Ladour, representing the Bavarian family, among a long list of other VIPs.

The circle of high nobility is notoriously difficult to enter; having money and sending an invitation does not guarantee that the recipient will honor it with their presence. However, the "top-down" social strategy developed jointly by Huey and Hodin proved critical. Once Count Derby Anflit and Countess Christine both indicated they would attend, everything changed. The Dardanelles family successfully cleared the first hurdle of entering the aristocratic class, as most of the noble houses followed suit and accepted their invitations.

Among them was one "big shot"—a man who was not widely known but wielded significant power: Jason Lasher, the Chief Inspector of the Imperial Legal and Political Bureau and commander of the "Rat-Hunting Operation."

When Lasher received the invitation, he buried his face in it, reading the contents aloud, word for word: "The Dardanelles family will hold a ball the night after tomorrow at the Silent Island Hotel. We hope Mr. Jason Lasher will grace us with his presence. This invitation admits up to three guests."

"Admits up to three guests?" Lasher narrowed his eyes. After a moment of thought, he said, "Inform Chuckley, Bailey, and Charlie to prepare to accompany me to the ball the night after tomorrow."

***

Two days later, the brilliant lights of the Silent Island Grand Hotel illuminated Royo City. Noble carriages from every corner of the city swarmed like sharks toward the most luxurious island in town.

In the spacious ballroom, capable of accommodating hundreds, the noble guests gradually arrived. As the patriarch of the Dardanelles family, Brian Buckler had to greet every distinguished guest in his role as host.

"Welcome, Sir Alexandra Culver; your presence brings glory to the Dardanelles family."

"Oh, hello, Mr. Isadora Gaily, I am so pleased to see you again."

"Viscount Imogen Lambert, I am overjoyed by your arrival."

Guided and prompted by Hodin, Buckler offered such compliments to one aristocrat after another. Huey was relieved to find that Brian Buckler was indeed a man of noble background; even after decades as a bandit, he retained a unique flair that granted him a certain charisma while playing the role of a family patriarch. Unlike the refined, gentle manners of most nobles, he appeared more bold, generous, and wild, exuding the aura of a truly strong man—a quality Huey himself lacked.

It is often said that a family's style is a reflection of its patriarch's character, and there is much truth in this. Hodin had positioned the Dardanelles family as an ambitious, up-and-coming house of parvenus, so from the patriarch down to the servants, everyone possessed a fierce, aggressive aura. Since this could not be hidden, Hodin decided to give it a reason for existing, which was the key to his plan's success. When many nobles arrived, they were surprised by the strength and intensity radiating from everyone in this maritime family.

"The people of the Dardanelles family—even their servants have vicious eyes," was the common consensus. Fortunately, they could not distinguish between the ruggedness of sailors and the ferocity of bandits.

Huey wore a white formal suit today, his hair slicked with thick gardenia oil, and his high collar covered his neck, conveniently obscuring half his face. This made it difficult to observe him from the side.

As the important guests of the evening, Count Brooks and Count Derby Anflit had arrived early. However, they were not in the ballroom but chatting in a small side parlor, accompanied by Huey and representatives from the Dodge Trading Firm and the Bavarian family, with whom Huey had significant business objectives.

"So, the installment payment business model was proposed by Young Master Dardanelles? That is truly surprising. In my view, installment payments are merely a disguised form of credit. In the field of materials, credit implies enormous risk. You see, material business is not like other trades; if your alchemy is not up to a certain standard, you are likely to waste a great deal of high-quality material. A single failure is enough to cost you a fortune." The speaker was Count Brooks. Due to the Dardanelles family’s entry, his plan to squeeze major firms by reducing material demand had collapsed, and even Countess Christine had turned her affections elsewhere, leaving the Count full of resentment. If Count Derby Anflit, as the city lord, was attending as a beneficiary of the Dardanelles family’s trades, then to Count Brooks, he was a total victim. His purpose in attending was not to show support, but to find an opportunity to sabotage the proceedings.

Especially after Christine explicitly told him that she would no longer sell materials to him, but to the Dardanelles family, his rage was boundless. Of course, he did not know that Huey had specifically instructed Christine to do so.

Hearing Brooks’ question, Huey smiled. "But the profit returns after success are equally enormous."

Brooks immediately retorted, "Can I assume that the Dardanelles family actually cannot afford to acquire these materials, and you are playing a trick we usually call a 'snare'? You use a small amount of money to trick others' materials into your hands, process them, and then use the proceeds from the sales to pay for the materials? Oh, perhaps I shouldn't use the word 'trick,' but the fact is your behavior is quite similar."

"I am sorry, but I do not see it that way, Count Brooks. In my view, this is a basic necessity of commercial circulation. As everyone knows, money itself has no inherent meaning. Why can a few simple paper notes or pieces of shining metal be exchanged for all the necessities of human survival and labor? It is entirely because we humans have assigned money a unique function—exchange and the measurement of value. Therefore, the true meaning of money in society should be circulation and turnover; through its constant use, we complete the exchange of goods and labor, thereby maximizing human contribution and return. It is an important transaction tool, but it is merely a tool," Huey said.

"And what does that prove?" Count Brooks did not understand why Huey was explaining the meaning of money.

In fact, people of this era found it truly difficult to grasp the real significance of money. None of the people present were bankers; the nature of money shops in the early feudal society remained in the nascent stage of safekeeping for clients. For clients depositing money, they not only provided no interest but charged a storage fee. Therefore, many did not understand the true meaning and value of money, which was why Huey felt the need to explain it first. Honestly, his words alone were enough to make everyone look at him with newfound respect. Even Mr. Dodge, the Deputy Chairman who had been in business for many years, had never heard anyone offer such "profound" insights into the relationship between finance and business operations.

***

People in the feudal era were not unintelligent, but their knowledge was clearly far inferior. As early-stage merchants, when a simple trade transaction gradually evolved into an investment, the factors they had to consider were far simpler than those of modern professional investors. Under these circumstances, the direction of the conversation gradually came under Huey’s control.

Huey said slowly, "So, money is merely a voucher—a basic voucher. We can task money with the heavy responsibility of goods circulation, and we can equally task other forms of things with the same heavy duty. Money exists because it is portable, limited in resources, and easy to control. If we possess things that are even more portable, have fewer resources, are easier to control, and reach a consensus on them, then they will become better substitutes for money. I mean, why can’t we cast our eyes further and see things that ordinary people cannot? We can entirely transcend the scope of monetary transactions and engage in higher-level exchanges."

Viscount Ladour asked, "And what is more portable, limited in resources, and more capable of inciting people's consensus and willingness to pay for it than money itself?"

"Certainly, there are many," Huey answered immediately. "Is the credit of the Bavarian family not valuable? Is the credit of the Dodge Trading Firm not valuable? Do not tell me you do not know the value of your own credit. Everyone sitting here is a big shot with years of commercial experience."

Count Brooks believed he had found an opening. "But the Dardanelles family’s credit is not worth much. Before you arrived in this city, no one even knew who you were."

"We possess something better than that." Huey casually pulled out a Scout Bee. "Excellent alchemists, top-tier alchemy technology, and the enormous profits that follow. I believe many understand what an excellent alchemist means to everyone."

Huey understood one thing: as early-stage venture investors, they usually cared about only two things: first, the degree of risk; second, the ratio of input to output. The former was the sedative, and the latter was the lure. As Hodin had said: a brilliant scam first requires a bait that can tempt the heart, followed by a sedative.

As long as these two conditions were met, a simple installment agreement with strong speculative colors could be easily reached. This was the most important link in the initial stage of capital accumulation—borrowing a hen to lay eggs.

Therefore, when Huey revealed the Scout Bee, every merchant with a commercial eye realized that, regarding the two basic foundations of venture capital construction, the Dardanelles family indeed possessed one and a half of the most crucial components: an industrial plan with investment prospects.

Everything went as Huey had predicted. Brooks did not intend to debate Huey on the technical issues of alchemy or whether the Scout Bee could generate such huge profits and consume such vast materials. In his view, for the Dardanelles family to complete this "empty-handed" transaction, the issue of credit was the biggest obstacle. He saw no need to waste effort elsewhere, so he sneered, "Even if the Dardanelles family possesses some excellent alchemical technology, it does not mean you possess sufficient credit. You must know this involves millions in assets."

"So, that means you personally acknowledge the technical strength of the Dardanelles family?" Huey remained calm and unhurried, continuing to lay the trap.

"So what?" Brooks replied unceremoniously. "The Dardanelles family has no assets in Royo City; you are newcomers, and you lack sufficient collateral. If you mess things up—or perhaps I can put it more harshly—if you take the goods and run, then what?"

Huey chuckled. He looked at the people present. "I think this is the common view of everyone, right? That such a large transaction requires sufficient mortgage or credit support to proceed? Then I would like to ask, besides this, do you have any other doubts?"

Mr. Dodge, the Deputy Chairman from the Dodge Trading Firm, thought for a moment and said to Huey, "If you can solve this problem, then I think other issues will not be problems."

Viscount Ladour also stated immediately, "That’s right. Credit support is not built in a day or two. Your Scout Bee technology is good, and we believe it can make a lot of money; even the price you promised us is quite reasonable. But you must prove you have the capital to make us trust you."

Count Derby Anflit said, "As the Lord of Royo City, I very much hope this transaction is successful, and I believe no one here has any doubts about that. But I must say, Brooks’ questioning of the Dardanelles family is not without reason. Of course, as the Lord, I can provide some help. If the Dardanelles family can purchase assets in Royo City, we will guarantee as much as you purchase."

Count Brooks sneered, "Asset purchases exceeding six million Gold Witts? I don’t think the Dardanelles family has that strength."

Huey smiled at the crowd. "Very well, it seems we have found the focus of the problem. Then perhaps I can ask everyone to look at this."

Saying this, Huey placed a few papers on the table. Count Brooks curiously picked one up, glanced at it, and his expression changed instantly.

"Christine? How is this possible?"

"Nothing is impossible, Count Brooks. The Dardanelles family has purchased all of Countess Christine’s assets in Royo City, valued at approximately 1.5 million Gold Witts. Furthermore, we will collaborate with the Countess on the development and production of twelve alchemy products, including the Scout Bee. It can be said that this is a thorough and comprehensive partnership between the Dardanelles family and the Countess. Christine herself will provide a guarantee worth 3 million Gold Witts, and according to Lord Anflit’s promise just now, Royo City will also provide a guarantee of 1.5 million Gold Witts. The Dardanelles family itself will use the technology of three alchemy products to guarantee the remaining 900,000 Gold Witts, with an initial payment of 600,000, and the remaining amount to be paid over nine months. This is a comprehensive agreement; gentlemen, please take a look."

"But... how is this possible? Why would Countess Christine provide such a massive guarantee for you?" Everyone was stunned.

"Love is an eternal charm that can break the limits of money." Huey raised his glass to them from afar. "The Countess is in the next room. If anyone does not believe it, you can go ask her yourselves."

This revelation shook everyone. The Imperial Procurement Officer looked as if he had been kicked hard; his face turned pale, and he could barely breathe.

"After looking it over, if there are no problems, why don't you sign?" Huey said indifferently.

Several family representatives and trading firm representatives were startled. "Sign? We haven't said we agreed to the transaction yet," someone shouted.

Huey’s expression sank instantly. "What did you say? Are you playing games with the Dardanelles family? We have been repeatedly negotiating this deal for three days. Regarding the credit issue you were worried about, do you know how much effort I spent to solve it? To get Countess Christine to agree to guarantee the credit of the Dardanelles family, do you know what I sacrificed? Damn it, now that the credit issue you demanded is solved, you want to say you never agreed to this deal?"

"This..." The merchants looked at each other. Mr. Dodge, the Deputy Chairman of the Dodge Trading Firm, wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "Young Master Seath Dardanelles, I apologize for the attitude we held regarding this transaction earlier; in fact, it was indeed inappropriate. But installment payments are not solved just by credit. You know that for such a large transaction, once a long-term payment arrangement is established, it means a fixed commercial bond has been formed. For some fixed, long-term major clients—especially in businesses like alchemy materials that have a certain impact on national power—according to the rules, before choosing a fixed major client, we must have sufficient understanding of them, and even perform local reporting..."

Huey’s gaze turned icy. Mr. Dodge had never seen such a terrifying look in a young man’s eyes; he felt as if he could not continue.

Huey slowly took a sip of wine and said coldly, "In other words, you have found a new excuse to refuse the deal, right? When I thought you were honest merchants wanting to do business with me, you were in fact teasing and playing with me, right? If I were to organize my family’s background information and hand it to everyone to prove our sincerity, would you have new reasons to refuse me? And then insist on cash on delivery?"

"This..." Everyone was speechless.

***

"Oh, my God, you played me." Huey’s expression was furious. "I thought I was doing business with proper merchants, but that is not the case. In fact, you not only played me but also played Lord Anflit; I guess he never expected the result to be like this."

The group looked simultaneously at the Lord of Royo City, Count Anflit. The Count’s face was indeed very ugly. To him, the Dardanelles family had shown total sincerity, while the merchants’ behavior was far too shameless. If they were unwilling to accept installment payments, they should have stated so from the beginning instead of deliberately making things difficult regarding credit. Only after the other party solved the problem did they backtrack.

Deputy Chairman Dodge quickly added, "We just wanted to resolve the matter more cautiously."

"It’s just a business deal; how much more cautious do you need to be? Should I invite the Imperial Emperor to guarantee me?" Huey pointed at the contract on the table and sneered, "The Dardanelles family’s strength is right here. Whether it is technology, capital, or credit guarantors, it is all laid out. When I proposed all the preconditions, you had no objections. Since the problems have been solved, why bring them up for re-discussion? As for local reporting, Count Anflit, what is your view on this?"

"Er... Royo City can accept the Dardanelles family’s local reporting for material transactions." The Lord felt as if he were being pushed onto a duck-walk, forcing him to overlook the necessary procedures that should have been followed.

"So there is no problem?" Huey spread his hands.

"But..."

"But what? It seems your previous doubts and attacks on the Dardanelles family’s credit were just for entertainment. This is truly surprising. After the Dardanelles family has made such a clear response and proof, it turns out your credit is what is worthless." Huey looked indignant, as if he had been "played."

This statement made Viscount Ladour quite embarrassed. He quickly said, "No, since Countess Christine is guaranteeing, and the Dardanelles family has sufficient asset proof and technical ability, I represent the Bavarian family and am willing to sign this agreement with you. The Dardanelles family will buy all our materials and make payments over ten months."

"Very good." Huey nodded with satisfaction.

Count Brooks sat there ashen-faced. In fact, he had nothing left to say. He had not yet realized that in this transaction, he had actually become Huey Glair’s accomplice. It was his questioning of the Dardanelles family’s credit that led everyone to fall into Huey’s trap without knowing it. The only one who sensed something was Mr. Dodge.

Perhaps due to a merchant’s intuition, he felt that today’s deal was the strangest he had ever experienced. The unprecedented installment plan, the on-the-spot decision-making, Christine’s guarantee, and the young heir’s calm, step-by-step strategy all resonated with a strange rhythm. Even the young heir’s final display of ferocity carried a scent of conspiracy.

Deputy Chairman Dodge suddenly remembered one thing: Why was such a major transaction not negotiated by the family patriarch, but by this young heir? Even all the details, negotiations, and the establishment of credit were completed by this young heir. By contrast, the patriarch who founded the family... Mr. Dodge looked toward the door; he was greeting guests. He looked more like a suitable greeter.

A strange feeling rose in Dodge’s heart. He felt that the young man in front of him was the true leader of the Dardanelles family. This young heir was not simple!

***

The conversation in the small parlor continued, though in fact, there was no more suspense. The reputation of families and firms was paramount. Although everyone had not intended to accept installment payments, they had promised that if the Dardanelles family could provide sufficient guarantees, the transaction would proceed according to the Dardanelles family’s terms.

Thus, Huey easily completed the first step of his plan. This plan allowed him to rightfully possess a large quantity of alchemy materials while successfully helping the Dardanelles family break into the upper social circle.

For Huey and his companions, this transaction had another crucial advantage: by using installment payments, they bound the interests of all these nobles together. Such transactions would continue to occur in the future.

When the Lance Empire eventually discovered the truth, they would be horrified to find that the Dardanelles family had established various interest-based bonds with so many important families in the Empire, forming a dense web of interests. This web would ensure that the Dardanelles family would be unimpeded in the days to come, achieving many things they could never have done otherwise. Even if the Empire discovered the truth one day, they would be terrified to realize that their opponents had infiltrated every level of the country. Even if they destroyed Huey Glair and the Dardanelles family, it would bring immense disaster upon themselves.

Of course, this was just a blueprint Huey had laid out for his plan; for now, it was merely the beginning.

Watching the family representatives and merchant representatives sign the contract, Huey contentedly downed his wine.

Lilith came up behind him and said, "Lasher is here."