Chapter 336: Tenth City (1/2)

”Me?” Arthur blinked his eyes with surprise. Gruen nodded, making Arthur stand up and walk toward the stage. ”I'm not sure if I'm truly worthy, but I'll make sure to keep these artifacts in safe hands. Every city will be getting its share from them!”

His words were loud enough to be heard by everyone in the hall. The applause rang louder until the Knight of Nobility obstructed Arthur's way toward the stage.

”You were bidding for this item a few moments ago, and you get ten now! The runemaster's gift to the people is appreciated, but I feel like it's a bit unfair toward the duke. As the Kingdom is already indebted toward him, I think granting him the rights for safekeeping is better than giving it to an outsider.”

”You talk a lot, but I fear that your intentions are flawed.” Gala stood up and walked toward the Knight. ”The Seika is the best person to hold these artifacts because he goes by another name. I'm sure that everyone here is aware?”

”Hm? What name is that?”

Some of the merchants and nobles from other kingdoms were confused, as the rumors didn't spread that far yet. However, for the people of Freda, they knew of Seika's Saga, although a lot of them considered him to be Lorius.

”The Gardener!”

”That's true! This reason is why his Majesty invited him! No better person could safe keep the artifacts!”

”As you heard, Knight of Nobility, our Seika is the best person who can handle the artifacts. Who knows, maybe they'll grow stronger under his care?”

”That's nonsense!” The Knight glanced at Gala but didn't look at her directly. As he was about to speak, Arthur whispered to him something.

”If you want to get beaten in front of these people, try insulting her.”

He made sure that no one heard his voice other than the Knight of Nobility by using mana. Arthur knew that he was about to bring up the same disgust he showed back in the cell, so he made sure to warn him.

”I...” The Knight of Nobility paused and didn't dare continue. He coughed and changed the topic. ”It's still a form of fraud. If Hidden Gems still wishes to proceed with this, I think the duke would need to enforce some punishment as the Lord.”

All eyes turned toward the duke, whose face has recovered. His signature smile returned as he walked confidently toward the stage.

”It's indeed a form of manipulation, as the value of the artifact also depends on its rarity. If you intend to go on with,  I will remove Hidden Gems from Contracts City!”

His words caused ripples among the crowd. Being removed from the trading hub of Freda was a death sentence to a new business. This city enjoyed a statue among the kingdoms of being the center of attention.

The attention turned toward Gruen, who was standing on the stage. Arthur also wanted to see how Gruen would act now that his chance has arrived.

The dwarf straightened his back with a calm expression. Arthur marveled at his level-headed attitude facing the man who denied him his love and humiliated him.

”I think you don't remember me,” Gruen said with a smile. ”You summoned me to your mansion a few months ago. It was for my meetings with your daughter and gifting her jewelry, as well as admitting my love.”

”Oh damn, he's doing it.” Gala fidgeted beside Arthur, who smiled as he looked at the young dwarf.

”What is going on? Manager Gruen had a falling with the duke?” The crowd was confused. The duke's eyes held a hint of recognition and killing intent.

”Yes, exactly that face.” Gruen laughed. ”You wanted to have me hanged, framing me for theft and fraud, the same thing you're trying to do now. However, Lady Aimee pleaded otherwise, and I got to live until now.”

”What is your point, dwarf?” The Knight of Nobility said with a frown.

”It's Manager Gruen.” Gruen corrected with a glance. ”You've looked down on me, Duke of Contracts City. The reason being my nonexistent wealth, disdain, and your pride as the Lord of Contracts, the wealthiest city in Freda!”

'He's having his moment.' Arthur inwardly snickered, feeling a bit proud of Gruen.

”That's why I'm going to take that away from you.” Gruen continued with a smile, his sharp features twisting into a smirk. ”Hidden Gems will move to Livia starting today. The artifacts sold here will be half the price over there. I invite everyone to visit and look forward to our next step.”

”Next step?” The Knight of Nobility squinted his eyes while the duke was shaking with rage.