Chapter 183 - Chapter 183: Chapter 175 "Solar Gold" Arrives (1/2)

Chapter 183: Chapter 175 “Solar Gold” Arrives

The surroundings were silent, only the faint sound of the wind lightly slapping the shore, stars dotting the black night sky like distant diamonds scattered across an endless dark canopy.

The breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soft sibilant sound, while a few birdcalls from afar sketched a tranquil and beautiful night scene.

Viscount Zavier, a young man in appearance, stood by the lakeside, gazing at the white-haired elder approaching, and began to speak:

“I still remember the days we spent together at the military academy decades ago.”

Viscount Bast laughed heartily and said:

“Hey, hey, hey, you start with reminiscing? Must it be so cliché, Zavier? Although, we really are both old things now, heh.”

Viscount Zavier ignored him and continued:

“Back then, the military academy held a competition every year, and we had prepared for a long time for the annual military simulation contest. Everyone thought our group would win, because no one could match you and me when we joined forces.”

“However, on the day of the competition, one of our members fell seriously ill at the last minute, resulting in our group only taking second place.”

Viscount Bast squinted and shook his head, saying:

“Hehe, you still remember that? I had forgotten it long ago; too many years have passed.”

Viscount Zavier, expressionless, stared into Bast’s eyes and said coldly:

“No, what I really remember is that you actually cried bitterly when the instructor was presenting the awards. Although the rest of us felt bad, we accepted the reality. Only you were trembling and crying, eyes red, unable to accept the outcome.”

Viscount Bast felt a bit embarrassed upon hearing this and muttered:

“Ah, such an embarrassing matter, let’s not talk about it.”

Viscount Zavier, disinterested in the other’s various performances, simply continued calmly:

“Since then, I haven’t seen you cry again, nor have I seen you lose again.”

Viscount Bast laughed and said:

“After all, the taste of defeat is unpleasant, and since you and I are both leaders of our families, we should understand one thing: if we lose once, it’s possible our families may never recover.”

“So we can’t afford to lose!”

He paused for a moment, a certain light flickering in his eyes.

“Let’s be clear, Lord Zavier, did you come to seek reconciliation?”

However, Viscount Zavier shook his head very firmly and said:

“Not reconciliation, but surrender. The Hovern family is about to fall, and everyone can see their demise. Thus, on behalf of the Eagle clan, I formally surrender to the Lion clan.”

Viscount Bast did not show any surprise, as if he had expected it all along, and after a long silence, he asked back:

“Don’t you still have the support from the Sunrise clan and the Donnerklaue clan?”

Viscount Zavier kept shaking his head, and objectively assessed the situation of the two families: “The crippled Donnerklaue clan is of little use, and as for the Sunrise clan, I have already discovered that they feigned allegiance to me under your command: in fact, the Sunrise clan has still been passing information to you.”

Having his plan of infiltrating the Sunrise clan exposed, Viscount Bast burst into laughter: “Hahahaha! So, you’ve discovered it. As expected, that guy isn’t cut out for this kind of work.”

Viscount Zavier’s tone was very firm.

“The Eagle clan has the courage to fight to the death with you, but we do not wish to fight a civil war we’re sure to lose.”

“You surrender and yet speak so proudly?”

Viscount Bast chuckled coldly, moving closer, and stated his demands.

“Zavier, I have a few demands. First, your family’s remaining Forbidden rare artifact must be handed over. Then, your most important grandson is to marry one of my granddaughters, with the wedding scheduled for next week. Moreover, your family has to transfer all properties aside from Phelps Port to the Lion clan for handling!”

The Lion clan gaped, voracious; Viscount Bast, devoid of any old-time sentimentality, chose to coldly devour the Eagle clan, ensuring that they would be left without any room to recover.

“I can accept all that.”

Zavier agreed without hesitation, having mentally prepared for everything before coming to the negotiation.

He then said calmly, “Bast, I also hope that you would co-invest with me in the development of something, a steamboat. It will surely bring significant change to the future of the East Coast. Without your participation, its development won’t be as rapid.”

“Steam engine technology? Hmm, I am indeed quite interested in that.”

Viscount Bast finally showed a smile of approval, his eyes filled with admiration, harboring complex feelings for his adversary and ally all this time.

“Then, Zavier, starting today, our two families shall join forces to create a new East Coast Province!”

Viscount Bast extended his hand, and then, Viscount Zavier calmly took it, holding it in silence for a long time, as if relieved at heart, having let go of many burdens.

On the other side of Sunrise Lake, the Blazing Sun gradually rose.

The trees in the distance were clearly outlined in the soft light and shadow, the lake water shimmering with golden splendor under the morning light.

——