They all call me Great Master

Outside the door, Edwin was stunned when he saw Arthur and Marinda Julius Caesar walk out hand in hand, side by side.

In the eyes of this coachman, disbelief was overflowing.

Even, he almost cried out in surprise.

As a confidant, Edwin naturally knew his master's 'condition'.

But because he knew, it was all the more incredible to him.

So much so that the coachman pinched himself hard.

Hisss!

Sharp pain spread from his thigh, making Edwin wince with pain, and the coachman immediately bowed as a cover-up.

However, the coachman did not forget the matter at hand and spoke in a lowered voice.

"Those people have already entered the hall."

Upon hearing this, Marinda, who had wanted to withdraw her hand to relieve her adverse reaction, forcefully held back.

However, her complexion became extremely unsightly.

Arthur, who was very close, could even see her cheeks bulge from clenching her teeth so hard.

And her bulging cheeks were trembling.

'It has progressed from psychological to physiological, this can't be simply a case of androphobia anymore!'

Watching this scene, Arthur thought to himself, and inconspicuously released his hand—otherwise, he feared he might be spattered with acid.

He knew only of a man with a severe case of androphobia, so much so that the presence of men would cause him to break out in hives, to the point that he had hired a bunch of women as bodyguards.

He never thought he would encounter someone with a stronger case like Marinda's.

Marinda, however, was taken aback, then cast a grateful look at Arthur.

Forcing down the urge to vomit was definitely not a pleasant experience.

Especially when it came wave after wave; she had nearly reached her limit just now.

Whew!

After taking another deep breath, Marinda quickly recovered her composure and spoke.

"Later, I'll take you to meet the guests in the salon. Today, there are no nobles from South Los attending because of Baron Kemir's death they are avoiding suspicion, of course, they are also fishing—for interests, and they want to maintain their dignity… those whores," she said.

Marinda uttered the last two words in a very low voice.

If Arthur hadn't been standing right next to her, he wouldn't have heard her at all.

However, Arthur quite agreed with the lady's assessment.

The arrogance of the nobility is known to the world.

And their greed is beyond doubt.

Arthur didn't know how much it had cost Marinda to operate the baron's title, but from her tone just now, it was certainly not a small sum.

Even, it might have been all her fortune.

As for whether it was worth it?

Arthur could not judge.

Because in his opinion, it definitely wasn't worth it.

But since she had gone through with it, she must have deemed it worthwhile.

Moreover, with her wit, she would never engage in a losing trade; even if it seemed like a loss at present, in the long run, it might turn out to be a huge profit.

Unfortunately, such people were too few.

Arthur lamented inwardly while Marinda continued speaking.

"The guests below are mostly unworthy of attention, but there are two groups you must be wary of—'Coste Commerce' and 'Emmond Commerce.'

"They are my biggest rivals in operating this title."

"Shortly, I'll give you a cue!"

Marinda said this and raised her hand, prepared to reach for Arthur's again.

But Arthur shook his head.

"With that appearance, do you really think you can deceive those people?"

Arthur found the relevant parts about 'Coste Commerce' and 'Emmond Commerce' in the memories of his previous life.

Both were significant forces in South Los. Coste Commerce owned three fleets sailing to North County ports and many islands at sea engaging in enviable fleet trade, while Emmond Commerce focused on investments within South Los, owning six factories in Dort District.

To grow a business to such an extent, they obviously were not fools.

Arthur didn't believe Marinda's performance could fool these two groups.

Therefore, she must be resorting to some trick.

And what is related to vomiting and women?

It goes without saying!

As for her reputation?

A woman as ambitious as Marinda simply didn't care.

He?

Cared even less.

But, he didn't want to be vomited upon!

Moreover, seeing through Marinda's tricks would bring him what he wanted!

Of course, there was also XP…

He wanted that too! Explore stories at empire

Therefore, Arthur pointed ahead.

That was the corridor on the second floor!

"You just want to break the 'rumors', and there's no need to drag me around to meet all those people. We just need to let them see us!"

"The rest?"

"Their brains will tell them everything!"

Arthur said slowly.

How to gain more XP at a salon?

Naturally, by becoming the center of attention!

Not by wasting time mingling with the multitude of guests!

But by instantly capturing their gaze, making sure everyone sees him right away.

Compared to endless small talk, this was a decisive straight pitch!

Marinda's eyes suddenly lit up, and she gave Arthur a thumbs-up.

"Arthur, you're really smart!"

"No, I just don't want the rumors to take an unpredictable turn."

Arthur responded politely.

Marinda, caught in the act, immediately stuck out her tongue playfully.

"Sorry, I just care too much about this title!"

Marinda was dressed to the nines that evening, naturally looking her best; her current playfulness, in combination with her blue eyes, was truly enchanting.

But Arthur saw right through it, knowing that her act was intentional: She was trying to bluff her way out after her little trick had been discovered.

'What a woman adept at leveraging her assets!' Arthur thought to himself, though his expression revealed nothing as he spoke in an increasingly indifferent tone, "I think I deserve some compensation—a few not-so-important Mystic Side books, how about that?"

The prelude to XP was settled.

Compensation was something Arthur wouldn't forget.

No matter how beautiful a woman might be, actual gains brought more happiness than mere appearances!

Especially since this compensation was something he urgently needed now.

Though it might be available from the toad, that was just a possibility.

Arthur had to make extra preparations.

"Okay!"

Seeing she had been caught out, Marinda nodded decisively.

Even though the compensation was valuable, she didn't haggle over it.

Because she indeed had been ready to concoct a lie like 'morning sickness' if things didn't go her way.

Having been exposed, she really did want to use her advantages to smooth things over.

Try for a second time, hoping Arthur would waive the compensation?

Marinda couldn't bring herself to do it.

The first time could be seen as a 'tactical contest' between the two.

But to try again after being found out would just be making a scene.

She didn't want to lose this unexpectedly suitable partner!

He was even more fitting than she had imagined!

What could be more suitable than a partner whose terms were clear-cut?

Of course, a partner whose terms were clear-cut every time.

Marinda couldn't help but smile.

Arthur smiled as well.

He appreciated Marinda's straightforwardness, her ability to take a hit and stand up straight, and whispered, "Pleasure doing business with you—darling!"

The tremor in his voice made Marinda shiver, goosebumps rising on her exposed skin.

She was certain Arthur did it on purpose.

Arthur didn't deny it, calmly admitting it when confronted with Marinda's gaze.

"Such a nitpicker!"

Marinda huffed lightly.

Arthur, however, paid her no attention and simply made a slight bow, extending his hand in invitation.

It was time for the grand appearance.

Marinda took a deep breath, placed her hand in Arthur's once more, and the two walked out to the second-floor gallery, standing shoulder to shoulder as they overlooked the guests below.

Marinda's gaze resembled that of a king, observing and scrutinizing her subjects.

And Arthur?

No additional gestures were needed—he just stood there with a smile.

Soon, someone noticed the figures on the second-floor gallery and their eyes widened.

The person in conversation with them obviously sensed the odd behavior, turned their head involuntarily, and their eyes also widened.

Gradually, the first-floor hall fell silent.

All eyes turned up to the two on the second-floor gallery,

Everything was just as Arthur and Marinda had anticipated.

The effect was quite good, and just as they were ready for the next step, a disturbance suddenly came from below—

Crack!

A wine glass fell to the carpet, the liquid spilling out, while the man holding the glass fell straight to the ground, breathless.