Night.
The mansion blazed with light, buzzing with energy.
"Damn it!" President Semos’s face twisted unpleasantly, his wrinkles bunching tighter.
The banquet hadn’t ended—it was hitting its peak. As tiny glasses of distilled wine were served, their pure, unblemished crimson mirrored the flushed faces of the Semos family.
Among Fokxas City’s two major trading companies, Sloke Trading Company dealt in varied goods; wine was just one part. Even if hit hard, losses would be minor. But for Semos Trading Company, it was their lifeblood.
Now, with that lifeblood at risk of being severed, the old man stormed out in fury, refusing to linger.
Beside him stood his son—Gynia’s fiancé—face grim, stripped of his usual composed humor.
Lanche stepped forward, blocking their path with a smile. "Leaving so soon? Won’t you taste Claire Family’s new wine?"
Seeing him, President Semos’s expression softened slightly. "Ah, the Earl’s young master. We have urgent matters—no time for tasting."
Lanche blinked, surprised by the politeness. Was it because of the Bolnors Family alliance?
He grinned. "Since you’re busy, care to hear how they make that wine?"
"You know?" The Semos father and son froze, staring intently.
"Of course. I married into the Claire Family," Lanche chuckled slyly.
President Semos beamed warmly. "Truly the Earl’s son—you’ve got real cunning!"
"Let’s talk privately?" Ron Semos smiled, his earlier gloom vanished.
Lanche nodded, following them to the garden, acting all secretive.
"The Earl…" President Semos probed cautiously.
"Don’t worry. I know he’ll marry Sister Gynia. Soon, we’ll be kin to the Bolnors Family," Lanche smiled.
"Yes! Semos Trading Company will loyally serve the Earl, making Bernoas Territory thrive!" Both beamed.
Lanche nodded. "You know Claire Family’s wine’s power. It’ll dominate the market fast. Your family will suffer most."
"Indeed. I never expected such tricks from them. All that earlier scrambling with merchants—was it weakness? A setup for a killing blow?" President Semos sighed.
"Not weakness. They were confident, calmly studying the market first. Seasoned merchants," Lanche lied smoothly.
"True. No wonder they earned fortunes abroad before settling here."
"They’re a fierce tiger," President Semos realized. Business would turn brutal with such a rival.
"Young Master Lanche, how is their wine…" Ron blurted, unable to hold back.
Lanche nodded seriously. "I’ve gathered intel from observation. But the exact process? I can’t help there."
"Then…" President Semos frowned.
"I know their workshop—but I can’t enter. Whether you can…" Lanche glanced at them, thoughtful.
They exchanged looks. "Where do they brew it?"
"In Golden Grape Manor’s underground cellar. Entrance’s outside the main house," Lanche lied earnestly, without flinching.
"Just watch outside the manor. You’ll see two maids working like mad in that hut, hauling wine in and out."
"Maids?" they asked doubtfully.
"Yes. No workers. Just two maids using special magic to brew it," Lanche affirmed gravely.
"I understand, Young Master Lanche. Thank you," President Semos said sincerely.
"No need. My father wouldn’t want Semos Trading Company collapsing before cooperation begins," Lanche smiled.
"Impossible! We’ve stood for over a century," the old man declared firmly.
"Right. I’ll head back—don’t want them missing me," Lanche waved, leaving.
Father and son stood silent, watching him vanish.
"Father, can we trust him?" Ron whispered.
President Semos nodded calmly. "He’s useless. But his father isn’t. The Earl stands with us."
Ron nodded. "I’ll send men to scout the manor."
"Hmm." Semos snorted.
They left without another word.
Lanche strolled back to the banquet hall, unconcerned. Even if they asked Gorde, they’d believe.
Now, just wait for them to walk into the trap.
He did this simply to help Gynia escape her marriage. Nothing more.
Soon, guests began departing. Sileus secured massive orders—enough to exhaust sisters Liya and Lekui.
"Miss, we must expand production," Sileus advised Kestia in the carriage, not hiding it from Lanche.
Lanche sat beside him. He knew Sileus was steward—but not that Kestia was a princess.
Kestia nodded, glancing at Lanche.
"Don’t look at me. I know nothing about this," Lanche shook his head, playing clueless, just loafing.
Kestia ignored him, discussing expansion with Sileus.
"We must partner with a winery. But that risks exposing the distillation technique," Sileus said, eyeing Lanche.
"I don’t care," Lanche stated.
Kestia studied him, puzzled. He could gain so much—yet cared for nothing.
"Don’t hoard knowledge like a miser," Lanche suggested.
"Spreading this tech lets more brew better wine. More drink better wine. Others might improve it further—create wonders."
"Your heart is as vast as the sea. I’m in awe!" Sileus praised.
"Obviously," Lanche grinned, soaking up the praise.
Kestia looked away coolly. "You don’t mind. But now isn’t the time. We’ll buy our own winery. Manage it ourselves."
"Flush with cash," Lanche gave a thumbs-up.
Kestia ignored him, gazing out the window. She dreamed of spreading "New Malt Wine"—and the Claire name—across the kingdom, even to the empire.
