Following President Aden's instructions, Ang headed straight to Heart of Stone in Pat City. It was a trading house dealing in ore and metal materials. The storefront was small, but its shelves were piled with all kinds of ore samples, while several tools forged from black iron hung on the walls, clearly meant to display the quality of its products. When Ang pushed open the door, the crisp chime of a bell drew the attention of the shop clerk.
"Sir, is there anything I can help you with?" The clerk came forward with a professional smile.
After organizing his thoughts, Ang said, "I am Baron Ang from outside Pat City, and I need to purchase a large quantity of ore."
At the word "baron," the clerk's gaze immediately became more respectful. He hurriedly replied, "Please wait a moment. I'll call our owner right away."
Ang nodded and watched the clerk hurry toward the back room. The shop was brightly lit, but the air carried a faint metallic scent. Ang looked around and noticed that there was not much ore on the shelves, most of it consisting of small samples. It seemed that this trading house's stock might be limited.
After quite a while, a middle-aged man finally emerged. He wore refined clothing, gleaming leather boots, and a familiar smile.
"Baron Ang, I have long heard of you!" The man stopped before Ang, bowed slightly, and performed a standard noble's greeting.
Ang was briefly stunned before returning the gesture. "You are...?"
"I am Fiad," the man introduced himself. "We met at Allen's ball, though we did not have the opportunity to speak then."
Ang thought back for a moment and indeed remembered seeing Fiad at Baron Allen's ball. Though this baron seemed easygoing, he held a certain standing among Pat City's