Farewell, Count Black

Before leaving, Victor did not forget the two messengers from Great Oak Territory. He sent someone to inform them to set sail together from the docks of Linshui Town to Sunset City.

During his visit to Count Black, Victor planned to inquire about the specifics of the recent Noble Council Count Black. After all, Count Black's tone in the letter was ambiguous, so it would be better to ask him directly in person.

Most of the Golden Sunflower Territory's fleet had already headed to the Northlands to carry out transport missions. Victor's ship was a fast riverboat, unsuitable for long-distance ocean travel. Although its carrying capacity was small, its small and light size allowed it to travel very fast on inland waterways, and it arrived at Sunset City's dock in just one day.

Two messengers volunteered to guide Victor to inform Count Black, but Victor refused.

Victor only instructed the two to report normally to the Count, while he would Disguise and enter Sunset City to visit Count Black.

Victor believed that his identity could not be hidden from those who were interested, and that making a high-profile visit to Count Black at this time would easily cause trouble for the Count.

The two messengers understood Victor's meaning and returned directly to the Count's castle.

Meanwhile, Victor, disguised as a merchant caravan, led his guards into Sunset City. Victor also planned to purchase a batch of supplies in Sunset City, especially some specialties from other parts of the Duchy. After all, they would be at war with the Duchy next year, and overseas resources could still be purchased through maritime trade, but trade in the interior would definitely be completely cut off by the Duchy Army.

Victor went directly to the Gorn Trading Company's shop. As a senior member of the guild, he submitted a list of goods to the Gorn Trading Company. The main purchase target was lacquer, which is a relatively important material that can be used in many places, such as shipbuilding and armor rust prevention. Most of the lacquer in the duchy comes from the Southern Four Counties.

Because Victor placed a large order, the manager of the Gorn Trading Company couldn't gather enough goods for the time being, but he assured Victor that the goods would be delivered to the Two Rivers Territory before winter.

Victor had no objection to this and left the Gorn Trading Company. He intended to continue to check the price information in the city when the two messengers from before found him.

The steward of Count Black was also with the two messengers; Victor had seen him before.

"Viscount Golden Sunflower, the Count has made all the arrangements. He is waiting for you at his manor outside the city. Please follow me."

Victor then followed the butler directly out of the city to the Count's estate.

This manor is located in the west of Sunset City, far from the main road, nestled against the mountains and by the water, making it a nice resort.

Victor met Count Black here, as it was nearing noon and the Count had arranged a lunch to entertain Victor.

Nearly half a year had passed since their last meeting, Victor noticed that Count Black did not look well. His hair was much whiter than when they last met, and even his complexion was not good.

"Count Excellency, it's been a long time since we last spoke. The main reason for my visit this time is..."

Before Victor could finish speaking, Count Black interrupted him.

"Viscount Victor, there's still time. Let's eat first. Oh, and I'll introduce you to someone else." After saying that, Count Black called out to the door, and a boy of about seven or eight years old was led in by the butler.

The child was very cute, with a delicate and beautiful appearance. His features were very similar to those of Count Black, Victor knew that this must be Count Black's grandson.

However, the child seemed very shy. After entering, he sat down next to Count Black, keeping his head down and not daring to look at Victor.

Count Black affectionately patted the little boy's head. "This is my grandson Brando the Great Oak. He is eight years old. His father died early, and he has always lived with me. Perhaps it is because I, this old man, care about him too much and have always protected him from contact with outsiders that he is now very afraid of strangers."

Victor wasn't surprised. After all, there had been similar situations in his previous life. It's common for grandparents to be more protective of their grandchildren, and this child seemed to be the first heir of the Great Oak Family. It was normal for Count Black to be overprotective. Besides, it was a family matter, and it wasn't appropriate for him to comment.

"Brando looks a lot like you, he's just a little too young now, but he'll be much better when he grows up."

Blake shook his head. "I don't know if I'll ever see him grow up."

Brando immediately grabbed Count Black's arm. "Grandpa, didn't you say you'd wait until I grew up to see me get married?"

Count Black laughed heartily, "Yes, Grandpa is wrong. I still want to see Brando get married and have a great-grandson for me."

By the way, Grandpa Brando wants to introduce you to someone. I've mentioned him to you before; this is Victor Viscount Golden Sunflower, one of the most outstanding young nobles in the Duchy.

Brando turned to look at Victor. Although he didn't dare to meet his gaze, he still walked up to him and politely bowed, performing the greeting of a junior to a senior. "Viscount Victor, hello, I am Brando Great Oak."

Although Victor found it strange that the young master was being so polite, he returned the greeting respectfully. "I am Victor Golden Sunflower, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Brando was delighted to see Victor's earnest return gift and trotted back to Count Black's side.

The Count laughed again upon seeing this, and immediately ordered the butler to begin lunch, and had everyone sit down to eat.

And so, Victor and his grandson Blake enjoyed a hearty lunch. During the meal, Victor avoided discussing anything too sensitive, considering Brando's presence.

Instead, he took the initiative to talk about the local customs and interesting things he had seen over the years while traveling around the country. These things were obviously very attractive to Brando, who had only been under the protection of Count Black since childhood and had rarely left the house. He also asked Victor many interesting questions from a child's perspective, and Victor answered them seriously without being perfunctory because his questions were too childish.

Count Black witnessed the entire interaction between the two, and his smile became noticeably wider. His appetite also improved, and he even had his butler pour him several glasses of wine.

After the meal, the children ate a lot and got sleepy quickly. After saying goodbye to Victor and Count Black, they were taken away by the butler to rest.

Before leaving, Brando had changed his shy attitude towards Victor and hoped to see Victor again.

Once only Victor and Count Black were left in the room, Count Black spoke first, "Brando has never seen his mother since he was a child. His father passed away before he could remember. He has always been by my side. It's rare to see him so happy. Thank you so much, Victor, for today."

"You're too kind, Your Excellency. Count Brando is also a very clever and lovely child, and I am very happy to meet him."

Blake nodded, satisfied with Victor's answer.

"I have a request. Forget about my selfish thoughts, could you please be Brando's guardian and teacher?"

Victor was taken aback and quickly refused, "That's inappropriate, Count Black. I have no connection with the Great Oak Family. How can you entrust such an important matter to me?"

"It is precisely because you have no ties with the Great Oak Family that I think you are the right person."

Count Black answered Victor's question in a firm tone.