The Raine Kingdom's Paper Market

Alex said, "Exactly. If we took the regular route, a merchant ship would need twenty days to reach the kingdom proper.

"Even without counting the time, the labor and material costs alone would be several times higher than taking the military route. We could make back that ten-percent share of the profits in just a few more trips!

"You thought this through, Victor. You were the one who suggested using our three-year tax exemption to make money through trade."

Victor shook his head. "Even if I hadn't said anything, someone probably would have approached you after our audience with the king. Chairman Vitri was the one who gave me the idea.

"By the way, have you heard anything from him?

"I haven't seen him since the end of last year. He left Vela and went back to the kingdom proper."

Alex shook his head too. "I can't reach him either. When I asked Nightingale to investigate Casimian, I dealt with his subordinate, but I couldn't get in touch with the man himself!

"Victor, I've heard the intelligence agencies and spy networks of major powers are full of vicious infighting. Could Vitri have made his colleagues and superiors jealous with his achievements in the Vila Civil War, then been tricked into going home and..."

Alex fell silent and drew a finger across his throat. Victor understood what he meant, but he thought it was impossible.

"Chairman Vitri is a cautious man. He's not the sort to fall for a trick.

"Remember what he said when he was about to leave Vela after we met? He promised us a surprise the next time we saw him!"

Alex scoffed. "He's only a knight, the lowest rank of Court Noble. What kind of surprise could he give us? If anything, I want to take