It's not like you can live here if you want to, right?

The carriage, reinforced with dual magic arrays, was both cool and stable, making it hard to tell it was moving.

Inside the carriage, Nancy asked Jenny with a confident smile and anticipation, "Jenny, do you think Raven will be completely awestruck by me this time?"

"Of course, Miss Nancy," Jenny nodded vigorously. "These were all personally selected by you. He's just a minor Baron; he'll surely be dumbfounded!"

To prepare for this grand entrance, Nancy had indeed put in considerable effort.

The original plan of 10 carriages had been expanded to 12. They were all made of white ivory wood, a precious and rare material with a high price. Each carriage cost 72.4 gold coins to build, and a simple coat of varnish gave it a luxurious and elegant sheen that outshone even real gold!

Beneath the carriages were dual magic arrays, one for temperature control and another for shock absorption. Though not large, a set cost 327.5 gold coins.

Even the 24 draft horses were meticulously chosen, possessing one-eighth magical beast blood. Each cost 62.44 gold coins, standing at a uniform height of 1.8 meters at the shoulder. Their coats were a deep chestnut, their manes flowing, and when they ran, they resembled balls of fire.

The total cost amounted to an astonishing 6297.36 gold coins!

"Shining Gold Town is truly a pauper's paradise," Nancy said, half complaining and half boasting. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have made such a humble appearance!"

Jenny really wanted to remind Nancy that the last time she had stormed towards the Shining Gold Town's administrative hall, she had been just as confident, and the result...

But now was clearly not the time to pour cold water on her enthusiasm. She followed Nancy's lead, saying, "You said it yourself, this place is very poor."

"Even the wealthiest Shining Gold Town is this poor, let alone the entire Eagle Territory. Raven must have never seen such a grand display!"

"Hmm, that makes sense. You're actually quite clever!" Nancy nodded with satisfaction. "Just wait, Raven, I'll have you kneeling to welcome me!"

The carriages soon stopped. Servants immediately emerged from the carriages behind and unfurled a red firefly velvet carpet, two meters wide and half an inch thick, laying it from the carriage door all the way to the castle hall.

With Jenny's support, Nancy alighted from the carriage and, stepping onto the plush carpet, proceeded inside with an air of arrogance.

Her peripheral vision swept over the servants of Eagle Fortress. Seeing their stunned and dumbfounded expressions, her self-esteem was greatly satisfied.

Country bumpkins are just country bumpkins, all lacking in sophistication!

However, this good mood didn't last long.

Because Raven's face soon appeared within her sight. To her surprise, not only was he not shocked, but he looked remarkably calm.

Nancy's lips tightened at that moment.

Hmph, keep pretending!

She walked up to Raven with impeccable grace, tilted her chin up, and extended her right hand. "Ahem."

Seeing this, Raven clicked his tongue inwardly.

This Nancy, though she looks like a child, she's quite something when dressed up.

Her light red hair was styled into a bun at the back of her head, with two slightly curled strands falling by her temples, exuding elegance yet retaining a lively charm.

Her ears were adorned with silver teardrop earrings, inlaid with brilliant, clear rubies that complemented her vibrant demeanor.

A smile played on her lips, revealing a hint of her canine teeth.

Her luxurious orange-red gown accentuated her slender waist and made her delicate collarbones appear even more alluring.

"It is my honor to meet you, Miss Nancy," Raven greeted politely, bowing to take her small hand, encased in a white glove, and performed a hand kiss.

Although it was merely a standard social courtesy, Nancy felt a sense of triumphant joy.

Heh heh, no matter how arrogant you are, you still have to bow before me, right?

"Baron Raven, your etiquette is impeccable," Nancy said, withdrawing her hand with a bright smile. "I've had a long journey and am quite tired. I hope you have my accommodations prepared."

"Uh... what?" Raven seemed not to have heard clearly. "You intend to stay?"

Nancy froze for a moment, her brow furrowing. "Baron Raven, what do you mean by that? Didn't you receive my calling card?"

"Calling card? What calling card?" Raven blinked innocently, then glanced around. "Did any of you receive a calling card from Miss Nancy?"

The servants shook their heads. Even Patti did the same, though a suppressed smile played on her lips as she lowered her head.

This damnable scoundrel, how can he be so shameless?

She had even tampered with the date on the calling card, dusting the "1" on the 12th with a mixture of carbon and silver powder. It looked fine, but a gentle wipe could erase it, advancing the date of sending the card by 10 days.

She had intended for Raven to refuse her using the date as an excuse, but she never expected him to simply pretend he hadn't received it!

How could he be so cunning? Did he see through my elaborate scheme?

In truth, Raven hadn't seen through it at all. He simply had no intention of admitting he'd received the calling card, so whatever tricks Nancy played around it were all in vain.

"Raven, don't get cocky. My calling card has been delivered, and I, this young lady, am staying at Eagle Fortress today!" Nancy took a deep breath and raised her voice. "Jenny, help me inside. I want to see who dares to block the daughter of the Fox Family!"

As soon as she said this, Nancy saw Raven's expression change, and the surrounding servants also looked somewhat flustered.

In the Cairns Empire, nobles were everything. Commoners who touched them without noble permission were subject to the whip, and deserved to be beaten to death.

Let alone obstructing a noble's path!

Nancy stepped towards the entrance, her heart filled with high spirits.

Raven, no matter what excuses you have, I can use my family's influence to crush you. This time, I've won after all!

This is a small step for me, but a huge stride for the Fox Family to turn the tables!

Snap!

A crisp sound echoed, and Nancy, whose foot was about to step inside the door, froze. Her body trembled, and reflexively, she looked at Raven. He was slowly parting his hands, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

This immediately reminded Nancy of her first encounter with Raven. She slightly hunched her neck but quickly puffed out her chest.

I don't believe you'd dare spank me in front of everyone again?

With that thought, she perked up and took another step.

Snap!

Nancy stumbled. If Jenny hadn't supported her, she would have nearly fallen to the ground.

"Stop it!" Filled with shame and anger, Nancy glared at Raven, her voice full of fury.

"Don't you have any gentlemanly conduct? I'm a daughter of the Fox Family. It's an honor for your Griffith Family to have me stay at Eagle Fortress!"

Raven remained silent, only the meaningful smile lingering on his lips. He gently rubbed his hands together, his gaze lingering between Nancy's waist and stomach.

The latter felt her hair stand on end, a swelling sensation in her body, almost making her reach to cover her backside.

No, the impression from last time is too deeply ingrained!

Nancy truly couldn't get past this hurdle.

But she had already made bold pronouncements, and she was already at the entrance of Eagle Fortress. To retreat now would be even more embarrassing, wouldn't it?

Having no other choice, Nancy looked to Jenny for help.

Jenny, realizing the critical moment, had already put her little brain to work.

In the current situation, if they turned back, if nothing else, Miss Nancy would surely not let her off the hook!

Her eyes darted, and a brilliant plan surfaced.

Under Nancy's gaze, Jenny rolled her eyes.

This was a hint for Nancy to feign unconsciousness.

If Nancy fainted now, Raven would have to arrange for her to rest inside out of courtesy. Once inside the door, it would be much harder for Raven to dismiss her.

Nancy's first reaction was annoyance. I'm clearly asking you for help, what do you mean by looking down on me?

But then, she understood – this was telling her to continue belittling Raven!

The first step in belittling someone else is to praise yourself.

"Raven, do you know that I am a daughter of the Fox Family? The Fox Family is an Earl's family!"

"Did you see my carriage? This convoy alone is worth 6,000 gold coins!"

"Your small Eagle Territory, how many years would it take to earn that much?"

Raven was a bit confused by Nancy's thought process. He let out a scoff and asked, "6,000 gold coins is indeed not a small sum, but what does that have to do with me? Are you planning to give it to me?"

"Do you only have money in your head? How vulgar, how low-class!" Nancy rebuked.

"As the lord of Eagle Territory, of course, I have to consider money," Raven retorted as a matter of course. "Otherwise, what else should I care about, artistic taste?"

Nancy heard the sarcasm in Raven's words and asked displeased, "If I give you money, can I stay here?"

Raven pondered for a moment. "That depends on how much you can offer."

"Angel's Tear!" Nancy suddenly said.

"What?" Raven was taken aback.

"1,000 bottles of Angel's Tear, I'll take them." Nancy extended a delicate finger. "Is that enough?"

Raven's eyes immediately gleamed with the light of money. He swallowed and said, "Miss Nancy, Angel's Tear isn't cheap."

"Isn't it 1.7 gold coins a bottle? It's not like I can't afford it," Nancy said with a disdainful smile.

Raven chuckled. "That was the old price. The new Angel's Tear is 2.88 gold coins a bottle."

What a greedy guy, raising the price at a time like this!

A hint of displeasure flashed through Nancy's mind, and she said contemptuously, "Don't you just want money? Then I'll round it up for you, 3,000 gold coins."

"Jenny, get the money!"

Two servants carried a large wooden chest and placed it with a thud in front of Raven. When the chest was opened, the golden radiance shone brilliantly.

At this moment, Raven's pupils seemed to turn into the shape of gold coins.

3,000 gold coins, what a windfall!

"Miss Nancy, oh no, Princess Nancy, you are truly the most brilliant pearl in the world!"

This time, before Nancy could speak, Raven completely changed his previous dismissive attitude. He decisively knelt on one knee, raising his right hand and placing his left hand on his chest, speaking in an almost operatic tone:

"Welcome to Eagle Fortress!"

It was as if he was afraid Nancy would change her mind the next moment!

Seeing this, Nancy's heart filled with joy. Supported by Jenny, she walked into the hall with her head held high and chest puffed out.

Hmph, I knew it, I would definitely be able to stay at Eagle Fortress!

Jenny supported her, whispering praise in her ear, "Miss Nancy, your actions just now were so elegant, so domineering! With only 3,000 gold coins, that Raven knelt before you."

"You are truly the most intelligent lady in the world. If..."

At this point, Jenny's voice lowered because she noticed Nancy's expression growing increasingly displeased.

"Jenny, we spent so much time preparing the grand entrance precisely to intimidate Raven, didn't we?"

Jenny nodded. "Uh, yes, and the effect..."

"Don't interrupt me." Nancy stopped walking, swallowed, and continued, "In the end, he wasn't intimidated; instead, he refused to let me in."

"Only when I produced 3,000 gold coins did he agree to let me pass, right?"

Jenny still didn't quite understand. "Yes... but..."

"But what, but what!" Nancy's voice was filled with grievance and frustration.

"Doesn't this mean, doesn't this mean the Fox Family's reputation is worth less than 3,000 gold coins!?"

After spending over 6,000 gold coins to create a grand display, it was completely useless. On top of that, they had to pay an exorbitant price for 1,000 bottles of Angel's Tear just to be allowed to stay!

At this moment, Nancy felt like a complete fool!

Just then, Raven's voice sounded from behind her, "Miss Nancy, would you like to take a look at our Eagle Fortress's new product? I'm sure it will satisfy you just as much as Angel's Tear!"

This remark was like another stab to her already wounded pride.

The joy of victory vanished instantly, replaced by a feeling so overwhelming she wanted to cry.

"Jenny, let's go!" Nancy roughly shook off Jenny's support, grabbed her dress with both hands, and strode upstairs.

Raven, however, was not in the mood to ponder Nancy's feelings. His entire attention was focused on the 3,000 gold coins.

After breakfast, Raven immediately convened the usual morning meeting.

Looking at the smiling Raven, Denise teased him playfully, "Tsk, Lord Baron, you're quite happy today. Your reception wasn't this attentive when I returned before."

Raven chuckled dismissively and said, "If you brought 3,000 gold coins every time you came back, let alone kneeling, I'd even carry you in."

In the past, old Gordon would have felt uncomfortable with such a scene, but now he watched it all with a cheerful smile.

After their last thorough discussion, he had confirmed that no matter what Denise had in mind, it wouldn't escape the Baron's calculations.

"With this batch of gold coins in hand, many things can finally get moving," Raven said, patting the table and speaking seriously, "The venue for this product launch event will be moved to Eagle Town."

Old Gordon naturally wouldn't object, but Denise hesitated, "Shining Gold Town is already almost ready. If we change the venue now, won't it be too tight on time?"

Raven gently shook his head. "No, the warehouse frame is already up, isn't it? We can directly convert it into an event venue. There's enough time, and it'll be more convenient for setup."

"We'll use brand-new luxurious materials for the construction, and all fixtures will be made of natural crystal and precious metals. Let's install magic lamps too!"

"Magic lamps?!" Denise was slightly surprised. "Isn't that too wasteful? A set of magic lamps would consume more than half of those 3,000 gold coins!"

Old Gordon, for once, agreed with Denise. "Yes, Lord Baron, with the money spent on magic lamps, we could fully invest it in the development of Eagle Town!"

"Magic lamps will be bought sooner or later," Raven said, his gaze sweeping over the two of them, his reasoning clear. "Moreover, for this product launch, both Angel's Tear and Angel's Kiss are luxury goods, and they require a luxurious environment to complement them."

"We didn't do it before because our finances weren't wealthy enough. Now that we have the money, we must go all out to make a name for ourselves and leave a deep impression right from the start!"

Who consumes luxury goods?

Nobles with too much money to spend, and merchants looking to resell for profit.

When these people buy something, they don't seek the best, only the most expensive.

Once they get their hands on it, it immediately shows everyone their taste, status, and wealth!

So, what constitutes a luxury item?

Besides the product itself, packaging and marketing are also crucial!

Having been in the business world for many years, Denise quickly understood Raven's intentions and nodded, "Yes, that makes sense."

"Then it's settled," Raven said, his eyes shining. "Contact the Mercenary Guild immediately and send out the invitations!"

About ten minutes later, Volkov rode his steed towards Shining Gold Town. An hour later, dozens of messengers belonging to the Mercenary Guild, driving their mounts, sped away!

The roads were like the veins of Nord Province, and the messengers were like the blood flowing through them. They changed horses but not riders, galloping onward, day and night without rest!

The first recipient of the invitation was Iron Furnace Territory, which was the closest.

"Hmph, a product launch!"

Anger tossed the invitation aside, his expression grim. "Ever since he became a Baron, he's been engaged in these lowly dealings that only merchants do. This 'Little Bee' has truly disgraced the nobility!"

"Father is right," Mark chimed in with a smile. "This 'Little Bee' only creates things that women like. He has no manly spirit at all!"

Despite saying this, Mark's eyes couldn't help but be drawn to Angel's Tear.

The taste was truly exquisite, and the new packaging was genuinely beautiful.

A hint of jealousy suddenly arose in his heart.

They were of similar age, yet Raven's achievements far surpassed his. He couldn't help but continue to belittle Raven. "He's doing things that are not his proper business. I bet even dogs wouldn't attend this so-called product launch of his!"

"Ah, that's how it should have been," Anger coughed awkwardly, then sighed heavily. "But this damned 'Little Bee' has actually stumbled upon the right thing this time!"

"Right now, the entire Nord Province is in a state of flux, and no one knows what the future holds. His so-called product launch has conveniently provided a platform for everyone to interact."

"The attendees will probably outnumber those at Donald's funeral."

Having said that, he suddenly raised his voice: "Judra!"

"Ah, Fa... Lord Baron!" Judra finally snapped back to reality.

He hadn't fully shaken off the shock.

News had arrived from their family in Monen City, indicating that Monen City had already fallen into considerable chaos, suggesting that Nord Province was likely to face widespread turmoil.

And Raven had accurately predicted this more than a month ago.

Time had indeed proven him right!

Glancing at his eldest son with displeasure, Anger spoke in a deep voice, "You and Mark will go to the press conference. Remember, interact with as many people as possible to gather more intelligence. You are dismissed!"

"Yes, Lord Baron."

"Yes, Father!"

The two stood up and took their leave.

Just as they were about to depart, Mark discreetly tucked the Angel's Kiss bottle into his sleeve.

At the same moment, within Snow Maple Fortress.

Butler Kent, looking at the exquisite invitation on the table, asked tentatively, "My Lord Viscount, shall we attend?"

As if he hadn't heard, John brought Angel's Kiss to his nose, savoring the fresh and invigorating lavender scent:

"Raven, that little fellow, he certainly knows how to surprise people."

Kent still didn't understand and asked, "Sir, what do you mean...?"

"Since he sent an invitation, why should I dwell on past grievances?" John said leisurely. "Moreover, I get to taste fine wine like 'Angel's Tear'!"

As he spoke, he grasped the newly packaged Angel's Tear, his gaze falling on the gradient label. He read it aloud, his voice filled with emotion:

"All is vanity, all is permissible..."

It wasn't just Viscount John; this profound phrase echoed through noble families large and small across Nord Province.

Some were surprised, some praised it, some scoffed.

But no one could afford to ignore it.

The samples sent with the letters were not just the astonishingly repackaged Angel's Tear.

Angel's Kiss also piqued the curiosity of many.

Even with just a single drop, it could leave a rich fragrance for six to seven hours.

Most nobles received the letters, but not every messenger managed to fulfill their duty.

In the dead of night, on a mountain path, a galloping horse suddenly spurted blood from its neck and fell with a whinny.

The knight on its back was about to cry out when he suddenly froze, as if being drained by an invisible force, his body rapidly withering.

In just a few minutes, the fallen warhorse stood up again, carrying the messenger.

However, the warhorse itself, along with the person on it, had all turned into desiccated corpses, with only white soulfire burning in their eye sockets.

They had been transformed into undead creatures!

A White Skeleton Knight rode to the roadside, bowed, and with withered hands, took a delicate parchment bag.

From the darkness, a figure cloaked in black emerged, extending a palm covered in age spots to receive the bag and open it.

"Heh heh... 'All is vanity, all is permissible?' What a decadent and dissolute slogan." The aged voice was as grating as a broken windpipe. "With Winter Moon approaching, the nobles of Nord Province are still wasting their time on such meaningless activities."

"Utterly corrupt."

Another cloaked figure sidled up and asked respectfully, "In that case, should we strike preemptively during this so-called 'press conference'? If we can capture all those nobles in one go, it would surely deliver a significant blow to Nord Province!"

"No need. The cult's plans are almost complete. Stirring up trouble now would only disrupt our deployment."

Having said that, the aged voice emitted several dry, scraping chuckles. "Let these high-and-mighty nobles, in their drunken revelry, welcome their catastrophe!"

"Let's go!"

It wasn't unusual for an invitation to go undelivered, and this minor incident passed unnoticed.

In the blink of an eye, another half a month passed, bringing the date to October 27th.

With the opening of the press conference, Eagle Town's popularity surged dramatically.

Exquisite and luxurious carriages lined the newly opened square, and the people emerging from them, from their attire to their demeanor, exuded the unique arrogance and nobility of their class.

The nobles greeted each other, conversing in groups of three to five, naturally forming small circles based on region or kinship.

Just then, the arrival of one carriage silenced everyone.

At first glance, the carriage appeared ordinary, made of common oak. However, a closer look at the crest displayed on the carriage revealed its extraordinary nature.

Two intertwined vipers, baring their fangs.

This was the symbol of the Slate Family!

The carriage stopped, and a young noble with golden hair emerged. The assembled nobles bowed in greeting: "Mr. Hyde!"

Hyde Slate.

The youngest son of the Slate Family.

This man, who had been tricked by Raven once before, wore an unmelting, ice-cold arrogance on his face. He gave a slight nod, almost imperceptibly, as a return greeting.

Without any servants following, he walked straight into the venue. A welcoming attendant bowed respectfully, "Lord Hyde, Baron Raven has prepared a private box for you!"

"Very good," Hyde nodded slightly.

"Tell Raven to come and see me!"