As the arrival of the Anjou Royal Family's representatives in Tobesk drew nearer, the residents of Tobesk could also sense how seriously City Hall and the Kingdom regarded the matter. But this had nothing to do with Shade for the time being. After leaving the Seer Association, he bid farewell to the cat lazily basking in the sun on the windowsill at home, then traveled through the basement statue to Huntington.
When he emerged from the Wine Cellar of White River Valley Vineyard, the morning sun at the turn of autumn and winter was almost blinding.
Raising a hand above his eyes, he happened to spot Mr. Bernhardt standing in the courtyard of the small estate with his servants and coachman, directing workers as they unloaded goods from a flatbed cart:
"Good morning, Mr. Bernhardt."
"Good morning, Mr. Watson."
The two greeted one another familiarly. Shade tightened the collar buttons of his warm black coat and walked over.
"Stocking up on food for the winter again?"
The middle-aged Bloodkin hesitated, then carefully shook his head. Standing beside Shade, he watched the workers unload the cargo.
"No, tobacco."
"Tobacco? Hmm?"
Shade was rather surprised and lowered his voice.
"You deal in tobacco too?"
Whether in Delarion or Kasonlik, the tobacco trade was regulated by the Kingdom. Judging by the way the goods were being unloaded, this did not look like legitimate business at all.
"You have smuggling connections too? To the New Continent, or Delarion?"
Shade was not especially surprised. After all, Leisha was still smuggling arms in Miburg.
"No, no, no. I'm not that bold."
Mr. Bernhardt lowered his voice slightly.
"Didn't we meet Princess Margaret yesterday and help solve that Murder Case? Your Highness had quite a good impression of me. Last night, she sent someone to my estate