Viscount Rixos looked at the visiting card in his hand, utterly puzzled.
"The Xinfei Merchant Guild's Infrastructure Promotion Department? What the hell is that?"
Turning the card over and seeing the Xinfei Merchant Guild's emblem stamped on the back, Viscount Rixos hesitated, then asked the steward beside him, "You said someone who used to work here as a servant came with him?"
The steward nodded slightly. "Yes, my lord. The servant's name is Kompani. He was diligent and well-behaved when he worked here, so I still remember him. He's from our town. I don't think there should be any problems."
"I see..." Viscount Rixos looked the card over twice more, then waved a hand. "Show them in, then."
"Yes, my lord."
A little while later, the steward led Joshua and Kompani into the drawing room of Viscount Rixos's manor on the outskirts of Alafat Town.
As soon as Kompani saw Viscount Rixos seated in the place of honor, he gave him a deep, respectful bow.
"Your humble servant pays his respects, my lord."
Joshua, however, studied Viscount Rixos with interest before offering a slight bow.
"My respects, my lord."
Viscount Rixos glanced at Kompani and immediately lost interest in examining him. He turned and looked Joshua up and down instead. Seeing his tasteful clothes, refined bearing, and confident smile, he could tell this was no ordinary man. He gestured toward the guest seats beside him. "Please, sit."
After Joshua sat down, Kompani hesitated before carefully perching on the edge of a chair as well. He kept his head lowered and his eyes on the floor, not daring to meet Viscount Rixos's gaze.
In his eyes, the mayor, Viscount Rixos, was already an unimaginably important figure. He had never dreamed that the mayor would one day receive him as a guest.