"Haha, President Xu, it really has been a long time." Earl Stark greeted Xu Yi with what looked like a warm smile.
Unlike when he had first taken over as Bunta City's lord a little over a month ago and immediately displayed obvious hostility toward Xu Yi and the Xinfei Merchant Guild, Earl Stark seemed like a different man today. He greeted Xu Yi as though he were an old friend, his overflowing enthusiasm making everyone around them stare wide-eyed.
Xu Yi likewise showed none of the antagonism he had displayed at their first meeting. Wearing an equally friendly smile, he stepped forward and respectfully bowed to Earl Stark.
"My lord, I am truly honored that you came out to welcome me personally."
"Not at all, President Xu. You are an honored guest whom I specifically invited today. Of course I should give you a proper welcome. Come, please enter." Earl Stark gestured for Xu Yi to go inside, his gaze falling on Delier behind him as a flicker of puzzlement crossed his eyes.
"This is Miss Delier, the business manager of our guild's Plastic Processing Factory," Xu Yi immediately explained. "As you can see, she is an elf from the Night Song Tribe."
Earl Stark was far less enthusiastic toward Delier. He merely gave her a slight nod before leading the way into the City Lord's Manor.
Xu Yi followed Earl Stark into the familiar banquet hall and immediately spotted the presidents of Bunta City's other major merchant guilds, who were already waiting there.
Seeing Earl Stark personally escort Xu Yi inside, President Cruz waved to him from a short distance away, a hint of mockery creeping into the smile at the corners of his mouth.
Naturally, that mockery was not directed at Xu Yi, but at Earl Stark's