Arthur thought of the [Illusion Realm Pearl]!
Or, more precisely, the last sentence in the [Illusion Realm Pearl]'s notes: Baron Novia's treasury!
Arthur couldn't be sure whether Carmen the "chivalrous thief" had successfully taken what he wanted from Baron Novia's treasury, but as he carefully recalled his dealings with Malinda, that treasury was the only thing that seemed even remotely connected to a clue about "Cat Cave: Nine Lives." Nothing else seemed likely.
Surely the clue connected to "Cat Cave: Nine Lives" couldn't be the egg tarts made by Malinda's cook, Mary?
That would be far too absurd.
Baron Novia, then?
Arthur silently repeated the name.
Unlike those inland territories, the seven noble houses of South Los, West Berlin, Einhaas, Bette, Inner Bay, Rosch, and Sidion had divided the Inner River equally among themselves. Trade along its banks brought them substantial tax revenues, allowing them to develop their territories and arm their troops, while their commoners lived reasonably stable lives.
South Los in particular, as the gateway for overseas trade, was so wealthy it made others drool with envy.
Novia, Rudd, and Cartedmon were different.
All three were entirely inland territories, largely self-sufficient through traditional animal farming and livestock husbandry, but Novia was especially unusual.
Because it was rich in iron ore!
Although its land couldn't grow crops and there was little livestock to raise, its many mines still made Novia a desirable territory-at least, that had been true under the previous Baron Novia.
As for the current Baron Novia?
During the Seven-Year War, he had advanced recklessly and lost two thousand elite personal troops.
When leprosy broke out in his territory, he had left it unchecked, allowing a fifth of his commoners to die.
He also lived in extravagant excess, raising taxes to an unprecedented seventy-five percent, the highest