"You're worried about your wallet, aren't you?" Baroness Mira teased.

"Hahaha!"

Hearing the Baroness's kind-hearted jest, everyone in the room couldn't help but chuckle softly, and the atmosphere became more relaxed and harmonious.

To be honest, although most citizens of the Holy City despised these countryside nobles, believing them to have the cunning of farmers, the greed of small-town merchants, yet lacking the responsibility and integrity of "truly illustrious figures," Huck couldn't bring himself to dislike this Mr. Ralph.

Perhaps it was because he wasn't a true city dweller; Ralph's demeanor seemed more down-to-earth in his eyes, unlike the noble and aloof Dantes mansion.

Here, he could freely chat with Ralph without having to walk on eggshells like a servant attending to a lord.

Indeed.

It might be said that "this gentleman has a request of him," and that wouldn't be inaccurate either.

Ralph picked up the red wine on the table, swirled it gently, and said softly, "Banker Huck, I've heard that you have quite a knowledge of red wine. This is a batch of our family's treasured winery, please have a taste."

Huck politely accepted the wine glass, took a courteous sip, and then his eyes lit up as he praised, "The body is rich, the aroma is mellow, it truly is a fine wine! Baron, your skills are absolutely on par with top-tier winemakers!"

In truth, he had no research on red wine; these words were purely learned from books on social etiquette, being put to use here for the first time.

"You flatter me," Baron Ralph laughed heartily, "the winemaking isn't my doing at all; it's usually my steward and servants who handle it. But, speaking of which..."

He paused, then continued as if speaking nonchalantly, "I do indeed plan to expand the winery a bit, including buying more land to increase production."

Mira glanced at her husband and smiled back in agreement.

"Indeed, my dear and I have discussed, and we both agree it's unfortunate that the wine market of Holy City lacks a strong local brand. We have a deeper historic legacy, while we were drinking red wine, the barbarians of the Ryan Kingdom were still floundering in mud."

Huck raised an eyebrow, realizing that the Baron had finally arrived at the main topic. He gently put down his wine glass and intertwined his fingers, showing interest.

"Oh? What size of land are you considering?"

"Hmm... about 2 square kilometers," Ralph's tone sounded offhand, yet the sharpness in his eyes was unmistakable.

Not one hundred acres, nor two hundred acres—

But two square kilometers!

Hearing this area, Frey, who was eavesdropping from outside the door, nearly exclaimed. Luckily, he covered his mouth with his hands, managing to suppress his excitement and thrill.

What an enormous piece of land!

"2 square kilometers?!" Huck was also taken aback, looking at Ralph in disbelief, he continued with a slight hesitation, "That would require quite a significant amount of funds."

Baron Ralph gave a candid smile, seemingly anticipating Huck's reaction: "Mr. Alton, you have a keen eye, indeed. This is not a small investment. Over the years, my investment in overseas trade fleets has brought in some returns, but to complete a merger of this scale and the subsequent investment, there is indeed a financial gap."

Saying this, he looked sincerely at Huck and continued.

"So, the reason for specially inviting you and your wife today is to request your bank's assistance and see if there can be any arrangements in terms of funds. This is not just for the Devor family, but also for the development of White Dew District."

Huck quickly calculated in his mind.

The Devor family is considered an old noble lineage, with a consistent good reputation and considerable properties. This Mr. Devor seems to be in good health, can even drink, so health doesn't seem to be a concern... this deal might indeed be negotiable.

He steadied himself and continued.

"May I know how much more funding the Baron requires? If it's within my authority, I might be able to find a solution for you."

Baron Ralph's eyes glinted sharply as he slowly extended his right hand and clearly stated a number: "Seventy thousand gold coins!"

"Hiss—"

Huck Alton gasped, the hand holding the wine glass trembled slightly.

Seventy thousand gold coins!

Though this amount is less than a tenth of what the Dantes family might ask, it's undoubtedly a huge sum! It could buy ten mansions in the most bustling district of Holy City, none inferior to the Dantes family's home!

The lighthearted expression on his face faded significantly, replaced by the cautiousness unique to bankers. He pulled out a handkerchief, wiping his brow, where a faint line of sweat had appeared.

"Baron, seventy thousand gold coins... that's not a small figure, are you certain you need this much?"

Baroness Mira, who had been listening quietly, now smiled gracefully, breaking the temporary tension like a spring breeze.

She said softly, "Banker Alton, rest assured. You can inquire about the Devor family's foundation; standing at this mansion's window, all the land you see belongs to our ancestral property. Not just farmland, but also forests, along with the winery itself and taxes collected from farmers... the total annual output and revenue amount to nearly five thousand gold coins. We consider you a friend, which is why we are sharing this clear number with you."

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