The Return of the Iron-blood Sword Hound

Chapter 275: Money War (3)

In the business world, a fresh piece of gossip was causing quite a stir.

“Have you heard? There are talented and genius kids at the Colosseo Academy.”

“Are they the ones who achieved outstanding results in the recent mock investment competition?”

“The shocking part is that it wasn’t just a ‘mock.’ They reportedly used real money.”

“Really? Did they actually earn such unbelievable returns then?”

“Why not? That’s probably why everyone responded to the invitation for today’s event.”

The investment club Oracle, from the Colosseo Academy, had achieved staggering real returns in a simulated investment competition.

Details about their identities remained scarce, only known as students enrolled in the prestigious Colosseo Academy, ensuring their credentials were unquestionable.

Therefore, numerous figures in the business world showed curiosity upon receiving the ‘party invitation’ from Oracle.

Rumors about the grand and glamorous hall in Venetior changing ownership had circulated widely. The new owner supposedly paid the entire building purchase amount in cash and left an astounding 10% tip during the transaction.

Furthermore, word had it that the new owner immediately initiated construction, expanding the exterior walls and interior decor of the already enormous and splendid hall.

People were astonished—why would anyone renovate such a grand hall even further?

As a result, both the general public and influential figures in the business world were paying close attention to Oracle’s moves.

Eventually, the day arrived.

Dang-dang-dang-dang-dang-dang-dang-dang-dang-

On the Xth of O month, at the ninth chime of the giant clock, the date and time specified on the invitation from Oracle.

Wealthy individuals from Venetior and various regions gathered at the party hall, responding to Oracle’s invitation.

The crowd numbered just over 100 at most, but with their staff and attendees included, it exceeded three thousand.

Then, a stir among the attendees.

“Wait, who’s that?”

“Oh, they responded to the invitation.”

“It’s the first time seeing them in person.”

“A significant figure has attended the party.”

Respected figures and ladies from the business world stepped aside. As a carriage confidently made its way through the center, a symbol of a well-known affluent family from the northern region adorned with a black background—a white triangle, the emblem of the renowned ‘Sinan’ family.

Seated in the carriage, capturing the attention of business figures, was a notable individual.

SaltSale Sinan, the leader of the Sinan family, is one of the vassal families affiliated with the Donquixote Clan.

SaltSale, a prominent merchant in the north, known as a giant in the trade and a famous noble, had accumulated wealth almost unparalleled in the northern region, reportedly transporting nearly sixty thousand tons of salt throughout the empire.

“Hehehe, indeed. Let’s see how extravagant and luxurious a party they’ve organized, going to the extent of bringing people all the way to Venetior.”

SaltSale, stroking his mustache, gazed outside the carriage.

At that moment, his carriage came to a halt. The reason was a peculiar person standing in the middle of the road. A figure that still looked like a boy, with a cute cat mask covering his face. Wearing elongated boots, he gave off an impression as if he had jumped out of a fairy tale.

SaltSale inquired, “Who are you to block the road?”

The boy with the cat mask replied, “My name is ‘Puss-in-Boots.’ I am a guide who came out to escort you to today’s party.”

A dry and indifferent voice, yet clear and easy to understand pronunciation. Eventually, Puss in Boots proved his identity with the invitation he carried, then hopped onto SaltSale’s carriage and sat beside him.

“We have about 23 kilometers left to the party venue,” said Puss in Boots.

SaltSale responded with a bemused expression.

Then, “Hmm?” SaltSale’s eyes widened slightly. Something bluish appeared on the central road ahead.

“What’s that?” SaltSale stretched his neck and peered ahead. Finally, he could see what was in front of him properly.

It was a blue fabric, a large tent enveloping something inside. Puss in Boots explained, “The host has put a lot of effort into today’s party. They didn’t want to expose the gathering of esteemed guests to the outside world casually, so they specially acquired fine silk and set up tents around the hall.”

Now SaltSale’s carriage was passing alongside that tent.

Like a luxurious silk tent draped over the ground, creating a scene reminiscent of a blue night, SaltSale, with an eye for extravagance, soon identified the fabric used.

“Is this made from the finest indigo-dyed silk with a purple lining? Hmm, quite an eye for quality. I have something similar near my home, a length of 16 kilometers, to be exact.”

As SaltSale spoke proudly, Puss in Boots, seated beside him, calmly added, “Our master has enclosed 21 kilometers this time.”

“What?” SaltSale turned to Puss in Boots, feeling a prick on his pride. However, Puss in Boots remained indifferent, just being Puss in Boots.

Eventually, SaltSale’s carriage arrived at the party hall. Due to the draped tent, the exterior of the building wasn’t visible. Yet, one could infer it was a considerably tall palace-style structure.

“Before entering, let me provide you with some brief guidelines,” Puss in Boots said, revealing the dress code for today’s party—Red Capes. However, SaltSale seemed puzzled, as if hearing about a dress code for the first time.

“I don’t recall ever hearing about attire requirements.”

“Oh, there seems to have been an error in the communication process. But worry not; there are capes prepared for the guests.”

Upon seeing the red cape handed over by Puss in Boots, SaltSale’s eyes narrowed. “Oh? This is Huawan Cloth, isn’t it? The finest cotton fabric that has been in fashion since the Three Kingdoms era. Moreover, crafted from the teeth and claws of vicious monsters in the Western wilderness. A truly precious garment.”

“You seem to have knowledge of fabrics and craftsmanship.”

“Of course. I even have two of these garments myself.”

Initially intending to mock a cheap cape, SaltSale was surprisingly satisfied because the provided cape was genuinely valuable. Furthermore, the cape had a light enchantment, preventing stains from food or drink and providing insulation. There was no reason to decline such a gift.

“While heading to the party venue, would you like to have a cocktail?” Puss in Boots offered a glass with a courteous gesture. Inside the transparent glass floated red liquid and clear ice cubes.

SaltSale accepted the cocktail glass and took a sip. “I don’t really know much about alcohol. I have to try it to see if it’s just tempting for a bathroom break.”

“Is that so?” Despite the complaint, Puss in Boots nodded approvingly as SaltSale downed the cocktail.

Soon after, passing through a dark corridor, they entered a bright and spacious area. SaltSale’s eyes widened.

“Wow, this is…”

A dazzling interior welcomed SaltSale.

The flooring was Southern marble, and chandeliers made of rubies from the Red Castle adorned the ceiling. The walls, painted with the rare mineral pigment called Redstone Resin, inexplicably had a golden washbasin at the center.

Additionally, expensive coral sculptures were scattered around, and duck feather carpets covered the floor. Purple silk curtains adorned the walls, and well-dressed maids with perfume bottles stood at various locations.

The extravagance was so remarkable that even SaltSale, who usually wouldn’t acknowledge anything short of extreme luxury and pleasure, nodded in approval.

“…Impressive.”

SaltSale turned to Puss in Boots, who stood at a distance.

“This is a beautiful mansion. It seems there’s someone in Venetior with a decent sense of taste. Well decorated enough to rival the main building of my estate.”

With a satisfied expression, as if he had encountered a worthy competitor in wealth and extravagance, SaltSale nodded.

However…

“What do you mean?”

Despite SaltSale’s praise, Puss in Boots just smirked, shaking his head.

Then SaltSale also chuckled.

“What am I saying? I complimented the well-decorated mansion… Huh?”

Come to think of it, something seemed odd.

SaltSale looked around without finishing his sentence. Despite entering with other guests, they had all disappeared, leaving him alone except for Puss in Boots and the maidens holding perfume bottles.

SaltSale spoke, “Wait, where are all the guests who attended the party? And why is the mansion so empty? They can’t all be in the bathroom.”

Then Puss in Boots opened his mouth as if questioning SaltSale’s words.

“Naturally, all the other guests are in the main building.”

“…What?”

SaltSale’s expression changed to confusion.

Wasn’t this the main building? If the main building was elsewhere, what did that make this place?

With a puzzled expression, SaltSale was informed by Puss in Boots of the truth.

“This place is not the main building; it’s the restroom.”