Chapter 723 — New Things, New Trade Routes
Blade of Dawn · Page 4 of 4
The figure wore a dark blue cloak and looked quite small of build, with long grey hair falling down the back. Between the strands of hair peeked a pair of pointed ears. Seen from behind, the face could not be made out; only from a partial glimpse of the profile and the figure could one judge that this was likely a lady.
She seemed wholly absorbed in that ingenious thaumaturgical ornament, so much so that she showed no reaction at all to the Duke of the Western Region entering the room, until Bai Yu could not help speaking first: "Lady Wenna, are you very interested in that thaumaturgical ornament?"
Only then did the cloaked figure turn around, and a rather delicate face appeared before Bai Yu.
Greyish-white skin, pupils of extremely pale hue, ears with the pointed features of an elf—this was a grey elf, a grey elf from the Augustule Tribal Kingdom.
"Human craftsmanship is not as exquisite as that of the silver elves, but it possesses a creativity that no silver-elven artisan can match. However many times I look, I find myself admiring your people's inventiveness in the arts," said the grey elf addressed as "Lady Wenna." Her voice, elegant and mature, was utterly at odds with that petite frame. "Duke Bai Yu, I am glad to see you still in good health. For a grey elf, there is nothing more pleasing than to see one's business partner still in good health."
"And I feel the same," Bai Yu Francolin said with a faint, genuine smile. "Only a healthy body can sustain healthy business dealings, is that not so?"
"Frankly, after hearing those rumors about the Ansul civil war and the Calamity, I truly worried for a long while."
"It should be called the Cecil Empire now, Lady Wenna."
"Ah, the Cecil Empire... that legendary surname. If I had the chance, I would dearly like to meet that pioneer. When he was at the height of his activities, I was still a child," the grey elf Wenna said with a shake of her head. "But let us discuss these matters later, my friend. Today we have come to see the 'new business' you mentioned."
"Of course," Bai Yu said, smiling as he clapped his hands. At once attendants carried several chests into the room. "I have prepared both the samples and my sincerity."
"We are most eager. The alchemical potions you showed us last time were impressive indeed. What will it be this time?"
"Some even more indispensable necessities of life," Bai Yu said, his smile and words brimming with warmth and affability. "From the distant Typhon Empire—for the western part of the continent, this is true exotic charm."