novelbest Chapter 409 - 356: New Intelligence and Harvesting 300 Pegasi
Chapter 409 - 356: New Intelligence and Harvesting 300 Pegasi
"The fleets of Baisha Port span the entire continent’s coastline. From the commercial alliances in the South to the smelting workshops of the Eastern Islands, we have our own trade routes. In less than two months, I guarantee the ores and rare metals you need will fill the warehouses of Black Stone Territory."
Raylo’s heart stirred.
His new wife, the most beloved daughter of the Marquis of Baisha, represented not just the political support of the Orland Family, but a vast commercial empire that dominated the Duchy’s East Coast and whose influence radiated across the entire Continent.
"I’d forgotten my wife was quite the heiress."
Raylo gently squeezed her cheek and laughed. A problem that had plagued him and Robert for so long truly seemed like a trivial matter to her.
Avril proudly lifted her chin, like a majestic swan.
"Of course."
"In that case, I’m counting on you."
Raylo’s expression grew serious again.
"Also, there’s something else I’d like to ask Marquis Orlando to help with."
"Go on."
"I need artisans. A great many of them."
Raylo’s gaze grew fervent.
"Blacksmiths, stonemasons, carpenters, rune artisans, Alchemists... I want every kind of artisan. There’s no limit—the more, the better."
Raw materials alone were not enough; he needed enough skilled hands to turn those materials into real weapons and armor.
Avril agreed at once, without the slightest hesitation.
"No problem. In a letter just a few days ago, Father was complaining that because of the war with the Lion Duchy, many artisans have seen their orders dry up. I think they would be more than happy to come to Black Stone Territory for new opportunities."
Seeing his wife’s confident expression, a great weight was lifted from Raylo’s shoulders.
Robert tactfully bowed and took his leave, leaving the newlyweds alone.
The afternoon sun gilded the hem of Avril’s lavender skirt with a soft, golden edge.
Raylo didn’t let go of her hand. The soft, warm feeling of her skin calmed his racing thoughts.
"My dear wife, it seems I’ve married a true gold mine."
Raylo led her out of the study by the hand.
The castle was unusually quiet.
Usually around this time, two little figures would be darting about.
Moonlight and Coal Ball were nowhere to be seen. They must have spent too long in the Giant Dragon Realm and had gone to patrol their territory after returning.
"Those two little ones seem to have gone out to run wild."
Raylo said with a smile.
Avril had also noticed the rare moment of peace.
The next moment, she felt her body go light as Raylo swept her up into his arms.
The sudden weightlessness made her instinctively wrap her arms around his neck.
"Raylo!"
She cried out softly, giving him a playfully chiding look.
But Raylo ignored her protest, carrying her toward the bedroom with long, purposeful strides.
His strong arms held her steady.
His chest was broad and warm. Through the layers of their clothes, she could hear the steady, powerful beat of his heart—THUMP, THUMP, THUMP—intertwining with her own frantic pulse.
He nudged the bedroom door shut with his heel, and it closed with a soft CLICK.
That sound shut out all the noise and clamor of the outside world.
Raylo gently laid Avril on the soft bed. He didn’t rush to the next step, instead leaning over her and lightly tracing her delicate jawline with his fingertip.
Her skin was like the finest silk, smooth and delicate, with a faint, sweet fragrance.
"I... I have to write to Father later... to tell him you need artisans, and about the fleet..."
Avril’s gaze was evasive, her long lashes fluttering like a butterfly’s wings as her voice trailed off.
She did indeed need to handle these matters, and as quickly as possible.
Baisha Port’s commercial network was vast, but mobilizing such a huge quantity of supplies and personnel still required meticulous planning.
"There’s no rush."
Raylo’s voice was low and magnetic.
"Even the most urgent letters can wait until my wife is free."
He lowered his head until their noses were almost touching. His hot breath washed over her face, sending a shiver through her.
"It’s rare for those two little troublemakers to be away. We should seize this opportunity... to make up for some lost time."
He paused, the smile in his eyes deepening.
Avril fell silent. She looked into Raylo’s deep eyes. The usual dignity and calculation of a Lord were gone, replaced by a clear, undisguised love and desire—as pure as a burning flame that threatened to melt her completely.
She slowly closed her eyes.
The sunlight outside grew even softer, slipping through a gap in the heavy curtains to cast a long, warm sliver of light across the room.
The scent of old ink and parchment in the air gave way to something far more sensual.
...
「Three days later」
In the early morning, sunlight pierced through a thin mist, spilling onto the spires of Black Stone Castle.
When Raylo opened his eyes, the space beside him was empty.
Avril’s faint, sweet scent still lingered in the air.
From the adjoining study came the soft rustle of paper.
He walked over and leaned against the doorframe, watching Avril at the desk.
She wore a pale green morning robe, her long, violet hair loosely gathered in a bun. A few playful strands had escaped to fall against her fair neck.
One hand cupped her chin while the other held a feather pen. She was focused on reviewing a parchment document, her expression serious and intent.
A small stack of finished documents already sat on the desk, each bearing annotations in her elegant script.