Mr. Chells stepped forward.
"Since Mr. Arnold has such an idea, naturally, I will not refuse."
He ordered a few more chairs to be brought to the table. Sig and the others followed the proper etiquette—servants never ate with their master—but Ron Arnold instructed them to join the meal, and only then did they sit.
Soon after, Hadley arrived with Mr. Wharton, and a small banquet officially began.
"My Lord, this is the Star Troupe's unique wine, brewed using specialty ingredients from various kingdoms. If you find it pleasing, I will have our entire stock sent to your manor." Mr. Chells poured a glass of shimmering liquid for Ron.
Ron examined it. He wasn't fond of alcohol, but even he could appreciate how beautiful the wine looked—like a liquid artwork.
"Oh? What is this wine called? It feels like gazing into a night full of stars." Ron remarked with mild interest.
"My Lord is truly insightful—this wine is indeed called Starry Night Wine," Mr. Chells replied smoothly.
Everyone could tell it was flattery, yet it sounded perfectly natural—flawless, even.
Sig frowned slightly. This troupe leader was far more refined than Captain Abel.
"A good name," Ron said.
He lifted the cup, sniffed it lightly, and took a small sip. "And a good wine."
Mr. Chells smiled humbly. "Since you enjoy it, I will have all our Starry Night Wine delivered to your Baron's Manor."
Ron did not continue the topic.
"Everyone, don't mind me. Relax and enjoy yourselves."
As he spoke, he subtly glanced at Irene, hinting that she should help ease the atmosphere.
But Irene's attention was thoroughly consumed by the variety of dishes on the table.
Joyce noticed Ron's gaze but failed to interpret its meaning. After thinking for a moment, she gently nudged Irene.
"Irene, didn't you want to learn how to make dishes from other countries? Mr. Wharton is an expert—this is the perfect chance to ask him."
Irene lit up instantly.
"You're right! Thank you, Sister Joyce!"
Mr. Wharton, who had felt slightly uncomfortable earlier, immediately perked up when he heard her excitement.
"Miss Irene is interested in cooking as well?"
Irene straightened her back and said earnestly, "Yes! These are the ingredient guides and international recipe books I just bought. Please teach me, Mr. Wharton. I can pay for your time."
"No need for payment. Anyone who loves cooking is a friend. In the future, if Miss Irene finds good recipes or ingredients, simply share them with me." Wharton replied generously.
Ron gave Irene a mental thumbs-up.
With her natural friendliness and eagerness, she had successfully broken the stiffness of the table and created a balanced atmosphere—one where both sides could speak comfortably.
Casual conversation among equals often revealed more than formal talks between superiors and subordinates.
Among everyone present, only Irene had that gift.
Ron turned back to Chells.
"Mr. Chells, where are you from? What sights have you seen on your travels? What interesting experiences have you had? If you don't mind, I'd like to hear some stories."
"If Mr. Arnold wishes to listen, I am honored to share."
"No need for 'My Lord.' It's a meal—we can speak casually. Eating stiffly, even with delicious food, is boring, isn't it?"
Chells paused, then nodded.
"You are right. Then… I shall call you Mr. Arnold."
Ron gestured for him to continue.
"I am from the Katzland Empire," Chells began. "My master rescued me from a slave trader. The Star Troupe was founded by him…"
The meal stretched long.
From Chells' simple storytelling, Ron glimpsed the beauty—and the dangers—of lands beyond the Arnold Territory.
Ron asked, "What about Hadley? He said he is a blacksmith. How did he end up in the Star Troupe?"
Hadley paused mid-drink.
"I joined to improve my forging skills by traveling through different countries. But traveling brings danger. Once, I was in a dire situation… luckily, Leader Chells saved my life."
Chells continued, "I recognized his talent. So I invited him. He could forge for the troupe, and in return, he could safely travel with us and broaden his skills."
"I see." Ron nodded. "Then I have a question. May Mr. Hadley answer it?"
Hadley looked puzzled but nodded generously. "Ask."
"What level is your forging skill in the Olivia Empire?"
Ron had previously checked Hadley's character card—and discovered a blue-quality trait.
[Little Blacksmith]
A trait that enhanced forging talent and gave innate sensitivity to ores.
A natural genius.
Ron immediately wanted to recruit him.
Hadley puffed out his chest. "I still have some fame. With a few more years of refinement, I will definitely reach the top ranks."
Chells laughed. "That's true. Many famous adventurers want Hadley to forge weapons for them, but they lack the connections."
"So Mr. Hadley is truly renowned." Ron smiled. "May I see your masterpiece?"
Hadley froze. "You want to see my masterpiece? Really?"
"Of course."
Hadley's short legs moved surprisingly fast as he hurried out of the tent. Soon, he returned holding a round shield. Sig's eyes widened—his knight's instincts instantly recognized its quality.
"This is your masterpiece?" Ron had expected a sword, so he was surprised.
Chells explained, "Hadley is not only a blacksmith. He is also a first-tier Shield Warrior."
Ron touched the shield.
A faint blue glow appeared.
[Shield]
[Trait 1: Resilience (White)]
[Trait 2: Block (Green)]
[Trait 3: Conductivity (Green)]
A genuine blue-quality item.
The exact attributes weren't important—what mattered was that Hadley could forge them.
"An excellent shield, as expected of Mr. Hadley." Ron returned it with a smile. "I have a proposal. Will you hear it?"
"No sale! You bargain too hard!" Hadley refused instantly.
Ron almost choked.
"It's not a purchase. I invite Mr. Hadley to become the chief blacksmith of the Baron's Manor. You will have fifty thousand catties of fine ore monthly, ten professional blacksmiths assisting you, and I will build a dedicated workshop for you—entirely under your command."
Sig was stunned.
The Lord is thinking of us knights!
He would definitely tell the others.
Hadley was shocked.
He shook his head vigorously. "No! I won't. Find someone else."
Ron remained calm.
"No need to decide now. You're staying here four more days?"
"Yes," Chells confirmed. "We will move on after four days."
"Then give me your answer before you leave. Even if it doesn't work out, we can still cooperate. Don't worry—I won't bargain your price down."
Ron joked lightly, easing Hadley's tension.
Sensing that Hadley needed distraction, he changed the subject.
"Oh? Where's Irene? And Mr. Wharton?"
Joyce replied, "Lord, Mr. Wharton took Irene to see his collection of ingredients."
"Haha. Looks like they're getting along."
Ron stood up, and everyone followed.
"Mr. Chells, your hospitality has been excellent. It's getting late—I won't delay your matters further."
"You honor us, Mr. Arnold. Your presence is more important than anything."
"Until next time, Mr. Chells. Mr. Hadley." Ron smiled and turned to leave.
"Please wait, Mr. Arnold."
Ron stopped. Chells held out an indigo-blue five-pointed star.
"This is the symbol of the Star Troupe, given only to our most distinguished guests. You can use it to contact us. Allow me to explain how."
Sig leaned closer in surprise.
"This is… a magical artifact?"
"You have sharp eyes, Knight Sig. Yes, it is."
Chells explained, "Magical artifacts can only be created by mages. This one is called Star Whisper. It transmits messages—nothing valuable, but symbolically important."
Ron examined the item.
Green quality.
[Star Whisper]
[Trait 1: Transmission (White)]
[Trait 2: Engraved Speech (Green)]
Ron felt slightly disappointed. The mage-related artifact was only green quality.
But that only made Hadley's talent stand out more.
"Mr. Chells," Ron asked casually, "am I truly considered your most distinguished guest?"
"Of course," Chells answered solemnly.
Ron smiled, accepted the Star Whisper, and extended his hand.
"Allow me to reintroduce myself—Ron Arnold, current Lord of Arnold Territory."
Chells shook his hand.
"Chells, leader of the Star Troupe."
In that instant, Ron's pupils tightened slightly.
He released the handshake.
"Sig, Joyce. Let's go find Irene."
"Yes, My Lord."
Ron took a final look at Chells.
"This was a pleasant banquet. I hope we meet again."
He left the tent with his attendants.
Only Chells and Hadley remained.
"Inviting me… he's just trying to make me work." Hadley grumbled. "Leader Chells, why give him the Star Whisper? Not worth it. Huh? Why are you staring at your hand?"
Chells gazed at his palm, frowning slightly.
"It's nothing. The Star Whisper is only given to our most distinguished guests. Few receive it, but each one is important. I trust my judgment."
He paused, then added, "Speaking of which… how long has it been since your forging improved?"
Hadley stiffened. "I—I'm just at a bottleneck! I'll improve soon and become a top blacksmith!"
"Haha. Confidence is good. But sometimes, settling down and thinking may reveal a new path."
Hadley frowned.
"Are you saying I should accept the lord's offer?"
"Decide for yourself." Chells replied. "Go on—you still have work tonight."
Hadley left.
Chells stood alone at the tent entrance, staring at his palm again.
"It shouldn't be possible… right?"
On the other side.
"Mr. Wharton, what is this thing? It looks so strange—like a stone dug from the earth." Irene pointed curiously at a lump-shaped ingredient.
"This is a hidden-earth bean. We dug it up recently in Ula Country. The taste isn't great, but it fills the stomach well. The locals use it as a staple food."
"It grows buried in the earth?"
"Yes."
The two were immersed in conversation, unaware of Ron and the others approaching.
"Mr. Wharton," Ron said, smiling, "how many of these hidden-earth beans do you have left? I'll buy all of them."
He was delighted.
Hidden-earth beans?
These were potatoes!
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