The carriage was blocked. A guard turned back for instructions.

Murphy withdrew his gaze, his expression impassive.

"Take a detour," he said lightly.

Aurora nodded to the guard.

The carriage slowly turned, entering another street and leaving the clamor and disputes behind.

Silence fell within the carriage for a moment.

"Father," Eleanor suddenly spoke, her voice soft. "Does this happen in the Monte Territory, too?"

Murphy looked at his daughter. Her dark eyes were clear, reflecting a mixture of confusion and complexity.

He knew it wasn’t that Eleanor didn’t understand the Monte Territory; she just wanted his confirmation.

"No," Murphy stated firmly.

Aurora picked up the conversation, explaining in a gentle voice, "The trading posts in the Monte Territory are essentially an extension of the domain. Their primary purpose is to safeguard the livelihoods of our people and ensure a stable supply of resources for the territory. Profit isn’t the sole objective. Acquisition prices are set by the castle based on the year’s harvest and our storage levels, and they rarely change. Even when disputes arise, there are clear channels for appeal."

"Here in Violet City, however, many of the large trading firms are backed by local nobles or powerful merchants. They have intricate, deep-rooted connections to the city hall and are driven by maximizing profit. When market prices fluctuate, it’s common for them to force down acquisition prices. Ordinary citizens and nearby farmers often have no recourse for appeal."

Eleanor nodded pensively.

Soon, the carriage pulled up to a tea house named the Iris Pavilion on the edge of the central square.

The atmosphere was quiet and elegant. From their window seat, they could see the square’s fountain and the statue of the first Duke.

Aurora ordered a gentle herbal tea and some soft, easily digestible pastries for Murphy. For Eleanor, she ordered a local specialty of honey-preserved fruits and a glass of fresh milk.

She chose a light herb tea for herself.

When the refreshments arrived, Eleanor sipped her milk, her gaze still drifting occasionally to the bustling crowds in the square and the statue symbolizing the authority of the Temeris Clan.

"Mother," she said softly, setting down her cup. "Why can the Monte Territory be like that, while this place... it looks grander and more magnificent, but it seems..."

"Because their foundations and methods of governance are different, my child." Aurora gently stirred the herb stalk in her teacup, her gaze warm. "Everything in the Monte Territory stems from the order your father personally built from a barren wilderness. From the land and artisans to the trade routes and laws, every single link embodies his will and long-term vision. The people trust him because, for decades, the rules he established have been as solid and unyielding as the mountains of the Northern Lands."

"As for Violet City," she said, her eyes turning to the magnificent cathedral and city hall outside, "its prosperity stems from centuries of the Temeris Clan’s protection and accumulated wealth, as well as its naturally advantageous geography. The rule of successive Dukes has been more focused on maintaining the broader stability, mediating between various factions, and displaying the clan’s glory."

"As for how a grain merchant on the street sets his prices, or whether an artisan receives fair pay, the vast bureaucracy is often too slow to notice, or is obstructed by the networks of self-interest within it. The grander the city, the more easily shadows can grow beneath its splendor."

Eleanor listened in silence, her gaze lowered to the milky white ripples swirling in her cup.

Just then, a gentle but clear voice spoke from nearby:

"Pardon my intrusion... but if I’m not mistaken, you are Lord Melfield, the Thunder Sword of the Northern Monte Territory?"

Murphy looked up.

The speaker was a man in his early forties. His clothes were well-tailored but not ostentatious, and his dark brown hair was neatly combed. He had a refined, scholarly face, with bright, sincere eyes.

He stood a short distance from their table, his posture one of deep respect.

"I am," Murphy’s voice was even. "And you are?"

A genuine smile spread across the man’s face as he gave a slight bow. "It is an unexpected pleasure to meet you here, my lord. I am Raymond von Elan, the Glamorgan Count."

"My family’s fiefdom is just a short distance east of Violet City. I happened to glimpse your carriage on the street earlier, and when I saw you and your family resting here, I took the liberty of coming over to pay my respects."

’The Glamorgan Count?’

The relevant information flashed through Murphy’s mind.

’The Elan Clan was a family of counts within the Temeris Duke Domain with a long and respectable history. They were known for their scholarly pursuits and relatively enlightened governance, not at all like the local magnates who were only interested in commercial profit.’

’He had also attended Eleanor’s birthday celebration ten years ago.’ 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Murphy gave a slight nod. "Count Elan. A pleasure."

Count Raymond’s smile deepened. "The pleasure is all mine, Lord Melfield. Madam Monte, and this must be Miss Eleanor. It is a true honor to meet you all today. I wonder if I might be so bold as to invite you to my humble residence for a short while? It’s just near the square, so I promise not to take up too much of your time. I have some thoughts on territorial governance that I have long hoped to have the opportunity to discuss with you."

Murphy recalled some of the intelligence he had on Count Raymond and exchanged a look with Aurora.

Aurora gave a subtle nod.

"Very well," Murphy replied.

"Wonderful!" Count Raymond’s delight was plain on his face. He immediately turned to the side to lead the way. "Please, follow me."

The Count’s residence was indeed close to the square. It was a sprawling, three-story stone building with a private courtyard.

The style was stately and dignified. The courtyard, filled with violets and a variety of other green plants, looked vibrant yet tasteful.

The servants inside the residence were well-trained. Seeing their master return with guests, they all bowed respectfully and made arrangements with practiced efficiency.

The drawing room was spacious and bright, with elegant furnishings. Several landscape oil paintings and portraits of family ancestors hung on the walls, lending the room a strong scholarly air.

Count Raymond invited Murphy and his family to take the seats of honor and personally instructed his servants to serve their finest refreshments. His demeanor was attentive and considerate, and he showed the utmost courtesy to both Aurora and Eleanor.