Lord: Starting with Summoning the Regular Army of Earth

Chapter 99 Unexpected Guest

"How many people are on the other side? What is the size of their convoy?" Matthew asked calmly.

"Reporting to the commander, what we've observed is a luxurious four-wheeled carriage pulled by four strong horses. There are four guards on horseback at the front and back of the carriage, dressed in uniform light armor. They look well-trained, unlike ordinary mercenaries. We haven't seen any large amount of cargo or servants," the messenger reported clearly.

Matthew's mind raced, unable to determine who the visitor was.

But he wasn't too worried. He figured he could deal with whatever came his way, so he ordered, "All goblin units, cease all current activities immediately and conceal yourselves according to the pre-arranged plan. All other personnel may continue their activities as usual. Human subjects and summoned units may continue their normal work."

"Conrad, take some men on horseback to meet them first, ask about their identities and purpose, and handle them accordingly. If they are not enemies, bring them to the lord's manor."

"Yes, sir, I know what to do." Conrad understood immediately, bowed, and put his hand on his chest.

"Will, you come with me to the lord's manor to wait. Also—" Matthew lowered his voice, "tell Evelyn to prepare."

"Yes, ma'am." Will nodded in understanding, knowing what Matthew meant.

Meanwhile, on the rammed earth road leading to Jinshi Ridge, the luxurious four-wheeled carriage was traveling at a leisurely pace.

Inside the carriage, Mrs. Eleanor sat gracefully on the soft down cushions, gazing thoughtfully at the scenery along the way through the window.

Although the road was rudimentary, it had clearly been repaired and compacted, and the road condition was much better than I had imagined.

Sitting opposite Eleanor was her sister and capable assistant, Lina.

Unlike her sister's elegant and graceful demeanor, Lina wore a sharp riding outfit, her brows slightly furrowed, her face filled with confusion.

"Sister," Lina finally couldn't help but speak again, her voice very low, "who exactly are we visiting after coming all the way from Ironrock City to this desolate wilderness?"

Lina had told her before that she was going to visit someone very important, but she didn't say who it was. Lina didn't think much of it, but as she traveled towards the Misty Mountains, she became very confused. Who exactly was her sister going to visit?

Eleanor slowly turned her gaze from the window to Lina, who looked puzzled.

Now that we're not far from Emberstone Ridge, there are some things Lina should understand.

"Lina," Eleanor's voice was calm and gentle, "we're going to visit that soap merchant, Morpheus!"

"Morpheus?" Lina was surprised. How did her sister find this mysterious merchant?

Moreover, why would that merchant live in such a remote place, when we're almost at the edge of the Misty Mountains?

Seeing the surprise and confusion on Lina's face, Eleanor smiled and continued, "To be precise, we are going to visit Baron Matthew, the lord of Emberstone Ridge and the bastard son of the former king."

"What?" Lina was even more surprised, almost incredulous. "Sister, you mean the prince exiled to Ember Ridge is Morpheus? Really?"

"What kind of goods does Mr. Morpheus usually buy from the Black Bear Merchant Guild?" Eleanor asked instead of answering.

Lina thought about it seriously for a moment and said, "Hmm—there's grain, cloth, iron, salt, sugar, and things like coal and sulfur. But he's a traveling merchant between Ironrock City and the Wind-Eroded Highlands. Isn't it normal for him to buy these goods and sell them to the barbarian tribes of the Wind-Eroded Highlands?"

"Our people have thoroughly investigated the wind-eroded highlands and found absolutely no mention of soap, nor have they seen any merchants trading these expensive goods and raw materials with the powerful clans there. Besides, think about it carefully, who needs these goods and raw materials the most?"

"A lord who has nothing but desperately needs to develop his territory." Lina seemed to understand what her sister meant, but this only made her more incredulous.

"Think about it, that soap merchant possessed goods that would bring him both fame and fortune, yet instead of trading with the larger merchant guilds in the royal city, he chose to go into hiding and trade with the Black Bear Merchant Guild in Ironrock City. The timing of his appearance was also very special, occurring shortly after the prince was exiled to Emberstone Ridge. There are too many coincidences and anomalies in all of this—"

At this point, Eleanor seemed to remember something, paused, and continued, "There's something else that has increased my suspicions. Didn't Renault Kress send a lavish gift to Emberstone Ridge with great fanfare a month ago? Anyone with eyes could see that it was bait to lure the bandits in, and everyone thought Emberstone Ridge was doomed."

"But," Eleanor's voice carried a hint of sarcasm, "a month has passed, and the Kress family's army is still searching for the bandit gang. Renault's calculations seem to have failed. This means that Baron Matthew is either extremely lucky or possesses a power we don't know about, enough to protect himself and even make the bandits wary."

Lina gasped, instantly understanding her sister's deeper meaning.

If the sister's guess is true, then Baron Matthew's mind, abilities, and hidden strength are truly terrifying.

"So, you came here this time to verify your guess?" Lina's voice trembled slightly.

"That's right," Eleanor admitted frankly, her eyes sharp, but there were things she didn't say.

Rather than finding the soap merchant Morpheus, a down-on-his-luck prince who can not only survive but also thrive under the dual threats of the Cress family and the bandit gang is more valuable.

Establishing connections with such people may be more than just a business deal; it could be a long-term investment.

Just then, the carriage slowly slowed down.

The coachman's voice came: "Madam, there are knights blocking the road ahead."

Eleanor straightened her skirt, her face instantly switching to an impeccable, friendly yet dignified smile, and gently pushed open the car door.

Five men stood reined in their horses ahead of them.

The leader had a resolute face and sharp eyes. Although he wore ordinary leather armor, he stood up straight and had a calm demeanor that came from years of experience. It was Conrad.

The four men behind him were also all capable and sharp, their eyes scanning the convoy warily.

Conrad recognized the person as Lady Eleanor of the Plantagenet Merchant Guild. Although somewhat surprised, he remained outwardly composed, spurred his horse forward, and in a loud and steady voice, placed his hand on his chest and gave a standard knightly salute: "This is Baron Matthew's territory. May I ask where you all come from and what brings you here?"

Eleanor, supported by her maid, gracefully stepped down from the carriage, her face displaying just the right amount of surprise and apology, and returned the greeting.

"My lord, I apologize for disturbing you." Eleanor's voice was as melodious as fine honey, her face bearing just the right amount of apology and sincerity. "I am Eleanor of the Golden Flower Merchant Guild. I have long admired Baron Matthew's arduous efforts in expanding his territory here. I have prepared a small gift to express my respect on behalf of the Golden Flower Merchant Guild, and also to see if there is anything our guild can do to help, hoping to have the opportunity to cooperate and develop together in the future."

Her words were tactful and thoughtful, expressing both the intention to visit and highlighting the Chamber of Commerce's background and potential business cooperation. She adopted a humble attitude that made it difficult for anyone to refuse.

Conrad's sharp gaze swept over Eleanor and the guards behind her, his mind quickly weighing the options.

The Golden Flower Merchant Guild is a powerful force and a rival to the Black Bear Merchant Guild. The fact that the guild leader has come in person with a "small gift" suggests that his purpose is far from simple.

Although it's unclear what their true intentions are, it's obvious that the Golden Flower Merchant Guild is not an enemy.

Conrad returned the greeting with a pat on his chest: "So you are Lady Eleanor of the Golden Plant Merchant Guild. It's an honor to meet you. The Baron is currently at his residence. Since you are a guest, please follow me. However, the territory is newly established, and its simplicity is rather plain; please forgive any shortcomings."

He stepped aside to make way and signaled his knights to remain vigilant, creating an invisible "escort" posture.

"You're too kind, Sir Knight. We've been too kind." Eleanor smiled and nodded in thanks, gracefully re-entering the carriage.

The convoy, "escorted" by Conrad and his party, slowly drove toward Emberstone Ridge.

As the carriage rounded the last ridge, the entire panorama of Emberstone Ridge suddenly came into view. Even Eleanor, who was mentally prepared, couldn't help but slightly contract her pupils and unconsciously tighten her grip on her knees.

Although the gray-black city wall was not very tall, it meandered along the terrain, and the structure of the bastions and ramparts was clearly visible, exuding a solid and powerful aura. More importantly, in terms of appearance and structure, it seemed to be slightly different from the style of city walls she was familiar with.

"My God, they even have city walls!" Lina exclaimed softly from the side, her voice filled with disbelief. It seemed that her sister's judgment was correct; this Prince Matthew was indeed very unusual.

After all, she knew very well what Jinshi Ridge was like before; it didn't even have a decent wall. And now, in such a short time, it already has city walls.

Eleanor remained silent, her beautiful eyes like the most precise ruler, carefully measuring every detail of the city wall.

The construction techniques, the angles of the bastions, the structure of the city gates —

This was no project that ordinary refugees or craftsmen could accomplish; the defensive concepts it contained were even more efficient and deadly than many noble castles she had ever seen.

"It seems my guess—I'm probably pretty close to the truth." Eleanor's voice was very low, with a hint of suppressed excitement and solemnity. "Only someone who has mastered special resources and technology, and possesses extremely strong organizational skills, could build such a fortress in this desolate land in such a short time. No wonder Renault's conspiracy failed."

The carriage crossed the drawbridge and entered the city gate.

Once inside the city, Eleanor's observations became even more detailed.

Although the road is still a dirt road, it is flat and compacted, with drainage ditches dug on both sides.

The people were still dressed simply, but their complexions were rosy and their eyes were bright. They were busy with a well-ordered rhythm, completely unlike the numbness and fear of ordinary border migrants.

The faint clanging of blacksmithing and that unique, deep rumble drifted through the air, and further away, newly built...

Neat and orderly sheds.

Everything points to one conclusion: there is a leader with extraordinary abilities and a thriving territory that hides a great secret.

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