I'm in Terra

Gertrude's eyes lit up. This gift not only explained the gentleman's origins, but also confirmed to her that he wasn't a spy sent by the "remnant faction." Furthermore, the grand piano was exquisitely designed and beautiful, making it a gift far more appealing to Gertrude than anything else, like pure gold.

"I didn't expect Mr. Zorn to be a businessman from Ursus. I will accept the gift without hesitation. If you need anything, please come to me."

Zorn nodded. "There's nothing I can do. Domestic business is not doing well, so I can only take the risk and try to expand my international business. But if you need anything, I do have a favor to ask of you."

"Tell me about it?" Gertrude gestured to the maid to take the triangle piano to her office, then looked into Zorn's eyes with a smile.

Zorn put down his teacup and responded generously to Gertrude's gaze. "I think Visheim has a beautiful environment and the citizens are quite friendly. It's a good city. Therefore, I would like to ask the lady to recommend me a suitable house for my caravan to rest."

"Are you planning to take root for a long time?" Gertrude asked with a smile.

Zorn smiled back, "We're planning to settle down here for the long term. Leithania's products are quite popular in Ursus, so we should be able to make quite a bit of money by making these trips back and forth."

Gertrude nodded and agreed to the request. "Leave it to me, then. Mr. Zorn and your caravan can rest for a few days and enjoy the unique charm of Leithania. If a suitable house or storefront becomes available, I'll send someone to notify you."

"Thank you very much for your trouble, Lord." Zorn raised his teacup and bowed slightly, a meaningful smile appearing on his face. "Speaking of which, I see that you don't seem to be in a good mood. Are you suffering from insomnia? I happen to have a good medicine for this among the goods I'm transporting. I wonder if you'd be interested in trying it?"

Wine and Meat: 141 The victors write history

"Solve my insomnia?" Gertrude's pupils shrank, and she instinctively leaned back on the sofa. "I don't know what you're talking about. I sleep well and don't need any so-called sleeping aids."

"really?"

Zorn smiled subtly, his eyes sweeping across Gertrude's face. "But why do you use thick foundation to hide your beauty? Besides, the fatigue revealed in the corners of your eyes can't be made up for with makeup, right?"

"This is none of your business. Before my good mood fades, I hope Mr. Zorn can understand his own limitations." Gertrude snorted softly and stood up without hesitation, ready to end the meeting. Considering Zorn's status as a foreign trader, Gertrude didn't intend to pursue his disrespect.

But Zorn was not ready to end the conversation so hastily.

"Is it really necessary to be so cautious? Are those guys really keeping you awake at night? Or... are you simply too afraid to face them?"

The steps of leaving stopped.

Gertrude's eyes widened as she turned to look at Zorn in disbelief. "My patience has its limits. If you continue to pester me like this, I'll have to ask the guards to take action!"

In response to Gertrude's inappropriate whisper, Zorn simply smiled and extended his index finger, gently tapping his lips. "Don't worry, those guys are even crazier than you think. They don't take you seriously at all. In other words, our formal negotiations are unlikely to attract their attention. No matter how rampant they are, they can't set up a monitoring device here, right?"

Gertrude fell silent. She seemed to realize something and stumbled back to her seat. "Who are you, exactly? Or rather, who do you represent? Visheim is just a small, marginal town, and I'm just an ordinary lord. Since you already know who they are, why did you choose to wade into this mess?"

"This is a request from a big shot."

Zorn lowered his voice, his expression involuntarily becoming serious. "This is a request from a truly important person that I cannot refuse. No, not just me. You, them, everyone in this town, even the Elector, cannot refuse his request."

Who is he?

Gertrude opened her mouth, wanting to ask the question, but her mind gripped her throat tightly, preventing her from uttering a single word.

She didn't even dare to inquire about the existence of those people, so how could she possibly ask such suicidal questions?

"What does he want me to do?"

After a long pause, Gertrude trembled and raised her question. Zorn's words might contain lies, but Gertrude didn't dare to bet on that possibility. She was a smart person. She didn't fear being fooled, but she was afraid of encountering a fatal disaster and not knowing it.

"That's not something I should know." Zorn smiled and admitted that he knew nothing about the plan. "My orders were simple: take a caravan and establish a presence here, then investigate and find a way to eliminate the 'remnants' hiding in the town. Anything else is not my responsibility. That lord will arrange everything."

"...So, I don't have to do anything?" The more Gertrude thought about the news Zorn had brought her, the more worried she became. However, her concern wasn't about who would use her, but rather that the other party didn't actually need her.

Not being needed means being dispensable, and this is what Gertrude cannot accept the most.

Zorn realized this. In fact, the moment he saw Gertrude, he roughly understood why the man had chosen this place as his target. It was definitely not just because Visheim was a small, remote town; perhaps the elegant Countess in front of him was also one of his targets.

"Don't worry, ma'am. That lord will need you. You can just wait quietly for the fight between us and the remnants, and then choose your side. But let me be clear, we will not lose. Even if the Witch King were still alive and Visheheim were to return to twenty years ago, we are confident that we can wipe out all the remnants."

"Really? Then I'll...wait and see."

Zorn returned, just like the occasional visiting chamber of commerce, bringing gifts, negotiating terms, and finally waving goodbye to Gertrude joyfully. But only the two of them knew what kind of changes the city would soon face.

"Ursus..."

The news of the war between Ursus and Yan Kingdom has not yet been reported, but the impression that Ursus likes to invade has long been engraved in the hearts of every Terran.

Gertrude pulled the grand piano from the box and casually plucked its strings. After calming down, she had already guessed what the lord Zorn had mentioned would offer. If the Ursus eliminated those remnants, she would likely become an Ursus traitor planted in Leithania. A traitor who maintained her status as an earl in public but secretly worked for the Ursus.

Maybe this is not a bad idea?

Gertrude reclined in her office chair, her heavy eyes closing gently. The Elector had long since ignored her. If she could truly eliminate those remaining members, at least her life would be safe. Being a traitor, a target of public condemnation, was better than being completely without a lifeline.

Gertrude's mind gradually fell into chaos as she imagined all sorts of messy things. Zorn's arrival gave her new hope. At least now she could take a nap in peace.

A few days later, word spread throughout Visheim of an Ursian merchant caravan's arrival. They'd taken over a shop on the edge of the Sunset District, selling Ursian specialties at low prices. They had everything from food to musical instruments, even toys from all over Ursus.

Not only that, they also actively contacted merchants and nobles within Visheheim, preparing to purchase some specialties in small quantities and transport them back to Ursus for sale.

While multinational chambers of commerce like theirs were common, they were a rarity in the marginal city of Visheheim. While Ursus may have a less than favorable international reputation, no one would resist pure gold or cheap goods. Consequently, the topic of Ursus merchants had become a hot topic in Visheheim in recent days, and the chamber's leaders were constantly busy with social engagements and receiving a steady stream of business deals.

What the residents of Visheim don't know is that when night falls, the rest areas upstairs in the shops become deserted. The friendly shop assistants during the day become the most secretive assassins in the wild, roaming silently around the city.

They are snake scales.

Wine and Meat: 142 Exotic

"We found them. There are far fewer people than expected."

"That's normal. After the previous two lords' self-willed actions, this place has probably been blacklisted by them a long time ago. Those who stay are probably those who don't want to leave no matter what."

"Then...do it?"

"Don't worry, he's coming soon. Everything depends on instructions."

In the deep darkness, two people covered with snake scales talked in the shadows. Next door to them, a wealthy man was holding a luxurious music party.

"It's done~"

After finishing the last budget document, Dorothy couldn't help but stretch. With Victoria's help, her work efficiency was more than doubled compared to her own. This was not only due to Victoria's precise and quick judgment, but also because she had been looking forward to the vacation trip that the boy had mentioned for a long time.

Leitania, it is said to be a beautiful country. Dorothy, who has never left Ursus, has never seen a country beyond the snow and ice fields, but this does not hinder her imagination.

A warm and beautiful town, music everywhere, a beautiful and elegant exhibition hall, and...

"You're drooling?" the boy's whisper awoke Dorothy from her fantasy. Turning her head, she saw two suitcases stacked at Victoria's feet. He smiled and invited her, "Let's go! This journey won't disappoint you."

Plus Victoria's company.

The slender jade hand rested on the boy's outstretched arm, and in a strange twist, the two of them disappeared into the real world along with the salute, leaving only Yevina with an envious face and Kashena who seemed lazy.

"...How corny. Let's get off work early today and go try on Chernobog's new clothes." Kashena stretched and threw the document she had corrected on Yevina's desk.

Yevina held her forehead and quickly put all the documents together: "I agree."

Traveling in the spirit world was dull and tedious, but for the two traveling together, the soul fires dotting the roadside were a sight to behold. Kashena had already set coordinates in Visheheim, so the two could chat while heading straight for the designated town.

Sunset area.

The crowds today far exceeded those of previous years, and young nobles could be seen chatting with each other everywhere on the street. This was because today was the Sunset Hall's monthly official performance, where those lesser-known musicians would take turns taking the stage, leading everyone to the world of music.

"Look, the Countess has arrived."

"You're here early as usual today. Was your absence a few days ago just a small accident?"

"Fool, the Earl is very busy with affairs of state. It's not like we have a leisurely position. It's impossible for him to have time to relax in the Sunset Hall every day."

"Too."

Just as the two nobles were chatting, a tall but quite gentle young man came up to them.

"Excuse me, but where can I buy tickets for this show?"

"Tickets?" The two young nobles looked at each other and laughed.

"Don't worry, you don't need tickets to listen to music in the Sunset Hall. Besides the Countess, who has a special seat, all other seats are on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're interested, there's a donation box by the entrance. The money you put in will be used to support the musicians and the daily maintenance of the Sunset Hall."

The gentle young man nodded, took his companion's hand, and waited quietly at the door. "I see. Thank you for letting me know."

"You're tourists, right? I have some good news for you." Seeing the young man's elegant attire and impeccable manners, a young nobleman coughed and approached to strike up a conversation. "I heard there's a mystery guest for today's performance, and many people are here just for him. Also, choose a seat near the front so you can enjoy the masters' skills up close."

The young man nodded thoughtfully and pointed behind them: "That sounds interesting, but...is the door open?"

"I was so happy chatting that I didn't notice. Come on, come on!"

Watching the two nobles throw themselves into the crowded crowd, the gentle young man was not in a hurry. He gently took the hand of the girl beside him and whispered in her ear: "Doesn't it sound interesting?"

"It's really interesting. I can't help but look forward to the upcoming performance." Dorothy lowered the brim of her hat, her cheeks flushed. "Let's go quickly. If you're any later, you'll have to sit in the back row."

"Yes, my lady." Victoria bowed slightly, his tall figure towering and unshakable in the crowd, and the two of them entered the Sunset Hall one after the other.

The front row was already full, but Victoria wasn't in a hurry. The snakes had already made inquiries. Ms. Gertrude's seat wasn't in the front row, but right in the center, making it the perfect time for her to enter.

Victoria pulled Dorothy and sat down next to the unique seat.

Soon, a beautiful figure with a faint fragrance came to Victoria. Gertrude, dressed in a dress, sat elegantly in her own seat, staring at the stage without looking away.

"Good morning, ma'am. You look just as radiant today." Sniffing the fragrance that rushed into his nose, Victoria smiled and greeted the beauty beside him.

Gertrude glanced sideways and nodded gracefully and humorously: "Good morning, won't my girlfriend be jealous?"

Victoria chuckled and gently stroked Dorothy's head. "Of course not. We've traveled all the way here from Ursus. Visheim won't be our last stop."

"Ursus?" Hearing Victoria introduce himself, Gertrude was slightly startled, turning her head to carefully examine the two men. The young man sitting next to her was tall and handsome, with a proper smile on his face. However, Gertrude, who had been engaged in political exchanges for many years, keenly noticed that the young man had the leisurely air of a superior.

Is this just a naiveté? Or is it true?

Gertrude paused, glancing at the girl beside her. Her face was as exquisite as hers, and the dress, made of luxurious fabric yet understated in style, was filled with undisguised love. It was clear at first glance that they were a pair of devoted lovers...

No, that's not right!

Gertrude's instincts trembled. Her experience as a sorcerer told her that the girl before her was no ordinary person. The bulge in her dress pocket looked neither like a musical instrument nor a snack, but rather like a device for casting spells. Although the girl's eyes held love, her gaze didn't linger on the boy. Instead, she glanced around from time to time, as if alert to possible danger.

Rather than a couple who support each other, they are more like a master-servant pair with a very good relationship.

"You... no, when did you come to Visheim?"

Victoria smiled slightly: "Just now."

Wine Pool and Meat Forest: 143 Black Angel

With soothing background music playing, the audience entered the venue in an orderly manner. People lined up in long queues and took their seats one after another. In the auditorium that represents art, this order itself represents elegance and classicism.

"Come to think of it, I thought the lady would put her seat at the front. I didn't expect it to be in such a position that's neither too close nor too far away."

Victoria reached out and teased the shy Dorothy, his eyes never leaving her.

"Wouldn't that be unfair to those who arrived early? Besides, in many cases, distance is a kind of beauty."

Gertrude leaned back in her seat, lazily watching the figures flashing by behind the curtain. If you didn't look closely at her lips, you wouldn't even be able to tell that she was speaking.

Originium techniques can be used not only in music, but also in sound, which is the carrier of energy flow.

"Does distance create beauty? So, this is the best place to watch movies?" The curtain opened, and the musicians were ready. Victoria let go of Dorothy, who was reluctant to leave, and leaned back in his seat, imitating Gertrude's relaxed posture.

He had heard long ago that voice was power in Leithania, and today was his chance to see it for real.

As the background music gradually faded, the audience's voices also gradually died down, and an elegant man walked onto the stage in the glittering lights.

Czerny, one of the most famous musicians in Xizhao District, was the perfect opening act.

As the solemn and grand music sounded in the Sunset Hall, the audience all closed their eyes and enjoyed the music.

Victoria is naturally one of them.

The moment he heard the sound, his warrior instincts had already responded. The person on the stage was not just playing music or performing Originium skills, but rather expressing his thoughts and feelings in a way that was more related to the 'Tao' or 'will'.

Obviously, Czerny's music has transcended the constraints of notes. What he plays is not just music, but also "self".

Victoria could resist the power of music, but he didn't intend to do so. The best answer to such elegant and grand music is to enjoy it quietly.

When the song ended, the light returned to the Sunset Hall. People suddenly woke up, but the musician had already bowed and left the stage.

"What a remarkable man, isn't he?" Ms. Gertrude opened her eyes, the haze in them completely washed away by the music. "It's a pity he's a little too old-fashioned, otherwise I could definitely send him to a bigger and broader stage."

"He's indeed a good fellow." Victoria smiled slightly, agreeing with Gertrude. "But speaking of a bigger stage, Madam, have you ever thought about pursuing a higher position? For example, taking a step forward in the title of nobility, or even becoming an elector?"

"You're joking, little brother. I'm exhausted even managing a small city, so how could I possibly be thinking about such random thoughts?" Gertrude's eyes shifted slightly. She still didn't even know the man's name beside her. But he seemed to know her very well. She was very familiar with this feeling of passivity, so familiar that it couldn't be more familiar.

"Really? What a shame. I think it's better for people to have lofty goals. What if they can achieve them someday?" Victory smiled slightly, not dwelling on the topic for long. "Ah, the second musician is ready. I hope he can also play a thrilling piece."

Of course, this was impossible. After Czerny's performance, several musicians took the stage one after another. Although the audience was enthusiastic and tolerant of them, it was obvious that no one could play Czerny's music better than him.

Soon after, Czerny returned from his break, captivating the audience with another round of music, signaling the end of the scheduled program. Next, it was time for visitors and newcomers to try their hand. Simply bring your instrument to the side of the stage and register; anyone can perform their own piece on the Sunset Hall stage.

Soon, some elegant, some joyful, some childish music sounded on the stage. The audience did not mind the performers' lack of skills, but instead participated in the ensemble with great enthusiasm.

The Sunset Hall is a stage for enjoying music, and no one cares about the quality of the music.