Magic, steel, heavy industry

Chapter 37 The Banquet

"Mr. Longjin, thank you for bringing me here."

McKin, holding a glass of red wine, spoke very sincerely to Long Jin.

However, Long Jin simply shook his head. "There's nothing to thank me for. It's just an ordinary gathering. Everyone can bring a friend. Besides, I should thank Mr. Weyland for entrusting Miles with such an important task. He's a man of exceptional vision."

"Lord Vilan never mistreats capable people, especially a master like you. If you go to Anvil Territory, Lord Vilan will probably give you the highest position."

"I don't lack gold coins." Long Jin took a sip of his drink and unsurprisingly rejected McKinsey's offer.

After all, he was a master, and the gold coins he earned each month were definitely much higher than the salary Vilan paid.

McKinley nodded. He knew that what attracted master craftsmen like these was never gold coins, but something that could truly impress them, such as innovative technology.

McGinn believed Lord Vilan; he knew that Anvil Territory would soon have these things, and the masters would naturally want to visit them without him having to persuade them.

Now, the more important task is to complete the mission assigned by Lord Vilan.

McGinn remembered what Wieland had said to him before he left.

"Everyone has their own talents. Saka is outgoing and carefree, Belin is honest and serious, but you are more perceptive than them. No one can beat you in the skill of reading people. Therefore, this kind of task can only be done by you, and you will definitely do it well."

……

McKinney gathered his thoughts and began to observe.

Everything at the banquet became a target for his observation.

As the initiator of the banquet, Viscount Raisman was a typical gentleman. He was dressed in an exquisite suit, with a lily pinned to his breast, and was very polite. He would greet everyone with a friendly smile.

Surrounding Raisman were a group of nobles and knights. The banquet was a place for them to exchange pleasantries and discuss matters. In the repeated toasts, they always managed to make some decisions.

For example, should we increase taxes on merchants within the territory this year?

Indeed, although there were many merchants present at the banquet, without noble status, they could never squeeze into the circle of nobles and could only keep smiling in order to avoid being suddenly taxed by some lords on a whim.

Except for one person.

She was an elegant lady, wearing a long red dress and a slanted veiled hat, sitting gracefully on a chair on the right side of the banquet hall.

Behind her stood a male and a female servant.

"She is 'Red Scorpion' Madeline, the most powerful businesswoman in Silverflow City. No one can make a single penny off her. I've dealt with her before; she's a tough and ruthless character."

Longin's voice rang out behind McKinney, and it was clear that Longin knew why he had come.

McKinney nodded and smiled. "I just wanted to say hello."

"Whatever you want, and it's best not to make eye contact with her."

"I think I'll have to keep my head down forever."

McKinney made a soft joke, then picked up his glass, took the exquisite gift box that had been prepared beforehand, and walked over.

Although no one approached Madeline, the "Red Scorpion," it didn't mean no one paid attention. Many people saw McKinney walk past and gave her a disdainful sneer.

Where did this gentleman come from? Is he trying to flirt with that woman?

Madeline naturally noticed McKinney as well. She looked slightly surprised but not astonished. Judging from the gift McKinney was holding, he had come prepared.

She'd seen plenty of people like this; perhaps just another self-important foreign gentleman.

"Madam, if you don't mind, may I give you a compliment?" McKinney said with a smile.

Madeline raised her head, gently resting her chin on her right hand; her bright red nails further accentuated her assertive personality.

"No one can resist praise, right?"

"Thank you, you are the most beautiful lady I have seen tonight."

"You're not trying to get my attention with such a lame compliment, are you?" Madeline almost rolled her eyes; this was the most tasteless pickup line she had ever seen.

McKinn wasn't embarrassed at all and still smiled, "Please allow me to say this, because I really can't find a more fitting word than beautiful, Ms. Madeline."

"Looks like you're not here to flirt, which is a shame, but I was actually a little happy about it."

Madeline gave a disappointed look and made eye contact with McGinn.

There was a hint of resentment in his eyes.

However, McKinney wasn't having any of it. He tapped his glass and said, "Perhaps I have something more to make you happy than flirting?"

Madeline's expression immediately turned cold. "You have one minute. You'd better have something that can impress me."

After saying that, the male servant behind him actually took out a pocket watch and started timing.

McKin remained calm and slowly placed the gift box on the single-legged table in front of Madeline.

"I don't want to waste your time. Believe me, I'm just here to give you a small gift. I'll be at Master Longjin's house for the next couple of days, if you find it interesting."

After speaking in a gentlemanly manner, McKinney turned and walked away without paying any attention to Madeline's expression.

Madeline wasn't surprised at all.

"Another self-righteous idiot. Can't these men come up with something different?"

"Should we throw this gift away?" the maid behind me asked.

Madeline glared at her angrily. "How many times have I told you? Only the most arrogant fools would overlook business opportunities that are everywhere!"

……

After the banquet, McKinney followed Longin out of the manor.

Of course, they didn't walk over; Longjin's two apprentices had been waiting for them for a long time in a carriage.

Just as McKinney was about to climb into the carriage, an anxious voice sounded from behind.

"Please wait a moment, sir!"

McKinney cautiously turned his head, his right hand already instinctively gripping the dagger hidden inside his gentleman's suit.

A man wearing a top hat and sporting a small mustache came running over quickly. He took off his hat, panting, but his eyes remained fixed on McKinney.

"Sir, please give me a chance to speak, considering I've been running around all day."

After confirming that the other party hadn't brought anyone else, McKinney turned and stepped down from the carriage, asking curiously, "Of course, but we don't know each other, do we?"

"Is this your first time meeting with Ms. Madeline? Since you can talk to her, you can talk to me too." The man revealed a sly smile, but his expression showed no gentlemanly manners; instead, it was more like... lewdness?

"You're a businessman?" McKinney immediately realized.

The man's eyes lit up immediately, and he bowed in a standard greeting. "Let me introduce myself. My name is James, and I'm a businessman from out of town."