Chapter 174: Sophia’s Shy Confession
’Or does Baron Luke simply have no interest on us?’
Some quietly bit their lips. Others looked toward Sophia with obvious envy.
If Luke had known what they were thinking. He would have laughed bitterly.
’Girls...’
’You should be thankful that my wife wasn’t attending today’s meeting.’
’Otherwise... none of you would’ve even dared wear dresses showing that much skin.’
Just imagining his wife’s icy smile. Luke felt a chill run down his spine.
Fortunately she had chosen to leave earlier.
Otherwise today’s merchant meeting would’ve turned into an entirely different battlefield.
Soon the last merchant departed.
The once-crowded hall gradually became quiet. Only two guests remained seated.
Sophia. And her elder brother, Damien.
Luke looked toward them with a warm smile.
"Lady Sophia."
"It’s been a while."
"How have you been?"
Sophia gracefully rose from her seat.
Holding the sides of her dress, she offered Luke a courteous noble bow.
Beside her Damien respectfully did the same.
A gentle smile bloomed across Sophia’s beautiful face.
"I’ve been doing well, Sir Luke."
"I hope you’ve been well too."
Luke smiled and nodded.
"I have."
Sophia then turned slightly toward the man beside her.
"Allow me to formally introduce him."
"My elder brother Damien Blackriver."
Damien stepped forward and respectfully cupped his fists.
"It is an honor to finally meet you properly, Baron Luke."
Luke returned the greeting with a slight nod.
"The pleasure is mine."
After the brief introductions. Sophia exchanged a glance with Damien.
Both of them seemed to have already reached a decision before coming here.
Taking a small breath. Sophia looked directly into Luke’s eyes.
"Sir Luke."
Sophia took a slow breath before revealing the purpose of today’s visit.
"Our family has reached a decision."
Luke quietly listened.
"The Blackriver Family has decided to relocate to the Blackstone Highlands."
"We also intend to move our entire wine processing facility here."
The moment those words were spoken.
Even Osric, who had been silently standing nearby, looked over in surprise.
Relocate the entire processing plant?
That wasn’t a decision any merchant family could make lightly.
Luke, however, remained calm. While a faint smile appeared on his face.
He had expected something similar.
After all...
The moment Sophia reported that he had defeated a Mid-Golden Knight, the Blackriver Family would naturally realize where the future lay.
Rather than waiting until every valuable piece of land had been claimed.
It was far wiser to secure their place now.
’A wise decision.’ Luke nodded inwardly.
The Blackriver Family’s greatest business was their famous grapes.
Not only did they cultivate rare varieties. They also refined them into high-quality wines that were sold throughout the kingdom.
Relocating that entire operation. Would be a massive undertaking.
Naturally it also came with serious problems.
Fresh grapes spoiled quickly after being harvested.
If they weren’t processed in time. The quality of the wine would decrease dramatically.
Fortunately the Blackriver Family had already prepared a solution.
Sophia calmly explained,
"We’ve already discussed this issue."
"We plan to purchase specialized liquid storage bags from the Ocean Territory."
"They can store enormous amounts of liquid safely."
"Instead of transporting fresh grapes."
"We’ll squeeze the juice at the vineyard first. Then transport the juice here for processing."
Luke nodded in understanding. That was indeed a practical solution.
Although it still wasn’t perfect.
If large-capacity Spatial Rings were affordable. None of these problems would even exist.
Unfortunately those treasures were expensive.
Especially rings capable of storing large quantities of goods.
Even wealthy merchant families found them difficult to acquire.
Otherwise every major caravan would have been transporting cargo inside Spatial Rings instead of wagons.
Another reason merchants rarely used large Spatial Rings for transportation was security.
If a caravan carrying ordinary wagons was ambushed. The bandits still had to seize each wagon individually.
Many times, the merchants could at least save part of their cargo.
But a Spatial Ring was different. If the person wearing it was killed first.
The entire shipment would instantly fall into the enemy’s hands.
Years of investment gone in a single battle.
That risk was simply too great.
Moreover merchants trusted very few people.
Entrusting a Spatial Ring worth a fortune to someone else was almost unthinkable.
What if the carrier fled?
What if they secretly stole the goods? Or simply disappeared?
Because of those concerns, most merchant families gradually abandoned the idea of transporting goods inside large Spatial Rings.
Instead...
They only carried small Spatial Pouches for storing money, important documents, and a handful of precious items.
Then Luke leaned back slightly, silently weighing the benefits.
If the Blackriver Family truly relocated. His territory would gain tons of advantages.
New jobs would be created for the local population. Blackstone’s reputation would rise even further.
The economy would grow rapidly.
And the guards and knights employed by the Blackriver Family would, in practice, become another defensive force within his territory.
Of course that cooperation would only continue as long as Luke remained powerful enough to command respect.
Strength...
Was the foundation of everything.
So just as Luke was about to nod in agreement.
Sophia hesitated. She gently clasped her hands together.
"However" Her voice became noticeably softer.
Then she slowly lowered her head.
Her cheeks gradually flushed a delicate shade of pink.
The image resembled a young noble maiden. Shyly preparing to speak before her future husband.
That sight alone.
Immediately made Luke’s instincts scream.
’Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling about this?’
---
Damien had expected this moment.
Still seeing his younger sister’s behavior, he couldn’t help but roll his eyes.
’She was so confident before entering the hall.’
’Where did all that confidence go?’
He sighed inwardly. However, wisely kept his mouth shut.
This wasn’t the time to interrupt.
Sophia nervously clenched the edge of her dress.
Her heartbeat echoed loudly in her ears.
"T-...Sir..."
"L-Luke..."
She took a deep breath.
Gathering every ounce of courage she possessed.
She finally spoke.
"I-I wants to... ma-marry you..."
"...and become your concubine."
The words barely escaped her lips.
Her face instantly turned crimson.
Slowly.
Very slowly.
She lifted her head.