The First Magic World War

When Charles introduced Taoles, Aurora was immediately taken aback. She knew that the Fars Empire had its own branches of the family, but she never expected to meet a cousin of her own within the diplomatic delegation.

Aurora had graduated many years ago, and was much older than Taoles, who had just graduated. Even for nobles who start with a high status, advancement still requires one step at a time, although their promotions happen more quickly. It is not about jumping directly to a certain level of position.

Indeed, she had been working for seven or eight years and was older than Charles.

Knowing that one of the three girls was her cousin, Aurora's opinion of Charles shifted slightly. The four girls began to chat casually, effectively leaving Charles out of the conversation.

Charles didn't know why Aurora was seeking him, but since he knew she was the daughter of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a cultural officer at the minister's residence, he used his intuition to guess that her reasons for meeting him were not personal. Thus, he sat patiently on the side, waiting for his "time" to come.

Soon, it was noon. Aurora suggested taking the three girls out for lunch. Charles immediately mentioned he had plans for the afternoon and suggested they continue later. Aurora, without confronting him directly, took the three girls out for lunch.

Once the four girls had left, Charles swiftly engaged in his own luxurious activities and headed to the store at Lafayette.

With the experience from the previous day, Charles easily found Julian, who was about to have lunch. Julian was quite surprised to see Charles, not only arranging a meal for him but also asking how he enjoyed the previous day. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

Charles briefly shared his experiences from the day before, making Julian suddenly realize that this fellow indeed had some unique luck.

Charles himself wasn't aware of it, but Julian was deeply impressed. Not many young nobles from various countries are reliable; most are dissolute, only concerned with enjoying life and incapable of handling any serious matters. However, even in a decadent class, there are always a few outstanding individuals. Charles, just a merchant's son, didn't seem like much in the eyes of someone descended from a prestigious family like Julian's, but his ability to mingle with the finest among the nobility was indeed a fascinating stroke of "luck."

Since his arrival, Charles had met nobles like Menierman Sumei, Anne Brittany, Taoles Sumei, Anne's cousin Krel, and Sumei's brother Ebner—rarities of talent within the Fars Empire.

And also Vinnie Yarseno, Philedrica—exemplary figures from common backgrounds.

Even on Byron's side, he knew individuals like Baron Leo, Cyrus, Julian—none of them were common folk.

Julian still didn't know that in Cappadocia City, Charles had also befriended two of the most promising officers of the Imperial Navy, James Cook and Francis Drake. Otherwise, his astonishment would have been even greater, even though knowing just Aurora Sumei was enough to surprise him.

Julian said softly, "Do you realize how lucky you are? Aurora Sumei is a renowned beauty in the Inglima Empire. Countless people have tried to date her and returned unsuccessful, and even I am a bit envious of you."

Charles recalled Aurora Sumei's awkward encounter from the day before. Although Miss Sumei indeed was an exceptionally beautiful woman, he couldn't see the situation as Julian had described.

He remained rather rational, not wanting to provoke Julian, and said, "Since you're so interested in this beauty, why don't you come back with me this afternoon? Technically, you're part of our delegation as well!"

Julian was slightly surprised, but then couldn't help but laugh, responding, "Alright, I'll come back with you."

Julian was indeed a part of the delegation, but he was under Charles's command, so he infiltrated the vicinity of the Augusladin High Priest. Once he arrived in Notruden, he secretly slipped away because there was no way to continue undercover.

Although Julian often seemed mature for his age, and was indeed intelligent, he had just started his sophomore year and lacked extensive social experience. He had managed to infiltrate the delegation, but he had no idea what to do next.

As a spy, he still lacked professional training.

Moreover, Julian had really gone to the front lines to pad his experiences. As a descendant of the Asiluo Clan, he didn't need to risk his life to become a real spy.

After lunch, as expected, they both took the luxurious, dark carriage back to Embassy Street. When they returned, the four girls were still not back. Charles and Julian casually chatted, drinking tea while waiting for several hours.

In the afternoon, the four girls finally came back, full of enthusiasm.

Among them, Taoles kept silent about what they had for lunch but couldn't stop praising the afternoon shopping spree. Out of the four, she was the wealthiest, had bought a lot of things, and even needed a shared horse carriage to haul everything back.

Anatasiya also had a bit of money, after all, she was the illegitimate daughter of Baron Philedrica. Although she had some money, it wasn't much; she only bought two dresses.

Only Belisa was in the worst situation, the former maid had indeed no money. Although the Duchess was generous, she wouldn't bestow much wealth on a maid. All of Belisa's possessions added up were not even worth a few Aegeus, certainly a lot better than Charles used to be as a lowly senior clerk, but nowhere near Sherlock Mecklen who later sky-rocketed with all sorts of dark and grey incomes.

Charles didn't introduce Julian to the four girls. Taoles and the others had long known of Julian's identity, but it was inappropriate for Aurora, being a diplomat of the Inglima Empire, to know Julian's identity.

When they returned in the afternoon, Aurora was in good spirits and after exchanging a few words with the three girls, she requested a private talk with Charles. Charles knew that this was the real reason for Aurora's visit and immediately took her to a private meeting room.

This was, after all, the Fars Empire's embassy, often needing to discuss some covert matters; such meeting rooms were seven or eight in number, typically vacant.

Upon entering the room, Aurora got straight to the point, "The alliance between Inglima Empire and Fars Empire is currently under detailed discussion."

I'm here to express my gratitude for easing my embarrassment yesterday, and also to remind you, you'd better try to have your name included in this alliance," she said.

It will be infinitely beneficial for your political career, and I believe you understand that without needing a detailed explanation from me."

Charles was surprised; he hadn't expected the Augusladin High Priest, who seemed not very diligent, to sign such an important treaty? Charles did not question Aurora, as her status ensured her information was undoubtedly internal. He said in a low voice, "Thank you, Miss Sumei, for your friendship. May I know if there's anything I can do for you?"

It was evident Aurora Sumei was seeking something, otherwise, why would she disclose such a big secret to him?

Couldn't it be merely because Sherlock Mecklen had a face even Evil God would envy?