Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1519 - 523: Jennifer’s Crisis

The return journey was illuminated by a radiant, star-filled sky several hours later.

Because the Empire Delegation’s departure had been delayed by several days, Menia turned down the Federation’s invitation to extend her stay. She resolved to lead her group back home immediately.

Aboard the "Queen," the flagship of the Imperial Airship fleet.

Reginald watched the beaming Menia, still struggling to process the news. "Prince Menia, is it true that you and Lord Rein have officially entered into a romantic relationship?" he inquired.

His question didn't stem from a desire to gossip; rather, Menia had just given him strict orders to keep her involvement with Rein a secret for the time being.

Her social standing was quite delicate. If the news broke now, it would undoubtedly trigger a wave of public condemnation.

She had already consulted Rein on the matter, and he had voiced no objections.

To Rein, as long as the bond between him and Menia was acknowledged by the two of them, public recognition held little importance.

His prestige was forged through his personal Cultivation and martial prowess, not by seeking influence or clinging to the coattails of the powerful.

"Yes. Even though it happened somewhat by chance, I’ve found Rein to be truly kind-hearted and considerate toward me..."

As he listened to Menia speak, Reginald felt as though the "Red Queen" of the Empire had vanished, replaced by a young girl deeply in love.

For a moment, he felt as if a thousand wild oxen were stampeding through his soul...

'Kind-hearted and considerate? There are millions of men in the Empire like that! Is that really all it took?!'

Speechless, Reginald fought the urge to shout, 'I can be those things too! And I’ve been right here for years...'

"Very well! Prince Menia, I accept your request and will ensure this matter remains strictly confidential."

"I appreciate it, Reginald."

"On another note, have Elder Ivan and the others departed yet?"

"Yes, they are expected to be on the road within a few hours."

"I see."

Because Rein had promised Menia that their relationship would remain hidden, he could not linger in her quarters for too long.

After leaving the ancient mermaid girl in Menia’s care, he retreated to his own cabin.

....

Meanwhile.

In Mingster, within the Dragan Empire.

Inside a grand mansion situated near the Axon Auction House.

The elegant Jennifer was still awake in her second-floor study, meticulously reviewing accounts. She was accompanied by Lagaray, the barbarian girl who was learning the ways of commerce, and Georgia from the Ice Claw Bear Mercenary Group.

Georgia had been hired as Jennifer’s personal bodyguard, but she had become deeply impressed by the woman’s sharp business instincts.

Consequently, in addition to her security duties, Georgia had begun studying the fundamentals of commercial trade under Jennifer's tutelage.

Lagaray’s plan was to study under the lady for a few months to master the essential trade processes. Afterward, she intended to return to the Norton Tribe to assist Clan Leader Dalius and the High Priest Rom in expanding their foreign commerce.

Her ultimate ambition was to alleviate the brutal living conditions of her kinsmen.

Rein had previously arranged for the Snyder family—Luther's kin—to help the Norton Tribe trade their furs, but the Frostwind Prairie held many other treasures. If these could be supplied directly to Jennifer, the profit margins would be significant.

Furthermore, if the auction house could source rare minerals, the tribe could purchase them for forging, which would vastly improve the defense and lethality of their high-rank warriors.

By using trade profits to buy these minerals directly, they could cut out the middlemen and maximize their resources.

"Madam, our primary external caravans have been intercepted by mysterious forces lately. Do you think Lord Luther’s previous warnings are proving true?" Georgia asked, her expression clouded with anxiety.

Her brother, Fandar, who led the Ice Claw Bear Mercenaries, had gone to investigate the situation personally. While she trusted his strength, she couldn't shake a sense of dread.

"Regardless, we must depart Mingster at dawn tomorrow. If someone is trying to use us to pressure Rein, they must be a formidable power." Earlier that day, Jennifer had been sent a confidential message from the Duke of Minter.

The message warned that a high-level power struggle was underway and urged her to return to the Imperial City immediately for her own safety.

However, Jennifer managed several major caravans and had pending negotiations with other traders, to say nothing of the auction house's affairs. Leaving the city instantly was no simple task.

More importantly, Jennifer didn't yet believe the situation was desperate, especially since they were currently within the safety of Mingster.

The beautiful woman was also genuinely confused.

Logically, given Rein’s growing influence and his rapid advancement in Cultivation, no rational entity would be reckless enough to kidnap or threaten his associates.

Once Rein discovered the truth, even if he were temporarily outmatched, he would surely seek a devastating revenge once his strength grew further.