Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1564 - 538: Crisis and Search (3)

Every day, the entrance to Rein Mansion teems with endless comings and goings, much like a lively market square.

The elegant Jennifer, once frustrated by the lack of potential business allies in the Imperial City, now faces the dilemma of selecting from a wealth of options.

It's not merely the abundance of choices, but each surpasses the last in prominence. Among trade groups backed by Duke lineages, over ten stand out, Marquis-tier ones number more than thirty, and Earl-level associations are simply too numerous to count...

Both the graceful Jennifer and the worldly Cleya, shaped by her time at the Royal Academy, were stunned by the far-reaching impact of Rein's triumph.

Only Lagaray, the barbarian lass, viewed it as ordinary, true to her tribe's customs where the mighty claim all possessions.

Rein’s mother, Emma, beamed without end, her former ailment fully healed, as droves of noblewomen and young ladies followed the 'Madam route' each day to pay her warm, sincere visits.

Yet, the constant clamor didn't delight everyone. For Bo He, it proved rather irritating.

Each time she tried to frolic a bit in the courtyard, eager noble ladies would shower her with compliments, tug her along by the hand, and draw her into animated chats, forcing her to maintain proper posture, offer smiles, and nod graciously in line with her newly acquired noble manners.

In the study, Rein turned to Matteo at his side and remarked:

"Matteo, turn away all visitors save for those we know well."

Part of him aimed to ponder deeply the hidden lair of the Dragon Scale Brotherhood. Another part shunned squandering effort on broadening noble ties.

At his current stature, such rituals held no value unless involving an Imperial Guardian of matching power.

For he embodied the very connection others pursued, not vice versa.

"As you wish, Lord Rein," the small-statured Matteo replied with a respectful bow.

But moments later, a knock echoed at the door.

What? Rein's brow creased—hadn't he only just directed Matteo...

"Lord Rein, Viscount Hamadi has arrived," Matteo's voice called from beyond the door.

Hamadi?

Abruptly, a spark of realization ignited in Rein's thoughts!

Indeed, while that issue might stump every official branch of the Empire, the Federation presented a different story.

"Bring him to the study."

"Right away, my lord."

...

Before long, Hamadi's recognizable form showed up at the study's threshold.

"Lord Rein, my heartfelt congratulations on vanquishing the Crown of Pantoscoke," Hamadi offered a profound bow to Rein as he spoke.

Hamadi's grasp of Rein far outstripped that of typical Imperial nobles. In Federation-related affairs especially, he'd gleaned details through dedicated routes, so reuniting with Rein shifted his perspective sharply, prompting a notably humble demeanor.

"My thanks, Lord Hamadi. You're most gracious," Rein replied with a faint smile, motioning him to sit.

Following brief exchanges of courtesy, Hamadi revealed his intent: first, relaying the Federation's felicitations, and second, delivering an invite from Haleem, director of the Federation Mechanical Research Institute.

Rein accepted it and saw that Haleem chiefly desired Rein's return visit to the Federation for joint work and sharing knowledge on ancient goblin mechanical artifacts.

"Kindly express my gratitude to Lord Haleem for the invite. Regrettably, my schedule won't allow it just now. In due course, I shall make the journey. I eagerly anticipate swapping thoughts on mechanical crafting with him as well."

"Very well, Lord Rein, I'll relay your words without fail."

"Moreover, do you have any recent requests for our aid? Feel free to speak freely—even if our reach falls short, we'll escalate it accordingly."

Hamadi posed the question offhand, harboring no true hopes.

He knew full well that Rein had transformed utterly, his power surging ahead and social circles vastly widened—what issue could possibly require their help?

Hamadi himself drew a blank.

As Hamadi rose to depart, Rein gave a subtle smile and noted:

"Lord Hamadi, there is one favor I might ask of you."

"Oh? By all means, tell us," Hamadi paused in surprise at first, then his gaze sparkled with keen interest.

"I'd appreciate your help in probing a hidden base tied to a group known as the Dragon Scale Brotherhood. It lies within a Small Secret Realm. No need for you to breach it—just pinpoint the general location for me."

Rein weighed his phrasing with care.

"Leave it to us, Lord Rein; we'll handle this task," Hamadi responded with real delight!

"Should the site be in the Imperial City, expect our report within three days. Though... are you certain you don't want us to deal with it outright?" Hamadi eyed Rein with hopeful anticipation.

Though unaware of the exact details yet, he trusted that if they couldn't manage it, the Federation certainly could.

This marked the first such request from the great Lord Rein, so Hamadi resolved to execute it flawlessly.

...