Chapter 60

*Slam!*

The vase was smashed to pieces on the floor.

"Why did you invite that bastard here, Dad!?"

Helen stood in the living room, fuming, and glared at Keller, whose face was dark.

"This isn't the time for you to be stubborn."

Looking at his daughter's face, Keller sighed, but then his attitude hardened immediately.

"No matter what, someone saved your life, and you should show some gratitude. Have you forgotten everything I taught you?"

Hearing her father's roar, Helen shrank back, but soon she felt ashamed of her cowardice and jumped up again.

"I don't care. I hate that guy, and I absolutely won't thank him! I won't go even if you beat me to death!"

"You...! You brat...!"

Pointing at his daughter who dared to defy him, Keller's face turned ashen. He couldn't understand why his daughter, who usually went along with everything he said, was being so stubborn this time. Did she have no sense at all?

"Go to your room! Stay there tonight, and don't leave!"

"Fine, I won't go!"

Helen stomped her foot and turned to leave, fuming. Keller watched her back disappear, then sighed deeply and sat back down in his chair. At that moment, his face showed immense fatigue, and his usually resolute features even looked somewhat aged.

He felt very tired.

"Sir..."

Ben cautiously approached and respectfully bowed to Keller. He observed the patriarch's expression and hesitantly asked.

"What about the young lady..."

"Watch over her and don't let her leave her room tonight."

Keller waved his hand weakly, then sighed deeply, pressing his forehead and waving his hand impatiently.

"Go, I'm tired and need to rest. Tell everyone to notify me immediately when that gentleman arrives; I will greet him personally."

"Yes, sir."

After receiving Keller's order, Ben immediately turned and left, while Keller closed his eyes and remained silent for a long time. He was under a lot of pressure, not just from the family's annoying trivial matters, but also from the Merchant Association, which was equally troublesome. After they attempted to kidnap his daughter to threaten him, Keller had already decided to sever ties with the Merchant Association. He didn't understand how these money-obsessed people could suddenly become so bold, but he had decided not to get involved. For safety, he even ordered Helen not to go out, at least until the matter was completely resolved. Keller knew this made Helen unhappy, but he had to do it; in the face of the family's interests, an offspring's personal feelings could be completely ignored.

Recently, Keller always felt uneasy, as if something was wrong, but he couldn't pinpoint it. Although there was no activity from the Golden City, Keller knew this didn't mean there were no problems. The young lady was known for her careful planning, and once there was activity in the Golden City, it would mean his neck was close to the gallows.

After thinking for a moment, Keller shook his head in frustration. Since he couldn't figure it out, he decided not to think about it. At tonight's banquet, the president of the Deepstone City Mercenary Association and the city lord would both be present. He needed to talk to them about this matter, as it was too important to wait until the last minute to come up with a plan. Originally, Keller hadn't intended to explain, as it was an internal merchant issue, but after the kidnapping incident, he felt the situation was becoming strange. If it were just a regular business dispute, they wouldn't have taken such extreme measures.

No matter what the other party intended, he had to be fully prepared.

Thinking of this, Keller couldn't help but think of the young man who had saved his daughter. Although Deepstone City wasn't a small city and finding someone wasn't easy, gathering information about Rhod wasn't difficult. The reason was simple: this young man was too high-profile.

As soon as he arrived in Deepstone City, he accepted Serek's mercenary evaluation and won. After that, he inherited a mercenary group's quota and became the leader of a two-person mercenary group. He even bought the most famous cursed house in Deepstone City, and according to rumors, the young man was very handsome. It was hard not to suspect he was deliberately drawing attention if each of these actions weren't so difficult.

What surprised Keller even more was that this young man actually led his "mini" mercenary group to victory, completing the four-star Paviel Cemetery. Although many people doubted the authenticity of this rumor, the skull and staff of the necromancer received by the Mercenary Association were real and undeniable.

Rhod didn't know that many mercenaries were now watching his every move. Since he had the ability to lead such a small group to complete such a dangerous mission, he must have some extraordinary qualities. Mercenaries, being human, naturally hoped to serve under a strong leader. After all, they were selling their lives, and it was better to be part of a powerful mercenary group than to waste time under an incompetent leader.

What kind of person is this young man?

Keller closed his eyes and fell into deep thought.

As night fell, the usually quiet upper-class district began to buzz with activity.

The bright lights shone, and luxurious carriages came and went. This was the best time for the nobility to socialize and interact. Whether it was a legitimate or illegitimate gathering, they all began under the cover of night, bringing enjoyment to all.

And tonight's banquet was particularly lively.

"This damned place, still so crowded."

Stepping out of the carriage, the old president glared at the nobles in their fine clothes.

"Every time I come here, it feels like I'm in a market, with a thousand ducks quacking in my ears. It's so annoying!"

"Come on, old friend, it's rare for Mr. Keller to invite us, so don't be so picky."

Compared to the old president's casual attire, Serek was dressed much more elegantly and nobly. The famous figure in Deepstone City was dressed like a noble today, except for the magic longsword at his waist. From any other angle, the swordmaster looked like a well-educated, well-mannered middle-aged noble.

"That guy must be in some trouble."

Ignoring the displeased looks from the attendants, the old president walked into the bright hall and took out his pipe, tapping it forcefully.

"Otherwise, why would he be so humble? Hmm? Look, even the old fox Claude is here. It must be a big deal."

"Maybe. I heard from a friend that the Merchant Association has been a bit unstable recently, but... if it were just these issues, he wouldn't need to ask the Mercenary Association and Lord Claude for help. What do you think it could be?"

"I'm not interested in these troublesome matters. If someone dares to cause me trouble, smashing them with a hammer is the easiest solution, don't you think?"

"That's not right. After all..."

Before Serek could finish, the door opened again.

The previously noisy crowd in the hall fell silent.

For these nobles, few things could move them, but now, they all shifted their attention to the three new faces entering.

Rhod, dressed in black, with pale skin and a slightly thin frame, looked frail. His long black hair cascaded down, contrasting with his striking face, and his characteristic cold and serious demeanor added a unique charm.

The two girls following him were equally dazzling.

Marin's attire hadn't changed much; she still wore her luxurious robe, with a faint magical glow accompanying her movements, showcasing a mysterious and beautiful aura. The ruby staff in her hand added a sense of "do not disturb."

Compared to these eye-catching figures, Lise's attire was more understated. Her white dress was neat and elegant, like a lily, evoking a sense of tenderness.

Although there were many beautiful people in the room, the unique presence of these three still drew a lot of attention. Soon, people began whispering and inquiring about their identities.

"Hmph... it seems this country bumpkin's party is a bit more refined than I thought."

Marin completely ignored the crowd, looking around with a critical eye and then said sarcastically.

"Marin, that's not very polite."

Lise reached out and gently pulled on Marin's sleeve, whispering a warning.

"Don't worry about it, Lise. Just relax and enjoy yourself. And by coming to this country bumpkin's party, I'm already giving him enough face. People should know when to be content."

As Marin spoke, a middle-aged man in fine clothes with a resolute face approached the entrance. Seeing Rhod and the others, his eyes lit up, and he walked over immediately.

"Hello, Mr. Rhod... I am Clayton Keller. Since I heard about you from my daughter, I've been looking forward to meeting you. Now, my wish has come true. On behalf of the Keller family, I welcome you to this banquet."

"Thank you, Mr. Clayton. It's an honor to be invited by you."

Facing the middle-aged man, Rhod responded neither humbly nor arrogantly. Although he wasn't a noble, he had attended many such events in the game. As the saying goes, even if you haven't eaten pork, you've seen pigs run. The social niceties of the nobility were already familiar to him. Hearing Rhod's response, Clayton smiled slightly and then turned his gaze to Rhod's companions.

"Please, these two are..."

"Hello."

Marin stepped forward, lifting her skirt slightly.

"I am Marin Senea. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Clayton Keller."

"Senea?"

Hearing Marin's response, Clayton was slightly taken aback, and his gaze toward Rhod showed a hint of surprise.

This young man has connections with the Senea family?

What is his identity?

PS: Transition chapters are hard to write, but they are necessary... sigh...