CHAPTER 478: CHAPTER 08: HIGH COURT (4)

There is a little over a day before the hearing, but it’s clear that Jones can’t go anywhere now.

Outside the castle gate, a large group of Blood Clan Lords are lurking. These are all of the lowest rank. At most, they hold the title of Earl. Otherwise, they wouldn’t need to squat here.

Further away, there are countless spies from Dukes and Princes.

Just like that, let alone Jones leaving from here, anyone who exits the castle or comes in from outside will draw enormous attention. Even being followed by a dozen bats behind a car would be considered few.

The entire High Court’s attention is focused here, yet bizarrely, they all unanimously maintain silence.

Of course, I’m referring to those families with influence. Those without influence just squat at the door, clamoring happily. After all, in this place like the High Court, they have no status themselves and naturally don’t need to worry about any face.

"So we were still early, a day early, but now we’re stuck in the castle."

"No, I think we arrived just right." Adelle stood beside Jones with a glass of wine, looking leisurely out the window and said, "If we were to arrive now, we wouldn’t be able to go anywhere from the moment we set foot here."

Thinking about it, Jones could only nod: "They are really too enthusiastic."

"That’s because you are now the hottest figure in the entire Kolin Peninsula." Belle answered softly, "Whoever can associate with you can have countless benefits. A word from you can make a family rise, and the same word can make a family fall. Look, just like now, they see me standing with you, and things for me here will become much easier in the future."

Saying this, Belle slightly shifted sideways, so the Lords outside could see her more clearly.

"Am I really that powerful?"

"Of course, do you want to try a deeper one?"

"What do you mean?" Jones looked up in confusion.

Before Jones could react, Belle had already kissed him on the cheek.

Adelle didn’t feel anything was wrong, but Dora was shocked; the plate she was holding in her hand dropped to the ground with a clatter, and the pastries scattered all over.

"Watch me." In the stunned gazes of Jones and Dora, Belle lifted her skirt and walked out of the parlor.

After a while, she appeared at the castle gate.

The large number of Lords guarding the gate quickly surged towards her, each calling out.

"Everyone quiet! Quiet!" Belle shouted loudly: "The City Lord is preparing for the hearing and is very busy. There’s no time to see you now."

Instantly, the Lords expressed their disappointment with sighs.

"But!" Belle continued, "The City Lord, for the first time visiting the High Court, indeed hopes to make some friends here. After the hearing, the City Lord will host a banquet, at which time there will be twenty seats."

Immediately, the Lords present had their eyes lighting up, each staring at Belle with bated breath.

"The power to decide the guest list for this banquet has been given to me by the City Lord. I see, there are fifty people here, right? This really puts me in a difficult position."

One of the Lords suddenly realized and hurriedly rushed forward, extending a hand holding a note towards Belle through the guards.

"Ten thousand Gold Coins?"

"Yes! For you! Please make sure my name is on the list!"

"Alright." Belle smiled as she accepted the banknote.

Immediately, all the Lords realized, and each crazily rushed forward, waving banknotes in their hands.

Hmm... The Lords here, each could afford ten thousand Gold Coins, so, onto the auction phase.

"I bid eleven thousand!"

"Twelve thousand!"

"Thirteen thousand!"

"Fourteen thousand!"

The clamor at the gate was incessant.

Standing in the parlor and watching from a distance through the window, both Jones and Adelle were stunned, not to mention Dora, whose jaw dropped in shock.

Soon, Belle returned to the parlor with nearly a hundred thousand Gold Coins in banknotes and a list. The Lords at the gate had all dispersed. Some went home to wait for news, while others had given up entirely.

After all, a meal costing fifty thousand Gold Coins wouldn’t just fall from the sky as you wait at the door, would it?

"So, how about it?" Belle placed the banknotes and list on the table with a smile and asked, "Do you have an objective understanding of your identity and status now?"

Jones stared blankly at the pile of banknotes, while Adelle lightly clapped, exclaiming: "Well done, truly worthy of being a member of our Brotherhood. Why didn’t I think of it? We should be making money off the wealthy, a few casual words and a hundred thousand is in hand. Really, why bother with laborious trade?"

"But they all have their wishes." Jones slowly shook his head, "If we can’t let them earn back the fifty thousand Gold Coins..."

Seeing Jones’ reaction, the smile on Belle’s face slightly subsided, saying: "That’s their own business. We only promised a dinner; we didn’t promise anything else. If they can’t earn it back, it’s not our fault."

"I will host the dinner." Saying this, Jones moved to the table, picked up the banknotes but instead placed them in front of Belle: "But I will not take this money. I don’t want to earn this kind of money."

Saying this, Jones turned and left with Dora.