In the private room of the tavern.
Arnold, who had just been discussing with Count Evan on how to undermine the St. Hilde family, was now humbly pouring wine for Colin, all the while maintaining a sycophantic smile:
"My lord Count, I am, after all, a Northerner at heart, and my loyalty undeniably lies with the North Territory! That Evan Sanctus is so audacious as to incite me to betray the North Territory, it's laughable!"
Colin gave a half smile, looking at the seemingly virtuous Northern merchant in front of him, conveniently forgetting the man's previous clandestine encounter with Count Evan in the Butter Tavern.
Clearly, if it weren't for Colin catching him out, would Arnold have suddenly become such an unwavering Northerner?
Colin would never forget that these merchants would sell anything for profit.
Fortunately, he himself could offer them greater benefits, as long as they obeyed.
Similarly, if they disobeyed, he could strip them of everything they had.
