Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

After speaking, the young girl tugged at her skirt, gave the adults a dismissive curtsey, and dashed out of the hall like the wind.

Just as Anna never regarded Catherine as an adult, Catherine never considered Olivia important.

Being publicly contradicted by her younger sister left Catherine shocked and furious. She looked at her mother in despair, her exquisite features slightly distorted by anger: "Mother!"

Lady Navarre gently stirred her drink, not even lifting her eyelids, and leisurely replied with a question, "What's the matter?"

"You're too indulgent with Olivia!"

Lady Navarre's almond-shaped eyes cast a brief glance at her second daughter, "I never imagined I'd hear such words from you one day."

One thing overcomes another, Catherine felt both ashamed and furious, yet had no words to retort. She pressed her lips, then pitifully looked towards the end of the long table: "Grandfather!"

The elder sitting at the head of the dining table slowly sipped the soup in front of him, completely unaware that Catherine was seeking help.

Catherine simply left her seat, lifted her skirt, and briskly walked to the elder's side, clutching his arm and pleading with all her might, "Grandfather!"

Only then did the elder react slightly, as if just waking from hibernation. He glanced at Catherine with his cloudy eyes and half-asleep asked, "What's wrong?"

"Look at how impatient Olivia was!" Catherine said angrily, "She must have gone to tell those little girls about the 'Blood Wolf stories' she heard!"

"Hmm." The elder replied unhurriedly, "Then let her go."

"But what Olivia heard is completely wrong, and what she tells others is bound to be wrong too." Catherine was so aggrieved that she was about to cry, she glared at Mr. Leo:

"Uncle Leo! That's not how that name originated, you know this better than anyone! Even if you're just amusing children, you shouldn't just make up stories! That little girl Olivia will make sure everyone knows as soon as she steps out the door!"

"The real origin of the nickname Blood Wolf is too complicated." Mr. Leo apologized solemnly, "Explaining it clearly is too troublesome and not conducive to spreading. His Excellency Montagne needs a story that is simpler, clearer, and more interesting."

Mr. Leo paused for a moment, then smiled to comfort Catherine, "As for the true origin, it's enough that we know it ourselves, not everything needs to be told to outsiders."

Upon hearing this, Lady Navarre stopped stirring the porcelain cup with her silver spoon.

However, upon hearing the explanation of "what the insiders and outsiders know," Catherine felt somewhat balanced. But she still couldn't understand the rest of what Mr. Leo said.

"Spreading?" Catherine frowned slightly.

"Yes! Spreading!" Mr. Leo cast a glance at Lady Navarre's equally furrowed brow, jokingly said: "The government, openly and covertly, promotes the victory of His Excellency Montagne, nothing more than wanting to borrow someone else's tail to cover their own baldness.

They succeeded indeed, for many Venetians have taken the illustrious achievements of His Excellency Montagne as the government's victory. But the government has also given us an opportunity, by their ship, to tell a more favorable story for His Excellency Montagne."

"Telling stories?" Catherine became even more confused. She cautiously stole a glance at her mother's expression—Lady Navarre didn't dare mention anyone's name in front of Lady Navarre: "What use could telling stories be to... to that person?"

"Of course it's useful." Mr. Leo responded with composure, "'Reputation' is the best asset Montagne holds in Vineta, and it must be well-managed."

It is no exaggeration to say within the spacious Navarre Manor, Mr. Leo is the only one who dares to openly mention the surname "Montagne" in front of Lady Navarre, and even dares to use an honorific.

"Bang!" Lady Navarre pressed the porcelain cup heavily onto the dining table.

"Mr. Leo." Lady Navarre smiled charmingly as she sized up the chubby middle-aged man: "It seems the frontier indeed has some magic, this abrupt journey has actually turned you into Winters Montagne's partner."

Catherine shivered, instinctively sitting with her hands on her knees. Growing up, Lady Navarre was never afraid of her mother losing her temper but was genuinely scared of her smiling face. She was certain, at this moment, her mother's heart was burning with unprecedented rage, she already wanted to flee.

"No, madam." Mr. Leo stood up, first bowed to Mr. Ora, then faced Lady Navarre, responding without arrogance or servility, "Since the day you promoted me as a partner, I've always prioritized the interests of Navarre Commerce."

Lady Navarre's smile became even more mesmerizing, "Are you suggesting I have harmed the interests of the commerce?"

To Catherine's surprise, the always good-natured Mr. Leo straightforwardly admitted, "Yes."

The temperature in the hall suddenly plummeted to freezing point, even the thick candles became dim. Only Dan Ora continued sipping his soup, one small mouthful after another.

"Grandfather, I... I'm feeling a bit unwell." Catherine piteously sought her grandfather's help, "I'll go find Olivia..."

Dan Ora lowered his eyes imperceptibly.

Catherine immediately took it as a sign of permission, got up, and bowed to her mother and guests, tiptoeing out of the hall.

Lady Navarre waved her hand, and the servants quietly left as well.