The Gentleman at the End-Chapter 728 - 726: Seeing the Duke Again

The train arrived at Lu Pu, and the golden mask on the conductor’s face automatically peeled off and returned to normal,

while at the same time, another well-dressed figure with a golden mask was already waving at the people on the train from the platform.

Everyone followed him toward the city center of Lu Pu,

although Nash had handled many affairs for the circus and dealt with many powers, he had never dealt with anyone related to the Duke’s Chamber of Commerce,

because the Chamber generally did not encroach on the circus’s interests. Another important reason was that the boss had said to respect the ’Duke,’ a special existence.

Thus, it was also Nash’s first time meeting this[Golden Mask].

His killing intent perception could not garner any information from the opponent; the body was quite ordinary, the only thing was the golden mask on the face that emitted a faint aura, very weak, yet Nash did not feel assured of victory.

Moreover, Nash always felt as if something in the corners of the city was watching him, and it seemed to be somewhat similar to his own kind.

Amid the bustling crowd across the street, a silver mask could occasionally be glimpsed, flickering in and out of sight.

"The Duke’s subordinates are quite formidable, boss!"

"Golden and Silver Masks are the Duke’s right and left hands, capable of conducting the biggest business in the entire Old World with not too many daring to offend them; naturally, they’re very capable, and it seems both of them are at the top of the Silver Circle."

Just then, Dentist Jessica, who was also in the group, couldn’t help herself, and her mouth began to move under the mask,

"If we liken the Duke’s Chamber of Commerce to the Source Epidemic Area, then the ’Gold and Silver Duo’ is equivalent to the existence of the ’Seven Marquis’ at the top of the Silver Circle, and in a direct confrontation, they may not even lose."

"Their true origins, having followed the Duke since the early days of the Old World, are known by very few."

"Understood, Miss Jessica."

Nash, beside her, quickly spun his scattered eyes, "This is my first time meeting the Duke too, I wonder who is more formidable compared to the boss."

Jessica immediately assumed the role of commentator, "The Duke is the most special Plague Master, who has not shown His true strength throughout His journey, because His ’luck’ is incomparable, disaster is always a step behind.

Moreover, offending a business person of Absolute Neutrality like the Duke has no advantages,

It’s rumored that during the invasion war, the Duke directly took out His treasury to buy the lives of a large number of enemies, but because their numbers were too great or perhaps the Duke had foreseen an unchangeable defeat, He became reclusive in the latter stages of the war."

Nash poked his head, "Luck, huh? I’ve heard about that; they say those with good luck can even survive deadly situations due to some coincidence. It’s very interesting."

While everyone chatted casually, the Golden Mask led them to the city center.

With Lu Pu’s full cooperation, providing a large open space to the Chamber, the Duke was able to fully unfold His castle, a genuine castle now sitting at the street corner.

The drawbridge was already lowered, welcoming the arrival of the group.

The huge Duke sat on a mountain of gold occupying the opposite side of the castle hall, looking down at the people in front of Him, and His first gaze also fell on the missing organ of William.

"William, losing an[Eye]as a price for encountering a high-level plane’s dangerous creature?"

"Yes."

"You seem to have no regrets by your appearance."

"To broaden one’s vision, to see a wider world early on and to encounter truly dangerous things, just an eye in exchange, I think it’s worth it.

Moreover, I might be able to recover the concept."

"Recover the concept? That’s something not even a few of us Plague Masters can do as we please... However, given your death is deep enough, there might still be a chance.

You’ve come along with Lorrian this time and also brought two interesting friends. Is there something you need? Just to clarify, ’concept’ isn’t something you can buy here."

"We hurried over here to purchase ’Moonlight Fragments,’ and I believe Your Grace must have them in stock."

As William mentioned the name of this special item, the Duke’s giant body shifted, the gold mountain behind Him began collapsing, and like a tidal wave, gold coins came rushing over, covering the ankles of the group.

"Tell me the reason and use for your purchase."

It was impossible to hide such matters from the Duke, and William thus mentioned the circus performance and the idea of creating a moon, but also made another alternative addition,

"...The earlier performances were merely a warm-up. My ultimate goal revolves around the ’Mysterious Skin Factory,’ and having a moon to serve as a vessel for the theater would be quite convenient."

"The Mysterious Skin Factory and the blood people? Let me think it over."

Although nothing could be seen in the castle hall, the crowd could vaguely feel as if there were a scale suspended before the Duke, upon which some weight was being added.

When the weighing was over,

the Duke did not directly produce the fragment but started to discuss some matters regarding the circus. novelbuddy-cσ๓

"The circus seems to be undergoing significant changes recently. Even if you, William, as an insider can’t speak of this matter, I can guess that the ’First Abyss’ has sensed changes in the world and wishes to accelerate their plan.

It appears they’ve divided the circus into several different departments, with core members performing on their own to collect Fear,

increasing activity substantially, no longer as secretive as before. Moreover, some performances in certain areas have triggered several malevolent events, to the point where the Monastery is taking notice.

Your performances, William, would do well to be more restrained."

"Malevolent events... are they related to clowns?"

"According to the information I’ve received, indeed they are connected to that special cancer patient banished by the Cancer Palace. In fact, many personnel from the Source Epidemic Area have died or been transformed because of this, which is quite malevolent.

Can you explain why your circus suddenly decided to split and accelerate the collection of Fear?"

William could only scratch his head, "I can’t say much about the specifics, mainly because I ended up in the outside world through a dream with one of the special members inside."

"I see. But even upon touching the outside world, the ’First Abyss’ is perhaps too hasty. Your performances, William, should aim to be stable and gentle, lest you attract scrutiny from the Monastery."

"Understood."

"The Golden Mask has completed the appraisal of the treasures you brought. Their total value is 510,300 Ancient Coins. After returning the 100,000 you owe, there’s still a considerable sum left.

Although I do have Moonlight Fragments, I don’t have many.

How about three pieces for 200,000?"

"Thank you, Duke!"

"I also have a personal requirement for selling them—I want you to make the moon here, to let me witness the entire process."

Standing to the side, Lorrian, with his right hand over his chest, spoke very politely, "It would be an honor to demonstrate my craft to the Duke."

With the matter of the Moonlight Fragments settled, William took the opportunity to inquire about other special items, "Duke, do you have any Evil Sun Firewood?"

"It has already been sold, and to a distinguished guest with the Evil Sun Bloodline no less. Moreover, this guest has been seeking firewood all over the Old World recently, acquiring it from at least three different regions."

"Who!?"

"The Chamber of Commerce maintains confidentiality for all its customers. However, since I mentioned this to you, it naturally means the matter is of some relevance to you.

Now, take this! Make good use of it... And personally, I’m quite looking forward to your opening a theater at the entrance of the Skin Factory. Perhaps I’ll come to watch myself."

Finishing his words, a Golden Mask astonishingly climbed out through the layers of fatty folds that formed the Duke’s navel, carrying a distinctive treasure chest in hand.

Upon opening the chest,

three pieces of Moonlight Fragment radiating coldness were placed inside, along with William’s Greedy Ring, nearly half of the treasures inside had been converted into cash and taken away.

"Let’s schedule the moon making for tomorrow! Today, I’ve grown quite weary.

The Golden Mask will arrange for the four of you to stay in my castle. Should you need anything, he will attend to all your arrangements, giving you the highest level of guest treatment."

Having said that, the Duke fell asleep in one second, and the successive snorts of his snoring caused the entire castle to tremble.

The Golden Mask also spoke in a lowered voice, "Please follow me, and do not disturb the Duke’s rest. I will be responsible for all your living arrangements and give you the highest respect as honored guests.

I’m also very thankful for your presence; it has been a long time since I saw the Duke this happy and actively concerned about matters."

New novel 𝓬hapters are published on (f)re𝒆web(n)ovel.com