Chapter 123: A New Visitor

Chapter 123: A New Visitor

When Klein returned from Saint Samuel Cathedral to 160 Böklund Street, he saw his white-gloved butler, Walter, coming forward to receive him.

“Sir, someone delivered a calling card earlier. He said his employer hopes to visit you sometime between four and five o’clock,” Walter said in a composed manner.

Klein thought back over the possible visitors but could not find any clue. He gave a slight nod and said, “Who is his employer?”

Walter glanced left and right. Seeing that the footmen and maids were keeping their distance, he answered, “Baron Syndras.”

Baron Syndras… That multimillionaire who gained his title through the Conservative Party and Duke Negan, one of the kingdom’s most famous bankers and entrepreneurs? Previously, when I helped Madam Mary purchase Coim Company shares, our competitors were him and his friends… He is personally visiting me because of that? It was only a transaction worth around thirteen thousand pounds. To him, there is no need at all…

While thoughts flashed through Klein’s mind, he walked toward the staircase leading to the second floor.

Walter followed half a step behind and said from beside him, “Sir, if you do not wish to see Baron Syndras, I can tell him later that you were delayed listening to a bishop’s sermon at Saint Samuel Cathedral and may only return very late.”

The butler’s implication was that Baron Syndras was a believer of the Lord of Storms and could not simply go to Saint Samuel Cathedral to look for him.

Klein thought for a moment, then smiled faintly and said gently, “This is a nobleman with considerable influence in the banking industry. We are bound to have dealings in the future. I have to meet him.

“Mm… Later, arrange it in the small sitting room on the second floor with the best sunlight.”

As far as Klein knew, Baron Syndras was the third-largest shareholder of Backlund Bank and the largest shareholder of the Southville People’s Bank. In the Loen Kingdom’s banking industry, he was absolutely among its most influential figures.

“Yes, sir.” Walter did not say anything more.

At 4:10 p.m., Klein met the visitor he often saw in newspapers in the prearranged small sitting room.

The only difference from what he had imagined was that after three o’clock, Backlund’s clouds had thickened. The sky gradually darkened, and a fine drizzle had begun to fall. There was no sunlight to make one feel bright and warm.

Baron Syndras looked exactly like the photographs published in the newspapers. His black hair, streaked with silver, was neatly combed back, revealing a broad forehead and a somewhat high hairline.

His face was rather round, but lacked enough flesh to support it. His cheekbones were quite prominent, and each wrinkle was distinctly visible.

Unlike most Loen men of his age, Baron Syndras wore no beard. His cheeks were clean-shaven, and his pair of blue eyes was so pale they were nearly colorless.

Beside him stood a personal valet and a bodyguard. Both had appearances that did not attract much attention. The former’s most prominent trait was that his hair was already somewhat thin, while the latter had a very short buzz cut and a thick beard that extended from his ears to his jaw.

“Good afternoon, honorable Baron. It is an honor to have you as a guest.” Klein placed a hand over his chest and bowed.

Normally, when receiving a guest, the host would more often lean forward and extend his right hand in a handshake. But right now, facing a nobleman, he had to show more courtesy.

Baron Syndras gave a slight nod and smiled in greeting.

“No, you need not be so polite. I should have visited you long ago—a gentleman who has experienced many things and understands the Southern Continent very well.”

After brief pleasantries, the two each took their seats. Their personal valets and bodyguards stood at their sides.

Klein was just about to speak when Baron Syndras, with a peaceful and intimate air, said first, “Dantes, I admire people like you very…