Chapter 171

Chapter 171: Count of Saint Tower Island

"Hmph, an overambitious guy."

In a quiet corner of the hall hosting the tea party, Shalan Flying Sail watched coldly while secretly mocking in his heart.

The internal competition within Flying Sail Family had grown fierce, where every heir’s achievement became pressure for others. Though nobody valued Wells, Shalan’s sharp intuition sensed something unusual about this gathering, prompting him to scheme disruptions.

Of course, Shalan wasn’t foolish enough to openly confront Midi. That would only create a powerful enemy for himself and risk angering the family head. But he couldn’t bear seeing Wells ally with the rising Count of Saint Tower Island either. Thus, he’d leaked rumors and arranged for uninvited troublemakers to infiltrate – like Miss Silvia Yunlang, the headache of all West Coast nobility.

Moreover, Shalan suspected Silvia’s quiet handsome knight companion held greater importance than the lady herself!

"Hosting tea parties without backup? Let’s see how you’ll control this situation, dear brother Wells!" Shalan viciously thought.

True to his prediction, peach-faced Wells appeared more like a delicate girl compared to aggressive Silvia Yunlang, utterly defenseless against her barbs. Though Wells now possessed four fully-crewed ironclads, he couldn’t possibly reveal this military advantage now. Helpless, he could only watch Silvia dominate his own tea party.

The afternoon atmosphere grew tense with undercurrents of conflict, thick with the scent of damp gunpowder. Yet most guests cared only about meeting Midi, watching Wells’ predicament with amusement rather than offering help.

Just as this restless mood peaked, a plain black four-horse carriage came charging down the broad path.

The utterly ordinary vehicle would normally draw contempt from Faero Bay’s proud nobles. Yet its arrival instantly silenced the gathering – for inside rode the man who’d defeated Nine Great Arenas in one day, even dismantling Red Lotus Arena’s prized demon arrays through frontal assault!

Arena circles had already dubbed this humble carriage "Grim Reaper’s Chariot". Wherever it stopped, arena signs fell – with Red Lotus Arena suffering complete takeover.

As the carriage approached, relief washed over Wells’ face while Shalan grew pensive. Most heirs showed curiosity, while uninvited Miss Yunlang radiated icy anger. Only her silent handsome knight remained calm, though his eyes held hidden wariness.

"Honored guests, I trust I’m not late?" Midi stepped out with a casual smile.

All eyes brightened at his appearance. The legendary arena expert sported short black hair and simple black formalwear, his star-like eyes and spear-straight posture radiating heroic vigor. His restrained aura carried latent dominance, like sheathed blade awaiting its world-shaking reveal.

These discerning young nobles had witnessed countless geniuses, yet none dared breathe loudly before Midi now. For he’d transcended "promising talent" to join true experts’ ranks – the absolute peak.

Facing such overwhelming presence, what choice had these lesser nobles but humility? Moreover, they now realized the Count appeared younger than most present – likely under twenty.

A supreme expert under twenty!

"Late? Not at all, dear Faye! You’re just in time – everyone’s been talking about you!" Wells warmly clapped Midi’s shoulder. "Let me introduce our guests."

Midi didn’t feign modesty. His displayed strength guaranteed him highest authority here. With a nod, he let Wells lead him through the introductions.

"This is the first heir of the mining Mills family."

"And this is the second heir of the Kevin family, the top player in transportation."

Wells made formal introductions.

The tea party clearly showed careful planning by this refined young man. Most attendees came from notable West Coast families – while none matched the Flying Sail family’s stature, all ranked high in their industries, many closely linked to ironclad ship production.

One could say Faero Bay’s next decade of elites now gathered under this roof.

Yet to Midi, these young heirs’ influence meant little. They wielded temporary privileges within family rules, not real power. What he needed was concrete authority to freely pursue his Sky City Plan and counter the Delos Empire.

His resources – personal strength, vast funding, and Belmar Kingdom’s backing – meant only maritime family heads or Great Arena leaders held proper qualifications to negotiate with him. This tea party merely marked his entry into West Coast social circles.

Others saw differently. The young Count of Saint Tower Island moved through elite heirs with relaxed confidence, suggesting vast experience and heritage. His mysterious aura made him prime investment material in their eyes.

But one troublemaker found this scene irritating.

"Aren’t you introducing the hero who defeated nine arenas, Wells?" A voice dripping with lazy malice finally spoke.

"This is… Miss Silvia, second heir of the Yunlang family." Wells forced the words out, knowing confrontation couldn’t be avoided.

"The Yunlangs?" Midi acknowledged.

The maritime family’s princess wore crimson silk hugging her curves, fiery locks cascading like wild roses. Her gaze burned with anger yet simmered with calculated charm – a combination that might stir hearts.

Unfortunately for her, redheads held no sway over Midi since meeting the Star of the South’s red-haired captain. Only the Queen of Magic’s autumn-maple tresses ever caught his eye.

Wells had warned him – she came seeking conflict, not conversation.

No surprise there. The Red Lotus Arena’s takeover would inevitably draw challengers. As a Support-focused Union member with no single backer, this independent arena became fair game for any faction’s interference.

But why would the top maritime family Yunlang intervene?

Midi’s dark eyes briefly noted Silvia’s hair before shifting to the handsome knight behind her.