[Vol. 9] Chapter 95: Change
The Spirit Veil Merchant Guild was one of the most influential organizations in the world, with branches spread across every country, even in the far northern snowfield nations.
Although business between the southern and northern regions wasn’t very frequent due to the Extreme Cold Zone, they were still part of the same organization. Before Violet set out on this journey, she had even visited Minglan in the Angel City to ask about the development of the northern branches, all to be prepared in case she needed to use that power.
In truth, while the Spirit Veil Merchant Guild appeared on the surface to be just a business group, its special kind of trade and deep foundation had allowed it to develop, over hundreds of years, a massive intelligence network that spanned across nations.
Normally, it stayed quiet and low-profile, but if it truly mobilized, even the Human United Kingdom’s Shadow Guard would pale in comparison.
Information and money, these were the two strongest weapons held by the Spirit Veil Merchant Guild, and also the reason it had remained powerful and unshaken for centuries.
Violet had never really thought of herself as the “master” of the association, but she also didn’t deny that it was part of her own enterprise. When necessary, she would use its power, without any hesitation.
The jade token she had just taken out was something Minglan had given her after understanding the situation. It was a special symbol of authority, said to be held only by a few leaders of large northern branches. With it, the holder could freely use association funds and resources up to a certain limit, a position of very high status across the snowlands.
Violet actually had a few other tokens too, such as ones that represented her identity as an envoy from the Spirit Veil Immortal Island, or even sacred symbols belonging to the shrine maidens of the Spirit Fox tribe. But those were far too rare and high in rank, showing them publicly would only cause unnecessary attention, and ordinary people might not even recognize them. So this jade token was just right.
As for exactly how much money or power it could access, Minglan hadn’t been very specific. From what he said, it should be more than enough for anything that wasn’t outrageous, and since Violet never lacked money, she didn’t bother asking more.
At first, she hadn’t realized what kind of status the token truly carried. She even worried that the officials of the Preston Kingdom might not recognize it. But to her surprise, the moment she presented the jade token, their faces instantly turned pale in shock. They didn’t even wait for her to suggest a bribe or condition. They agreed to her request immediately, trying to please her as much as they could.
And to think, just moments earlier, those same officials had been acting all righteous and proud, lecturing her about “risk” and “law,” refusing to listen even when Hongyan vouched for her as a hero. Yet once faced with true power, they folded instantly. She had thought they were men of integrity and principle. Clearly, that was giving them too much credit.
It seemed that the Spirit Veil Merchant Guild’s influence in the north might actually be even greater than in the south.
In places like the Holy Empire or the Austre Empire, local governments did respect the association’s power and would give it some courtesy, but direct interference in national affairs had always been impossible.
Could there be some special reason for this…?
Violet unconsciously rubbed her fingertips over the smooth surface of the jade token. The cool touch made her fall into brief thought, but no matter how she tried, she couldn’t figure out the answer, so she finally gave up.
Just then, as the three girls chatted idly inside the carriage, the clear sound of hoofbeats approached from afar. Soon, Veranica’s calm and capable voice rang out from outside.
“Lady Violet, we’re almost at Salzburg, the capital of the Preston Kingdom. If everything goes well, we should arrive before nightfall. How would you like to proceed after that?”
The priestess stopped what she was doing and lifted the curtain to look outside. The cold air rushed in, carrying the clean chill that was unique to the snowfields. Outside, she saw the tall, strong ice demon girl wearing a sharp, light armor, riding a large third-tier frost horse side by side with the carriage.
The frost horse’s breath turned into mist in the air, and together they looked every bit like a proper knight and her steed.
The trees on both sides of the road sped past behind them, and the former Scavenger Gang members marched along with their weapons in hand. Their steps were neat and disciplined, one could hardly tell that just a month ago, they had been prisoners fighting for survival on the edge of death.
In truth, the Scavenger Gang had always been one of the few relatively “clean” factions on Icefang Island. Most of its members were not truly evil; some were weak, others simply kind-hearted. They had joined the group because they didn’t want to fight others to the death over limited resources, hoping to find another way to live.
Many of them had been wrongfully imprisoned or punished for helping others. For example, people like Veranica and her deputy, Iselin. Even if they had criminal records, they were rarely serious offenders.
The few hundred people Veranica now led were carefully selected, trustworthy and capable individuals she personally believed could be shaped into something greater. If not for that, the priestess would never have agreed to vouch for them.
Earlier, Violet had given Veranica some funds to upgrade her subordinates’ weapons and equipment along the way. With this financial support, plus help from Tina’s Silver Claw Mercenary Group, Veranica quickly turned her people into a well-trained and effective combat unit.
Even so, in the Preston Kingdom’s records, they were still considered criminals. They were only free to travel because Violet had vouched for them under her own name, allowing them to act as her guards, though they had no official identification papers.
That wasn’t a big problem in most places, but entering the capital was a different story.
After thinking for a moment, Violet nodded and replied,
“Let the main group camp and rest outside Salzburg. We’re only stopping by to take care of some business and restock supplies, no need for too many people to go in. Pick a few capable and sharp subordinates, and bring Tina along. We’ll rest for the night and enter the city tomorrow morning.”
“Understood. I’ll make the arrangements right away.”
True to her usual style, Veranica nodded firmly, turned her reins, and rode off in a hurry to carry out the orders.
“......”
Watching her leave, the priestess fell silent for a few seconds, then lowered the curtain and returned inside the carriage.
Xiao Guang and Alexia were both strong and sharp. Of course, they had heard the entire conversation outside. Violet didn’t bother repeating herself and went straight to the point.
“Alexia, how about you stay with the main group in camp tomorrow? Don’t come with us into the city.”
“...Eh?”