A man nearing forty, yet without even a baron's title to his name, couldn't help but say with envy.

"If we could hitch ourselves to Prince Colin, maybe we could score a fortune there too!"

The lands of the Old World have already been divided up, and even the lands of the New Continent are almost all taken. No one wants what's left.

After hearing the story of Baron Cosia, many young men were tempted, pondering if they could also make a venture.

Moreover, there is no entrance to Hell on the Gana Continent... at least not for now, which makes it seem much safer than the New Continent near the front lines.

Excitement radiated from the young men's faces, and their speculative discussions were filled with the sense that riches were within reach. Meanwhile, not far away, the ladies used fans to cover their faces, whispering about topics that made the hearts of young maidens flutter.

"Did you hear? Prince Colin is still single," a lady in a splendid evening gown said in a deliberately reserved whisper, though her eyes twinkled with delight, "So young, handsome, and with enviable wealth and status... I wonder what kind of girl he likes."

The friend next to her nudged her playfully, laughing, "What? Are you volunteering?"

The teased young woman didn't blush but instead confidently puffed out her chest, the moonlight playing over her figure.

"Why not?"

A noblewoman nearby used her fan to cover her smile, casting a sidelong glance at a young girl hiding behind her father not far away, and said in a sly tone.

"You'd better hurry, the Duke of Castellion's youngest daughter seems quite interested too. Did you see the expression on that painted face? Tsk, tsk, just like she's never seen a man before."

The lady in the evening gown tossed her wavy hair and cast a disdainful look in the girl's direction.

"Ha, Prince Colin wouldn't like such a gaudy fool who has nothing but family status. Only those full of wisdom, resilience, charisma, beauty, and talent..."

Before she could finish, her friend couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Oh, bless Saint Sis, I've never seen such a shameless person!"

Clearly—

Their relationship wasn't as good as it seemed on the surface, but this lady was still lacking tact by not backbiting.

The conversation among the three was just an insignificant little episode at the banquet, yet this little episode was a microcosm and indeed reflected the imperial upper society's interest in this prince who came from afar.

At least—

The Duke of Castellion certainly was interested in an alliance with the Colin family, and his inexperienced youngest daughter was indeed fond of that heartwarming smile, her rosy cheeks full of joy.

If the two could take a fancy to each other, it would undoubtedly be the best outcome.

Unfortunately, Mr. Colin was just too busy to waste his attention on any one individual.

He had to meet everyone's expectations.

And this was precisely his unselfishness.

The whispers and gentle laughter floated like a mild breeze through the lively banquet hall, bringing a touch of coolness to the restless evening.

Feeling the passion from the Imperial institutions in the expectant gazes gathered, Luo Yan, after listening intently to Chairman Todwen of the adventurer guild's adventure stories and his proposal to set up a branch on the Northern Coast of the Gana Continent, thought for a moment before speaking.

"Mr. Todwen, your proposal is indeed tempting. As you mentioned, the adventurer guild is renowned, it could bring vitality to Withered Wood Port and spread the gospel of Saint Sis. As the most loyal servants of Saint Sis, the Colin family naturally welcomes it, especially when we now face threats from Hell."

After a pause, Luo Yan expressed a hint of regret and continued.

"It's just... frankly speaking, although Gana Continent is vast, my domain has sparse population, and even if we establish this branch, it might be difficult to recruit enough adventurers."

Hearing the word "just", Todwen's heart sank, realizing the subtle rejection that followed.

However, he didn't give up, hastily saying.

"Your Highness need not worry about the manpower! The guild has long considered this issue. As long as Your Highness agrees, we can dispatch experienced elite adventurers from the major branches in the Empire to the Gana Continent! They could not only swiftly help you establish your position and suppress nascent mazes but also assist in training local newcomers. I can assure you, we won't occupy too many resources or cause you any trouble!"

Seeing Mr. Todwen's earnest expression, Luo Yan seemed to be listening attentively but was merely chuckling inside.

Claiming not to cause trouble indeed.

You're the biggest trouble of all!

Not to mention how unsettling an organized, disciplined "civilian force" could be to rulers, but even for the sake of his little brother Egger, he couldn't let this overwhelming force take root on the Gana Continent so soon.

Unless—

This overwhelming force was under his control.

He posed as if contemplating for a few seconds.

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