A luxurious carriage drawn by four Horn Horses, which were actually domestic rare rank magic beasts, was slowly making its way into the massive gates of the Dark Castle.
The Dark Castle was designed like a medieval castle with pristine black stones, and there were dark guards of the Dark City patrolling on the walls while some were standing straight on their posts with all kinds of cannons and war machines.
Watching all this setting closely was Jacob, who sat inside the carriage with his scrutinous gaze. After he entered the noble circle, this carriage was waiting for him right outside the station, which was naturally arranged by the Dark Earl.
Jacob as a guest, can't reject this gesture if he doesn't want to appear rude toward the Dark Earl. If he didn't have a personal motive for meeting with Hallberg, he might've considered it.
Furthermore, Jacob found the noble circle like the capital of some kingdom as it was completely different from the common and inner circles of the Dark City.
There weren't many people on the streets, and those who were present were wearing the armor of the dark city.
The buildings here were made with high-quality materials, and the architectural designs were marvelous. Anyone who had never experienced the circle of nobles would feel apprehensive pressure from this place.
However, Jacob has many deals with nobles in his old life. Even some countries' kings were his business partners, so he wasn't pressured at all. On the contrary, he felt somewhat nostalgic while entering the dark castle.
A very deep memory surfaced in his mind when he had just started making waves in the weaponry industry…
---
A middle-aged man with scholarly air stood in front of Jacob, who was in his late twenties, saying meaningfully, "Mr. Steve, I heard you have a promising proposal for our noble household, and I'm grateful that you chose us first over all other organizations."
Jacob replied with a hint of apprehension while looking at his middle-aged man, "Your Highness, I'm also grateful for this meeting. About the project, I would like to change my mind on this. I'm not willing to hand over the full rights of my invention. But I want to enter a cooperating partnership with your company." He sounds even respectful as well as unsettled.
The middle-aged man's eyes turned somewhat cold as he said, "Is our offer not to your liking Mr. Steve?"
"No, it's not like this. I'm extremely flattered by Your Highness's offer." Jacob sheepishly said, "B-but I don't want to stop here. I think I can do more, and your company is one of the paramount companies in the weaponry industry. If you give me this chance, I can assure you that I can make it the only paramount in the world!"
The middle-aged man was startled by Jacob's words, and a chuckle escaped his mouth, "Mr. Steve, I like your ambition, but trust me, I like where my company is right now. As for you entering a partnership with my company, although your Friction Killer is a ground-breaking invention, it's not at the level where you enter a partnership with our company. I'm pretty sure anyone in my position would tell you the same.
"You see, Mr. Steve, in the weapon business, what matter is who has more firepower. Unless you discovered a way to make atomic bullets or a gun that can rapidly fire your friction-killer bullets, no one would take a risk at our level.
"Of course, if you want a job, I can offer you one as one of our chief science executives. We'll talk about partnership when you have someone more… practical to offer, not a dream. Dreams do not make money, Mr. Steve."
Jacob's hopeful eyes visibly dimmed before they turned cold. He looked at the middle-aged man, who now had clear disdain in his eyes. He nodded, "It was indeed a mistake on my part to propose such an absurd notion. I beg your pardon, Your Highness Victor. I'll take my leave now."
Victor took at Jacob, who stood up, and he had no intention of stopping him. He said at this moment, "About your Fiction Killer Bullets, although they are astonishing, they can be reverse-engineered. This is the main reason you can't make an impact on the weapon industry."
Jacob's figure trembled ever so slightly, but he didn't turn around and merely nodded and walked away before saying, "I'll keep that in mind, Your Highness…"
---
"Heh…" Jacob snapped out of that memory with a scoff as the carriage was stopped.
A Dark Guard opened the door before he solemnly stated, "Esteemed Guest, we are here."
Jacob nodded before he disembarked the carriage and found himself standing in front of a grand entrance.
His eyes landed on a 4'2 feet masked person with a burly build; however, his long thick bear was still quite visible, which made it quite clear he was a man. He was wearing blue attire while standing on both sides were two giants.
One was 3.7 meters tall with a masculine build and deep scars over his face, and big fiery eyes exempt from any emotion. He wore a fully gray battle armor.
While the other was a 2.9-meter-tall giant woman wearing black battle armor, she had an oval face, long black hair, and blue eyes, which were filled with scrutiny as she looked at Jacob's hooded figure.
Jacob's eyes fell over the giant male, and he thought, 'He must be the Dark Earl.'
However, he was astonished when the little man started walking toward him, and those giants followed behind. He completely ignored him because he didn't give him any sense of danger despite his noble demeanor.
"Hahaha… I didn't think you would come earlier than you told me to." Hallberg laughed heartedly as he greeted Jacob.
'So, he is the Dark Earl, a Dwarf?' Jacob recognized Hallberg's voice and found it quite strange that a Dwarf was the most powerful person in the Dark City.
It was quite an eye-opener for him. Still, his eyes were hidden, so those three didn't notice any of his expressions.
Jacob then nodded in acknowledgment, "I hope I didn't intrude on His Excellency's peace."
"Are you kidding? I'm glad you've decided to come early." Hallberg's candidly said, "Let me introduce you to these two nobles and also my good friends. This buff guy is Dark Viscount Stone Hammer, and this lovely lady here is Dark Viscount Water Wave. These two would be the strongest duo of our Dark City, of course, if I didn't include Sir Faceless Ancient. I hope you don't mind if they join us for a meal today."
Jacob nodded in acknowledgment toward the two giants but only met with their cold gazes, especially Water Wave, as if she was holding some kind of grudge against him.
But Jacob didn't give a damn about their feelings and was only giving Hallberg a face. He had killed many giants, and their physical appearance now had little effect on him.
"If Your Excellency's territory, anything goes as long as you're okay with it." Jacob coolly stated.
Hallberg also noticed the giants' lack of response; a hint of unhappiness flashed past his eyes, but he couldn't embarrass the dark nobles in front of outsiders, so he pretended not to see it.
He kept him here for a reason, and as long as they won't cross a certain line, he'll let them be.
So, he replied to Jacob in an amicable manner, "Just call me Hallberg, and I hope to call you Jack as well. I don't like pleasantries, as long as it's fine with you, that is."
"I don't mind." Jacob nodded as he found Hallberg's attitude genuine, not like Otto, who gave him a strange alarming feeling as if he was watched by a snake.
Hallberg then beckoned Jacob inside while saying enthusiastically, "Let's go. I have arranged a feast!"