Lann left Vizima with the Temerian delegation and headed for Thanedd Island.

The Island of Thanedd itself is part of Temeria. The addition of Keira and others has made transportation much more convenient for Lann, and the travel speed has suddenly increased by more than one level.

…

With a "bang", Leo cast a standard Alder Seal to knock the monster in front of him away. House took advantage of the opportunity to rush in, danced with his sword, and reaped lives.

Compared to the last battle where they were reprimanded by Lan, the two men fought much more cautiously.

The remaining Cintra guards did not intervene under Lann's orders. After the battle was over, they consciously stepped forward to collect alchemical materials.

Vernon Roche, the commander of the Temerian Special Forces, who was wearing a blue studded outer armor, watched the whole process and exclaimed sincerely: "They are worthy of being the Lion Guard!"

Not only him, but also the sorceress Keira opened her plump lips unconsciously, amazed at the witcher's quick and decisive movements.

Lann rode forward and patted Roche on the shoulder. He immediately lowered his head with a look of respect and chuckled, "How does it compare to your special forces?"

During this journey, Triss and Kayla have become close as former colleagues, while Lann often talks to Roche intentionally or unintentionally.

Roche is also a character whose story would have been written about with great emphasis in the original history.

It might be more intuitive to understand him this way - a Gwent card based on Roche, a gold card.

He is the commander of the Blue Guard, a team originally formed by Temeria to fight against the growing Scoia'tael. Roche, with his superior personal ability, raised this team to a level beyond its function: from a special force targeting non-human races at the beginning, to the king's guards, and later they occasionally engaged in espionage and assassination; until the end, the Blue Guard even began to serve as officers of the team, and Roche also got the opportunity to lead the army alone to fight against Nilfgaard.

Although Temeria was finally crushed by the Nilfgaardian cavalry, Roche still led the remaining forces to stay in the north, plotting to restore the country. In a horizontal comparison, Roche is equivalent to a younger version of Marshal Vissegerd.

What is even more surprising is that Roche had not received any formal military education before he reached adulthood. His military achievements were all based on his superb personal abilities and outstanding talents. He is an absolutely rare talent.

Although the Scoia'tael has gradually disappeared because of Lane, causing the Blue Guards to lose many opportunities to perform in history, Foltes still took the opportunity of forming this team to discover that Roche is indeed a talent and entrusted him with important tasks.

I have to admit that Foltestai has a very good vision.

Lan also admired Roche, but he didn't want to steal her away.

Roche was absolutely loyal to Temeria, and after Foltestai's death, Lann hoped that Roche's abilities and loyalty could be transferred to his children.

Therefore, Lann and Roche had a lot of communication along the way, and selectively taught him a lot of military knowledge and combat skills, which could be regarded as training a team for his own child.

Although Roche is now the commander of the Blue Guards, he has no title. Facing the Duke of Lannister, whose reputation for bravery resounds throughout the North, he is extremely respectful.

He also learned quickly from Lan's teachings.

…

"Lord Lannister (Lann), we're here!"

Just as Lann was communicating with Roche again, Kayla and Triss's voices rang out together at the front of the team.

They looked up and soon saw a prosperous city - surrounded by high walls, with towering spires and glittering tower tops.

On the other side of the city is the sea. The gray-green sea surface reflects the morning sunshine, with white sails scattered among it. The sea breeze brings a salty and moist breath that instantly makes the soldiers coming from inland feel refreshed.

Gos Velen, one of the largest port trading cities in Temeria, is next to the island of Thanedd, where the Aretuza School of Magic is located.

Due to its unique geographical location, the city has developed a prosperous trade market, and the trading volume of magic materials has even surpassed Novigrad. It is common to see teachers or apprentices from the magic academy entering the city to purchase.

The Northern envoys coming to Thanedd Island to participate in the meeting will also be stationed in Gos Velen and receive hospitality.

At the city gate, riders and carriages lined up in front of the drawbridge, and travelers gathered around the gatehouse, waiting to be searched by the guards.

As soon as Lann's team appeared, the complaining queuers quickly made way and bowed. The mail-armored guards saw the flying three lions of Cintra and lily of Temeria from a distance and immediately let them pass, hitting those who stubbornly refused to move or were too slow with their spears.

The captain of the guards rushed out, gasped at the sight of this elite armored cavalry, and eagerly led the way: "Please go this way - get out of the way, get out of the way, you country bumpkins!"

Keira and Roche were enjoying all this with peace of mind, but Triss, who was influenced by Lann, frowned.

"Stop, it's okay if we go slower." Triss suddenly shouted at the guards, and this request was met with a surprised look from Keira.

"Of course, honorable lady." The captain of the guard stole a glance at Triss's flaming hair, and then immediately lowered his head. Here, sorceresses were even more respected than ordinary nobles.

In order to avoid being rudely driven away by the soldiers, the travelers made way more quickly and saluted more respectfully.

Diplomats in the city who received the news immediately came to lead Lan and others to the villa area specially used to receive foreign guests. Lan also saw several acquaintances here.

"Lord Lannister," the man greeted Lann respectfully. She was still wearing mail and a leather tunic with black, gold, and red floral decorations on her shoulders.

"Captain Leila." Lann smiled and greeted the female officer of Aedirn in front of him. "It's been a long time since we last met after the battle outside Lyria. Did you...get a promotion?"

Helela saluted towards Lann, her face fanatical: "Yes, the merits of that battle made His Majesty Demave promote me to major - all thanks to the leadership of Duke Lannister."

Lann waved his hand: "You fought bravely."

They continued to walk inside. Lann's arrival caused quite a stir among the diplomatic envoys from various countries and he quickly became the focus of everyone's attention.

After a brief separation from the Temeria people, Lann settled the guards he brought with him, and then led Triss and House out.

He didn't come here just to attend the meeting. He still had a lot of things to do before officially meeting the sorceresses from the magic academy.

…

A magnificent building appeared before his eyes. Even the residences of nobles in ordinary small countries were not as exaggerated as this one - at least the residence of Lann when he was an earl was far from being so exaggerated.

"Bank." Triss introduced to the person behind her.

Lann looked normal, but House and other guards showed curious expressions. After all, banks were something that Cintra didn't have.

Maybe there will be in the future, but it will definitely not be in the form it is now.

A group of dwarf servants rushed over to bow and salute the newcomers. Although they were short and stocky with big beards, they looked nothing like Yarpen and Zoltan that House had seen before.

The servants looked gray, their clothes were uniform and featureless, and they looked extremely respectful.

House had lived in Mahakam for some time, and he thought that dwarves were natural warriors.

"My dear Triss!" A loud voice sounded, and this voice was very similar to that of the dwarves of Mahakam. The dwarf who made the voice wore a jingling gold chain, and his white beard was much longer than his white beard. "And Lord Lannister! It's my honor to meet you for the first time! Please come to my office!"

"Oh, damn. Triss...you're still breathtakingly beautiful!"

Triss's eyes narrowed with a smile, and she greeted the other party: "Long time no see, Giancardi."

The dwarf in front of him was named Morna Giancardi, a dwarf banker, and also the target of Lan's trip.

The office was dim but pleasantly cool, and smelled of ink and parchment, and of the dust that covered the oak furniture, tapestries, and old books.

Lane sat down with a big knife and a golden horse, and House then placed two things on the table in front of him.

The dwarf banker put on a pair of glasses, looked at the two things, and exclaimed in an exaggerated tone: "Ha, the lead ring, I heard that Colonel Barclay once fought for you. It turns out that only people like you can gain Mahakam's friendship! Let me see, in addition to the lead ring, there is also a letter, and on it is..."

"…It's the seal of the great elder." The dwarf banker's voice suddenly lowered.

His expression became serious, and the exaggerated respectful look disappeared immediately. He read the letter in front of him meticulously, word by word.

The room suddenly became quiet.

At the same time, Lann waved to House. The attendant immediately began to take off his armor, and then respectfully took the clothes that Lann took out from the [Inventory] and put them on.

Triss also handed him a bracelet. After House put it on, his dark amber vertical pupils immediately turned into those of an ordinary person, and he instantly turned into an ordinary mercenary who came to the bank to seek a loan opportunity.

"Go." Lan nodded and signaled the servant to complete his instructions.

The dwarf banker looked up at this moment, he let out a long breath, and looked at Lann with a scrutinizing gaze.

"I already know the attitude of the Great Elder, Lord Lannister. What can I do for you?"

"Let's start with something simple. I want to know how many markets, trade routes, and industries your bank controls in Gos Velen, and how much tax revenue this city generates?" Lann laughed. "I heard that your family also had a bank in Vengerberg in Aedirn. It would be great if you could tell me about the situation there."

House listened to the conversation behind him, closed the door, turned around, walked out of the office, walked out of the bank, and merged into Gos Velen like a drop of water.

…

The streets were filled with the sound of wheels rolling, the heavy hooves of oxen and horses, and the sound of coopers rolling barrels.

Everyone was busy, and the hustle and bustle made the female student who skipped classes and left Aretuza a little overwhelmed. She clumsily left the wooden walkway and stepped into the mud and garbage up to her ankles in panic.

"Be careful, Elena."

A strong arm stretched out, and the slightly rough palm covered the delicate skin, making Elena shiver all over as if an electric shock had occurred. In an instant, her face turned red as if she had drunk a whole glass of wine.

Ace used a little force, and with his well-trained body, he pulled the female student out of the mud. He used a little too much force, causing Elena to move uncontrollably towards his chest.

Elena exclaimed in a low voice and subconsciously placed her hands on Ace's chest. The touch of his strong chest muscles instantly took away the little strength the girl had, and her arms drooped down limply.

However, just before Elena's red face touched his strong chest, Ace took the lead and held Elena's shoulders, allowing the two to maintain an intimate but not sweet distance.

"Are you okay, Elena?"

The female student felt a little disappointed, but she still thanked him in a low voice: "Thank you for your trouble, Ace. I didn't expect you would really take me to skip school. This is my first time to come to the market of Gos Velen. This is really, really..."

The gentle smile on Ace's face became more sincere, because he felt a warm current flowing out of his body the moment Elena thanked him. His body, which was originally exhausted from staying up late last night, suddenly became full of energy again, and his strength and magic power also reached a new level.

Even though he had experienced this feeling several times, Ace still couldn't help but feel a little intoxicated.

Praise Lord Lannister, praise the power of the lions!

Ace was so happy that he took out a notebook from his pocket and said, "It's okay, Elena. It's just a piece of cake for me."

That's right, Esben was about to come to the market, and bringing a female student with him was just a convenience.

Now that one task is completed, there are still a lot of tasks to go. Ace opened his notebook to check the notes related to procurement.

Well, Katerina wants a pearl, little Bukkake needs a doll, and Rowling wants a hairpin decorated with a white lily...

Oh, and by the way, Ms. Lydia would definitely be happy if I brought her a new batch of paints, right?

Elena was still talking to herself, "But skipping classes is such a crazy thing. If you are caught by the teachers, it will definitely bring you into big trouble. Ace, I really don't know how to thank you for taking such a risk for me... Hmm? What are you doing?"

Ace closed the notebook with a warm smile. If there were people from Cintra present, they would definitely notice that his smile was almost exactly the same as the one that Lord Lannister showed in social occasions.

"My mentor asked me to buy some magic materials and I also want to take you to the market. Do you want to come with me?"

"Your mentor is Mr. Vigfortz, right? Then let me help you!" Elena said excitedly, "My father gave me a lot of pocket money, but I have been locked up in the academy for so many years and have never had the chance to spend it. I am the daughter of an earl! What do you want to buy? Leave it to me!"

Ace's smile became more genuine.

…

Young boys and girls were laughing happily on the street as if no one was around.

In the alley nearby, House looked expressionlessly at his partner whom he hadn't seen for years.

His hand first grasped his lion head necklace, and then slowly, involuntarily, reached for the hilt of his sword.

The Duke asked him to find Ace, but he didn't expect it would be so easy.

but--

"This guy... I suddenly don't want to go out and talk to him..."