Chapter 81


    That man is


    Among those who rushed over upon hearing the servants screams was one of Romandros men. Wasnt he the one who killed Collin in the Merellof trade delegation on the way to the Sherion mountains?


    Lord Ian. That man is the one who caused trouble in the Sherion mountains.


    That man did? Are you sure?


    I saw it with my own eyes. I even saw him kill Collin.


    Ian looked back at Countess Merellof again. She was momentarily startled by Ians golden eyes, but soon she was fussing with a sharp voice. Yet, her hand did not leave rks shoulder.


    I told you, I hate everything about Merellof!


    So you interfered with the trade delegation?


    Youre thankful for that, but what is this?


    You were the one who rushed first. Hes alive, so stop making a fuss.


    At those words, the countess confirmed rks faint breath. Gradually, her own breathing also steadied.


    How did you know that Collin was our nted man?


    There was a mass disappearance from an illegal gambling house. It coincided with the news of your attack. A man who worked there disappeared and then reappeared, naturally raising suspicions.


    What about the count?


    How would I know? That old fool of a count. He didnt issue a single order regarding the investigation of the incident. He probably doesnt even know that Collin worked there.


    As expected, it was a more absurd situation than Ian had anticipated. Count Merellof hadpletely ignored Ians ambush. Despite being an incident caused by his own citizens, he showed no concern.


    Are you lovers?


    Its not like that.


    Really?


    Given their interaction, nobody would believe otherwise. Romandro was just looking around curiously. Ian nodded, indicating he had made his decision.


    Move this man to an empty room.


    Yes, Lord Ian.


    Following Ians order, the soldiers lifted and supported rk. Countess Merellof looked rmed but couldnt argue. If her servant returned unconscious from an outing, it would certainly raise suspicions in the mansion.


    I cant say I knocked him out, can I?


    I didnt say anything.


    Good. Countess, lets then discuss and align our stories in detail.


    Ian smiled and extended his hand to her. The countess watched rk being taken away, then grasped Ians hand and stood up. Ian slowly untied the bindings on her wrist.


    You want freedom, and I want the tribute. But as long as the counts brother stands in the way, theres no guarantee Ill bepensatedter.


    If Countess Merellofs actions were to be exposed in any way, it would onlyplicate matters for Ian. He could be used of neglecting or even abetting the counts murder.


    She understood what Ian was implying.


    Youre talking about the Gr trade, right?


    Countess Merellofs words were met with an affirmative smile from Ian. He had noticed her quick wit and sharp mind, perhaps honed by a life of hardship. She was, in fact, remarkably intelligent.


    Yes. Id like to maximize the profits from the Gr trade as soon as possible.


    Ill act as a decoy then.


    Its more than being a decoy. I need you to persuade the count. Frankly, Merellof has no real solutions at the moment, right? The way to Hawan Kingdom is blocked, and so is Sheyron. Its the perfect situation for a famine.


    By the way, was the Hawan Kingdom robbery also your doing? If so, I must say it was a bit excessive.


    No, that wasnt our doing.


    Then it must be a divine blessing. I envy you.


    The countess yed with her bruised wrist and opened her eyes wide. Then she instructed the servant standing behind her.


    Bring me two dry cloths. Make sure theyre clean.


    Uh Oh.


    As Ian signaled with a flick of his eyebrow, the servant quickly bowed and retreated. It seemed she nned to collect the drug powder again.


    So, I expect your full cooperation until the deal ispleted.


    Dont worry about that. Ive waited through several winters already. A few more days wont make a difference.


    Waited for winters?


    Yes.


    Ian suddenly felt the depth of her hatred. Winter was the season of death, a time when many died, and funeral processes were hindered by snow and wind.


    Take good care of rk.


    Of course. Oh, when you leave, Ill give you some Gr as well. We can say we traded rk for Gr. That should work.


    While not entirely satisfying, it was the most usible n for the moment. Having paid the price and acquired the Gr, Count Merellof would likely utilize it to its fullest, experiencing its true value firsthand.


    It was akin to a taste test, using thenguage of the marketce.


    And if any problem arises, Countess Merellof could serve as a useful hostage.


    With this thought, Ian hurriedly instructed Hannah. The day was growing darker. Even if she left now, the countess would only reach the mansion by midnight. Any further dy might arouse suspicion.


    Hannah. Bring a small bag of Gr to the front gate.


    Yes, sir.


    Prepare the carriage! The countess is returning home.


    Yes! Prepare the carriage!


    As everyone went outside to prepare the carriage, a servant hesitantly tried to cover the ss lid over the drug powder, but the Countess Merellof firmly stopped him.


    Ill handle it.


    With one hand covering her nose and mouth and the other carefully transferring the powder, her caution was evident. Given that Beric had fainted just from the smell, the potency of the drugsponents was rming.


    But if he dies too soon, it would raise a lot of suspicions.


    Ive told you, one time wont kill. It neutralizes with liquidponents, preventing a reaction like Berics.


    Instead, it would induce a dreamlike state, making it difficult to distinguish between dreams and reality. The side effect was a gradual sapping of vitality during sleep  a purposeful design for the Countess.


    <i>Click</i>.


    After securely closing the box, the Countess slipped it into her pocket and quickly walked down the corridor. Ian followed her toplete the farewell.


    Will you not see rk before leaving? It might be a while before you see him again.


    Ill manage. And were not in that kind of rtionship, remember?


    Ian merely nodded in response.


    Our family will escort you to the mansion. Please, have a safe journey.


    Look forward to good news, Sir Ian.


    After receiving a light kiss on the back of her hand, the Countess closed the carriage door. As she left, Ian thought of the bruises spreading from her ankle. Would she be safe returning to Merellof tonight?


    Countess?


    Its alright. For now.


    Before Ian could say more, the Countess gently shook her head. Despite not resembling her mother in any apparent way, enduring her husbands beatings often reminded her unintentionally of her Dryad lineage.


    For now, I can bear it.


    Departing now.


    <i>Wheeze! Creak!</i>


    The Countess looked back through the small window, exchanging final nces with Ian. Romandro wiped his face with a handkerchief, watching the carriage leave the estate.


    Whats going on here?


    Todays events with the box will be overlooked in exchange for the Countesss support in the Gr trade.


    The box, thats not poison, is it? Hows Beric?


    One time wont kill, Im told. He should be dreaming right now.


    Eh? Really? He was cursing so much earlier.


    With Beric, I can guess what his good dreams might entail.


    Ianughed as he re-entered the mansion, only to hear loud thumping upstairs. At this hour, there was only one person who would cause such amotion.


    Open up! What are you trying to do!


    <i>Bang! Crash!</i>


    The cries of a man named rk seeped through the door. The situation seemed on the verge of getting out of hand, causing the servants to back away anxiously. Ultimately, it was the Cheonrye tribe warriors who stepped forward.


    Should we knock him out again?


    Its really loud in the middle of the night, seriously.


    Leave it. Ill talk to him.


    Ian gestured for them to stop and approached the door. He tried to inform rk of the situation during a brief moment of silence.


    Your names rk, right?


    Lord Ian?


    <i>Thud!</i>


    But rks frantic cries came first. Desperately grasping the doorknob, he almost wept, begging. Thest image he remembered of the Countess was her being tied up, so his reaction was understandable.


    Lord Ian, please, please save her. Everything Countess Lien did was for us. If it werent for her, over a dozen of us would have been killed by the Count by now


    Each time the Count was about to beat a servant to death, the Countess willingly took their ce. It was a well-known fact in the mansion. Despite her usually unsociable nature, everyone was grateful to her.


    So, the Countess did that.


    Yes, yes I swear to God. So please, Im begging you, just open the door to let me see that shes safe


    The Countess just left the mansion to return home.


    Is that true?


    Yes. Since your life is now a bargaining chip in our mutual interests, just wait quietly. Anymotion you cause will only burden the Countess.


    Only the sound of sniffling came from inside. Ian didnt expect an answer and simply instructed the servants to keep a close watch on the door.


    * * *


    The atmosphere at the Merellof Mansion was unusual. The Countess, who rarely went out, had not returned even after sunset.


    The Count didnt mention the Countess, but his silent and deadly aura was palpable.


    Ah, there!


    In the distance, a faint light emerged from the darkness. The silhouette of a carriage pulled by two horses became visible. The servants quickly ran out to greet the Countess, who appeared somewhat weary.


    Why are you sote?


    Wheres rk?


    Have you had your dinner?


    Madam, the, the master


    The servants, clearly on edge, tried to speak, but the sudden appearance of the master forced them to remain silent.


    Lien.


    Im sorry. Imte, arent I?


    I really dont understand whats going on here.


    Theres a lot I need to discuss with you.


    Tell me now! Exin everything.


    The Counts bellowing voice made the servants shrink in fear. However, the Countess, unaffected, smiled and shook her pocket as if to show something.


    I traded rk for some Gr. Sir Ian was stubborn about the price, so it took some time.


    The Count, who had been furious up to his head, paused for a moment.


    The Countesss visit was a precursor to the Gr trade, not the main deal itself. Yet, she managed to acquire Gr so quickly.


    My dear?


    The Countess beamed with a bright smile. She was well aware of what the first step in being an effective intermediary, as mentioned by Ian, entailed.


    Shall we taste some of this? I have a lot to tell you, and it might be good to discuss over a taste of Gr.