Chapter 97


    The path was set.


    Romandro kept his pen scratching until the wax was nearly melted away. He was meticulously drafting the document, detailing the usual behaviors of the Earl of Merellof and the entire course of events, without lies but as favorably as possible, to the point where his eyes nearly popped out.


    <i>Rustle.</i>


    Lord Romandro, should I leave this here?


    Ah, Hannah. Yes, please. Thank you.


    It was the testimony of the servants of the Merellof mansion. Most of them were illiterate, so it only contained their thumbprints, but these would serve as documents proving the countesss innocence and Dives pilgrimage.


    But this is going to surprise capital as well.


    Of course. The Count was killed overnight by a ve, and his only sessor, his brother, is a heretic who believes in the Underground God.


    Not just that, but theyll also be surprised that you nted Gr seeds in Merellof. The response to your report didnt mention anything about the poprity of Gr yet.


    Has there been a response from the central?


    At Ians question, Romandro hesitated for a moment. His demeanor suggested that the response wasnt very positive.


    Well, the prince has asked to send Lord Molrin to the capital first.


    His Highness Mariv?


    Yes, thats right.


    Oh dear.


    Ian genuinely clicked his tongue. It was a clear indication of who was winning and losing in the power struggle between Mariv and Gale.


    Its regrettable, but not too difficult. They arent people we need to treat with high regard. Ill have a carriage prepared immediately.


    Are you sure? If we do this, well meet again in Central.


    What can we do? When we meet again, our positions will be clearly defined.


    Ian was a noble and a mage. Molrin was a high-ranking official in the administration.


    The difference was apparent.


    Anyway, since Gr hasnt been approved for consumption in Central, many people will struggle this winter.


    What about the Gr crops in Merellof?


    The Count had traded for the Gr seeds intending to distribute them, but they were still stored in the warehouse, the ink on the contract hardly dry when the trouble started.


    Well, weve already received payment, so it would be best to follow the countesss wishes.


    The countess seemed keen on distributing them quickly and cultivating them for a bountiful harvest.


    Then lets do that. Also, fully liberalize the trade of Gr with our people.


    This meant including not only roasted Gr but also the seeds for cultivation in the trade. Romandro put down his pen and nced at a chest in a corner of the office.


    Two chests have already arrived. Looks like Ill need to visit the bank again soon. How much would it be? About 200 gold coins per chest, I suppose.


    As Romandro murmured, Ian also began calcting. With these small earnings, the 3,500 gold coins from Gr sales, and the 5,000 gold coins gratuity from the countess, he had almost gathered the entire amount for the payment fees.


    Congrattions. At this rate, youll reach the goal by next summer. Then youll be a true noble. Ah, Ill be sure to address you respectfully when that timees.


    Please be at ease. Your assistance alone is a great favor to me.


    Romandros cheeks lifted in a smile as Ian genuinely praised him. He meticulously wrote the report to be sent to the royal pce, each letter crafted with care.


    Well, once things with Merellof are wrapped up, we should start packing for our departure. Leaving in a fortnight should give us ample time to reach Central.


    Lets do that. I dont have much to pack anyway. Not many family members to bring along.


    It wasnt a relocation but merely Ian and a fewpanions moving. All his belongings would fit in one carriage. In Central, he nned to stay at Romandros residence, so taking too much would only be a burden. Beric was the only family he would bring.


    Lets see, is this everything I need to organize?


    Romandro asked, sorting through a thick stack of documents. Given the volume, it seemed impossible to manage with just one carrier pigeon.


    By the way, hows your mother?


    My mother?


    Philea, right? Is she still living in the forest?


    Ah, I told her toe down to the vige, but she seems to have no intention of doing so. She only ns toe down if the cold bes unbearable. For now, Ive asked the vige woodsmen to check on her from time to time.


    Bratz had disappeared, and the vige had changed a lot due to the remnants of battle. But for Philea, it seemed she was fully immersed in her life in the forest, which was not just a beloved and nostalgic hometown.


    Its a pity we wont see her for a long time once we head to Central.


    Even if she came along, I wouldnt see her often.


    True. The Magic Department wont let you be idle, will they? Ah, sorry. Thats just my personal spection.


    Romandro muttered casually and then smiled awkwardly. But Ian understood his meaning immediately.


    I think so too. Minister Wesleigh, was it? Whether a remedy or a poison, shell be right there. I might be torn apart.


    Right. Those mages who go out at dawn to watch the stars ande back in. Even if we bring you mother, we wont be able to take proper care of her.


    This implied that the workload and training at the Magic Department were enormous. But Ian, having experienced it before, didnt think too deeply about it. There was a chance he might be reassigned before being ced in the Magic Department.


    But Beric is still not back, and I have no idea what hes doing.


    Romandro muttered, looking at the darkening outside. It had been half a day since Beric went to chase Puulu, the leader of the Merellofs three knights. It was natural to be worried since there was no sign of his return.


    The warriors went with him, didnt they?


    Yes. If something happened, a hawk would have been sent. Lets wait until tonight. Sir Romandro, once youre done with the report, please check the tradingpany in Hawan Kingdom next.


    Oh, right. I will.


    The aftermath of Dives situation was to be handled by the Hawan Kingdom. More precisely, it was the tradingpany going through Hawan to Toorlun Kingdom.


    I wonder if theres a suitable one.


    It doesnt matter the cost; we need someone reliable and responsible. Probably best to look at older, establishedpanies.


    What about the mode of travel?


    Romandros eyes narrowed. There were various methods of travel for those in need. Traveling inconspicuously with the tradingpany, moving under strict escort, or


    Something certain would be best.


    Yes. I agree.


    Or moving securely like transporting a prisoner.


    It seemed thetter method would suit Dive best.


    A pilgrim should be apanied hardship and adversity, shouldnt they?


    Ians joke elicited a heartyugh from Romandro, a sound he hadnt made in a while.


    And the investor?


    The cost will be covered by selling Dives mansion in Merellof. It should be finalized soon, ideally before we leave. Ill make the decision tomorrow with my subordinates.


    Tell Countess Lien to decide who will take responsibility for Dive up to Hawan and then to Toorlun.


    Hmm. Anotheryer of assurance would be good.


    Personally, I think rke would be the right choice, but thats for the Madam to decide.


    It was timely that many soldiers were stationed on the way to Hawan due to Ericas appearance. The misunderstanding of them being thieves due to Erika and her investigation team had yet to be resolved. There had been no news of where Erica and her team ended up after all the chaos.


    And Hannah.


    Yes?


    Hannah had been busily moving misceneous items around and eavesdropping on their conversation. Ian gestured for her toe closer.


    Have you been listening closely?


    Uh It wasnt meant to be a secret, was it?


    Right. So remember it well. Learn thoroughly while you sort out things together over the next fortnight.


    Learn thoroughly?


    Just ask the steward at Merellof to teach you about the work from tomorrow.


    Hannahh looking confused, blinked and tilted her head. Romandro, watching from the side, let out a chuckle.


    Me, doing the stewards work?


    Yes.


    Me? Me? Am I managing the mansion?


    Youre really slow on the uptake.


    Hannah covered her mouth with her hands, but her gaping mouth was still visible. It was evident she had never even considered the idea.


    The position of a steward required thorough knowledge of noble etiquette and systems, literacy, and the ability to perfectly manage the mansion in the owners absence.


    I dont think I can do it.


    Why not?


    I havent learned anything


    Thats why Im telling you to learn. His name is Simon. Hespetent, and youll learn a lot from him. Anything else?


    It was a firm response, implying that if there were no other reasons, she should ept the role. Hannah stood still for a moment and then murmured.


    May I run in the corridor a bit?


    Yes. No one is sleeping yet.


    Excuse me.


    <i>Click.</i>


    Hannah left a formal goodbye, unusual for her, and exited the office. Immediately, the sound of rapid footsteps echoed. Hannah, overwhelmed with joy, was running down the corridor.


    Romandro shook off hisughter.


    Really, I wonder if she can handle it.


    Hannah is trustworthy. There are many who canpensate for herck of work experience. Theres Lord Nersarn, and didnt you say two of your subordinates are staying?


    I intended to leave only one originally, but with the situation in Merellof, the pce will surely send various verification orders. Ive told them to report back after seeing to that.


    I hear the ones staying are bachelors.


    Thats their fate. Who told them not to marry?


    Ian smiled slightly at Romandros yful remark. With that, the office was filled once again with the nice sound of pens scratching paper.


    <i>Tap, tap. Tap.</i>


    As the night deepened, something tapped at the window. A ck hawk with golden eyes seemed to be summoning Ian.


    Oh.


    Is that a warriors hawk?


    They had joked that if there was a problem with Beric, a hawk woulde, but it wasnt a joke anymore. Ian immediately opened the window to let the hawk in. A small note was tied to its ankle.


    <i>Rustle.</i>


    What does it say? Beric isnt dead, is he?


    Romandro stood up from his seat, but Ian just made a strange expression without answering. He showed the note and shrugged.


    Apparently, the warriors who went with him arent proficient in Barielian.


    Beric. Knight. Monne. Pursuit. Forever.


    The note only conveyed the situation with a list of words, making it hard to understand the meaning. Even for two people as perceptive as them, it was impossible to guess.


    Anyway, it seems to be a problem.


    Thats the only thing we can be sure of.


    Monne, thats the mines, right?


    Correct. It seems the pursuit has led there.


    The mine was not within the domain but deep in the mountain range bordering Merellof and this territory.


    Should we go there?


    Romandro asked in a somewhat weary voice. A mountain of parchment was piled up beside him, the smell of ink strong enough to mask the fireces aroma.


    Ian, grabbing a thick coat, shook his head.


    Sir Romandro, please continue with your work. We have only a fortnight left, and we need to be diligent. Ill go see Beric. Is anyone there?


    Yes, lord Ian. Did you call for me?


    Prepare a carriage and an escort.


    At this hour? Where are you going?


    The servant asked in surprise, but Ian just smiled and adjusted his clothing.


    To Monne. To fetch Beric.