Chapter 102: Formatting


    Lord Ian.


    As soon as the carriage door opened, Madam Lien weed Ian. Wearing a dress more morous and abundant than usual, she was shing the most perfect smile Ian had ever seen on her. Thedy confidently extended her wrist, and Ian lightly kissed it.


    Its been a while, mydy. I hope youve been well?


    Yes, thanks to you. Sir Romandro has been well too, I assume?


    Of course. Pleasee inside, its chilly out here.


    Look forward to tonights feast. Its a blessed Merellof day today, so Ive prepared diligently.


    Lady Lien led the way inside the mansion. The hallway was so bright it was unbelievablepared to when Ian had rushed over after hearing news of the Counts death. Ian entered the parlor, exchanging greetings with the servants.


    Lets get down to business first, shall we?


    Thedy smiled, cing a leather document stand down.


    Here is the certificate for 5,000 gold coins you requested. The number of soldiers has also been reduced by more than half of the current amount, with a written oath to continue maintaining this level.


    May I see the budget estimates?


    Certainly. You can check on the next page.


    Ian slowly looked over Merellofs annual budget. It seemed Sir Romandros aides and staff had worked hard on it. Indeed, next years allocated budget for maintaining mercenaries was cleanly halved.


    I wonder what tricks his aide has been up to?


    Oh my. Are you worried hes selling off the territory piece by piece?


    Not worried, just curious.


    Hearing Ian and thedys casual conversation, the people present stiffened. Sir Romandros men awkwardly nced at each other thinking, <i>we shouldnt have stuck around</i>.


    Its not like were skimming off the budget for Sir Ian or deceiving the territory residents. We n to use that money to pay off the loans we took out for the mine purchases.


    I see, very well then.


    If the 5,000 gold coinspensation is ufortable, think of it as my personal funds.


    I didnt say that. Its fair payment for services rendered.


    At Ians words, Romandro took out the correspondence for reporting to the Imperial Pce from his pocket. He elegantly picked it up and sharply read every word.


    <i>Rustle</i>.


    No lies, nothing that needs to be kept secret. I like it. Submit the report as is. The imperial pce wont be sending any separate investigators, correct?


    It detailed how and why the Count had died, as well as the session process, but cleanly omitted anything unnecessary.


    Such as the ve anddys rtionship, the ves punishment, when the sessor Dive had left Merellof, and so on.


    If there are no particr issues, Ill stamp my seal now.


    Yes, could you prepare for me?


    As if to show off, Romandro filled in his signature and dripped wax. His official seal indicating it was his formal report was stamped.


    Im very happy to have gained a good neighbor. The Merellof territory residents have also gained a lot of Gr and other food from BratzAck!


    Not long until it gets a new name.


    Pardon me. I should watch my words. Anyway, the Merellof residents are thankful to be getting much produce like Gr from your side.


    Im d to hear. We must gather warmth for the winter.


    Now then, for the finishing touch.


    Ian and Lady Lien wrapped things up by entering an exclusivity negotiation use applying to all their trade agreements. Having coordinated the details in advance, the process went very quickly.


    As she set down the ink-stained pen Lady Lien muttered, With it being this easy, just what was my husband doing agonizing over parchments all day?


    What she had once thought was just diligent turned out to be an extremely strict and inefficient personality.


    And Dive?


    Hes in the annex. I should tell him to start heading out soon.


    Lady Liens smile didnt have a speck of pretense. It was time topletely drive Dive out of Merellof, so how ted she must feel. Ian likewise checked his pocket watch.


    Youve chosen a caravan, correct?


    Xial caravan. Definitely for big things there is always a tendency to match up well. Not just the prices but we chose it because of the caravan itselfs excellent credibility and capabilities.


    Who will Merellof send as the representative?


    At Ians question, Lady Liens eyes narrowed further. Her gaze held inscrutable intentionsseeming indifferent yet slightly amused, and also somewhat sorrowful on the other hand


    Five soldiers and two assistant aides, as well as rke, are scheduled to go. Aside from rke, they will return after seeing Dive leave in the Hawan Kingdom.


    As expected.


    It was a clever way to protect rke while still making frugal use of him. Ian nodded approvingly at the good thinking.


    Since you have chosen, mydy, Im sure they will serve excellently. However, just to double check there will be no hups with workwe are taking considerable risks here, to be frank.


    You neednt worry about that. They are all highly capable.


    Especially rke, who was bound by blind faith and love. The moment traces were created that Dive had arrived in Toorlun, rke would surely be ready to snuff out his life.


    Very well. Shall we go greet Dive then?


    Servant. Is the carriage prepared?


    Yes, you may head right out, servant Simon replied.


    Everyone got up and headed to the front gate. Seeing Ian and thedy, Dive, wearing a winter robe inside out, became agitated and started shouting.


    Y-you evil creatures!


    His ankles were shackled beneath the robethe arrangement to convey him out in the most civil manner possible, considering external eyes.


    Sir Dive. Before your long journey, I wish you blessings.


    You b*tch! Do you think youll get away with this unscathed?


    I will be eating well and living nicely, so I hope the same for you, Sir Dive. It would be good if we never cross paths again.


    Lady Lien smiled elegantly as she unleashed very inelegant wordscrazy bitch, screwed up bitch, bitch missing screws in her head. Dive recklessly spewed vulgar curses before ring at Ian.


    And you, Ian! How dare you provoke the Merellof House, thinking youll survive! The curse of the underground gods wille raining down directly!


    Ian ignored him as he surveyed the mercenaries and aides preparing for departure, checking if theycked any necessities and telling them not to worry about thieves when crossing the mountain ranges.


    <i>Creak</i>.


    That moment, there was a presence approaching from behind. It was rke with his shackles removed, now wearing dry clothes. Rubbing his bruised wrists, he shouldered arge backpack.


    Ready?


    Yes.


    Without even meeting his gaze, thedy asked. To an outsider they would seem like total strangers, such was the frigidity.


    Then lets get going.


    That backpack probably contained ample travel funds prepared by Lady Lien. Everyone boarded the carriage, and when rke moved to close the door


    Ill be back.


    rke said that to thedy before shutting the door. She turned away wordlessly while Dive spewed vicious curses from inside.


    Have a good trip. See you in hell.


    Hyaah! Lets go!


    Hieeng!


    The carriage vigorously departed the Merellof estate, apanied by the horses cries. Thedy watched its rear for a long while before turning herself around.


    Now then.


    She smiled at Ian, Sir Romandro, and especially his men, meeting their gazes.


    Shall we go have a meal? Sir Romandros men will be seeing much more of Merellof going forward, no?


    Yes, well be in your care. Mydy.


    Im the one deeply grateful for your assistance.


    Ian nkly watched the ck ribbons fluttering all over the territory. It was because he wondered if simr things would have adorned Bariel if his previous self had died. Lady Lien called to Ian as she ushered the guests inside.


    Sir Ian?


    Wont youe inside? Its cold out.


    Mydy. How was the Counts funeral carried out?


    Thedy smiled brightly without answering.


    As if saying he already knew, so why ask.


    *


    Whinny!


    On the way back from the territory to Merellof. Ians head spun from the grape wine served at the feast.


    Ian, you alright?


    You look tipsier, Sir Romandro.


    Ahaha! Actually your face looks doubled to me too.


    Thats already the third time youve said that.


    Is that so? Guess youre sloshed. But heylemme tell you something funny. Im seeing two of your faces.


    In high spirits, Sir Romandro jested lightly. Having drunk together, he seemed fine while Lady Lien had a liquor barrel for a stomach, seeing them off perfectly sober.


    <i>Creak!</i>


    Sir Ian. Weve arrived.


    Ah, good work. Go rest.


    As the coachman opened the door, Ian staggered out of the carriage. Then a bloodcurdling scream erupted from behind.


    Goodness, Lord Ian!


    Huh?


    When Ian looked back, workers moving leather sack bundles came over worriedly.


    We heard you were unwell but didnt think you couldnt even walk. Are you alright?


    You must be running a fever. Yourplexion is all flushed.


    Hurry inside on this cold night.


    <i>Unwell? Who? </i>


    As Ian blinked nkly the workers bowed deeply and disappeared after bidding him well. They seemed to be finishingte night duty. Rubbing the back of his neck puzzled, Ian mumbled.


    What are they on about


    When he walked by, he wondered what the pile of misceneous things at the entrance was for. As Ian entered the mansion, servants came up to retrieve his coat.


    Youve returned?


    Yes. But what are those things?


    After hearing rumors of your frail health, the residents sent them over. All afternoon offerings kept stacking up.


    Just like back thenwhen the residents hade tofort him after hearing he was ambushed. Though he didnt know what talk was spreading now, their feelings seemed unchanged as a smile crept up his face.


    Thought they wouldnt have much to spare in winter, but it seems everyone somehow gathered a bit.


    Dried flowers, eggs painted with cute colors, dried meat, generations-old family jam jars Small yet somehow heartwarmingly thoughtful gifts. Ian smiled asking the servant,


    Store them nicely in my bedroom.


    Yes, Lord Ian. Also, youve a guest waiting.


    A guest? Who?


    No one was supposed to visit at this hour. The moment Ian voiced his puzzlement, Beric called down from the railing above.


    Ian, yourete?


    Beric. Had dinner?


    Yeah. Phileas here.


    Huh?


    A face peeked out next to himgolden hair and green eyes matching Ians. Mountain living seemed to have toughened her as she now exuded a robust, healthy beauty unlike before.


    Ian.


    She smiled brightly, yet emotions seemed to choke up seeing her sons face after so long. Tear drops plopped down Ians cheeks.


    Ian. Whos this?


    Romandro, rubbing his cold hands, followed inside inquisitively. When they had first entered Brazz, Philias existence was kept hidden from everyone. So their alliance with the Tenrey wouldnt getplicated.


    But Romandro from the imperial pce already knew Ians circumstances. The days for concealment were over.


    Sir Romandro. Please give your greetings.


    Ian silently decided to convey his gratitude to the woman who had gathered Gr in the mountains awaiting his return.


    She is my mother.