16 Fief Inspection Squad

"My lady, it's late. You should go to bed."

Chalice looked up from the reports in her hands. It was the last of the accounts that she had to read. She made sure she took sufficient notes for the things that needed to be changed and improved.

She couldn't help but commend the system that her father and Luke had implemented in the territory. The wealth of the Amaranth House was entirely seperated from the funds of the fief collected from the taxes of the people, as opposed to the other feudalist territories. Because of this the citizens relatively paid less taxes and enjoyed prosperous lives.

It must be noted that the House of Amaranth owns the largest gemstone mine in Idalia, it was their main source of income. They are entirely unreliant to the taxes given by the people due to their monopoly of the gem trade. Chalice was overjoyed with this since she had studied mineralogy in her previous life. She was quite proficient when it comes to gems and jewelry.

It was also quite amazing that the territory makes use of the double entry system of accounts. Chalice was a bit shocked when she found out that it was Luke who had introduced it. Exceptional seems to fit him quite well. She generously praised him because it made it easier for her to read those mountains of accounts. It also gave her a clear picture of the money flow of the territory and the duchy.

"Give me a moment. I'm almost done."

She answered Luke who strode in.

"I'll make you some tea for now then."

Luke went straight to the trolley in the corner while Chalice returned to reading. After writing down a few more notes, she closed the reports and slumped into her chair.

"Finally done? Here, I've kept it hot."

Chalice smiled gratefully at Luke and took the tea. She felt the fatigue catching up to her but she felt more alive than ever.

"It is quite gratifying to see how well you have managed the fief these years, Luke. I feel like you have given me a huge leeway."

She said while reclining lazily on her chair. Luke smiled lightly at her before answering.

"The previous dukes as well as your father provided a solid foundation, my lady. I cannot take all of the credit. Besides, it's only right that I do my best since it is your House who took us in."

Chalice stared thoughtfully at him. Seriously, it would be good if this guy loosens up a bit. He was similar to Lucy that way. Sometimes she feels like formality was ingrained in their bones already.

"Really, you could just say thank you for the compliment instead of refuting me. Tsk. I need to fix that stiff personality of yours."

She chided him which the man returned with a pointed look.

"By the way, have you chosen the other members of our fief inspection squad? I'm already finished with the accounts. It would be best if we leave soon."

Luke's brow raised up at her words.

"Fief inspection squad?"

Chalice chuckled at his question. It was something that she had dubbed their little party. She thought it was quite fitting.

"Yes. We are team who is going to inspect the fief. Appropriate, no?"

The corner of his lips turned upward at her antics.

"I refuse to comment, my lady. And to answer your question, I have already chosen the other two. Rye and Ward. They are two of the most skillful amongst the knights here."

Chalice just nodded. She trusted Luke's judgement.

"Do you think three months is too long? Won't it affect the territory without us here? I did not want to be hasty with this decision but I simply can't forego the inspection."

Chalice couldn't help but worry.

"It will be alright, my lady. The fief's operations are relatively stable. William could handle everything just fine during our absence. Besides, those three months is merely an estimate. If there are no mishaps, we could go back earlier. Not to mention, this trip would help us evaluate the situation at the mine as well. Since we're on this note, I think I should inform you of our itinerary and a rough outline of our route."

"Our first stop would be the gemstone mine at Nephele Mountains. It is near Araceli City so we could immediately proceed there after. I'd rather we take the road going through Cloud Forest since we're incognito. It will also save a lot of travel time. We'd be circling the territory, so after Araceli, next would be Wyndham City. It is the only port city within the fief. After which, we could also spend a few days at Eldoris which is near Wyndham. Then to Tal-El City of the Guthrie Plains. Our last stop would be Freyr City at the foot of Zeru Mountains. The roads are mostly passable. If there is a need to cross river, which I doubt, the rains have yet to come so it would be no problem as well."

Chalice tapped her fingers rhythmically at the table while ocassionally nodding at Luke. She must admit, he was very meticulous in planning. Her conjectures are continuously being proven right.

"Well, it seems most of our concerns have been dealt withbout. And I dare say you're also set with all the preparations. We'll leave tomorrow at noon then."

Luke assented at this, his back straight.

"By the way, Luke. Who would be cooking our meals? I'll sorely miss the cooking here. They're the best meals I've had my entire life. Sigh."

The man frowned awkwardly at her statements. His eyes briefly rippling with contrasting emotions of self-consciousness and joy.

"There would be no changes to your meals, my lady."

Chalice frowned unbelieving. How could that be unless the cook comes with them? And as far she knows, there will only be five people going. Unless, all of her meals these past days were cooked by one them.

Suddenly, Chalice arrived at a realization. She gaped at Luke, flabbergasted. Then after a while, a beaming smile appeared in her lips.

"You're the one who cooks all my meals. Oh my, Luke why didn't you tell me?"

She asked teasingly. Chalice's increase in appetite could somehow be credited to the food she was served ever since she arrived. It was as if it was solely created for her palate, fully awakening the foodie within her. She did not expect that it would be Luke and not their cook who's responsible for it. Seems like her personal asisstant even took it upon himself to be her personal chef.

"I did not see it necessary to inform you, my lady."

He answered curtly. Chalice tsked at his nonchalance. It was a big deal for her, alright.

"Of course, it was necessary. Now, I can't live without your cooking anymore. Do you know how grave this situation is?"

Luke had a faint trace of smile in his lips and Chalice almost jumped him. Dang it! That smile was deliciously tempting. Just like his cooking. The evildoer of man just shrugged at her dilemma.

"It's not really a problem, my lady. I'll just cook for you as long as you live then."

Chalice's jaw slackened. Her eyes narrowed at the complacent manner of Luke's reply.

'Does this man even realize how similar to a vow his words are? Does he even realize the effect of saying such words with a face like that?'

Chalice could only shake her head helplessly at the guy's cluelessness.

"My dearest Luke, I am sorely tempted to give in to that and swindle you mercilessly."