Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Whats the problem?

Its hard to adjust the target figures.

Isnt that what we expected?

I was hoping otherwise. It seems we have to opt for a second-best solution.

Everyone, led by Kakantir, nodded their heads. Beric inquired, Is there a subsidy?

Yes, there is. They havent confirmed for sure, but there should be around 3,000 gold coins.

Wow, sh*t. Thats insane!

Considering its enough to support for two months, thats a ballpark figure. Even though the palace is helping with the reconstruction, a solid operating budget is essential for regular operations.

We probably have to contact Merellof sooner rather than later, so we should prepare well.

Hmm, agreed.

Romandros gold coins, Merellofs supplies. And Ian acts as the mediator between them. If they catch a glimpse of an opportunity, a satisfactory deal can be made.

Kakantir nodded as if to say he understands.

Speaking of the advisor Romandro, he seems quite friendly towards us, dont you think?

Yes, he was sent by Prince Mariv to deal with the situation, so hes likely opposite in temperament to the Gale side.

Moreover, the initial hostility shown by Molrin seemed to play a big role. Since the push from Dergha was a joint effort with Molrin and Ian, Romandro probably assumed they were on the same side. But judging from the atmosphere, Romandro seemed to guess that Ian wasnt from Gales side.

If we can get Romandro on our side, everything will go according to plan.

True. I was frankly a little surprised.

About what

At Ians incomprehensible question, Kakantir jokingly grabbed his hand, mimicking the reaction Romandro had shown earlier.

I didnt expect that a magic user would receive such treatment in the empire.

Well, they do say we are the beings most resembling gods.

People from the frontier often consider magic as something mythical. Kakantir and Nersarn were no different. Even after seeing Beric, they didnt realize how powerful it could become. The flow of magical energy is like a river flowing into a vast sea.

Becoming a lord isnt an impossible task, it seems.Ñøv€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.

Ian simply smiled at Kakantirs words. Only after seeing Romandros reaction did he become certain.

We should hurry and secure our position before autumn comes.

I will make preparations.

Keep a close eye on Mollin and his group.

Yes, Kakan.

Beric, you did as I asked, right?

You mean hiding the magic stones? Of course, of course.

Good. Lets get moving.

Kakantirs subordinates stealthily descended the stairs upon his command. Ian, too, returned to Romandros room with Beric, leaving the corridor enveloped in its usual darkness.

Meanwhile, on the floor below,

Master, what should we do?

After finishing dinner, Mack and Dgor looked at Molrin. Their mentor sat by the window, lost in thought. Mack lit a cigarette and roughly pulled at his hair, saying, I cant think of a way out.

Mack, calm down for now.

Im not as composed as you, Dgor. Erica, or, well, it doesnt matter who it is, but the lord must be someone cooperative with us. Didnt you see Ians attitude earlier?

Upon hearing Macks outcry, Dgor also sighed deeply. How were they going to deal with a magic user who had joined forces with the Cheonrye tribe, and that too, not in the central lands but in their own stronghold?

It wouldve been a different story if they had been friendly towards us

That seems unlikely. Hes sticking close to Romandro, holding his chin up high.

Is the boys intuition that keen? He seemed to have quickly caught on to the tension between Molrins group and Romandro since arriving at the mansion. Whether he knew that Mariv and Gale were also behind this was uncertain.

In my opinion, it might be better to appoint someone else other than Erica as the lord.

Wasnt it a basic method to expand ones influence by taking over neighboring territories? They must have been eagerly waiting for an opportunity. The advisor coming down from the imperial palace had definitely caught them off guard.

Squeak.

The procession of carriages arrived at the mansion after much travel. As the coachman opened the door, the advisor stepped down first to survey the surroundings. Unlike the tranquil Bratz, the landscape exuded a more refined and luxurious feel.

Are you Advisor Romandro-nim?

Yes.

Please come inside. The Count is waiting for you.

An elderly butler courteously guided them in. He glanced at the Cheonrye warriors who followed, but that was it.

Advisor Romondro?

Greetings. You must be Count Carlo Merellof.

Welcome.

Sitting in the reception room was an extremely gaunt middle-aged man. He had a lifeless and rigid impression, like a piece of wood. Exhaling a puff of cigarette smoke, he looked at Ian.

So youre Ian.

His gaze was cold, as if he were peering through Ians very core, subtly exuding arrogance.

I am honored to meet Count Merellof.

You dont look like Dergha at all.

Thank you for the compliment.

Please, have a seat.

Around the large round table sat Merellof, Romandro, and Ian. The Count began to get to the point as he offered them tea.

I heard youre in need of food supplies.

Yes, thats correct. Our territory is already barren, and the food situation for the next month is uncertain. Thats why we want to ask for help from our neighboring territory, Merellof.

Seems like everything else is fine then.

Our recovery is better than expected. If we can solve the problem for the next couple of months, we should be able to normalize by the start or end of winter.

Count Merellof tapped the table with his fingers, clearly deep in thought. Eventually, he nodded and gave an order to his servant.

Bring the prepared documents.

Yes, my lord.

Ive given it some thought since receiving your letter. While I cant ignore the suffering of my neighbors, neither can I cut my own flesh to save others.

If it hadnt been for the presence of an imperial advisor, he probably wouldnt have even given Ian the opportunity for this trade. Besides with his own lack of funds, his priority had been his own territory, not his neighbors.

This is the list of what we can offer and the prices weve set.

Romandro frowned as he slowly went through the characters. Essential items like wheat and corn were omitted, and the remaining auxiliary ingredients were priced at more than five times the market value.

Pardon me, Count Merellof.

Yes, Advisor?

Romandro, with an imposing aura, called for the Count, but the latter remained unfazed. He had agreed to deal with the imperial advisor but not without subtly expressing his reluctance.

Romandro, who had been idly touching the edge of the documents, reluctantly sought permission as his eyes met with Ians.

Could we have a moment to discuss among ourselves?

Oh! Hahaha! You say among ourselves?

The ourselves Romandro referred to included Ian. Count Merellof burst into loud laughter for the first time. The idea of an imperial advisor from the palace holding a meeting together with a lowborn bastard seemed ridiculous to him.

People from the central capital really are different.

It was a blatant act of disdain, but Ian didnt even blink. He was solely preoccupied with the numbers presented before him.

Merellop, too, was a count of the newly-formed Empire but was well-fed from sweet trade deals. It meant he was in a position to act this brazen. This was also entirely within expectations.

Thank you for the courtesy.

Ian turned his head away with a smirk.

After all, no matter how loud the laughter, it eventually comes to an end.