Chapter 58

Chapter 58

Then lets prepare a meal while we discuss. You wont be able to eat properly once you leave, so make sure to fill up here.

Squeak, slam!

A-a-aristocrats

As soon as the door closed, Romandro clenched his neck and grumbled. This kind of behavior might actually give rise to prejudice against the real frontier counts.

Ian started to go through the documents Romandro had been reading, one by one.

The prices are one thing, but the list doesnt sit well with me.

Exactly. There are hardly any staple crops.

In anticipation of a harsh winter, what they needed were staple crops with short harvest cycles and relatively abundant yields. But what Merellof offered were high-end ingredients that only nobles would consume.N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.

Ridiculous. Could it be that relations with Dergha arent good?

I cant say for sure about that. But apart from that, the trade itself will likely be unpleasant.

They were hard-pressed for food, and now an advisor from the Imperial Palace had arrived, further depleting their resources. Furthermore, due to the battle in Bratz territory, they had unknowingly suffered losses.

Some had tried to flee to Merellof during the battle. A steward from the Bratz estate was beheaded here too. The people here couldnt leave during that time

Unable to gather firewood in the forest, unable to hunt, unable to gather fruits. Trade would have been affected as well. While they couldnt know exactly what difficulties they faced during their isolation, they could guess.

Romandro let out a grumbling, pained noise as he massaged his head.

Advisor.

Hmm?

Ian tapped the table gently and then slowly called Romandro. In fact, Ian had other options even if they didnt procure food here.

It may be presumptuous, but I estimate the subsidy to be about 3,000 gold coins. Is that correct?

Well, I cant disclose that, as its a sensitive matter.

I know of a much more valuable way to use that money than buying dairies and olives here. If you trust and follow me, that is.

Ian had four bags of seeds from the grula plant, known as a divine blessing for eradicating famine.

Compared to other staple crops, it had an overwhelmingly short cultivation period, abundant yields, and nutritional value.

Why would they spend this money buying such items here when they have access to such a perfect food source?

What are you talking about?

We cant waste precious subsidies sent from the Imperial Palace like this. This is wasteful and, beyond that, its extravagant.

I agree, but what other options do we have?

Ian threw the documents aside as if they were worthless and pushed them away. He then asked Romandros subordinates to check if anyone was eavesdropping. As they stepped into the corridor, Ian whispered softly.

I intend to buy something else here.

Something else? What?

People.

Romandros eyes widened in surprise.

Slave markets are only held centrally. Is Count Merellof actually hosting one here?

No, thats not it. I mean to buy labor.

Even if they dont spend all 3,000 gold coins, it would be more than enough, Ian whispered. Completely clueless about what Ian meant, Romandro alternated his gaze between Ian and the proposed transaction documents, contemplating deeply.

Lend me your ear for a moment.

With a sly grin, Ian whispered into Romandros ear about grulas existence. Romandros complexion changed gradually, as if he couldnt believe it, but only for a moment.

* * *

Are you simply leaving?

Yes, my Lord. Lets consider the deal null and void.

Count Merellof glanced at the food spread out on the table. Contrary to his earlier statement that they would prepare something extravagant, the table was filled mostly with meat stewa meal commonly enjoyed by commoners that left no room for waste.

The count twirled his mustache and grimaced slightly, I guess youve had your fill.

Shall we escort you out?

Please speak, my lady.

Countess Merellof approached with her fan hiding the lower part of her face. The servants seemed to close both their eyes and ears, bowing their heads.

Who is using Lady Marys room?

Lady Marys room?

You see, theres something I couldnt return to her.

Softly. As if telling him to lower his voice, the tone of Countess Merellof dropped. Ian recalled Marys final moments and sighed.

Ah.

Countess Mary, who had said that there was something helpful if taken to Merellof, did not specify what it was. Considering she mentioned it until the moment she left the house, it mustnt be something easily lost.

Countess Merellofs eyes sparkled as she looked at Ian.

Hm? Is the room still intact?

It should be. No one really goes in there. Feel free to visit anytime.

Is that alright?

Of course. The room has lost its owner, so who would say otherwise?

Countess Merellofs eyes curved in satisfaction at Ians words. Just then, the butler came out carrying a small box, and the lady turned her head as if nothing had happened.

My lady?

What about the Count?

Satisfied with Ians answer, the Countesss eyes crinkled. At that moment, the butler emerged holding a small box, and the Countess turned her head as if nothing had happened.

My lady?

The guests are leaving. Where is the Count?

Ah. He finds it difficult to leave due to sudden business. He sends his apologies to the guests, and this is a small token of goodwill from Merellof. He also said that if theres anything we can help with as a neighboring estate, to let him know.

As the butler gave a polished bow, the Countess chuckled, covering her mouth with her fan. The butler has a knack for smoothing over the Counts blunt words. Ian nodded as he received the box.

Please convey my thanks.

Very well, then. Ahem.

Romandro briefly greeted everyone and climbed onto the carriage. As they left through the main gate, the Countess couldnt take her eyes off them until the very end.

Clip Clop

So, whats this token of goodwill?

Judging by the smell, it seems like dried meat.

Good heavens, it seems the rumors about the frontier have some basis.

The rumors they refer to are societal prejudices that border nobles are crude and barbaric. Noticing that Ian understood the meaning, Romandro checked that they had distanced themselves from the mansion.

The Countess is quite peculiar too.

I didnt expect her to be so young. I thought shed be around the same age as Countess Mary.

The Count seemed a bit older; is this his first marriage?

Im not quite sure about that

Never mind. Now, tell me in detail. You said there is a crop thats about a month away from harvest?

Romandro eagerly leaned in closer to Ian. To think that there was such an extraordinary crop here that he had never heard or seen of before!

So, theres a saying that to see the center of the world, go to the capital, and to see the changes in the world, go to the frontier.

Where did it come from? The desert? Ah, it must be resilient if it grows in the desert. Whats its name? What do you call it?

You, Advisor-nim, should also know.

Huh? Know what?

Grula.

Grula? The weed Grula that I know of?

Ian gave a subtle smile, but disappointment was clearly written all over Romandros face. The thought that hed been fooled seemed to fill his mind.