Chapter 83: Welcome

Chapter 83: Welcome

Several days later.

Ian-nim! Ian-nim!

Ian was reading a book in front of the fireplace when he heard Hannahs call. Turning his head, he immediately saw a letter in her hand.

The familiar design and seal indicated it was from Merellof.

Another message from Merellof?

Yes. They insist on an immediate reply and have a servant waiting downstairs.

Its only been a week.

Beric, who had been lounging, got up groggily. After causing a ruckus that day, he had miraculously returned to normal life. Fortunately, there were no aftereffects.

Ian took the letter, glancing at Beric. Beric, oblivious to Ians gaze, jumped down and approached him eagerly.

What are you waiting for? Read it.

The letter bore a seal and handwriting unfamiliar to Ian, suggesting it was written by Merellof himself. Beric leaned in, curious, but could only make out the yellow paper and black ink.

What does it say?

They want to purchase more Grula.

I knew it. Who would be satisfied with just one small bag?

Did the messenger say anything else?

It seems there was a robbery at the mansion.

A robbery?

Given their conversation with Lady Merellof, Ian suspected it might be her ploy rather than an actual theft.

And the messengers?

They went to the kitchen, asking about recipes.

Beric snorted at Hannahs addition. Once dismissed as worthless weeds, Grula was now in high demand. Ian folded the letter and placed it on the table.

Well, if they want more, we shall provide.

Should I prepare a bag?

Yes, but this time, tell them a single servants worth isnt enough. We wont sell for less than fifty gold coins per bag. Make sure to include that well provide larger ones, especially considering the winter season. We have no choice, right?

Understood, Ian.

Draft a detailed reply. Where is Sir Romandro?

He left this morning. Should be back soon.

Ian rummaged through his drawer with his left hand, looking for documents previously discussed with Romandro about Merellof. They had calculated how much Grula the Merellof estate would need, considering its size and overall situation.

What was the agreed quantity for a repeat transaction?

Romandro, an expert in reconstruction, had calculated the necessary amount of Grula, considering the needs of the Merellof estate.

100 bags would mean, after planting half and cultivating for a month, the estate can comfortably consume the rest. The planted half should proliferate enough to be evenly distributed among the estates people after a month.

I wonder if anyone in Merellof knows that Grula dies when exposed to snow.

Probably not. After all, they would need to have an interest in it in the first place.

Ian recalled Romandros words as he unfolded a new sheet of paper and drafted a proposal for 100 bags at fifty gold coins each, totaling 5,000 gold coins.

100 bags, thats a lot. When will we ever transport all of them?

If a bulk transaction happens, it will be the last. Merellof will then have the capability to cultivate and consume Grula on their own. Of course, after this winter, Grula will overflow throughout Bariel.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via noovelllbbin

So, for the last transaction, should we increase the quantity or the price? We must grab at least one of those, right?

Yes. And considering Count Merellofs nature, hed psychologically prefer to buy in bulk at a lower price.

Moreover, Romandros calculations werent just empty talk; they were based on solid reasoning. With Countess Merellof subtly influencing from the side, the transaction seemed promising.

Who said anything? Its just your usual blank stare.

Eh? Really? Ian, do my eyes look like that?

Sometimes you do seem a bit off.

Do you think Count Merellofs terrible personality could be due to drugs?

Thats unlikely. The countess was waiting for winter. Shes probably starting her plan now.

A hallucinogenic anesthetic that slowly consumes a person over a month, leading to hyperventilation and death. Romandro shuddered at the thought.

What a bold woman.

That just shows how desperate she is.

Beric fiddled with Romandros gifts, asking,

Do they not do such things in the central kingdom?

In the central? Even more!

But why borderlands?

The central kingdom, where more than half of the nobility resided, was the epicenter of scandals, erupting with new ones every other day. Romandro twirled his mustache, grumbling.

Still, these days, theyre more discreet, keeping things to private villas or masked balls. I remember Prince Gale mentioning

Gale. Ian hadnt expected the Second Princes name to come up in Romandros conversation. Encouraging him to continue, Romandro laughed awkwardly.

It startles me every time. In the palace, we dare not even mention his name. Too many ears around, and things can easily be misconstrued.

I understand.

The palace is the most intense place for taking sides, isnt it? Its no surprise that Sir Romandro, a subordinate of the First Prince Mariv, wouldnt casually mention the name of Prince Gale.

Anyway, His Highness Prince Gale, I remember, when was it? Last year? He caused a bloodbath at a party held by the nephew of a duke.

A bloodbath?

For a non-heir prince like Gale, maintaining power was crucial, which involved building a network among nobles. But to cause a disturbance at a dukes nephews party? A man who would later even instigate a rebellion for power?

He killed all the slaves of those who were so high on drugs they couldnt distinguish reality.

Is that possible? Really?

It happened because he did it. Dont you know? Even in the borderlands, you must have heard stories.

In any world, there are always those who live life detached from reality. That was Ian back then. What did it matter if the emperor changed? He was too busy trying to survive.

Of course, it caused an uproar among the families. After all, those were their assets. Drugs might be a crime, but it was a common practice, especially since it was an act of the imperial family against the nobility, almost like a show of force.

How did they handle the aftermath?

Money.

Huh?

He replaced all the killed slaves with new ones.

Crazy bast*rd.

Beric muttered in disgust, but Ian was genuinely shocked. Romandro sighed and faintly smiled, realizing Ians astonishment.

Actually, even though Im serving His Highness Prince Mariv, Prince Gale is no ordinary person either.

Slaves, after all, are commodities that can be bought and sold. If proper compensation is made, there should be no problem. But the crux was that these slaves were gifts from Gale.

Truly remarkable in many ways.

Actually, after that incident, Prince Gales followers significantly increased. Rumors spread that Wesleigh, head of the Magic Department, funded the replacements, further solidifying Gales power base.

Why would that increase his followers? If it were me, Id think hes insane and confront him.

Beric, be thankful were in the borderlands. In the imperial palace, even portraits have ears.

So explain it to me.

As Beric fiddled with his ear, Ian sighed and began to explain. It was a move so brilliantly executed that even Ian, who had been an emperor, could dare say it was a stunningly perfect political maneuver.