Chapter 833: Matters of the Territory (6)

Chapter 833: Matters of the Territory (6)

Interesting. Definitely an interesting fellow.

You may raise.

I silently glanced at Ansom Krayt, signaling for him to receive the black crystalline card from Werdeness.

Naturally, the experienced grand merchant understood the significance of that action, and smiled as he rose.

Seated on my chair, I gently tapped on the tabletop before me, increasing to a near rhythmic pace as the seconds ticked by in silence. Suddenly, I asked, Theres been a matter that has been troubling me recently, Mr. Werdeness. Would you be so kind as to offer me some advice on it?

My lord, Otto is fine. He answered, head lowered, chest brimming with confidence. Are you perhaps referring to those 14 nobles who were found to be embezzling?

You could say that, yes.

He smiled deviously upon hearing that, So there were others who had incurred your wrath as well.

I was thinking that, but my main issue is with those profiteering merchants, not really the nobles -I already have a solution for that problem. But Werdeness does seem to have something to say on this matter, perhaps I should let him finish.

I nodded my head approvingly. Very astute of you. How about you tell me your views on this matter?

Naturally, they couldnt get me arrested, they couldnt even harm me. But they could stir up trouble, and that would be a pain.

Just state what youre thinking.

I waved my hands in a standoffish manner, giving him the go-ahead.

I can see my lord does not wish to waste time, so your humble servant will keep it concise. Seeing my growing lack of interest in his little cautionary tale, he quickly moved on, In your humble servants view, the three most egregious offenders should be fined the amount they stole, and executed. The remaining eleven would be fined, but at a rate ten times of what they stole.

I nodded my head placidly. His ideas mirrored my own, except I would pick the top five instead. Though, my fines would probably be half of what he requested.

Isnt ten times a little too much? Silent up till now, Ansom finally chimed in with a shake of his head.

Hm. Then what does Sir Ansom feel is a reasonable amount?

Ansom turned to look my way, and upon seeing that I wasnt objecting, lowered his head in thought. What I mean to say is, the amount isnt the problem, but what if their houses are unable to pay? Or what if they just give up on their family member?

Those are definitely possibilities. But a fallen house is still a noble house. Even in their state, as long as one was willing to wring extra hard, it is possible to squeeze those extra coins out of them. And if they dare to not pay, killing them isnt hard either. And even if my lord forgives them, theyve already committed the grave sin of offending my lord. Perhaps my lord might one day remember their transgression? And as followers of my lord, would they not want to avenge him?

A grand merchant through and through his skill with the tongue was more than earned. And wasnt squeezing every bit of profit right up his alley? Looking at the eagerness on his face, I could tell he was absolutely planning to take on this task, as a means of showing his worth.

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