Margrave's Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 89

Unbelievable. It was this close all along yet I never knew.

Ian chuckled in disbelief as he looked at the ring. Naturally, he had no reason to scrutinize the ladys fingers or jewelry.

The hand she had signaled with earlier was the opposite one. And there were already over seven pieces of jewelry laid out on the table apart from the suspicious ring.

Why do you ask?

Do you know what gem is set in this ring?

The lady looked at Ian with a puzzled expression, as if wondering why he would ask such a question. But since she didnt know either, her questioning glance went straight to Count Merellof instead.

No. You see, it was a gift from the Count

The more he inspected it, the more certain he became. Ian was still wearing a necklace under his outer garment, similar to the one hidden beneath the Silasque flowerpot. The yellow gemstone, which seemed to capture sunlight, was finely crafted.

Count?

Hmm, dont remember well but I think I got it as a gift from a merchant on his way up to the capital. It was the spring of our first year married so probably

The Count tapped his temple, trying to recall the name of the merchant group, but he only managed to let out frustrated sighs, unable to articulate it.

Ugh. Anyway, it was a gift from a merchant, thats for sure. I remember there was an alchemist there too.

An alchemist?

Yes. He was trying to make gold, and produced all sorts of strange stuff whether it was a failure or intentional, I really couldnt tell. But I was told that such things are quite popular in countries beyond the Hawan Kingdom.

Iaan was struck speechless by the unexpected information.

An alchemist not once had he ever imagined that possibility. Those who sought to turn iron into gold through the study of natural principles rather than magic. Some saw them as frauds, lunatics or even heretics mimicking magicians at worst.

For a merchant to have an alchemist, how fascinating.

Probably not that unusual abroad. Isnt an alchemist like a living, breathing precious metals factory? While I havent seen any outstanding alchemists, its interesting seeing their almost-finished products. Merchants strike so many deals on the move, the inventory turnover is amazing. Dont you know?

How would I know that?

Right, of course. Those types wouldnt be visiting the brothels of Bratz, I suppose.

Count Merellof inadvertently let out an insulting remark and then flinched, realizing his mistake. Wasnt he the one requesting to delay the payment and offering collateral?

His tongue had made a real blunder.

Cough.

The Count cleared his throat and glanced at Ian, who seemed too absorbed in examining the ring to notice.

I see. A creation of an alchemist. But why was it hidden in Ians flowerpot?

The puzzle pieces were starting to fit together.

If what Philea said was true, Ian had acquired the flowerpot after running an errand for the caravan. It must have been the same group the Count mentioned.

I see. Thank you for explaining.

The ring

Ian and the Ladys gazes locked. Ian would have liked to buy it, and the Lady seemed willing to give it as a gift, if not for Count Merellofs presence.

Is this sufficient for collateral?

Of course, My Lady. I will return your valuables before tomorrows sunset if a check is sent. I hope this doesnt shake our mutual trust.

Hmph. I dont know what you take Merellof for.

If you took offense, please know that was not my intention.

Knock knock.

Count. Weve moved all the sacks.

Just then, a servant from outside, sounding nearly out of breath, informed them. There were a total of 100 sacks. Now, all that was left was to transport them back and forth several times by carriage.

Good. Go out. Dear, head to the estate first. Ian and I will wrap up here then join you.

Yes, I understand.

The Lady picked up her coat and gave Ian a slight nod. Though unintended, a sort of unspoken understanding passed between them, a shared secret. It was brief and subtle.

Lord Ian, thank you for today. Youve made an excellent choice for the boundless future of Merellof and this estate.

Not at all. It was a satisfying transaction for me as well.

Though these were seemingly normal words of parting, the Count felt an uneasy intuition. Was it because of the brief silence earlier about the ring? The Count followed his wife out, casting a wary glance at Ian.

***

Bang!

Why the hell was he making that face?

As soon as the door closed, Beric grumbled irritably. Ian just shrugged with a bewildered smile and began to gather the Ladys jewelry into a small pouch.

Besides, those arent even real gems.

Do gems matter? If theyre shiny and valuable to the public, theyre gems.

What if the Count doesnt send the check tomorrow like he said?

Stop worrying over nothing. Well be grateful if he does.

Ian chuckled and handed the pouch to Beric, implying that he should take good care of it.

Weve drawn up a contract, so if its not fulfilled, we can officially file a complaint with the royal court. Like most border counts, he hates getting entangled with the court, so hell pay up just to avoid that.

And if he doesnt pay? They could take it to court and receive not only the principal amount but also compensation. It was almost like trading Grula for more than their worth of 3,500 gold coins.

And as soon as Count Merellof and his party leave the estate, spread the news that were allowing the trade of Grula. Start with only the roasted ones.

Just the roasted kind?

Yes.

Timing and sequence were crucial.

If we sell fresh Grula now, no one will buy the roasted ones. People would rather buy and prepare them themselves. They can just buy and cook it themselves. Plus in a month when our crops sprout, no one will want to buy raw anymore.

However, if they sold roasted first, those who wanted to eat it would have no choice but to keep buying.

And a month later, when Count Merellof starts distributing Grula, selling them at a slightly lower price will provide another round of profit.

Most of all, contract or not, its obvious the Count will kick up a fuss. So we need justification lined up as a precaution.

While they agreed not to interfere with business activities, there was no telling how hed react if they flooded the market immediately after the deal. Based on his personality, it would be extremely tiring.

For now, since its just roasted Grula, its unrelated to the Counts profit, but later on

Later on?

Beric asked curiously, but Ian just smiled and shook his head, indicating he had no intention of explaining further.

Never mind.

Come on, why not tell me!

Go help with the work. We need to hurry and leave. Also, tell the estates residents that 10% of the profits from the sale of the roasted Grula will be taxed.

Okay. 10%. One in ten. I get that much now!

It was uncertain how much they would make. The additional income would depend on the selling skills of the residents. Following Ians instructions, Beric started to leave but then paused.

What about that Clark guy?

Ah, keep him for now. He has connections to the lady so he may prove useful somehow.

Can I mess with him?

At Berics comment, Ian turned his head. It seemed that Beric was unhappy about Clark idly enjoying his day in the room. Clark probably felt like he was imprisoned.

Go ahead if you want to use him. Just dont physically harm him.

Yes!

Thud, thud, thud!

What was he planning to do with that excitement?

With Ians permission, Beric quickly ran out. As Ian drew the curtain, he could see that the sorting of the Grula was nearly finished.

* * *

Lord Ian!

Yes, Hannah. Lively as ever I see.

The Merellof steward has come directly. He said he brought the payment.

Ah, I see.

With Ians permission, the steward from Merellof entered the office. His demeanor and the way he handled his gaze seemed even more refined than the Counts.

Creak.

Welcome.

Greetings to you, Lord Ian. Here is the payment for the Grula that we failed to deliver yesterday. Excluding the 1,000 gold coins already prepaid, this is a cheque guaranteeing the remaining 2,500 coins. Please verify it.

The steward placed an envelope on a silver tray at the edge of Ians desk. Ian checked the cheque paper, marked with the emblem of Hayman Bank, and then examined the Counts seal and handwritten signature.

Theres no issue.

Thats a relief.

Ill have someone bring the valuables the Lady left as collateral. Hannah, tell Beric to bring the items.

Yes, Lord Ian.

Why dont you take a seat and wait? Is there anything urgent?

No, theres nothing. I will take a seat then, thank you.

The steward sat down, somewhat flustered. He had mentioned his business before being offered tea, which could be considered impolite.

But the awkwardness of the situation was unavoidable.

Previously, the steward had sent a request for Grula trading in his own name. Ian had not responded, but upon reflection, it seemed like an act of disclosing Merellofs circumstances externally, effectively ceding the upper hand in negotiations.

If the Count ever found out about this

Your name is Simon, right?

Yes, thats correct. Im glad you remember.

The steward managed to shake off his distracting thoughts and answered.

Of course. Ive read the letter you sent several times.

Crap. His weakness has been exposed. The steward felt his heart sink but maintained an expressionless face.

Judging by your name, you dont seem to come from a lineage of stewards. Where are you from? Have you been working long?

The steward silently gauged Ians intention instead of answering. He didnt know why he was asking such things.

Its just that were in need of a steward ourselves.

I plan to serve the Merellof house until my end.

Hmm. Well, thats your decision. I was thinking more about providing tutelage.

Tutelage?

He wondered if it was a scouting attempt. Stewards were key figures in noble houses, and it wasnt uncommon for nobles to entice them away.

Of course, it would require the Counts permission, but I wanted to express our interest in advance.

I will consult with the Count.

Good. You seem capable and intelligent. Naturally I wont skimp on pay. And I could give Clark, who you worked with before, back to you. With your experience running that estate, it would help greatly.

The answer was predictable.

The Count would vehemently refuse. However, this wasnt about seeking permission from the Count; it was a message specifically for the Lady. After causing trouble, if they wanted Clark, they would have to lend their steward.

Yes, I understand. I will relay your message as is.

Knock, knock.

Lord Ian, Beric has brought the pouch.

Ah, good. Hannah, come here.

Yes?

Hanah placed the pouch on the table, and Ian introduced her to the steward with a smile.

This is Hannah.

Hello?

I see. Understood.

It seemed Hannah would be the future caretaker of this estate.

Unaware of the full context, Hannah awkwardly fidgeted with her fingers while greeting. The steward checked the valuables in the pouch and then stood up to leave.

Then, Ill take my leave.

Thank you for your efforts.

Oh, Ill see you out!

Creak!

Ian watched through the window as the steward left the mansion. He then glanced at the cheque for 2,500 gold coins on the tray and smirked.

Tap, tap!

Meanwhile, steward Simons carriage couldnt speed up and started moving slowly due to the crowded streets. He peered out of the carriage window, muttering to himself.

Why is everyone out when its so cold

Curious about what was happening.

The steward frowned, wondering if what he saw was accurate.