The Three Neighboring Territories (2)
“What if we don’t visit all three territories at once, but space them out—one every three months? That should be manageable,” Kelly suggested. Olmati nodded and added his own thought.
“We could also borrow from a wealthy house. Or dip into the coffers of Langdal, our vassal territory. If we simply demand the money, what can they possibly do? Hehe.”
“That’s exactly what bandits would do,” Unia burst out laughing at Olmati’s proposal.
“B-bandits? We would merely be exercising our rightful authority as lords of Langdal. They are obligated to provide us with funds and soldiers. Ah, how about this instead?” Olmati quickly continued, as if struck by inspiration. “We could borrow from the mistress of the Avignon Leche Merchantry. She seems to hold our lord in considerable favor. If we explain the situation properly, she might lend us the money willingly.”
“That would only put our lord in an awkward position,” Marcus said, exhaling a stream of smoke. I nodded in agreement.
“I have no desire to owe Madame Marte unnecessary debts.”
I turned to Kelly. “We still have enough to cover the salaries of our retainers and soldiers, don’t we?”
Though we had once spoken formally, since becoming lord I maintained strict hierarchy. Not long ago she had asked me to address her informally.
“Fortunately, we are not in deficit. The treasury is simply very low. In time, taxes from the people will replenish it steadily—provided no major events like a tour or war arise before then.”
“Understood.” I nodded, then looked around at everyone. “Attempting the tour now would be no different from indulging in a luxury we cannot afford. We will postpone it for a year and focus solely on stabilizing the territory for the time being.”
“The neighboring lords may take offense and claim we are being discourteous,” Olmati said, his expression troubled. “If you truly refuse to borrow, perhaps we should at least show some gesture of goodwill—gifts, for instance.”
“Hmm…” I thought for a moment. “We will send envoys to the three territories. They can explain our circumstances to each lord and appeal to their generosity.”
“I agree!” Unia chimed in cheerfully.
“That sounds wise.”
“Best do as the lord decides,” Marcus said, and Pasvachio nodded as well. Kelly let out a sigh of relief, clearly glad we would not be spending money we did not have.
I turned to Olmati. “There’s no need for me to go personally, is there? Envoys should suffice.”
“A reasonable approach. Of course, it depends on the envoys themselves. Above all, we need someone with the eloquence to win over the opposing lords. Hehe.”
“Who should we send…?”
“For envoys, it would be best to choose those closest to Your Lordship and holding high positions. Sending the true powers of our territory will ensure the other side treats them with respect rather than offense.”
After a brief deliberation, I spoke. “Then we have no choice but to use the people in this room. Marcus, Pasvachio, and Unia are the only options.”
“I would be fine with that,” Olmati said with a slight smile. “But you must remain here to assist me. There is much I still need to teach you. Kelly must manage the territory’s finances.”
I looked at Marcus, Pasvachio, and Unia in turn. “What do the three of you think? Will you go as envoys?”
“As long as the escort is reliable, I have no objection,” Marcus accepted. Pasvachio and Unia followed suit, both looking pleased.
“It would be an honor to represent our territory.”
“Sounds exciting. Since we’re envoys, they’ll treat us like nobles, right? Maybe they’ll even send a handsome man to my room at night?”
“How vulgar!” Olmati snapped, rising from his seat in anger. “If you go with such thoughts in mind, it will be dangerous! Remember that an envoy is the face of our territory!”
“I was only joking. Who said I was serious?” Unia replied with a sly grin, leaving Olmati unable to stay angry.
“Olmati, decide who goes where. I don’t know the personalities of the three lords well enough. You must have heard rumors. Assign people whose temperaments seem compatible to the appropriate territories.”
“Thank you, my lord.” Olmati’s earlier irritation vanished instantly, replaced by a beaming smile. He looked delighted to be entrusted with such an important task.
“First is Cluiston. Lord Cain, who rules there, is rumored to be a half-mad libertine with incompetent governance. We will send Lady Unia.”
“What?” Unia laughed in disbelief. I frowned and objected.
“Sending a woman to a place like that is dangerous.”
“Rest assured, my lord. The true power in Cluiston lies with Lord Cain’s younger brother, a man named Eidan. He is known for being cool-headed, courteous, and intelligent. He would never commit any discourtesy toward our envoy.”
“A regent?”
“Lord Cain spends his days drowning in drink and women, neglecting his duties. Rumor has it that Eidan handles all affairs of the territory in his stead. The two brothers are said to be complete opposites—one a madman, the other a true lord.”
“Still…” Even so, sending Unia there felt risky. “We’ll send Pasvachio to Cluiston instead of Unia.”
“If that is your wish…”
“No, I’ll go,” Unia said, cracking her neck with a sharp sound. “A madman should be dealt with by a madwoman. If Pasvachio goes, he’ll just end up in pointless power struggles. A single flower in a barren place can soften the atmosphere, and I’m the one who knows how to handle men. That’s why you recommended me, isn’t it?”
When I looked at Olmati, he smiled faintly and nodded.
“With Lady Unia’s beauty, she will easily win their favor. At the very least, they won’t turn aggressive. They will treat her with kindness. However, do not stay too long.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Unia turned to me. “And you, my lord, remember this as well. I am not some delicate woman who needs protection. After years as a mercenary, do you still see me as a weak woman? That’s an insult to me. Don’t tell me what a woman can or cannot do. If you truly care for me, don’t embarrass me in front of others—give me the same orders as anyone else.”
“Goodness, I seem to have made a grave mistake with our territory’s greatest heroine.” I smiled. “Very well. Cluiston will be Unia’s assignment.”
“Leave it to me.” She clenched her fist and winked at me. “If I do a good job, give me a reward. A very sticky one.”
“I’ll give you anything except a night with the lord.”
“Tch.”
I looked back at Olmati. “Cluiston is settled. Now, tell us the next.”
“Next is Metis. Lord Loweldriger of Metis recently married Libilla, the daughter of Lord Usheril of Herrera.”
“So Metis and Herrera are now one family.”
“Indeed. There were also rumors that Lady Chetley, the former lord’s wife and the current lord’s mother, strongly opposed her son’s marriage. Nevertheless, Lord Loweldriger and Lady Libilla were wed without issue. Whether the rumors were true or false, I cannot say.”
That aside… “So, who do you think is suitable for Metis?”
“To make it easier to understand, let me first speak of Herrera. Lord Usheril of Herrera, Lady Libilla’s father, is advanced in age. Therefore, someone of similar age like Sir Marcus would be most appropriate, which naturally means Sir Pasvachio should go to Metis.”
“I don’t mind going anywhere. I’ll take Metis,” Pasvachio agreed. Marcus nodded as well.
The three chosen envoys had no objections. Thus, Unia would go to Cluiston, Pasvachio to Metis, and Marcus to Herrera. It was decided they would depart in two days, carrying my personal letters and gifts of local specialties. With that, the meeting concluded.
“I suppose I should get back to work.”
The others left to prepare for their envoy duties while I exited the meeting room and headed for my office. As I walked the outdoor corridor with my guard, Mateus, I noticed Princess Irene sitting at a table in the sunlit garden, playing with Unia and Pasvachio’s daughter, Peggy. Her escort knight, Ristein, stood nearby.
“This is the first time I’ve seen her playing outside.”
It was the first time I had seen Princess Irene laughing brightly while playing with children, so I unconsciously stopped and watched with a warm expression.
“I thought she only wore a gloomy face, but she is capable of such expressions as well.”
A voice suddenly spoke behind me. I turned to find Olmati standing there.
“You haven’t gone to work yet?”
“I was merely passing by. The princess seems to be enjoying herself quite a bit. Hehe.” Olmati stepped closer and whispered, “Why do you leave her as she is?”
“What would you have me do if I don’t leave her be?”
“You must get her with child.”
At those sudden words, I could only stare at Olmati in stunned silence.