Chapter 124   – Teach a Lesson (2)

“It’s nothing!” said Amethyst with a light laugh, “I also prepared some alcohol since I know very well that some of you might prefer it to tea. But in case you need anything, please tell Pon. I have instructed him accordingly. I hope you enjoy this little treat.”

“Hahaha,” laughed baron Hours, “Some of us certainly prefer alcohol to tea. Thank you so much.”

Amethyst flashed them all a happy smile. “Then I will leave you to your business,” she said, “And take my leave. Goodnight to you all.” She bowed and turned to leave.

“Please, wait, Lady Skad,” came Baron Piamon’s voice, “We can’t just let you leave after all you have done for us! Please join us!”

Amethyst was betting on this. She knew that there would always be a person who can’t receive something without expressing their thanks and wanting the giver to join in.

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly,” said Amethyst, “I am sure you have important things to discuss. I wouldn’t want to disturb.”

“Absolutely not,” said Baron Piamon, “You would not be disturbing us at all. Your presence is always welcome. Besides we weren’t discussing anything heavy in particular. We were just talking about light topics.” Amethyst began to back away.“Says a person who keeps shouting and spitting while discussing ‘light topics’,” murmured count Glacia.

Amethyst ignored it. Baron Piamon only laughed. “Then we can start talking about something light,” he suggested, “Don’t you agree, Count Renove?”

“Absolutely!” said count Renove, “Discussing the same drab things day in and day out has been giving me a splitting headache.”

Count Glacia leaned back in her chair and looked at Alexcent. Everyone looked at Alexcent, as though seeking his permission. Amethyst looked at him as well. She couldn’t tell what he was thinking. He looked at her, but it also seemed as though he was very far away. He looked angry but he looked like that every day. So, she couldn’t really tell.

At the sight of him, she felt anxious. His indifference was making her embarrassed and nervous. “Please come and join us,” said Baron Piamon. As though he sensed that the duke was unwilling, he offered Amethyst his seat opposite the duke. “You can sit here.”

“Thank you so much, Baron Piamon,” said Amethyst.

“It’s nothing at all,” he said.

Amethyst felt that things were going as expected. She glanced at Alexcent but he still seemed very disinterested. At his reaction of cold indifference, her heart crippled.

“So, what were you talking about?” asked Amethyst to keep the conversation going, “It seemed like Baron Piamon was facing a problem.”

“Ah, it’s because of the aristocrats.”

“Aristocrats? What about them?” Amethyst only knew that the Skad family was pro-emperor.

“Well we have a river that runs between the mansion and another aristocrat’s residence. And there’s been a lot of fighting with Count Fendens because of it these days.”“A fight? Is it bad?”

“It’s not as bad as a war…but if you see the map here from our estate to the city, to send the goods we must cross this bridge. But to cross the bridge, you need to pay a toll charge to Count Fendens.”

“A toll charge? But who built the bridge?” asked Amethyst.

“We did, of course. Because we needed it.”

“Then you can charge the fee as well, can’t you?” asked Amethyst, “After all, you built the bridge with your money.”

“Well…”

“Lady Skad, Count Fendens has far more supplies being sent to the city as compared to the baron. They can’t be compared. So, there is no point even if the baron was to charge a fee,” said count Glacia in a tone that suggested she was explaining it as though to a child.

Amethyst studied the map carefully. “What about crossing over the mountain?”

“The size of the supplies is of a substantial size,” explained Baron Houres kindly, “Apart from that, there are bandits in the mountains, and that poses a problem.”

Amethyst studied the map again. There was a huge river, and a bridge between Baron Piamon and Count Fendens. Baron Piamon’s estate was surrounded by mountain ranges except for the river, so there seemed to be no way to the city unless they passed Count Fendens’ estate to send their supplies to the city or took to the mountains.

Even if they were to build another bridge, it would be on Count Fendens’ territory. Even if they were to use ships, they would have to pass count Fendens’ territory. She could understand why baron Piamon was frustrated. Amethyst didn’t have any suggestions that could be helpful.

“That’s why Baron Piamon is pestering the Duke to help with Count Fendens,” said count Glacia.

“Pestering! Count Glacia, you are so cold!” said Baron Piamon, “I lose at least half of the profit to the toll charge. This is tyranny!”

Count Glacia simply shrugged. Then she looked at Amethyst and asked. “What about you Lady Skad?” she asked, “what do you think?”

“Sorry?” Amethyst blinked.

“On what baron Piamon just shared,” said count Glacia, “maybe you could also share your views regarding it. You might have a better idea for it.”