The Merchant Guild Caravan is highly anticipated wherever they pass, be it in a big city or even just a small village. It is said that as long as you offer something of worth they will procure it with fair prices. There is also a chance to exchange with the commodities they have with them as long as they are of equal value. It must be noted that the Merchant Guild have lots of fantastical and valuable merchandise that were acquired from all over the country and its neighbours. Sometimes, even those from other continents appear within their trade.
The Guild started off as an alliance of local merchants which eventually evolved into the giant that it is today. The power structure of the Guild resembled roughly that of the modern conglomerates on Earth except its president is determined through abilities and not of influence. This is saying a lot since most of those in position are old foxes and cunning businessmen. This made Chalice even more appreciative of the Merchant King, Juliann Ross. To be fair, his title was well-deserved.
'Ah, he would really be a worthy business partner. It would be such a loss. But Levi comes first. It was a good thing I had a contingency plan.'
Chalice could handle everything and put up the auction house herself with the Amaranth House's personal funds. She was very much capable of doing so. It won't even make so much of a dent on the amount of riches that their family have accumulated throughout the years. However, that would trounce her aim of disconnecting the jade vein from their duchy. Hence, she didn't want to consider that option as much as possible.
There was also the choice of letting the Keyne Stronghold handle it. Except, the Keyne Stronghold was still under the Amaranth territory, people would still associate their dealings with them. Compared to handling it herself, this was much preferable nevertheless. It was less effective and riskier but at least it will push the project through.
'Still, collaboration with the Merchant Guild is the best and most efficient.'
Chalice sighed and returned her sight at the documents scattered about on the table. She was reading up on the information regarding the Merchant Guild once more and was trying to look for other alternatives to exploit. But with the uncertainty of Levi's case, none came up.
'It seems I need to somehow coerce that midget to fess up or else things will not advance. It's a good thing that Luke is still collecting news about the route of the Merchant King's caravan. I still have time to clarify the situation.'
She comforted herself with this and went back to perusing the other documents that needed her attention. Chalice has just settled her thoughts down when the familiar soft knocks on door sounded out.
"Come in, Luke." She permitted. Chalice peered at him inquisitively.
Luke cleared his throat and gazed at her straight, his piercing icy blue eyes seemed foreboding. She couldn't help but straighten up. This was something she had noticed lately, whenever Luke was about to disclose something serious, dire, or ominous he always seem to have this expression. Chalice felt wary.
"What is it?" With this in mind, she voiced out her question with a tinge of apprehension.
Luke heaved a sigh and started. "I have news regarding the route of the Merchant King's caravan.
"And? What of it?" Chalice immediately followed up.
"The caravan will be passing the estate at noon tomorrow, my Lady. Their route this time is around our Amaranth territory." Luke pinched his nose as he finished. They haven't dealt with the matter with Levi yet. Without accomplishing that they couldn't just hastily approach the Merchant King. The opportune time arrived too quickly for them.
"What?! Tomorrow?! Already?! Bu-but I haven't talked to Levi. Argh! What sort of joke is this?" Chalice exclaimed. She held her head in her palms in frustration. She almost wanted to pull on her hair but it was in an elaborate braid courtesy of her personal hairstylist which was by the way the man standing in front of her bearing such bad news.
"What are your plans, my Lady?" Luke, ever so helpful, inquired despite seeing her predicament. Well, Chalice couldn't blame him. This was one of Luke's admirable traits. He never let his emotions get ahead of himself and was able to be calm during such circumstances. Being so forthright, Chalice felt herself calming down.
She shook her head helplessly. "I honestly don't know, Luke. I'll try to come up with a decision tomorrow morning. What is bound to happen will happen."
Chalice dismissed Luke right after. She wanted to be left alone with her thoughts. In truth, she could just go ahead and strike up the deal with the Merchant Guild. Levi can't do anything about it anyway, even if he felt against it. After all, it brought the most benefits and convenience to her and the fief aside from the fact that she was his master.
But she didn't want to be that kind of person. Chalice didn't want to be that kind of Lord. Hence, her current struggle.
---
Luke was irritated. He had only feigned his calmness and rationality a while ago. He could see Chalice's frustration and Luke preferred not add to it. But Levi irritated him quite so. After the scenario at the study, Levi hadn't shown himself for a few days now. The man had hidden himself and left the lot of them, especially the lady, at such a loss. If it didn't concern his well-being, Chalice would not be hesitating with their arrangement. And now, the central character to it all was being a wuss.
He marched to the direction of Levi's quarters with severe strides. Anyone who puts a frown on his Chalice's exquisite countenance needs to be held responsible for it. It must be said that Luke may be a little severe with Chalice at times, especially on the aspects of her training as a fief lord. Nonetheless, this man was actually very protective of her. So much so that even a single fly that displeases her must vanish from this world.
A loud bang echoed within Levi's room followed by a resounding thud. A frowning Levi was about to unleash his sharp tongue on the intruder when he saw a terrifying Luke peering down on him like an ant. His darkened face seems to influence the surroundings which made Levi shiver unconsciously.
"Are you a rat?" As if hailing from a thousand-year old iceberg, Luke's taut voice questioned.