"The lands of your fief?" Libitina raised her eyebrow and slowly stirred her tea. "What are you barking about?"
Christopher took a deep breath before flooding the room with words that were unexpectedly coherent despite his state of nervous palpitation.
As Libitina listened, the interest in her eyes grew as she re-evaluated the boy with new eyes.
"Recently, due to a sudden increase in rainfall in the past few years, the fields owned by the Shantires have been suffering from a fall in crop output. Some…were destroyed by sudden landslides; others were consumed by neighbouring streams. Besides, the crops we produce are also not as large or as delicious as the other fiefs, leading to a fall in prices. The constant welfare help provided by the governing offices have slowly drained our finances.
"We tried to focus on another industry, but so far our business investments have only ended in failure. As a small Baron, my father has also been unable to receive support from the other nobles. Our people are facing unemployment and probably starvation soon...
"I know that as a Baron House, we are unqualified to seek help from high personages such as Lady Merveille, but I came here with a desperate hope that you would be able to save us! My childhood friend Samantha Josephian has told me of your feats, and our Shantire house would be eternally grateful for your help. We will swear to the Merveille our political and financial loyalty as a House, even though what we have may be too measly to gain your attention…"
Here, Christopher closed his eyes in pain.
On the other hand, Libitina laid back into her chair and thought with interest.
Shantire House, a Baron Ranked House.
This was the opportunity that Sperenza and Samantha had brought to her. While the Baron or Baronness Rank was the lowest aristocrat level in the nobility hierarchy, Libitina knew that the Shantires owned one of the hilliest lands amongst Clomodorians. Lack of funds meant they were not able to level the hills for development. As a result, although they owned a lot of land, most of the lands were not used for crop cultivation and they relied on a very small area of land for their income.
Even worse, the current head of house was not a very good businessman. Compounding the recent changes in climate, the Shantires' deep debts would only increase. Was it worthwhile to invest in such an impoverished estate?
'However,' Libitina thought offhandedly, 'He sure is lucky, to come to me at the right time.' Libitina had heard from Ellie that the Shantire head was a good man who cared for his people, and in return was deeply respected by them. This means that he has great support in his fief, even though the Shantire's future is uncertain if left alone.
'If he helped to advertise for Zephyr, maybe my company would be able to rub off on his image to become more relatable to the people,' Libitina pondered. 'And with my investment into the fief, the success of Shantire House would also demonstrate how Zephyr's magical tools can turn a downtrodden estate into a flourishing one. And I can negotiate to get a piece of the pie…'
Besides, the Shantire fief was located in the middle of West Clomodor, the centre of many smaller lower-ranked fiefs and neighour to Grayson fief. It was the perfect location for Libitina's plan.
And would the Shantire House say no to a plan that can tie their fates to Zephyr's foreseeable success? Not a chance, unless they were dumb. And the affiliates of the Merveille House cannot be dumb.
Libitina glanced at Sydney in schadenfreude. The Second Prince faintly nodded. But there was still one thing she needed to confirm.
"Christopher Shantire," Libitina pronounced his name slowly. "I can help you. But I need something some answers."