Kent looked at the old captain with wild eyes, though he was not as surprised as Giselle thought he would. "And what do you have in mind?"
Giselle walked closer to the lord, "You know very well that the Hincks has descended into war. But a little bird told me they are not united in their cause."
The Lord took in a breath, before speaking, "Though chaos often presents opportunities, would the risks be worth the cost?"
"Without a second thought."
"Then explain. My ears are open."
Giselle stood in front of the lord, placing both hands in the shape of a fist on each of her hips. "The Hinck, although strong in the military, lacks foundational strength. Wars are expensive, and taxes have become unbearable. Times of hardships tend to motivate people to do things they otherwise wouldn't have done."
The Lord nodded his head, "I thought that people would be so terrified of Hincks, they would blindly follow them?"
"How can you expect people to blindly follow others?"
The lord stood silent, regarding Giselle, as she spoke.
"Those that wished to keep the borders between Tetbury and Hinck stable have taken extreme measures." Giselle said, referring to the peacekeepers from the Hinck.
The lord smiled, "Ah, a reference to the recent acts of violence in Basalsea, but even so, peace had existed between the two kingdoms for the last few decades."
Giselle returned the smile. "Ascending taxes and decrees, I'm sure you have heard that. And what I heard, is that the villagers were taking a stronger position in their opinions towards Tetbury. As a result of the resulting violence, several had to flee from their homes."
But the lord quickly dropped his benevolent act, critically questioning Giselle's motives. "But why would this cause Tetbury to act? And why would that cause the poor and weak to take greater measures to find protection in Tetbury?"
Giselle waved her hand in the air, replying in a confident tone. "For all its complexities, the truth of the matter is that Tetbury will continue to grow and prosper, to its current monetary size and prosperity, if a certain kind of trade keeps the place afloat. There is no reason not to provide a certain amount of 'protection' to those that could become the backbone of a healthy economy."
Kent slowly stood up, pointing one finger at Giselle as he walked toward her. "I have heard stories of what that place had become. I will not make war on it, but I will not allow anyone to throw my Hestanar into the void."
Giselle nodded. "I understand your position, and I don't want any unnecessary loss of life. I want to avoid that in the future, if at all possible."
"But, those men are seeking refuge afar, for a fair return." the captain replied, pinching her fingers as a gesture. "The tariffs imposed on trade are higher than any other kingdom."
"They would rather lose their lives than make those kinds of economic transactions?" The lord felt complicated.
The merchant nodded, "I am almost certain. I want to offer them what I can to free them."
"What is the cost?" Kent asked cautious of the prize he must pay for a fair return.
The merchant looked down. "2 months of salary. My ship would set sail for them in less than two weeks. Then, they would have to return after a fortnight to Hestanar, to make sure that they would pay you back."
Kent stared at Giselle for a moment, before his face displayed a look of defeat, "I'll give it the green light, on the condition that you move them out of Basalsea and they will work in Hestanar, I could use some spare hands."
"Deal." the merchant replied, standing up from the table. Her joy evident from the wild grin across her wrinkly face. "My crew will begin to prepare for departure immediately."
The Lord turned to Giselle, "You do understand how difficult the city of Basalsea can be, right?"
"That is why I asked." Giselle smiled, resolute in her goals.
The lord smiled back, "If this works out, you are welcome to stay here."
Giselle looked at Kent, "My loyalty is all I can offer. You do understand?"
The lord smiled softly, "I have heard of your ... unique circumstances. But one would always say to never judge a book by its cover."
The lord stepped away from the table.
"No problems here, on either end," Kent said, getting up.
The merchant, in turn, stood up from the table, "I hope we can work out all of the details of the plan within the next week. I have already exchanged information, and I am ready to move forward."
Giselle shook the lord's hand, "I am grateful that you trust me. As I said, we will make this a success, in no time."
"Thank you." The Merchant shook the hands of the lord.
They are both the lord's chamber. As Kent continued escorting the merchant to the castle exit, where he saluted Giselle. The man saluted back, before walking back into the castle.
Giselle went outside and headed towards The Fair Lady.
***
The lord stood within his library, in front of a map. He marked it with a large red dot as he pinned down another location.
Though he couldn't concentrate as his mind kept drifting on the thoughts of smuggling, the possibility of the dark dealings, and the hidden powers of the night.
He sneered. Even during his second life could he not escape the lure of under dealings. For a moment, the lord thought he saw his hands dripped a liquor of crimson colour.
He closed his eyes. "Focus," he muttered.
When his eyes opened again. The Lord turned his head to the side, to see who had entered his chamber.
A small figure wearing a long black cloak was quietly stepping over the floor of the room. His legs were bare, and his robe looked slightly tattered. He had a small cane in his hand. The tip of the cane was burnt black. A man in his early fifties.
The lord's head started to buzz, and he looked back at the map. He got up from his chair and approached the figure. The stranger looked at him and bowed his head slightly.
"Lord Alfhard, Leowe of Witford sends his regards." the stranger said.
"I'm sorry?" the lord asked, confused.
"My commander has indicated that he is still owed, and has commissioned me to collect it." the figure bowed.
The lord went to his robe and pulled out a small bag, the unmistakable sounds of coins jingling were heard by the stranger. He quickly closed the door, before proceeding towards his figure.
The figure opened the bag and took a handful of silver coins from within it. He then looked up at the lord, "Your debts are settled." he said, before disappearing around the corner.
"Well," the lord said to himself, "That was easier than expected."
After a while, the lord put the coin pouch back in his pocket. He sat back in his chair, staring at the map he had pinned to the wall. He started tapping his fingers on his legs.
Once again lost in his sea of thoughts, the lord's eyes closed as he drifted his mind away from his job. It was a practice he regularly does, a sort of coping method he has developed in his younger days. Though there wasn't much use for these mindful activities in his new life, it was an exercise that has long become part of his routine.
Closing his eyes, he heard a knock on the door.
"Enter," he said, not opening his eyes.
When he heard the door open, the lord turned around and greeted the fine gentlemen that had entered, though he was much more relaxed compared to his earlier guests.
Though the lord could immediately tell his butler is in his usual state of mind. Perhaps it was the pinched eyebrows or the clenched teeth. Whatever it was, Sebastian does not seem to enjoy his mood.
In the butler's hand, a single scroll was dangling in his hand.
"A Message?" the lord asked.
"Yes sir, one with the chancellor's seal." the butler said, eyes darkened and tone deepened.
Sebastian handed the lord the scroll. Kent quickly started scanning through it. The lord's eyes lit up. "You read this?"
"Yes, milord."
"And do you understand it?" the lord asked.
Sebastian nodded, before turning around. "How should we reply? This came at the worst of times."
"As you said, this is delivered at the worst of times." the lord took a deep breath, and read on. Crossing his arms and eyes squinting as he continued down the message.
"Curses!" the lord said after he had finished it.
"Sir?" Sebastian asked.
The lord smacked down on the table, never had he seen such absurdity, such selfishness in times where all are struggling.
"Butter me toast." Kent voiced in a frustrated mood, "That message would have been better read at lunch."
The lord rubbed his face with both hands. He put the message aside as he is hesitant to read its content once more. He looked at the sun, which is almost midday, destiny is having a laugh at Kent.
.
Sebastian started reading the message in his mind:
.
.
==============================
Dear Lord Alfhard,
.
We are made aware of your most recent family tragedy and are deeply worried about the situation. As well as applauding your efforts, we feel this whole situation is simply too much to handle.
So, as a show of our support, we want to invite you to an important event.
A renowned healer, Isabelle Lenard, is coming to Kirmingford, and she will be going to the citadel. She will be there, examining the situation and attempting to calm the common.
The Citadel will also be hosting a special event in honour of the lady. A strong-willed, prosperous city like Kirmingford needs as many people as possible to attend this event.
We are willing to help at every level we can, including supplying you with the necessary funds you might need to travel.
.
Shall fate align us,
Chancellor of Sloth.
==============================