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Chapter 35 - The Price of Profit

Baron Ciaphas was spending his evening in the study, poring over the books his sister had sent him. He had been reading about the runes that powerful nobles used to boost their strength. As he read, he couldn't help but ponder the information. His rune, which he had on his chest, had been there since he could remember, but he still didn't know how he had acquired it or what it did exactly.

Just as he was lost in thought, Nathan, his trusted butler, informed him of a new trader who had arrived in the village. A woman, no less, and one who was selling goods that the common folk could not resist. The Baron was intrigued, but also suspicious. What was her motive in coming to their poor barony?

When they reached the village square, they saw the trader's stall, full of colourful fabrics, spices, and other exotic goods. The woman, a tall and elegant figure with curly black hair, looked up as they approached. Her eyes sparkled with a cunning gleam, and Ciaphas couldn't help but wonder what was going on in her mind.

"Good day, Baron," the trader said in a sweet, cheery voice. "My name is Althea. I've come from a faraway land to bring these wonderful goods to your people."

Ciaphas looked her up and down, assessing her. He couldn't help but notice the expensive jewellery she wore, and he wondered how she had managed to acquire it. "What is it that you want, Althea?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

The trader smiled, but her eyes remained sharp. "I want to do business with you, Baron. I see an opportunity here, in your poor barony, to make some money. And I believe we can both benefit from this."

Ciaphas raised an eyebrow. "How do you propose we do that?"

"I can sell your crops in other lands, where they will fetch a better price," Althea said, her voice dripping with confidence. "And in return, I would like to have exclusive rights to do business in your barony."

The Baron narrowed his eyes. "Exclusive rights? That sounds like a monopoly to me."

The trader shrugged. "Call it what you will, Baron. I see a chance to make some money, and I believe you do too."

Ciaphas was about to argue, but then he thought about it. Perhaps Althea was right. Maybe they could make more money by selling their crops in other lands, and having a trader with exclusive rights could bring in more business. He decided to strike a deal with her, but not before asking for one more thing.

"Althea, do you know of any skilled woodworkers or builders who would be willing to move here? We could use some help with our infrastructure."

The trader smiled. "I know just the people, Baron. And I'll make sure they come to you first, before anyone else."

As they parted ways, Ciaphas couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He wasn't sure if he could trust Althea, but he knew that they needed her. And as he walked back to his study, he couldn't help but think about the rune on his chest and wonder what it all meant.

Nathan nodded in agreement as Ciaphas ordered him to keep a watchful eye on Althea, hoping to uncover her true intentions. He followed her quietly, staying hidden behind buildings and trees, as she made her way towards the housing complex of the village. She seemed to be interested in the area where the fire had erupted a few months ago, and Nathan noticed that she was talking to some of the people who had witnessed Eric's death.

Curious, Nathan moved closer, trying to hear what they were saying. Althea seemed to be asking questions about Ciaphas and his trips to the forest, and the villagers were eager to share their stories with her. Nathan could see that she was making mental notes, and he realized that she was snooping around the village, gathering intel.

Feeling uneasy, Nathan decided to report back to Ciaphas. He hurried back to the manor, where he found Ciaphas waiting for him.

"What did you find out?" Ciaphas asked, his voice filled with suspicion.

Nathan took a deep breath before speaking. "She was asking around about you, my lord," he said. "She wanted to know about your trips to the forest and your injuries."

Ciaphas furrowed his brow. "That's odd," he said. "What else did you see?"

Nathan hesitated for a moment before continuing. "She's been snooping around the village, my lord," he said. "She seems to be gathering intel."

Ciaphas nodded thoughtfully. "I see," he said. "We need to keep a close eye on her. See if you can find out more about her background and where she's from."

Nathan nodded, and Ciaphas dismissed him. As Nathan left the room, he could feel Ciaphas's suspicion weighing heavily on him. He knew that they needed to be careful, and he was determined to uncover the truth about Althea's motives.