(Duke Matheo's Study Room)
There was a serious, businesslike tone in Duke Matheo's study. The area was filled with ornate furniture made of dark wood, bookshelves with valuable documents, and other items.
Duke Matheo sat at his massive desk, studying numerous files and documents with a frown of concentration. Joseph, his secretary, was waiting for him to give the order.
Duke Matheo in a forceful and commanding voice, "Joseph, I need you to gather all the pertinent information regarding the recent developments in our family business,"
Joseph nodded and moved swiftly to follow his instructions, his years of service to the Ruthven family showing in his competent manner.
Duke Matheo's thoughts remained fixed on the task at hand as he worked harder, wanting to make sure his family's attempts would always succeed and find a solution to any problems that could come up.
"Your Grace, there have been some concerning incidents involving one of the merchants we have business dealings with," Joseph said, clearing his mouth before continuing.
Duke Matheo leaned forward, his expression alert, his curiosity peaked. "Go on, Joseph. What kind of incidents are we talking about?"
Joseph continued by summarizing the events and describing how the merchant had been acting strangely and not keeping up with their end of the bargain. He also brought up reports of possible disputes with other company partners and financial concerns.
Duke Matheo listened carefully, his thoughts beginning to organize a course of action. "Thank you, Joseph. I want you to gather all the relevant documents and prepare a detailed report on this matter. We need to address these issues promptly and decisively."
"Furthermore, Your Grace," said Joseph, "there have been reports of the merchant's convoy being attacked by monsters while traveling through the forest."
At this new revelation, Duke Matheo's brow furrowed in alarm. "Monsters, you say? What kind of monsters are we talking about?"
"The reports are somewhat unclear, Your Grace. Some witnesses described them as large, wolf-like creatures with unnatural strength and ferocity," Joseph said after pausing for a time.
As Duke Matheo realized how serious the situation was, his countenance became more set. "I see. We cannot allow such threats to our business operations to go unchecked. Prepare a team of skilled hunters and guards to investigate the matter and ensure the safety of our merchants and their shipments."
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Joseph nodded. "Right away, Your Grace. I will see to it personally."
Duke Matheo nodded decisively, sending Joseph on his way, his mind already buzzing with strategies to deal with the merchant's unpredictable ways as well as the approaching danger of the forest's creatures.
Duke Matheo gave a clear and determined order, saying, "Joseph, before you leave, please summon Lieutenant Leon to my study. I need to discuss this matter with him as well."
Joseph nodded quickly and said, "Of course, Your Grace," before turning to carry out the Duke's instructions. Being aware that this was an urgent situation that needed to be attended to immediately, he rushed off to locate Lieutenant Leon.
As Lady Emilia passed by Duke Matheo's study, she couldn't help but notice the look of concentration on his face as he pored over documents and discussed matters with Joseph. She hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to interrupt him, but then decided to approach him.
"Duke Matheo," she said softly, announcing her presence in the room.
Duke Matheo glanced up from his work, a warm smile spreading across his face at the sight of Lady Emilia. "Ah, Lady Emilia," he greeted her warmly. "Please, come in. Is there something you need?"
Lady Emilia hesitated for a moment before responding, "I just wanted to see how you were doing. You seem quite busy."
Duke Matheo acknowledged her observation with a nod. "Yes, there's much to attend to, especially with the recent incidents involving the merchants. But I appreciate your concern."
With a sympathetic nod, Lady Emilia's eyes strayed to the papers lying on Duke Matheo's desk. Eager to help in any way she could, she asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Her proposition caused Duke Matheo's smile to grow. "Thank you, Lady Emilia, but I believe I have everything under control for now. Your presence here is more than enough to lift my spirits."
Lady Emilia smiled back at him, a wave of comfort and warmth passing over her. She felt confident that Duke Matheo would take whatever action was required to bring about a resolution because he was a capable leader.
A knock on the door cut off Lady Emilia and Duke Matheo's conversation. Lieutenant Leon and Joseph, Duke Matheo's secretary, trailed into the room.
Lieutenant Leon had a strong, authoritative demeanor as he stood erect and commanded.
He made a powerful impression with his well-polished armor that was decorated with detailed engravings, and his powerful build spoke to his strength as a fighter.
His eyes were sharp and seemed to be filled with a ferocious purpose. His face was sharp and sculpted.
"I apologize for disturbing you, Your Grace," Lieutenant Leon nodded politely to Duke Matheo. "I've come to report on the recent incidents involving the merchants."
Duke Matheo gestured for Lieutenant Leon to continue with his report by nodding.
Lady Emilia listened carefully as the lieutenant, in a somber and serious tone, described the events that had taken place.
"As you know, Your Grace, there have been several attacks on merchants traveling through our territory," Lieutenant Leon started. "The perpetrators appear to be some form of wild creatures, though their exact nature is still unknown.
Several merchants have been injured, and goods stolen from their caravans."
With a concerned expression on his face, Duke Matheo listened intently and took in the information. He said, "This is troubling news indeed." "We must take immediate action to ensure the safety of our merchants and our people."
After giving this some thought, Duke Matheo turned to Lady Emilia. "Lady Emilia, I apologize for the abruptness of this discussion, but I must attend to this matter immediately," he remarked in a serious voice. "Please excuse me."
Lady Emilia gave a sympathetic nod, her expression expressing concern for the state of affairs. "Duke Matheo, of course," she answered. "Please do what you must to ensure the safety of our people."