The day of the meeting with the viscounts had finally come, four carriags lined up in front of the main entrance and inside where the viscounts, one to each carriage.
I watched from my window, as they clasped hands in handshake, smiling at each other, the thought of one of them being the root of our problems couldn't escape my mind.
A fifth carriage soon rolled in, this one a lot more fancy and with two attendants standing at the entrance as it arrived.
It was a representative from the trade union located besides the riverine kingdom, Grishar.
"What do you think she's here for?" I asked Frederick who had entered my room, walking straight towards me.
He stopped by the window and peered outside, scanning the carriages for the singular abstract individual among the crowd.
"Father must have called for aid since the trade union had records of goods bought across the kingdoms." He deduced, walking back towards the door, before stopping to deliver his message.
"Get dressed, father is waiting in the conference room" He ended, walking away.
I was shocked at how calmly he had deduced an answer, but impressive was all it was, correct however, that it wasn't.
I had sent a letter by dove to the trade union labeling it as an anonymous sender, offering them information about a chance to bring the Brithuel household into their debt by assisting with the situation.
They then reached out to the patriarch to join the meeting under the guise of sharing credit records of trade done in the previous months.
My attire had already been prepped by Natasha the previous day, making it easier for me to prepare.
'That reminds me, where is Natasha' I wondered, shocked that I hadn't seen her the entire day.
I walked out of the room, shutting the door behind me as I moved towards the dinning room first to grab a bite.
Breakfast was brown honey bread and bean stew, steam cooked to just the perfect softness.
'Thumbs up to the cooks!'
Tea was also served alongside and the rich flavor filled the dinning hall as we ate.
It was barely sunrise so most members were absent, leaving just me, Jade and the twins.
Every since our clash, Jade had been avoiding me and even as we sat directly opposite one another, he didn't even stare at me once.
It felt freeing to know he had stopped interfering with me, but also discomforting that he did it right after our argument.
After breakfast, the conference room had been cleared and majority of the attendants were already present, whispering to one another before I stepped in.
They immediately stopped, turning to check who had walked in and continued soon afterwards, unperturbed.
'A valid reaction'
I thought to myself, noticing Rephradre's looming glare as I sat. I pondered on what must have gotten him conscious about me, disregarding the possibility that Bradley had spoken.
The patriarch stepped in, fully clothed in his majestic regalia and black hand gloves, walking directly to his seat.
He scanned the room to check if everyone was present, stopping when his gaze met mine, then continued till he could account for every presence.
"Please sit, let's begin shall we?" He beckoned, opening up the meeting as he sat first.
Including myself, there were ten people sitting in the room. The four viscounts, the patriarch, jade, Secrust, the representative from the trade union, Julius and me.
Martha walked in before we started, a trail with tea cups and a teapot in her hands.
She served everyone without any assistance, due to the patriarch's strict instructions regarding the confidentiality of the meeting.
The trade union didn't have a problem being present though, since they were a neutral organization that operated majorly without influence from any kingdom.
Also because she must have sworn a blood mana oath at her arrival, preventing her from selling out the information.
"Shall we?" The patriarch gestured, pointing at Julius who in turn stood up and gave a rundown of the loss from the past few months.
Julius oversaw the financial records of the county and coordinated trades done both within and outside the county.
The figures he read increased by each week he mentioned, sending everyone in the room into shock.
The patriarch remained silent watching everyone's reactions, probably trying to discern the identity of the person colluding with the perpetrators.
"So aside from the recent raids by the bandits, we're also experiencing poor harvest yields from crop poisoning and inflation due to scarcity" Jade cut in, summarizing the major points for discussion trying to slowly garner favor amongst the members seated.
It was his strong suit, as he knew how to cautiously sway the hearts of those around him.
I felt left out already, even though the meeting had just began.
"Let's take it one at a time then, how do we solve the problem of crop poisoning." The patriarch pointed out, patiently waiting for the input from the rest of the members.
'As expected from the ruler of this land'
He had picked out the primary issue amongst all that was mentioned, since resolving the food poisoning issue, would solve the food shortage problem and restabilize the prices of goods within the county, hence killing two birds with one stone.
The Brithuel county were dominant producers of a variety of food produces and even renowned distributors also.
According to Rika- the trade union representative, the Brithuel county had supplied over fifty percent of the food produce the empire had used, making a lot of revenue from it.
So If the first course of action was solving the issue of poisoning, it would narrow down the issues left, but then again, it was easier said than done.
"The bandit forces have spiked in just a few weeks and they've now focused on our border" Secrust pointed out.
I had heard from Mark that the guard's spent most of the night doubling their watch and patrolling the border tirelessly.
It showed in his demeanor as I could tell that he was barely trying to keep awake.
"Then why don't we acquire the help of mercenaries, I heard of a band that are versed in these types of situations" Rodiri stated, bringing up a daring but viable option.
He was seated at the far end of the room, his dark robe trying its best to hide his beefy stature.
He was an aged man, possibly older than the patriarch but his vitality was not to be trifled with.
"I'm against that idea patriarch, we cannot entrust the safety of our people in the hand of some shady operatives. Aren't they the same breed of hooligans " Dante spat, livid with anger at Rodiri's suggestion.
"I agree with Sir Rodiri though, pinning mercenaries against the bandits might buy us the time we need to resolve the issue permanently" I spoke, watching as everyone's gazes fell towards me.
It wasn't a surprise though since if they didn't react the way they did, I would feel unsettled.
"And why do you think that would work, young master?" Rephradre questioned, finally speaking for the first time since the start of the meeting.
Obviously, the idea wasn't that hard to grasp but he wanted to test how I'd outline the situation to our advantage.
"Well....." I started off, leaning towards the table in order for my voice to be heard by everyone.
"It's more feasible than whatever the knights have been doing, since it's their area of expertise. We wouldn't have to worry about; casualties and would have sufficient forces in the county, maintaining the peace as is their jobs, but there is still one issue...." I paused, focusing on the patriarch's reaction.
Even though it seemed like a perfect plan there was one obvious problem.
"We don't have the funds for payment, at least, for now" I concluded, staring at Rika who had been ogling me throughout the entire time.
'The solution is obvious Rika, use your brain for God's sake!!' I screamed inwardly.
"Then why don't we lend you the money for that, Young Lord" Rika answered finally, smiling with ill intent.
'Exactly!'
"That could work"
"And are you willing to lend us the amount we'd request" The patriarch cornered, feeling like he had reached an exposition finally.
"Yes, with the right collateral that is" Rika offered, smiling as she kept on staring at me.
It was discomforting at this point, having her eye me endlessly. It almost felt like she was undressing me with her eyes.
'Stop that, you creepy salary woman!'
"Well then shall we discuss the terms at a later date or do you have something in mind right now?" Jade inquired, feeling left out from the conversation.
"We can discuss that after, young Lord. I believe you all have more pressing issues to discuss. I'd love to excuse myself in the meantime to better explore the city, if it's alright with you of course" Rita proposed, leaving as we continued right after.
We ended the meeting soon afterwards, Jade offered to help with the poison field using magic and Rephradre decided to review the cost of the foodstuffs with the merchants at a later date.
I was worn out, both physically and mentally not to mention also famished.
'This body does have its limits huh?'
I stepped outside the main house, feeling the wind on my face, giving me life once again.
Rika was already back from her sightseeing and was heading towards the main house to discuss the terms for the loan with the patriarch.
She passed by me, whispering a strange statement that sent chills all over my body.
"I'll see you soon, young lord"
I paid no attention to it however, since I was pretty sure I wouldn't be seeing her again under any normal circumstances.
The day was already far spent so I decided to forfeit my mana training with Fil and just retire early till it was time for dinner.
That was until I felt a rush of fever overtake my body, causing me to collapse immediately.