Chapter 22: A Meaningful Conversation

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▽▽▽ Side: Duke Karl Axel Bayerlein ▽▽▽

At the start of the new year, I received a bottle of sake from Baron Roxfall, who had come to pay his New Year’s greetings.

The label read Horse King. I remember chuckling at the boldness of the name.

The Roxfall barony has a reputation. The previous baron was formidable, and the current head is known for his strength as well. The Ashud Territory they manage is close to an area teeming with powerful monsters, making it an ideal place to level up—but it’s also extremely dangerous.

Returning to the matter at hand, as summer approached, Horse King came to mind. And once it crossed my mind, of course, I had to taste it.

"What?!"

It’s delicious!

The sake is incredibly smooth. Despite its strong alcohol content, it’s easy to drink, with a rich flavor that fills my mouth.

"I believe they made this in Ashud Territory. I’ve heard that region hardly produces any grain. Did they import the ingredients to make this?"

At the time, I hadn’t thought much of it, but now I wish I’d asked for more details.

"Father, drinking during the day is rare for you."

It was my son, Alexander. He’s an impressive young man, though I may be biased. Usually, he stays at our estate in the capital, managing affairs on my behalf. His appearance mirrors mine, with the same blue hair and emerald-green eyes.

I have two other sons and one daughter, though my daughter went missing after being kidnapped eleven years ago. The perpetrators were eventually captured, but the ringleader resisted and was killed.

He was the only one who knew her whereabouts, so she remains missing to this day.

Perhaps that’s why Alexander has become so precious to me. I’m aware I’ve poured all the love I’d have shown my daughter into him.

But I haven’t given up on finding her. If she’s dead, I want to bring her remains back and give her a proper burial. If she’s alive, I want to embrace her with my own arms.

No matter what, I’ll never abandon her.

"Would you like a taste?"

"Then, I’ll have a glass."

Our butler, Sebas, poured a cup and handed it to him.

"Oh, this is new to me."

"Indeed. It has a good texture and a rich flavor. Excellent sake."

"This is… Horse King? What a curious name."

"A gift from Baron Roxfall."

"Roxfall? The renowned Baron Roxfall?"

"Yes. It seems they started producing this in Ashud Territory."

"Interesting! This could become quite exciting."

As Alexander suggested, this could indeed become interesting.

Baron Roxfall is affiliated with the Marquis of Lightstar, a family of corrupt nobility. Although the Lightstar marquisate recently changed hands, the new marquis is just as greedy as the last.

Someone as avaricious as the current Marquis of Lightstar would never ignore a sake this exquisite.

If we play our cards right, it might be possible to sow discord within the Lightstar faction and draw their allies over to our side.

As part of the royal family, our house controls the shadows and receives information from all corners, domestic and foreign.

The former Marquis of Lightstar was a despicable man, but he had a way of keeping his retainers loyal.

The current Marquis, however, is useless by all accounts.

Because of this, some of Lightstar's retainers have already reached out to us. Baron Roxfall is among them.

The current Marquis likely won’t support his vassals in times of need.

Trust is essential; without it, the system of patronage crumbles.

"Father, we should purchase a large quantity of this sake. If we make ourselves indebted to Baron Roxfall, it’ll be easier to draw him to our side when the time comes."

"Yes, let’s do that."

Even without the factional politics, this sake is too delicious to pass up.

"Sebas, send a merchant to purchase as much of this sake as possible. Arrange for regular purchases and offer a price above what Baron Roxfall suggests."

"Understood, sir."

Shortly after we made arrangements to acquire the sake, news arrived that a dungeon had formed in Baron Roxfall’s Ashud Territory.

"A newly formed dungeon, is it? Baron Roxfall has hit the jackpot."

"Dungeons bring wealth, certainly. But I wonder if it will truly be a blessing for the Roxfall family."

Alexander’s concern was likely related to the Marquis of Lightstar.

The man is as greedy as a demon masquerading as human. He’s bound to plot to seize Horse King and the dungeon from the Roxfall family.

"Shall we place someone in the area?"

"That would be wise. Also, please send a letter to Baron Roxfall from you, Father. The contents don’t matter much—just something to convey that you’re keeping an eye on him."

My son truly is brilliant.

"Understood. I’ll send a letter."

"Sebas, what’s the status of the sake?"

"We have purchased twenty barrels, each holding around eighteen liters. The merchant has agreed to make regular shipments, Young Master."

It costs less than premium wine but is more expensive than the common wines on the market.

Baron Roxfall has secured himself an excellent source of income.

With the newly acquired dungeon as well, it looks like Ashud Territory is set for significant growth.