Dear Lucia, I hope you have adapted to life in the North. The purpose of this letter is to confess I thought about it for a mont, but my pen never touched the paper again. After thinking it over and over, I decided it was best not to confess to Lucia. Lucia can sll the scent other elves leave behind on . I trust that my entire body is covered in Lunas scent. Its not that I fell in love with Luna. Its just that I randomly pitied her and went along with her yesterday. What I feel for Luna is sympathy, not love. If Im honest, Lucia might forgive
But when I thought about the personality of elves Lucia would fly here, look for Luna and cut her up before taking back. She would actually do that. After a mont of hesitation, I scrunched up the thirteenth letter into a ball and threw it into the fire.
Luna knocked on the door, walked in, bowed and said: Your majesty, the people you asked to see have arrived and are waiting for you in the guest room.
Alright.
I nodded, picked up my coat by the side and wore it on. Luna looked at with a smile. She walked up to and helped adjust my collar. She tippy-toed up like she was going to kiss , but she didnt kiss this ti.
You are ready now, your majesty.
Luna restored her usual smile the next day and didnt show any odd signs. She greeted people as per usual as if nothing happened last night. I didnt ntion anything either. What happened that night was imprinted in my heart. It was our treasured mory.
Luna and I left the room and ca to the guest room. It was the first ti there were so many people seated in the guest room of the outer court. Right now, people dressed in formal robes were seated on both sides of the long table listening.
Attention!
I shouted and the voices in the room went silent. All of them rose and saluted . They respectfully said: We wish you the best of health, your majesty.
Sit.
I sat in the master-seat and looked at all the nervous faces. There were young faces, old faces and a few females. They werent high-ranking officials or nobles. They were just rchants, ones that only had one store. However, their stores were located in terrific locations.
You are all here today for a simple matter.
Luna bent over and handed a docunt. I took it and threw it onto the table. I looked at them and indifferently said: And that is to sell your stores to . I wont forcefully take them from you. If you can work with , we will all benefit. I know that its very unreasonable for to make this sudden proposal, so I will pay you three tis the estimated worth of your current store. Oh, youll have to trust the competence of the royal courts rchants abilities to make estimations. I trust that you can accept this offer, so dont bargain.
They looked at with astonishnt as if I just told them aliens exist and that the aliens were pole-dancing. I looked at them and said: What are you looking at for? Youll get your paynt once you sign. Are you questioning my ability to compensate you? Her majesty is backing . Do you think I cant afford it?
One of them looked at and struggled to utter: No, your majesty, it is just it is a little too sudden Our stores are still operating as usual, so suddenly buying them off us puts us in a bit of a predicant
Thats why Im paying you three tis the price. Sothing happened and I urgently need your stores. Is three tis the price enough for you to find a bigger location to run your store? If you dont wish to continue in business, thats enough for you to retire, isnt it? You wont have to worry about land, will you?
I chuckled coldly as I looked at them. I continued: Im in a rush. I desperately need the land you currently possess. I can give you ti to think, but I cant give you much ti. I stand before you as a sincere buyer keen on buying your store. If you dont accept, the next ti I stand before you will be as the prince. Think about it. When I co back from dinner, I hope Ill see your signatures. That way, Ill even be able to give you a few bottles of wine when you leave.
I then stood up and left without sparing the people behind any attention. Luna who was behind , smiled and saluted the rchants before closing the door.
Your majesty, have you already finished your discussions with them?
When I arrived at the dining hall, Castell had already finished setting up his napkin and wasnt standing on ceremony. I nodded and sat down. Luna helped with my napkin and then stepped aside. Castell stroked his smooth chin and then revealed a helpless smile before saying: I never expected you to do this. If you spend money like this, you will spend several months-worth of my inco within two days. Further, there is still the salt to consider.
Her majesty didnt say anything, so what are you whinging about? In the future, if the prices of goods randomly increase, the empire will have the rights to stand up and punish those who raise the price of goods. This doesnt give the freedom to ruin the market, but allows us to maintain a stable financial system.
Your majesty, you might make the rchants unhappy like that, wont you?
The mont they hoard goods and raise prices, theyre no longer rchants but criminals. I cut open the chicken and then looked at Castell and added, I dont think those people will hesitate. If they do, Ill send soone to their stores and stash salt there. When I inspect their stores tomorrow, Ill execute them for the cri of privately selling salt.
Castell smiled helplessly. He raised his wine-cup and said: Your majesty You now seem to be even more extre than her majesty
Yeah? If I could build such a large empire as mom has, I wouldnt have had to watch my friend die in front of my eyes, and I wouldve been able to protect those I wanted to protect. I looked at Castell, clenched my teeth and continued, You think I dont hate my current self? I just have no choice. Only now can I protect my everything. Only now can I protect the people around from getting hurt. This is the only way. If loathing myself would allow to keep those around safe, I wont hesitate.
Castell looked at . His eyes contained a complex expression. For a while, the only sound that could be heard in the dining hall was the sound of eating utensils clinking. A mont later, Castell said: Your majesty, look after yourself as you force yourself. Do not overextend. It is not as if it is unacceptable for you to sotis to ask soone to spoil you.
I looked at Castell and asked: Have you asked soone to spoil you before then, Castell?
This is how I have always been. Thank you for looking after , your majesty.
Castell smiled and dodged the question. He then placed his fork and knife down. Two maids then stepped forth to collect his plate. I placed my fork and knife down as well. I stood up and Luna ca over. She smiled and bid Castell farewell. She then followed from behind and opened the door to the guest room once again.
The people inside had already left. I picked up the docunt on the table. Every page had been signed. I nodded and left the room. I handed it to Castell and said: Im going to check the results tomorrow. Its best that I can start my plan the day after. I dont have much ti, Castell.
As you command.
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