The day after Count Lancaster arrived in King's Capital.
After dinner, Isaac was talking to Morgan.
It's still about Judith.
"You were right to consider using Count Adams. Thanks to all the research he has done using his men, the amount charged has been determined to some extent. They don't even hear about Count Brander scattering, so they expect him to have two to four billion leads in cash. So I asked for about double that amount."
"Is it more than two billion? You're saving quite a bit."
If you think about it in the property of the Marquis of Wellrod, it's a level where you won't mind about two billion leads.
But when it comes to (...) in cash, the story is different.
More than a decade ago, Randolph had a 100-million lead deal from Dennis at the Braak Chamber of Commerce.
Even at the Marquis of Wellrod's, 100 million leads of cash were a lot of money at the time.
Naturally, there is cash itself.
But most of them are used to run the territory.
When it is freely available, it becomes a very limited amount.
- The Counts have more than two billion leads in money to be free of it.
That's all I know, I make a lot of money from mine revenues.
Until now, they were able to operate in agriculture, forestry and commerce.
Mining has been added there, and I guess its gain is floating round.
But Isaac raises one question.
"You would also be throwing money to develop mines. Don't you have to take that into account? Plus, you should be lending money to the aristocrats you're dating. I doubt they have more than two billion leads."
Isaac's question is, "Don't you know the correct amount just by calculating it backwards from the tax amount? It was."
If you charge an unscrupulous amount of money and the Count Brander family crumbles, you will have trouble.
I wanted to be discreet here.
"I'm not worried about that. He mobilized a Treasury bureaucrat to calculate the funds necessary for the development and operation of the mine, taking into account, among other things, historical information on the mine in the Marquis Wallick territory. That's in the math, too. Count Adams did a great job."
Morgan laughed off Isaac's worries.
But Isaac couldn't laugh.
(You're going to be resented by a bureaucrat...)
Count Adams, who Isaac asked me to, probably worked desperately on Charles because of some of his cases.
I don't care about public or private confusion or anything, I guess I ordered my men to help too.
I had to do extra work that had nothing to do with my original role while doing my routine work.
Supposedly, he also went to work overtime or on holidays.
Though I thought it was a good idea, it didn't all seem like a good thing, considering it might have dissatisfied an important department bureaucrat: the Treasury Department.
"Right. I'm relieved Count Adams seems to have done well."
I'm not letting anyone hear it, but Isaac tricked Count Adams into taking responsibility.
"I didn't order you to use a bureaucrat," Isaac tried not to think about it.
"There's something about Charles, so he's desperate too. I was glad you asked me to. I think I can pay you back a little."
"If I'm going to pay my debts, I think I should return them to Tiffany or Viscount Halifax. Well, I asked for it, too, knowing I thought so."
Isaac knew and asked for it.
Because I thought that with nothing left to do, Count Adams would also be anxious to see what would happen in the future.
Charles, anyway, had no grudges against Count Adams, so he was trying to lighten his mood by giving him a job.
"It seems that Uncle Brander has also arrived, so the discussion will take place tomorrow at His Majesty's mediation. You should leave school and be present."
"Okay."
I knew you'd be summoned as a party to the case.
Even if they hadn't called, I would have attended for some reason.
The Earl of Lancaster seemed to be able to make a sober decision as well, but he might demand Michael's execution if he had to put Count Brander before him.
Even to protect Michael, I had to be present.
You're welcome to come.
"But if you're calling, aren't you sending a messenger?
"I am. Are you dissatisfied with the Lord of the Marquis? My lord."
Isaac laughs small as Morgan lets it stand aside.
"Your grandfather was easier to deal with than when he was doing surprises and stuff."
"Don't tell me that.... Why the hell should I help the guy who taught me that?"
Morgan complains about bumps.
But even the Earl of Lancaster shouldn't have thought that Morgan would shut up about Kendra's birth and make it a surprise story for Isaac.
It's just hard to hold accountable.
Isaac also thought Morgan had a nonsense that he didn't know what to add or subtract.
As Morgan began to ask herself about saving the Count Lancaster family, news of the visitors came in.
- The visitor's name is Count Harold Brander.
Michael's father.
It was a sudden visit, but this was within the limits of what could be expected.
I guess I'll persuade Isaac, who helped Judith, to seek Michael's extenuating circumstance.
Isaac looks at Morgan.
Then Morgan was also looking at Isaac.
"What do you want to do?
"Unless we're going to destroy the Count Brander family, we have to keep going. I don't know how to pay up front."
"I guess."
Morgan makes the choice to meet.
Besides, Isaac didn't have any differences.
Morgan orders his servant to lead him to the reception room.
But Isaac and the others didn't try to get to the reception room right away.
Seeing Isaac not trying to move, Morgan nods satisfactorily.
It was Michael who made the mistake, and Uncle Brander was in a position to ask for help.
It's better to wait a little longer and hurry up, so I can pull out the favorable conditions here.
I was glad Isaac understood that.
(No, I understand the extent of this, naturally)
Morgan recalls Isaac's arms successfully drawing his confession from the knights of the Count Brander family.
It shouldn't be a negotiating technique for Isaac right now, such as the degree to which he hurts his opponents.
Look at your overgrown grandson and learn to feel safe and afraid.
That Isaac...
(Is that it? Aren't you going?
- I thought.
Isaac thought Morgan would be the main one to meet him because he had visited the Mansion of the Marquis of Wellrod.
Morgan can't move, so Isaac's just sitting around wondering what to do too.
It was Morgan's complete buyout.
----------
After a chat for a while, Isaac heads to the reception room with Morgan.
When I open the door, I run into Count Brander, who waited standing without sitting in a chair.
"Lord Enfield, Lord Welrod. I am very sorry for your sudden visit at such a time. We wanted to talk to you about Michael."
Count Brander first apologized for the sudden visit.
And get close to Isaac.
"Thanks to Lord Enfield, I didn't have to let Miss Judith die because of a slight mistake. Thank you!
"I also wanted to help Mr. Judith..."
Isaac was a bit of a pull as Count Brander pushed him gougly.
Because I didn't expect you to push me this far because I've had enough face-to-face to say hello lightly at a party venue before.
Above all, Michael's father greatly influenced preconceptions.
The appearance was the type that seemed to look good sitting in a chair and laughing while stroking a cat in one hand of a wine glass.
But the voice is clearly comfortable.
Unlike Michael, it was something that gave the impression of being bright.
But not on the inside.
As for him, I wanted Judith to be dead.
That way I could push it through with "Judith was a witch, so I had no choice."
Even when held accountable, he could also insist that he was "responsible for the church that recognized him as a witch and executed his sentence".
Nevertheless, I don't even give you that attitude every time.
The fact that Michael was charging is known and Judith is helping.
Count Brander thought we should do what we can now rather than stick to excuses we can't use.
"I heard from the knight who took the testimony. Lord Enfield wants us to get a fair trial for our friendship with Michael. Is that a fact?
"Yeah, it's true. Without testimony, you can unilaterally turn Michael into a bad guy. I don't know what Uncle Lancaster thinks, but I also felt it was too much to go so far as to tear down the Count Brander family."
"Thank you. I cannot thank Lord Enfield enough for his warmth."
Count Brander begins to weep.
Isaac sees those tears and sympathizes, "It's tough to have a son like Michael".
"Why don't we sit down and talk first"
Morgan leads the way.
Isaac is up there in position, but this is inside the Mansion of the Marquis of Wellrod.
Regardless of the official visit, this time it was a private visit, and Morgan, the parent, was trying to divide it up.
Make sure Isaac and Morgan sit down, then Count Brander says, "Excuse me," and then sits in the chair.
"So what can I do for you?
"I am also familiar with Marquis Welrod and Uncle Lancaster. So it's not a request for cooperation, it's up to me to explain this situation."
It doesn't mean I knew Morgan and the others because the Count Brander family was engaged to the Count Lancaster family.
Everyone knows that much.
And it turns out that the Marquis Welrod family can't cooperate because everyone knows how close they are.
Instead of asking for help, he was visiting to convince him not to be more hostile than necessary.
"The first thing that Michael accused me of. This is true. I did some really pathetic things, like accusing my fiancée, Miss Judith."
"Right."
Morgan nods to Count Brander's words.
Michael's confession to Nicole is widespread in the aristocratic community.
- You couldn't let Judith cut a goodbye, and you tried to cut the relationship by letting her execute you as a witch?
So much so that rumors are circulating.
As a pitiful man who can't cut out one of his goodbyes, Michael is being ridiculed.
Instead, so much so that there's a move to review Charles, who cut out his goodbye to Tiffany in front of Isaac.
Nor did Morgan say, "That's not true," because he couldn't find any shelter in Michael's actions.
Count Brander also took Morgan's attitude for granted.
"But just one point. I just want you to remember one thing. Michael did charge Judith with possibly being a witch (...). But who gathered evidence on that charge and actually proceeded to the execution? Isn't that under Graham and Archbishop Seth?
To Count Brander's point, Morgan didn't react either this time, just shut up and look at Count Brander.
This claim was an expected one.
And it was also hard to say back.
If Graham had been alive, he could have made us testify to the involvement of the Count Brander family.
But I no longer know how far the Count Brander family had shown positive moves in Judith's execution than Graham had died.
As Isaac thought, 100% of the blame cannot be placed on the Count Brander family.
Count Brander insists on that.
This is "If you hold Michael or Count Brander strictly responsible, hold Seth accountable as well".
Naturally, it is difficult to make Seth the Archbishop, who brings together the Church of the Kingdom of Reed, take responsibility.
By involving Seth as a lotus student, he was trying to ensure the safety of Count Brander's house.
"I know that. Why do you think Graham was set on fire after being confused by the dothax?"
"Heh..."
I thought this claim was the perfect one myself.
Knowing that was prepared for Isaac, Count Brander's thought freezes.
"Mr. Judith was helpful. But I also have a friendship with Michael. So there is no need to seek severe punishment such as abandonment or house demolition. That's what I thought. Yet if Graham talked to Bella Bella, wouldn't you be in trouble? It would have been more convenient if he hadn't. So I decided to use the current to set him on fire."
It is true that it would be more convenient without Graham.
But that's not for the Count Brander family.
It's for Isaac himself.
As it turns out, I'm just saying it's for the Count Brander family.
But not to Count Brander.
"Are you sure Michael was getting along that well?" I wonder.
During the ordinary years of the Marquis of Wellrod, a storm of solemnity blows inside and outside the Kingdom of Reed.
I thought Isaac wouldn't forgive Michael for causing such a mess.
Yet that Isaac is sheltering Michael.
Isaac's words had never even been imagined by Count Brander.
"Thank you for your concern"
There were no words out there, and that's all I could say.
Morgan said, "That's not what I was hearing, is it? I think," I look at Isaac with a worried face.
Because he seemed to be masterful again.
"But just because Graham's gone doesn't mean his sins have completely disappeared. The fact that Michael made the accusation is true. Knight's testimony also shows that Michael was moving to keep Mr. Judith's execution out of the way of the Earl of Lancaster family. It is obvious that Michael was trying to indirectly harm Mr. Judith. You will need an apology and compensation for the Count Lancaster family."
"Yes, I know that very well."
I replied in the tone that I felt responsible, but Count Brander was relieved.
What if Isaac says, "Michael, forgive me. Seriously!" If he was angry, I'm sure Elias would have crushed the Count Brander family.
Isaac, who will influence Elias' thoughts most within the kingdom, is moving to protect Michael.
I saw hope in tomorrow's negotiations.
I can't help but feel safe.
"Even though Michael was involved, it would be tougher to seek punishment, such as abolition and execution, than the church side was acting centrally. I will persuade the Count Lancaster family to pay compensation. [M] You should make the most of your apologies."
"Thank you!
If it's only gold, there's nothing different about Count Brander.
Depending on the amount of money, it shouldn't be fatal if you keep it down to the amount you can return over time.
I'm afraid Isaac is so cooperative that it's not strange to be told, "Actually, it's all lies," but this flow was the best development for Count Brander.
- There is a huge difference between whether or not an apology has been made and a settlement has been reached.
The authority of the Count Brander family will temporarily fall to the ground, but we can get it back over time.
(Right. Lord Enfield is looking for money from the Count Brander family)
Count Brander thought so.
Because it was more natural to think so than to have a personal friendship with Michael.
I guess I'm going to let it be for the Reid kingdom, not for personal gain and lust.
It costs money to do big things.
They're still building something like a science lab on their Dwarf counterparts and doing collaborative research.
I guess you're going to let me give you that money.
But that's not bad.
If it helps to be friendly with Dwarves, that's not a bad story for the Count Brander family either.
If I achieve anything, I will also appreciate the Count Brander family that was funding it.
This is a good way to use it.
It could inspire me to deepen my relationship with Isaac.
If it's a nasty opponent to turn to your enemies, you'd better be used as a convenient pawn under it.
Count Brander was "glad he was developing a mine," realizing that he was making the right decision.
Morgan was thinking a similar thing.
However, this one is to the extent that "you want to sell a favor and use it for something".
In terms of gold, because the Marquis Wellrod family is building huge assets.
This was thanks to Isaac's voluntary tariff of "buying up Dwarf goods once and wholesale them to merchants for double the price".
All the gold that is supposed to go into the royal family as a tariff is coming into the Marquis Welrod family.
It's temporarily gone because of the war ahead, but the territory has saved up 20 billion leads worth of cash in the past year and a half or so.
While buying Dwarf products or delivering them to various houses as gifts, they were still saving.
Because the more you deal with Dwarves, the proportionately more money you will come into the Marquis Wellrod family.
The financial difference with the Count Brander family is due to the difference between the materials and the processed products.
There is a difference in price between 1 kg of iron and 1 kg of processed products.
As the price share of that processed product comes in as income, the Marquis Wellrod family had accumulated wealth for a short period of time.
I didn't expect Isaac to rely on the Count Brander family in terms of funding, etc., as I could afford support for the nobles under my umbrella.
So much so that I think it will be used in rooting against the nobility of the neutralists and so on.
I just didn't even think about "I can't read Nicole's movements without Michael" or any other reason.
- People are relieved if they find themselves worthy of use.
I don't have a good share of the Count Brander family now.
Normally, it is where I have the shoulders of the Earl of Lancaster family with whom I have a deep relationship.
Even though it's not worth using, there's no reason to help Michael or the Count Brander family just because it's friendship.
Count Brander also "is trying to help us use ourselves," reassured me that there was a good reason to be Isaac.
- I'm relieved.
"Thank you Lord Enfield for your consideration. If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know. But I wonder if Baroness Nettle Holds, who attracts not only Michael, but even Charles of the Count Adams family, is the witch"
I put into words things I don't have to say because of that.
"Nico - Baroness Nettle Holds?
Isaac's face is tense.
Because I didn't want you to touch it there.
"The Earl of Lancaster was a hero of the war ahead of him who fought with Lord Enfield. Isn't it strange that we should break the engagement to that granddaughter? Besides, Miss Tiffany of the Viscount Halifax family, who was Charles' fiancé, took the position of cousin of Lord Enfield. Moreover, there is the next Marquis Welrod's niece, and a normal person would not want to dissolve the engagement, etc. Baroness Nicole Nettle Holds is the real -"
- Baroness Nicole Nettleholes is the real witch.
That's what I was trying to say, and I noticed Isaac staring at me in the shape of a ghost.
(treating Nicole like a witch? So this guy's gonna charge Nicole as a witch!?
Isaac could not allow Count Brander to speak.
- Who am I trying to help Michael with distress for?
Without Nicole, there's no reason to help Michael or the Count Brander family.
Enough to put your shoulder in the Earl of Lancaster and thoroughly crush him.
(Even if Michael is gone, I might be able to handle that if I follow Nicole. Are you sure you want to smash it?)
My anger creeps up in the boil.
As much as I'd like to grab it right now, but that doesn't work.
To eradicate it, it's better to ask Elias at tomorrow's meeting to take down the Count Brander family.
Because fame is important.
"My predecessor, Baroness Nettle Holds, who was Baroness Nettle Holds' grandfather, was Isaac's tutor. Baroness Nettle Holds also interacts with the individual. I guess that's why you're angry."
Morgan, who feels Isaac's anger, explains to Count Brander.
"I was losing it. I am truly sorry."
Count Brander lowers his head vigorously as he hits his head against the desk.
Understanding interactive relationships is important in aristocratic societies, but it is trivial that he was tutored more than ten years ago for about six months.
I was accidentally falling out of my head.
Neither was the secretary who would have assisted him, nor was Count Brander present, who was going to lick the back of Isaac's shoes and beg forgiveness, but not only because of it.
Count Brander was so relieved to have ensured Isaac's safety as a pawn that he said something he didn't have to say.
Reflect seriously on that.
Isaac was also trying to regain his composure by reflecting on the anger on his face when he heard Morgan explain it.
"I think Baroness Nettle Holds is a beautiful person. But it won't be a sin to be in love. If you mean to call Baroness Nettle Holds a witch, Michael is more evil than ever when he tried to trick the church into killing his fiancée. If you don't want Michael interrogated for heresy, don't say that again."
"... I've said too much to try to protect my son. Sorry, sir."
Count Brander repeats, "I am sorry" many times.
The fierce anger is still in his mind, but when he realizes Morgan is watching him, Isaac tries to fix it on the surface.
"Count Brander"
"Yes."
Count Brander leaves his head bowed and his body trembles victoriously.
"Promise is a promise. I don't do anything to overshadow what I've said once. I guarantee that. But don't try to impersonate anyone else for what Michael did. Unpleasant."
I tried to fix the surface, but my anger is still seeping out.
Count Brander regrets that he touched something Isaac shouldn't have touched.
I'll keep apologizing after this.
Until he nodded me to go home to Isaac, who became depressed.
----------
When Count Brander leaves, Morgan speaks to Isaac.
"Can we just make the Count Brander family pay compensation?
"Basically, that's what I'm going to do"
Morgan never asked about Nicole.
Though Nicole was the head of the Baron's family, it was also unpleasant for Count Brander to try to pass the blame on his daughters around the same age as his son.
Isaac also knew Nicole facially, so he thought it was natural to be angry, so he didn't ask me a single reason for being angry.
"But you also feel a little short. You will need to encourage Uncle Brander to reflect, not just on Michael. Grandpa, can I spend the money that's in Wellrod?
"I don't mind. That money is like what you earned. I just can't do it right now. It takes time to carry."
"I know. I'll take care of that. If you'll excuse me, that's fine."
(Don't be silly. I would never let Nicole give me a hand. I'll think of something extra and I won't be able to do it)
I keep my promises.
So I don't imitate Michael or the Count Brander family as smashing.
But not the part you haven't promised.
I haven't said a word about not sharpening influence, etc.
Isaac was going to make sure no one believed Count Brander when he said "Nicole is a witch".
To that end, it was necessary to make his influence small to the extreme.
Morgan understands that Isaac is angry.
On top of that, I didn't try to stop it.
There should be no more excessive punishment for the Count Brander family than I said I would keep my promise.
Besides, he was disappointed with Michael's foolish behavior and Count Brander's silence, too.
I thought I should set up moxibustion for a little while.
This also included the idea that it might be better to keep honest money out of our house than to say no and do something that would involve other houses.
- Just one word of rudeness.
But that was something Pamela shouldn't touch next.