Julius King and Duke Squall
"Duke Scole, a calamity has occurred."
Alec feels discomfort at the words, as if a natural disaster had happened.
"Your Majesty, for my part I believe appropriate punishment and preventing such incidents in the future is important."
It cannot be helped if some anger seeps into my words.
"Duke Scole, calm yourself.
I have also investigated. I understand this incident lies with Marquis Cactus' second son, Ismal Cactus."
"Is that so? Then what punishment will there be?"
"Hmm, I have ordered House Cactus to pay 5,000 white gold coins and for second son Ismal to be indefinitely under house arrest."
White gold coins are worth 1,000 gold coins each, an enormous fine, but...
"...Your Majesty, is that not too light? Will the victims be satisfied?"
"I have explained the circumstances to Viscount Moss and sent 100 white gold coins as compensation.
I will also put in a good word for his daughter's marriage prospects.
Now Duke Scole, I know you are angry your annex was attacked, but please bear with it here.
We cannot crush Marquis Cactus now."
The current Marquis Cactus head, Oscar Cactus, is away negotiating a trade agreement with neighbor country Mynes Kingdom, an important talk to restore our country's finances.
It utilizes Oscar's personal connections to the fullest.
Therefore, we cannot remove or upset Oscar now.
"However, Your Majesty, rewards and punishments are important.
Might you reconsider?"
"Duke Scole, please, swallow it here?"
Seeing King Julius lower his head to plead, Alec could not refuse.
"...I understand. It is acceptable to me, but
what of the victim, the doct...?"
"The doctor? He is a commoner. I have given him 5 white gold coins."
"Your Majesty, please reconsider! He is an invaluable talent we cannot lose.
Besides, he does not care about money."
"What do you mean, he is but a commoner doctor."
"Can you prepare medicine for lung disease with just any doctor!
He is a saintly figure.
We must show him the utmost courtesy and respect."
"You exaggerate. Duke Scole, I have heard of his treatments, he merely hands over medicine does he not?
We need only research that medicine."
"Your Majesty! He saved my wife and daughter.
I cannot tolerate such ingratitude."
Alec desperately pleads, but to Julius the medicine made by a commoner doctor could easily be reproduced.
Many have already obtained ample samples of the medicine for research.
Thus he underestimates Yoshinobu's value, a large discrepancy from Alec's view.
"Duke Scole, an urgent messenger from your estate!"
A royal guard comes running.
"Urgent news...what is it?"
"Yes, I hear doctor Yoshinobu has left the estate."
Alec's vision darkens.