Chapter 16: It's like a reward

Seated at the polished wooden table, I surveyed the room, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I dine as if I was in an highclass restaurant .

But, and there's always a 'but,' the table's still bare, not a whiff of the promised food, and I am getting hungru . No biggie, though I can still wait for a bit.

I kick back in this comfy chair, enjoying the quiet. Sunlight's streaming through these big windows, giving the whole room a warm glow.

Feeling all content, I reach for this fancy wine bottle. Pouring that deep red into my cup-glass,I sipped red liquid ,as I'm thinking about how much time I can still enjoy life like this

"Maybe one more chill year before the storm hits." And honoestly It's a sweet break from the chaos that's bound to hit sooner or later.

As I emptied the cup, a slight buzz from the exquisite wine lingering on my lips, I raised my eyes. There they were—my parents, wearing warm smiles as they watched me. Their hands rested on the table,interwined together.

''You two seem to be in an exceptionally good mood,'' I remarked as I headed to refill my glass.

''Indeed we are,'' my mother replied, resting her head on her husband's shoulder. There was a certain warmth and affection between them, seems like the passion still running on ''And it's all thanks to you,'' my father chimed in.

Perplexed by their words, I raised an eyebrow. Had I unwittingly done something commendable?

''I don't recall doing anything particularly noteworthy, though?''

Continuing the conversation, my mother spoke dissipating the doubt in my mind, ''We heard about the opinions of your tutors, and they all—well, most of them—had nothing but compliments. We are proud of you.''

Emtpying the cup , I replied with a simple, ''I see.''

That moustached-bastard Laurio must have spoken behind my back, that fucking snake....let's see you if you like having cockroaches inside your pants.

Seems like the spiders were not enough...

My father chimed in, ''I never thought you would maintain your word.'' He watched as I filled my third cup, a flicker of concern crossing his face. He started to say something before shaking his head, perhaps considering whether now was the right time to address my drinking habits or if I needed a bit of slack for the moment, one or two bad habits were probably good enough for them,. I wonder what type of shit Favian was with his family, looks like no one will miss him now that he became a meal for Baalkaroth.

As my parents exchanged a kiss, I couldn't help but find it heartwarming to see them so close

"I said something, and I delivered, that's all," I remarked.

Shifting my attention to the servant who brought me my plate, I found it adorned with an array of delicacies. The main course comprised a succulent roast, perfectly cooked and seasoned.

Holy blood finally something to eat!I was starving.....

As I filled myself up with the delectable roast, my father, noticing my satisfaction, inquired probably thinking I was owed something "Is there something you desire as a reward?"

Swallowing a mouthful of food, I considered his question before replying, "Money." My response was straightforward, as it was always better to have your pouch filled instead of empty. I am not in need of anything else right now, as I have everything I could ask for, good and fine food , wine, a comfy bed and a warm room.

Father nodded in acknowledgment of my request before shifting his attention back to his plate. Mother, too, continued to enjoy her meal in comfortable silence. 

Suddendly amdmist the first course, father set down his utensils, his gaze fixed on me with a thoughtful expression. "Do you know why, despite being a mere county, our words carry weight at the court?" he inquired.

The hell is he on now?I want to eat in peace.....

I paused in my eating, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. It was evident that he wanted to delve into a more serious conversation.

I glanced at my father, considering the weight of his words. "Is it not because of our crystal mines? We are basically the only noble family that has them, and we supply them nationwide to the Narai kingdom."

Father met my gaze with a knowing nod. "Yes, that is the reason why we can live like this. But you see, just like our power comes from it, we will also lose our standing if we do not have them. All nobles around us vie for our lands, especially since we are near the border with the southern principalities. We've even faced a few invasions aimed at taking control of them. Hell, even the royal family desires to strip us of the mines and keep them under royal dominion,probably.... Luckily, the fact that we are near the border also means that if they try that, we will flock to the southern principalities.So we always have a road open to us if things get dark"

As he spoke, I could sense the complexity of our family's situation. Our crystal mines weren't just a source of wealth but a double-edged sword, attracting both envy and hostility. 

I nodded, acknowledging the significance of our crystal mines in maintaining our influence. "That's why our army is so developed, isn't it? To deter other nobles from factions looking to seize our mines and to defend the border against the southern principality."

Father affirmed with a solemn nod, "Indeed, my child. It's a delicate balance we must maintain. Our strength is both our boon and our vulnerability. But there's more to it. Our family has been entrusted with a responsibility, not just for the mines but for something greater."

''Something greater?'' I asked 

Father leaned forward, his eyes carrying the weight of years of responsibility. "We are essentially the arms dealer of the entire kingdom. Remember, richness can be both a blessing and a danger. Our unique position has led to a delicate arrangement with the royal family. We supply weapons at a 30% discount, and in return, we receive the protection of the king himself. However, this pact comes with its own set of terms."

He paused, as if carefully choosing his words. "In exchange for our discounted armory services, the crown grants us certain privileges. We have the freedom to accumulate as much wealth as we desire, fortify our dominion without excessive interference, and enjoy the benefit of paying only half the taxes that other nobles do. It's a delicate balance, my child. Apart from this, we basically decide which wars are to be fought and who wins them , as we are the ones that supply nobles form both sides with weapons and ammunition, obviously if we abuse that than we could find ourselves to be the victim of a coalition, so that is just on paper...."

Father's gaze bore into mine, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "So, when you eventually succeed me in this position, remember not to overlook long-lasting relations for short-term benefits. The stability of our family and the prosperity of our dominion hinge on these carefully negotiated agreements.Too much greed and we fall in the abyss"

Father's eyes bore into mine, his expression serious. "Do you know what happened to the Rux family?"

I shook my head, indicating my lack of knowledge on the matter as I never heard them while reading the novel.

Father leaned back, his gaze distant as he delved into history. "They are a baron family serving us right now , but once, the Rux family held the position we now occupy. They were the county of this land. However, they let their greed blind them. Instead of nurturing alliances with other noble families, they chose to sell weapons to enemy countries, compromising the security of the kingdom. When the royal family discovered their treachery, they were stripped of their land."

He paused for emphasis. "What followed was a civil war. We, as the loyal vassals, sided with the kingdom, and the conflict ended with a decisive victory on our part. The Rux family's army was winning against the kingdom's army and they even shattered two of the crown's armies sent against them . Basically we won the civil war from ourself when we managed to enter their territory and capture their capital, and the crown, weakened by the internal strife, had no choice but to enforce our claim on their land once we military occupied it . That's how we find ourselves in our current situation.They probably still resent us from the fact we snatched thier mines"Father said as he drank a bit of wine . I wonder the last sentence who it referred to, the Rux's? Or the crown?Maybe both?

Father's gaze held a warning. "Learn from their mistakes. Do not let greed blind you. The delicate balance we maintain is crucial for our survival. Be ambitious, but not to the point where it jeopardizes the stability of our family and dominion."

That's wrong they did not lost because they were too greedy but because they were too weak, one greed need to be balanced by their power. Just like one is only arrogant if their power can not match their claim...