69. The Manor House 5

Novum was mounted up and the wagons were in line behind him again. The ladies from the Capitol were all ready to go as well, although Erica was making sad eyes towards the guard as she was leaving. Novum could see the smirks on the faces of the other three girls as they saw her overdramatic actions. Novum was about to head out when Fang came trotting up.

"Woah Fang, while Three Mines has accepted you I am not sure how well the people in the Capitol would react to you walking into town on your own and not in a cage and buddy I am not putting you in a cage."

Crystal spoke up. "Novum as long as he is will to wear a collar with your symbol on it and you are willing to pay the entry fee there should be no issues with Fang coming with you."

As if he knew exactly what was being said Fang instantly raised his head and his tail started to wag. "Easy Fang. Even if you are willing to wear the collar while we are in the city I do not have one that is marked with my symbol. But I tell you what when I get back after me and you go and do some hunting I will sit down with Peter and the mayor and figure out my symbol and then I will have Rurik make you one for your collar. That way next time I go you can come with me."

Fang's tail drooped back down and he looked up at Novum with a sad look. "Don't even try it. I am not willing to have to fight and kill a bunch of the Capitol guards because they will not let you in. If they attacked you, then yeah no problem but I am not going looking for trouble. So stay here and play with Emily." Fang finally walked away and dropped to the ground at Emily's feet. He was still tall enough that she did not have to reach down to pet the soft fur on the top of his head.

With that settled Novum nudged Noctis and they headed towards the town on the way to the Capitol. As they rode through the old man that ran the general store came out and handed Novum a list and a bag of coin. No words needed to be exchanged since they both knew exactly what was going on. Novum gave him a nod and put the coins in a different pouch so that the coins did not get mixed up.

The mayor and Peter where both standing out front of the city hall as Novum rode up. "Good morning Baron."

"Good morning Mayor, Peter."

"Actually as of this morning it is senior advisor. We are working on the names of the positions. The council has agreed and we will all stay on for this term as your advisors and then there will be a normal election to select those for next term. We are looking at doing one more if that is what the people want and then all of us becoming regular citizens that can't hold office for more than a few years. That way it should help prevent problems."

"I think it is a fine line to walk. If you are going to put in term limits then you should also look at holding the elections more often but only in certain parts of the city so that not everyone is leaving at the same time. If only part of them are coming and going then there is always someone that knows what is going on."

"That is a good idea. This is going to take some growing as a village to get used to and I think that we need to take it slow."

"I have some ideas on how I would like things. When I get back we will sit down with the council and talk through everything. Is there anything that you need from the Capitol?"

"Nothing that I need. Although I think that on top of the guards you should also talk to the Duke's head steward about someone to come and work for you on these types of matters. He should be able to recommend someone that could be a huge asset to the barony." Greg held out the letters that needed to be filed with the Capitol for the change.

"That is another great idea, Greg. I will look into it while I am there. I could also talk to the Earl and see if he has someone in mind that would be good for us. Well if there is nothing else I will be off." Novum tucked the letters into a pouch and with a quick motion set the group off again.

With a crew this big and the clear power of the group they had no trouble and even with the wagons made the trip to the Capitol in shorter than usual time. Novum paid the entry fee for the group and sent the wagons to the place that he had used before. He handed one list to Dan and one to Al with the coins that went with them. "If something on the list seems overpriced do not get it. Also do a through check. Which ever one of you has my list take Chris with you. There are no animals that he does not approve of getting purchased. Unless it is by me. Chris wait on me to select a bull."

"Are we going with chickens as well or are you still concerned with Fang?"

"I am sure that Fang will quickly learn not to mess with the chickens. Honestly I am sure that he will make sure that nothing bothers them, except for maybe the goats." All of the men form the farm let out a laugh.

Chris had a fight with one the other day. "Yeah those goats are something else." The men quickly left to follow instructions.

Topaz spoke up, "I am going to go and get my stuff packed up while you are dealing with the boss of how you want to handle things. Yes I will be there when it is time but I want to be ready so that no one that I have had issues with tries to give me shit if I end up out of the guild."

"Okay Topaz. I will see you at the shop in a while. I will swing by the adventures guild first. Crystal, how do we need to handle things with you."

"I should not have any issues with my temple. They are all about helping others and I served here longer than was necessary. It is simply going to be some official paperwork and packing my stuff it should not be an issue."

"Okay. I will be sending a runner to the Earl's manor to see if they would be available for dinner to night. If so would the two of you care to join us?"

Topaz shook her head. "No thank you. Either way this goes I will have some things that need to be taken care of tonight. Also once they make a decision if I am going to need some funds to pick up a few special messenger bags."

"That should not be an issues. I have a few items to trade with the old lady and should have plenty of coin shortly." Topaz knew who he was talking about and her jaw dropped open when she heard him. She quickly rode away in case one of the urchins heard him. She did not want to be painted with the same brush.

"I would be honored to join you this evening." She nodded her head and started to ride away.

"Don't forget to get a list together of the things you are going to need to start the shop."

"I have one together and I know the shop that has everything I need to include the best prices. I figured we would go there tomorrow."

"That sound like a plan." He turned to the two girls that were left. "Are you two ready?" The both looked a little nervous but nodded towards him.

Noctis easily cut a path through the crowd and since it was not that far they arrived before their nerves had enough time to get them really worked up. "So what do you two think about dinner?"

Berry spoke up. I appreciate the offer Baron but even if things go good I have a lot of things in my room that need to be carefully organized and packed and I know that you do not want to spend a lot of time here. Especially with winter being right around the corner."

"That is fine Berry. What about you Erica?"

"I do not have near the stuff that Berry has and even if I offered her help she would not take it so if it is not to much trouble I would be happy to join you."

The three of them entered the guild and a few people called out to the girls. They quickly split off to take care of things to include formally closing out the mission that they had accepted for Novum.

Novum saw a group of young people just inside the door and they were all wearing better shoes than anyone else he had seen in town. "Who is the next runner available?"

A young girl hopped up and gave him a bow of her head. "I am Baron."

"Okay then, I need you to deliver a message for me. It needs to go to Earl Lions. Tell him or the lady of the house that Baron Novum is in the city and would like to have dinner tonight and bring two friends. And then depending on the answer return to me with the answer." He pulled out a gold and handed it to the girl.

The girl's eyes got as big as plates and she nodded. "Understood Baron. What are your plans in case more is needed?"

"I will be here or the shopping area for most of the rest of the day. If you cannot find me talk with Erica the fire mage."

"Okay Baron." The girl took off running as quick as her quick little legs would carry her.

Once she was gone Novum walked up to the reception desk. "I am here to close out the mission that I hired to of your people for and I also need to speak with the guild leader. Tell him that Baron Novum needs to speak to him."