Conspiracy & Plans

"Just what do you intend to inform us, Derek?"

The count's words hung heavy in the air, and Derek's composed yet apologetic response came after a moment of contemplation. "Forgive me for my rude behavior, lord," he said, glancing between me and Eduart. "I allowed my emotions to get the better of me during a petty squabble."

Really! I couldn't help but scoff inwardly at his attempt to downplay the situation. It seemed like he was more concerned about saving face than genuinely showing remorse. Nonetheless, I decided to let it go and focus on the matter at hand.

"Very well." I replied with a dismissive wave of my hand. "Let's continue with your intended information."

Derek nodded, seemingly relieved that he was off the hook. "As I was saying, lord, the situation is dire. We have received intelligence from non-credible sources…. but they suggest there might be a group or organization behind these attacks, with the motive of destabilizing Seiren and challenging our rule. Their methods are cunning, and they have managed to cover their tracks well. It is essential that we find out who they are and put an end to their plans."

Again, this nonsense. I groaned, leaning back in my chair, expressing my discontent.

This time, both Derek and the Count noticed my frustration. Before Derek could speak again, Eduart turned to me with curiosity in his eyes. "Arwan, why don't you agree with Derek here?" he asked.

"Because it's senseless, lord," I answered immediately. "If this investigation is about the attack on me, then why are we ignoring the financial aspect, the main reason stated by the perpetrators themselves, and instead focusing on a clandestine operation done by God knows who?"

The Count stroked his chin, his face displaying evident signs of curiosity, and I continued to explain my point. "I am not saying that Derek is totally wrong and that his argument is meritless," I said, leaning forward and resting my hands on the table. My left hand dangled uselessly, a constant reminder of my current limitations, and the implication of the attack for everyone to see. "What I am saying is that we are sacrificing our time chasing after an unknown enemy while ignoring the known one."

Derek and Eduart exchanged glances, seemingly pondering my words. Derek spoke up, "Lord Arwan, I understand your concern about the financial aspect, but we cannot ignore the possibility of a larger conspiracy at play. The attack on you may have been motivated by financial reasons, but the manner in which it was executed suggests a level of sophistication beyond that of common criminals."

Unless the petty thieves lent money to the great ruler, they couldn't and wouldn't attack him or his family, you fucking moron. I really wanted to spit that out to the man's face. Yet, I had to maintain a sense of professionalism. So, I said: "It was never done by common criminals," while rubbing my eyelids, annoyance slowly creeping in.

"That is my point." Derek snapped his fingers, excited that I agreed with him. "We must focus on the bigger picture and—"

"A bigger picture is made up of smaller pictures, you idiot." I interrupted the man, much to his discomfort. "Why are you fixated on this conspiracy anyway, when you have nothing to back it up?"

"Why are you so fixated on the finances, lord, when you have lived your life full of comfort and luxury over others' hard work?" Derek opposed, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I glared at him, my patience wearing thin. "Because money pays for every fucking thing," I retorted, my tone sharp. "Money did this to me." I raised my left arm, and the hand dangled uselessly, a constant reminder of my current limitations and the implications of the attack. "What if tomorrow, his head rolls." I pointed at the Count. "That too for money. Will you be responsible for that? Will solving that conspiracy of yours save the lord tomorrow?"

Derek looked taken aback by my outburst, and Eduart raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by the exchange.

I took a deep breath. "Look, I understand the need to investigate the larger conspiracy if there is one," I continued, trying to regain my composure. "But let's not forget the immediate threat we face and the underlying reason for it. If there is no ruler left to rule, then who are you protecting by running after people unknown. We can't afford to be complacent or ignore the obvious danger right in front of us."

The advisor let out an exasperated sigh and clicked his tongue while looking the other way. When he turned back to respond, the count interjected, silencing him.

"I agree with Arwan," Eduart said, surprising me. "While we should be cautious and investigate any potential conspiracy, we must be prepared for the imminent threat. And that is our finances. We have wasted enough time and resources chasing ghosts, Derek. From now on let's focus on what matters."

Derek looked flabbergasted by the Count's support of my viewpoint, but he quickly regained his composure. "As you wish, lord," he said, in a composed voice, followed by a slight bow. "I will see to it that both aspects are thoroughly addressed in our investigations."

I nodded in approval, grateful that the Count had taken my side in this matter, against my best assumptions. I had hoped he would side with Derek, ignoring his clown son, but it seemed reasoning prevailed in the end.

With that Derek left his seat and, after bowing one last time to both me and Eduart, quietly took his leave. Once the doors were closed with a shallow thump, the Count turned to me.

"Do you believe in this conspiracy theory that someone is planning to overthrow us?" he asked.

"Do you believe in God?" I replied with a question of my own.

"... Yes." Eduart answered after a short pause.

"Have you seen him?"

"No!"

"There is your answer." I said with a smile, slowly standing up. "If there exists a position, then there must be an opposition – big or small doesn't really matter."

Eduart chuckled at my response. "Since when did you become this knowledgeable?" he inquired further.

"Since the day those guys took my hand," I replied with a hint of bitterness in my voice. "And it's more about common sense than knowledge."

The Count looked at me for a moment, then sighed. "Get well, son," he said. "I will see to it that justice is delivered."

"Thank you!" I lowered my head, showing respect, just as Derek had done earlier.

As I left the room alongside Finnan, walking through the long widening corridors, I felt a mixture of emotions swirl within me. On one hand, I was relieved that my point had been taken seriously and was being worked upon. On the other hand, the reality of my situation sank in again.

Clutching my useless hand, I sighed, feeling a deep sense of frustration and helplessness. Until I had skinned those men alive, the anger within me wouldn't rest. Waiting around for others to handle the situation wouldn't suffice; I had to take matters into my own hand.

Tracing my steps back, I reached the room assigned to me, and once the door had been closed, I turned to Finnan. "Can I trust you?" I asked, my gaze locking onto his.

"As you have always done, lord," he smiled warmly. "Do you doubt me now?"

"That was a rhetorical question," I feigned ignorance. The Count didn't kick Finnan out of the room even during sensitive discussions, indicating he trusted the man with secrets. A perfect ally to assist me.

"How much do you know about politics?" I queried further, eager to gauge his understanding and knowledge.

"Depends on your query." Finnan folded his hands behind his back, standing straight.

I sat down on the bed. "Tell me about this debt, Willards have? For how long? How much? To whom? Why? Everything!"

"They must have hit you pretty hard, lord." The man smirked.

"Tell me!" I frowned, not in the mood to joke around.

Finnan paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "The debt, lord," he began, "has been accumulating over several years. It started with some risky investments and unwise decisions made by the previous generation of Willards. They borrowed money from various sources to fund their ventures, hoping for lucrative returns, but unfortunately, things didn't go as planned."

He continued, "As the debts piled up, the interest rates soared, and the burden became increasingly difficult to manage. For generations each ruler has tried his best to stabilize the family's finances, but the debt has become too overwhelming. Now, like a curse, it hunts them. No matter what they do, it never lets go."

I listened intently, absorbing the information. "Who are the major creditors?" I inquired.

"The primary creditor is the Duran Trading Company, a powerful merchant guild based in the capital city," Finnan replied. "They have significant influence and are known to be ruthless in their dealings. There are other minor creditors as well, but the Duran Trading Company holds the largest portion of the debt."

"And what is the current Count doing to address this debt?"

"He has been trying to negotiate with the creditors to extend the repayment period and reduce the interest rates," Finnan explained. "But so far, the negotiations haven't been very successful. The creditors are demanding prompt repayment, and their patience is running thin."

I sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. "No wonder they targeted me," I muttered. "They must have thought it would force the Count's hand."

"Most likely, lord." Finnan agreed. "But we are not sure it is them."

"Circumstantial evidence isn't enough huh..." The gears in my head spun rapidly, doing their best to contort a plan.

"No." He denied promptly. "We need hard evidence."

"Exactly!" A wide grin took over my lips. "And to get that, we need money. A lot of money."

"You want to pay them back and get rid of the curse." Finnan affirmed. "That's a commendable thought."

"Who said anything about paying?" I countered.

"Then?"

In return, my grin only widened.