Chapter 171

"Secretary Neio, look ahead—that's the Storm Domain, where three nobles have died within ten years! Hmm, who'd have thought it still looks so prosperous?"

Neio nodded. "It seems this Viscount Gervas truly has some ability—he's turned this land of death into something respectable. But…"

Neio changed tone. "But this fellow has offended Cabinet Minister Willard. You all know about that, right?"

"What? Offended Cabinet Minister Willard? Is that true?"

"You all know that Cabinet Minister Willard's son was sentenced to hanging, don't you?"

"Secretary Neio, we've heard—apparently, the minister's son committed a grave error during this campaign and was sentenced to hanging…" His subordinates answered cautiously, their voices hushed.

"That's right. I hear it was this Baron Gervas's testimony that confirmed the minister's son's crimes and led to his hanging!"

"Your Excellency, what are you suggesting?"

"My suggestion is simple: we can teach this petty noble a lesson—and make some profit while we're at it!"

"I'm sure Cabinet Minister Willard wants to punish this petty noble too—but he can't act directly, or others will see it as revenge!" Neio whispered.

Several subordinates' eyes lit up. They had little interest in helping the minister punish a minor noble.

After all, even if they did, the minister wouldn't care for such insignificant ants.

But the phrase "make some profit" caught their attention.

"Secretary Neio, what should we do?"

"Just watch how I handle it!"

…

"Your Excellencies, welcome to the Storm Domain. I am John, the domain's steward, specially dispatched by Lord Gervas to receive you."

At the castle gate, old John personally greeted Neio's party, having been alerted by the guards.

To show hospitality, even the ground was lined with red carpets.

Normally, a secretary's rank wouldn't warrant such treatment.

But this concerned his lord's land grant—old John wouldn't dare be stingy or negligent, not if he wanted good fortune and smooth sailing.

Yet Neio and his entourage showed no appreciation for John's warmth.

They merely nodded faintly, offering no further response.

John paused, bewildered—but he still didn't grasp the seriousness of the situation.

He assumed they simply hadn't seen any gifts yet.

After all, any noble who'd dealt with officials from the Viceroy's court knew this.

Greedy envoys always acted this way before receiving payment.

So he continued inviting them into the castle and seated them in the guest dining hall.

The hall was already laid with lavish fare: meat soup, roasted meats, even lobster and fresh sea fish—delicacies rare elsewhere.

"Your Excellencies, please don't be formal. You've traveled far and endured hardship—these dishes are the Storm Domain's special offering for you!"

Several of Neio's aides couldn't help swallowing hard.

They'd assumed this mission to the border offered no profit.

Who'd have thought they'd stumble upon such a windfall?

They'd heard of fresh sea fish and giant lobster.

In Eagle City, only true nobles could afford such seafood.

Each dish cost several silver coins—or even dozens.

Neio's eyes flickered with desire, but he forced his expression to remain neutral.

He murmured, "Not bad. Then we won't refuse."

At his signal, everyone quickly began eating.

Old John frowned but quietly withdrew, not disturbing them.

"Master John, these men are utterly rude!"

As soon as they left the dining hall, John's servant couldn't hold back.

Though displeased, John was an experienced steward.

For his lord's sake, he could endure a little disrespect.

"Bring me the money bags I prepared earlier. And add some copper coins to a few more."

"What? More copper coins?"

"Do as I say—don't ruin your lord's affairs!" Seeing the manservant's reluctance, John snapped.

"Yes, Master John!" The manservant grumbled but didn't dare delay.

Soon after, the men in the dining hall finished their meal, comfortably patting their full bellies.

Seeing the servants temporarily gone, the aides chuckled. "Secretary Neio, these seafood dishes are delicious—this is the best lunch I've had in twenty years!"

"Hah, yes! Secretary Neio, I never expected the Storm Domain to have such wealth!"

"Good wealth means we can squeeze more out of them. Stay cold and distant afterward. If we meet a fool like this and don't extract every last coin, we've wasted this trip!"

"Understood! We'll follow your lead, Secretary Neio!"

…

"Your Excellencies, were you satisfied with the hospitality?"

Learning they had finished eating, John returned to the dining hall.

"Not comparable to Eagle City, but for this backwater, it's passable," Neio replied coolly.

The servants' eyes burned with fury.

But John didn't anger. He continued: "Your Excellencies, you've rested enough, I presume? Might we now hear the decree regarding my lord's land grant?"

"Hmm, we've rested sufficiently. But do you understand the proper protocol, steward?" Neio said lightly.

John understood perfectly. He gestured to his servant, who brought forward over a dozen bulging money bags and placed them before the envoys.

Several of Neio's aides took the bags, feeling their weight and fullness, and broke into broad smiles.

They'd taken bribes before—but never so full, so heavy.

At least a few hundred copper coins each?

Indeed, each aide's bag held exactly three hundred copper coins—three times the usual "custom."

Neio's own bag held even more: atop the full copper coins lay five gleaming silver coins.

Altogether, worth eight silver coins—equal to his monthly salary.

"Secretary Neio, is this acceptable now?"

The bags had been left slightly open—Neio saw everything.

He gave a faint nod of approval. "Very well. Since you understand the rules, I'll read the grant decree."

Of course, Neio wasn't satisfied with eight silver coins.

This was only the beginning.

The reason nobles had no choice but to endure such petty officials—mere honorary knights, barely worth notice—

Was because the secretary held absolute control over one crucial step in the land-grant process.