Chapter 97: She Truly Drives A Hard Bargain
Prince Simon’s Castle.
Princess Lisa stepped down from her carriage and, upon seeing the scenery within the prince’s castle, she frowned slightly.
In Eldora, she was accustomed to luxurious mansions. Compared to those, the prince’s castle was indeed rather shabby.
The castle lacked the auspicious statues at its entrance, the plaque above the gate wasn’t gilded, and even the door knockers were rusted, details that seemed unbefitting of a prince’s status.
Noticing Princess Lisa’s unusual expression, Simon asked. "Auntie, is something wrong?"
"Simon, you’ve suffered these five years in Brambleford. The emperor is too harsh. No matter what, you’re still a prince. How could he be so biased? When I return to Eldora, I will definitely speak up for you." Princess Lisa said, feigning concern for Simon.
Had Simon not known his aunt’s true nature, he might have been moved. However, Princess Lisa was notorious for her acting skills, and he wasn’t about to fall for her act.
"Thank you, Auntie, but there’s no need. Father has already sent me the one million caps of silver." Simon replied.
Princess Lisa’s eyes flickered. If it weren’t for the glass and other goods from Brambleford, she would have completely forgotten about this nephew of hers.
In Eldora, the other princes often visited her, bringing lavish gifts. But Simon was far away, and his maternal family lacked influence, so she had never paid him much attention.
"Is that so? I heard the emperor’s impression of you has improved recently. It seems to be true."
"I’m not sure about that. Father has never been fond of me, but since he sent the silver, perhaps it’s true." Simon evaded.
Princess Lisa chuckled. "Congratulations, then. Perhaps the Emperor will even allow you to return to Eldora for a visit. Lady Isolde misses you dearly."
"I miss Mother as well," Simon said with a faint smile.
By now, they had reached the garden behind the main hall. Princess Lisa sat down in the pavilion and gestured for Simon to join her.
"I came here this time to see you on behalf of Lady Isolde. Seeing that you’re doing well here, I can reassure her when I return." Princess Lisa played the emotional card again.
Simon couldn’t help but admire her. Princess Lisa was indeed a shrewd woman, able to make others feel close to her with just a few words.
However, he wasn’t the same Simon from before. Blood ties alone weren’t enough to make him lose his composure. The old Simon might have been moved to tears, but not him.
As Princess Lisa spoke, she kept observing Simon’s expression. Seeing that he remained calm, she was slightly surprised. He was quite interesting.
"That’s good. Please tell Mother that I’m doing well here and not to worry." Simon said. "By the way, Auntie, do you have any other plans for your visit? If not, I can show you around Brambleford’s scenic spots."
Princess Lisa had seen nothing but rural poverty on her way here. There were no scenic spots to speak of.
Seeing the dilapidated state of the prince’s castle, she had no intention of staying long. "I’ll only be here for a few days. After that, I plan to visit your Uncle Gerard in Bristol City."
"That’s a bustling place. I’ve always wanted to visit, but my duties keep me too busy." Simon said, giving himself an excuse not to accompany his aunt.
"No matter. The emperor will be pleased to hear that you’re diligent in your duties." Princess Lisa said. After some probing, she found Simon unyielding. Since charm and beauty didn’t work on him, she hesitated before finally revealing her true purpose. "Simon, the reason I came this time is actually about the glass. The glassware you sent to the palace has caused quite a stir in the inner court. Even your father couldn’t put it down. He asked me to come to Brambleford to inquire about the glass-making technique so that craftsmen in the castle can produce it for the consorts."
"So, it’s come to this." Simon thought to himself. His aunt’s appetite was truly insatiable.
He had expected Princess Lisa to ask for some glassware, which he could have easily given her. But he hadn’t anticipated that she would demand the entire glass-making technique.
As Princess Lisa spoke, she watched Simon closely. To her surprise, he remained as calm as ever. Little did she know that Simon’s mind was in turmoil.
"Auntie, I’m afraid that’s not possible."
Simon believed Princess Lisa’s words. If she whispered in Emperor Alaric’s ear, the emperor would undoubtedly agree to her request for the glass-making technique or even the production methods for all of Brambleford’s goods.
This was the Eldorian Empire, where the greed of the nobility was brazened, and they saw such demands as entirely justified.
Princess Lisa’s expression shifted, her eyes darting around. "Auntie doesn’t agree with this either. It’s all your father’s idea. You know his temperament. Once he takes an interest in something, he must have it."
Simon frowned. Princess Lisa was essentially threatening him.
Emperor Alaric was known throughout the Eldorian Empire for his ruthlessness and tyranny. Otherwise, how could a prince like Simon have been reduced to such a state?
Princess Lisa was waiting for his response. This was the worst-case scenario he had anticipated.
If he refused, the emperor would be furious. If he complied, it would set a precedent, and every opportunistic noble would come demanding things under the emperor’s name.
Therefore, he couldn’t give in this time, and he had to avoid offending both Princess Lisa and the Emperor.
"I understand Father’s temperament, but Auntie, a person without integrity cannot stand. I cannot reveal the glass-making technique because I’ve already made an agreement with the merchants in the guild. Aside from supplying them with goods, the glass-making technique will only be disclosed to them once they reach a certain membership level. If I break my word now, it would not only disgrace me but also tarnish the royal family’s reputation. No matter what, I am still a prince. My dignity may not matter, but the royal family’s honour does. Father wouldn’t be pleased if that were compromised, would he?"
"Oh? Is that so?" Princess Lisa asked, puzzled.
Simon nodded firmly and proceeded to explain the guild’s structure to her.
As Princess Lisa listened, her expression grew increasingly grim. She had intended to monopolise the profits from the glass trade, but she hadn’t realized that the glass involved so many people’s interests, including those of several feudal lords.
If that were the case, this matter wouldn’t be so easily resolved. While the imperial princes might be manageable, the non-imperial feudal lords would be a different story.
Living in Eldora, she knew these feudal lords were restless, eager to support a new emperor who aligned with their interests, just as they had supported Alaric in the past.
"Exactly. The main issue is that I’ve already taken their silver and spent most of it. If Auntie is willing to repay them on my behalf, I’d be happy to share the glass-making technique with you." Simon said, feigning regret.
"How much silver are we talking about?" Princess Lisa asked, sensing a glimmer of hope.
"Not much, just around fifteen million caps," Simon said nonchalantly.
