Chapter 64: Disappointment and Hope
TL: Etude
Hansel woke up early the next day, meticulously groomed himself, and after enjoying breakfast with his family, he hurried to the publicly accessible office of the royal capitals intelligence department. Presenting his identification, he entered and located the office of his immediate superior.
He gently knocked on the door and, upon hearing Come in, he pushed the door open and greeted the intelligence officer who had given him his commission a few months earlier: Viscount Aiden, long time no see.
The officer, buried in a pile of documents, looked up at Hansel and stared for a while before asking, You are? Clearly, he had some difficulty recalling this subordinate whom he had met only once.
Annoyed but not showing it, Hansel smiled and introduced himself: Baron Hansel Abbott, I received my commission from you a few months ago at the highland camp and was assigned to Alda as a royal commissioner.
Viscount Aiden racked his brain, slowly recalling who Hansel was.
Ah! Hansel, said the Viscount, showing no sign of embarrassment. Most of the people assigned to him were leftovers from Count Merlin, with no significant role. Since communication was handled by specialized liaisons, there was little need to remember these minor figures.
He remembered sending this fellow to a remote area in the Northwest Bay, So, why have you returned to the capital? Viscount Aiden wondered if Hansel couldnt endure the hardships of the northwest and had deserted his post to enjoy a more comfortable life. Ah, these young people nowadays need proper guidance.
Hmm! Hansel cleared his throat and produced a roll of paper, placing it on Viscount Aidens desk, Please take a look, sir.
Viscount Aiden unrolled the paper curiously, finding a food transfer certificate. Recalling the recent directive from the royal family, he quickly understood.
So, youve managed to secure food from the local lord?
Yes, sir! The quantity is not large, but this is just the first batch. Count Paul Grayman of Alda has promised to send more food, free of charge.
Viscount Aiden nodded in approval, Good. Its rare to find such loyal local lords these days. Ill take note of this. You may return now. He then casually set the transfer certificate aside and continued with his paperwork.
After a while, noticing that Hansel hadnt left, Viscount Aiden looked up, puzzled, to find Hansel still standing there, seemingly waiting for something.
Hmm? Abbott, why are you still here?
Looking slightly disappointed, Hansel took out two letters and placed them on the desk, I have another matter to request, sir. One of these is a letter from Lord Grayman of Alda to His Majesty, and the other is my letter to His Majesty, offering a few suggestions about the northwest region. Please, could you deliver them to the royal palace?
Viscount Aiden glanced at the letters and replied, Alright, but His Majesty is very busy, and I cant assure you hell have time for your letters. Hansel, if theres nothing else urgent, you should return to the Northwest Bay and continue your duties as a royal commissioner. I am quite busy here.
Understood, Viscount Sir.
Hansel left the office, closing the door behind him. After a few steps in the corridor, he hesitated, considering whether to go back in, but ultimately he shook his head and left the building.
After finishing his official business, Hansel hired a carriage and headed towards the Royal Crystal Shine Academy. About fifteen minutes later, the carriage stopped in front of a tavern.
Hansel stepped down, paid the coachman a few coins, and entered the tavern, straightening his clothes. He looked around and spotted a familiar figure in a corner, then approached the bar and ordered, A rum, please.
The bartender stared at him, motionless. Just as Hansel was growing impatient, the bartender spoke, Sir, please show your identification and ticket.
What do you mean? I need ID and a ticket to drink? Hansel was confused. Had the security in the capital increased so much since the warehouse fire?
A voice from behind said, Barkeep, my friend just returned from out of town and doesnt know about the recent prohibition. Give him an apple juice.
Hansel turned around to see the familiar person in the corner, opening his arms warmly, Bernard, its been so long!
His old classmate, Baron Bernard Francis, also opened his arms and embraced him, Yes, its been months. I had no idea where you were until Tom came by this morning and told me youve been appointed as a royal commissioner in the northwest.
The two men walked to a table in the corner and sat down. Hansel curiously asked, What was that prohibition order you mentioned earlier?
Bernard waved his hand dismissively, Dont mention it, theres been a grain shortage recently, hasnt there? His Majesty the King has issued an order strictly limiting the brewing of all kinds of alcohol. Nobles are only allowed half a liter of alcohol per day, and commoners only one liter per week. Moreover, drinking at banquets and public events is banned. I warn you, dont break the law. This isnt a joke; several unlucky ones have already been caught and heavily punished.
Alright then! Hansel resignedly accepted the apple juice offered by the owner, Ill quench my thirst with this for now.
Bernard took a sip of the juice in his glass and asked, Have you been called back to the capital this time?
No! Ill be heading back to the Northwest Bay in a few days.
Oh! Thats unfortunate, Bernard sympathetically raised his glass to Hansel.
Hansel continued, Actually, the reason I invited you here is not only to catch up but also to discuss something.
Hmm? What is it?
Hansel organized his thoughts and said, Theres an opportunity that could change your fate. I wonder if youre willing to seize it.
What opportunity? His friend asked casually, then lifted his glass to drink some juice.
Would you be willing to come with me to the Northwest Bay?
Coughcough cough! Bernard choked on his juice, coughing violently.
Hansel quickly patted his back, and it took a while for Bernard to recover.
CoughYoure not joking, are you? Bernard asked doubtfully. Going there was akin to being exiled, why would Hansel drag his good friend into such a predicament?
Hansel put on a serious face, Bernard, Im absolutely not joking. I just came back from the Northwest Bay. I know the land there, the people, the lord. Its not the poor and harsh land that the nobility in the capital speak of.
He looked into Bernards eyes and said emphatically, Its a fertile, yet-to-be-cultivated land, a promised land that will be strewn with gold in the future.
Bernard blinked and said, Hansel, you know these grandiose words wont sway me.
Hansel sat down and said frankly, Alright, Bernard. Let me tell you the truth. Theres a place there called Alda. The local lord wants to greatly develop his territorys industries, increasing the output of various resources, including food and iron. But he lacks talented people, especially those who can read and do arithmetic.
Bernard stroked his chin, seemingly understanding his friends intent.
Hansel continued, You know, food and iron are the most important resources in war. Once their production is boosted and continuously supplied to His Majesty the King, those involved in making this happen will certainly be credited.
Bernard nodded, You make a good point, but is this sure to succeed? Every lord wants their territory to prosper, but Ive never heard of a territory becoming rich in just a few years.
Theres always a risk in any investment. How can we know the outcome if we dont try?
He then described to Bernard the agricultural development plan for Alda, the various measures taken by Paul in the territory, like eradicating pirates and enforcing strict laws, emphasizing that Alda was now orderly, not overrun with pirates and bandits as people used to describe the Northwest Bay.
He concluded, Think about it, Bernard. Youre almost thirty and still working as a scribe in the academy. How much can you earn in a month? Opportunities are dwindling. If you dont find a way, this will be your life. The towns there may be smaller, but their cleanliness is no less than that of the capital. Its a very suitable place to live. The lord has promised to pay those who join him more than before, and the cost of living there is also very low.
Hansels words struck a chord in Bernard, who began to consider seriously.
Seizing the moment, Hansel said, In the capital, low-ranking nobles like us are a dime a dozen. But in the Northwest? There, nobles are rare. To the common people around, we would be like the sun. With our knowledge and skills, we can definitely make a place for ourselves there. After you achieve something, you can choose to return to the capital or continue living there. By then, the Northwest will surely flourish with our efforts.
After pondering for a while, Bernard finally said, Ill need to think about your suggestion and get back to you.
Hansel took his hand, Think about it carefully, my friend. Also, mention this to people you know, especially those dissatisfied with their current situation, including commoners. If theyre interested, let them come to me.
Bernard nodded, Alright, Hansel! Ill give you an answer the day after tomorrow at the latest!
Hansel raised his glass, Cheers! My friend, I wish we had enough grain for brewing so that we wouldnt have to use this damned juice as a substitute.
The two glasses clinked together, Cheers! I hope what you say comes true.
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