Chapter 7 (2/2)
Auvalire had wanted to say “until the day I die”, but changes at the last minute; strictly speaking, she was already dead.
“Glad to hear it.”
Julian smiles in gratification; and for the first time, Auvalire detects a hint of devious pleasure in cunning prevailed.
“Then, let me go over the situation in front of us.”
Julian’s explanation is objective and detailed. Beginning from his body’s family and birth, to the problems the fiefdom was facing at the moment, his a.n.a.lysis encompa.s.sed all. In fact, Julian had already organized these informational specifics before he discovered Auvalire; they wanted only a solution.
Auvalire opens her eyes in surprise upon the conclusion of the explanation. She looks at Julian in bafflement, returning to full awareness only after some time.
“Mr. Julian, if I’m not misunderstanding you … you mean to say that the only things we own are this castle and a town with only a hundred gold in monthly taxes? Moreover, your land was given to you through enfiefment … and there is no one else with you?”
“Well, I have you now. And those wandering spirits. And maybe a few more people in a few days, recruited from the town.”
“Even that definitely isn’t enough.”
Auvalire sees the seriousness of the problem.
“Mr. Julian, I don’t know what you’re thinking, but from my perspective, it’s quite difficult for you to make something of yourself and your holdings with only this castle as a base!”
“The more difficult the challenge, the more satisfaction in the conquest.”
Hands outstretched, Julian presents a confident smile.
“Your Highness hasn’t experienced a problem like this before, I’d think. Surely you’re not considering giving up?”
“Please don’t make a joke like that, Mr. Julian.”
Auvalire raises a pretty, slender eyebrow, her face full of confidence.
“Compared to dealing with the n.o.bles back at the capital, I can only call these issues negligible.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Standing, Julian offers Auvalire his right hand.
“Then, from this day forward, you shall be my lieutenant. What do you think? Are you satisfied with this arrangement?”
“Leave it to me.”
Reaching her hand out to meet his, Auvalire grips it tightly; the young man’s palm is warm and broad.
“I will be sure not to disappoint.”
[1] Suggestiveness entirely intentional. Actually I tried to make it a little less licentious, but not enough! How lewd ... ㅇㅅㅇ
[2] The tense switching is a little complicated here; I'm too tired to check if it's absolutely correct. It's times like these that I wish I had an editor, but the show must go on.
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