91 In the affairs of Fiefdom (2/2)
”Well, I can feel that he and his family are rather extremely indebted to me after I saved him, your Countship.” Gray crossed his arms as he told the Count his reason. ”If anyone is going to handle my assets while I'm away, then it's got to be him. After all, I trust that Eric wouldn't go behind my back after what I've graciously done for him and the whole village. That, and he and his family are quite decent and welcoming during my stay at Oakwood, so I believe that it's a suitable incentive for them of a sort.”
SPEECH CHECK: 46
SPEECH REQUIREMENTS: 30
\u003cPERSUASTION SUCCESS!!\u003e
Received 180 XP
After hearing the elf's reasoning, Randalf could not help but smirk in approval. ”It seems that you also possess a cunning mind in these kinds of affairs. I can clearly see the true markings of nobility within you.”
Gray returned the Count's gesture with his own smile as he bowed down in appreciation for the compliment that was given.
”If there's nothing else, then I believe we are done here.” Randalf declared with a cheerful grin on his face.
After things seemed to be now settled with Gray's group and the Count, Malic and Rarsu emphasized their presence as they approached the newly dubbed trio with smiles on their faces.
”I believe congratulations on your own accomplishments is in order,” Malic said with pride while crossing his arms.
”Heh, my apprentices being a Baron,” Rarsu stated with a grin as he felt sincerely gratified to both siblings. ”Who would have thought.”
'Hmm, this turns out to be an interesting development.' Were Lily's thoughts as she witnessed the whole proceedings from a secret spot.
As the four, including Lily, prepared themselves to make their leave, Randalf suddenly halted their intentions as he actually has something more to say.
”Before I forget.” Randalf blinked in realization as he almost neglected about something rather important. ”Baron Gray, I'm sure you remember in your stupored state about the esteemed bards that visited here in town three months ago and witness this Gangnam Style that you have performed at the tavern.”
”Hehe, yes. It's definitely hard to forget that rather eventful night.” The elf chortled embarrassingly in response. ”And what of it then, your Countship?”
”That damn headmaster of the Bardic University.” The Count this time was seen to be comically twitching his head in utter annoyance while clenching his fist, much to the trio's bewilderment. ”For the past month, that fucking whoreson has been pestering me non-stop by sending an absurd amount of letters as to when you are going to make your visit at Flocaster. If I don't know any better, then I might have thought that the fool is having an unhealthy obsession over me. As dictated in the letter, he's been dying to meet you for quite some time and wants to get acquainted with your prodigious dance talents as quickly as possible. Be a lamb and kindly make your way to Flocaster so that both of us can get what we want: The headmaster having you, and my peace and quiet.”
”The Bardic University,” Gray uttered the prestigious institute of the bards as he nodded. ”Well, I did have plans on making my way there in the future, but I'm not sure if it's appropriate in this circumstance since the Alchemist criminal might be on the loose at Flocaster. If I'm going to head on there, then I might as well help in catching the culprit rather than spending my time loafing around with music at the University.”
”Gray is right, my lord,” Isamu interjected. ”That bastard nearly cost us our lives and we intend to make him pay for his crimes if we are going there.”
Selena also shared the same sentiment with both of her companions as she eyed the Count with complete focus.
With the three having being similar to mind, they all received [+2 GOOD], [+1 ORDER].
”Yes, about that,” Randalf announced to the elf and cat-folk. ”As per the contents of the letter that we received from the Count of Flocaster yesterday, it's stated that the culprit has already been caught and behind bars inside the dungeons for his inevitable trial as the investigation is a success. Speaking of which, it appears that you're right Baron Gray, the culprit is indeed a Bard and Flocaster as well would like to thank you for your remarkable contribution. Meaning, you three have nothing to worry about and are free to leave, hopefully as soon as you can. If I so much as to receive another goddamn letter from that son of a bitch, then I'm going to lose my mind here!”
Gray and the others in the office merely sweatdropped at Randalf's antics of silly hate to the Headmaster of the Bards.
”Additionally.” Randalf quickly added in a serious note. ”There will also be a festival that's going to be held there nine days from now I believe, and many travelers from around the nearby settlements no doubt will be attending for the fun festivities. So that's one thing that may hopefully encourage you to visit the town.”
”I see.” Gray nodded at Randalf's remarks. ”Well, if the culprit is finally caught, then it is indeed of utmost relief to us three. To be honest, I also am interested in marveling the sights of another town for a change. We will leave at our earliest convenience.”
”Good,” Randalf said with a tone of approval. ”And if you meet up with the Headmaster, kindly tell him to fuck off and go back to those ballads and music that he's so addicted to instead of wasting his precious time bothering me with his vexatious papers. Not that I hate the Bardic arts mind you, quite contrary, I highly appreciate it as it did wonders to our culture and traditions. My loathe falls only to the Headmaster alone.”
”Ehehe, right.” Gray chuckled sheepishly in acknowledgment.
”Now, if you don't have any more inquiries with me whatsoever, then I believe that this audience is finally adjourned.” The Count declared with full confidence. ”If you are going to leave the town, you may approach Howard first so that he can arrange you a carriage as a faster way of transportation to Flocaster.”
With the meeting with Randalf finally concluded, the trio said their respectful farewell to the Count and gave a final bow of respect before eventually leaving the room. Seeing the three leaving, Lily followed them shortly.