18 A Pragmatic Person (1/2)

City of Solon, Western Region

Cobert doesn't like the current atmosphere in Solon. The people were restless so business was slow. For a merchant like him, wars are bad for business. Well, it actually depends on the type of merchant. There were merchants who benefited during war time. They were those that sell weapons, iron, food and sometimes, 'experts' like assassins and saboteurs. But Cobert was not one of those merchants. His goods were gems and jewelries. These things were valuable during peacetime and worthless during wartime.

Cobert decided that he needs to Nirvana soon. Staying in Solon will not do him any good. He had been going back and forth between Solon, Nirvana and Holm for the past decades. He buys cotton and silk from Holm, gems from Nirvana, and Ironware from Solon. This was his life, a merchant's life. But Cobert's heart still lies with Holm. He wass a Vanadian and that will never change. His wife lives in Holm along with his sister-in-law and nephew. Oh how he miss little Ben. That nephew of his was very cute! He was slightly jealous of his brother for having such a wonderful son. Cobert had always wanted to have a child but his wife was barren, or maybe it was him who's impotent? Who knows.

Cobert went inside his house. He sat down and poured himself some wine and took a sip. Ahhh.. Hadean. Hadean wine never changes. The sweet taste of the Hadean wine tickled his tongue. Cobert sighed and thought about Holm. He missed the city. He miss little Ben. The little rascal should have grown so much by now. He will buy him a present along the way. But first he needs to go to Nirvana.

Cobert grabbed his pen. He will write a letter to his brother regarding his decision to come to Nirvana. Solon right now is not good for business. His merchandize was left unsold. Luckily, all he had right now were gems and light products so his travel will be light even though he failed to sell them all. Of course Nirvana would still be the same.

But before his pen could touch the paper, a carrier pigeon arrived. He recognized the bird. It was the bird his brother uses in sending letters to him. Why would Escanor write me a letter…letters, he corrected himself after seeing that there were three letters attached to the pigeon's leg. Cobert looked at the letters, every single one of the letters was sealed with a red wax! But only one of the letters was addressed to him. The other two were addressed to Earl Mathias Beyron! And Baron Marvin Blunt! Good riddance. These were all powerful people. What was his brother up to this time? Cobert can smell trouble brewing. He opened the letter addressed to him.

Brother,

Vanadis needs our help. I have met Princess Lucia just a few days ago. Yes, the same Princess Lucia who helped my wife give birth. Brother, I feel indebted to her and I know that you respect the Royal Family too. The princess is asking you to give the two letters to Earl Beyron. This is important brother. The fate of Vanadis depends on this.

Escanor Melin

So it was trouble after all. He doesn't want to get involved with politics, but the involvement of Princess Lucia made this different. He wanted to help the princess. She helped his sister-in-law give birth to little Ben so he will return the favor. He was a Tulosan and it was his duty to help the princess. Escanor said that the fate of Vanadis depends on him delivering the letter. Cobert closed his eyes. It seems he needs to postpone his trip to Nirvana.

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Earl Mathias Beyron received a request for audience from a merchant. Normally, Mathias doesn't meet with merchants but this particular merchant really insisted by standing outside the gate of his villa from evening to dawn. In the end, Mathias received the merchant.

” What is your name merchant? What do you want to talk about?” Mathias asked. He was slightly annoyed that this merchant had the guts to force him into a meeting. But he was also impressed by his courage.

”Cobert Melin sire. I bring letters addressed to you ” the merchant was shivering from the cold so Mathias ordered one of his maids to prepare some hot tea. The maid prepared two cups and poured tea into them. Mathias took a sip. His face lightened. He always preferred tea over wine.

”I'll call you Cobert then.” Mathias took a sip again ”Cobert, you should have given the letters to my assistant. ”

”But they're red-sealed letters sire. I want to hand them to you personally. ” Cobert protested