The Merchant and Tavern Master

Side Story: To the Lord's Manor

[This event took place in the middle of the chapter 'Preparation Before Leaving']

I took Sofia with my carriage to the Lord's house to deliver his goods.

"I'm curious about what's inside the lord's house," Sofia asked with intrigue.

"I'm not sure if it's possible, but you can be my assistant, and please be mindful of your manners, okay?" I reminded her.

"Don't worry. My mother has taught me the etiquettes of facing such privileges," she assured me.

As my carriages approached the front gate of the lord's manor, the guards, who were already familiar with me, conducted a brief inspection before allowing my carriages to pass through. I parked them at the side of the manor, as I usually did. Assisting Sofia as she stepped down, we made our way to the front lobby of the manor and informed the officer there that I had brought the Lord's goods. Sofia looked around the front lobby with surprise.

"I thought the lord's manor would be more extravagant than this," she whispered to me.

"Well, this is a village, and it's quite rare for other aristocrats to visit, so the decorations are kept modest. Moreover, if it's too lavish, it might raise suspicions of embezzlement and attract tax officers," I whispered back.

Shortly after, a male servant appeared, beckoning us to follow him. The lord was prepared to receive us. As we strolled through the grand halls of the lord's manor, Sofia's eyes carefully observed the opulent interior. Compared to the modest exterior lobby, the inside was adorned with vibrant and luxurious furnishings. Servants bustled about, diligently attending to their duties. Finally, we reached a stately door, and the servant knocked to signal our arrival. After receiving a response from within, the servant opened the door, and we entered the lord's working chamber.

The room was lined with tall bookshelves, housing an impressive collection of tomes, scrolls, and manuscripts. A side table displayed elegant silverware and glistening goblets, prepared for the lord's use during private meetings and negotiations. At the center of the chamber, behind an imposing desk made from polished oak or mahogany, sat the lord in a high-backed chair with velvet cushions. He possessed a sturdy build, with a hint of plumpness that added to his amiable appearance. His age was unmistakable, evident from the gentle creases adorning his face, the silver strands woven through his hair, and a slight balding on his head. As we entered, we noticed a young good looking man seated in a guest chair, diligently working on some parchment. He is the lord's son, perhaps assisting his father with his noble duties. The chamber radiated an air of authority and grandeur, befitting the power and prestige of the lord.

"Greetings, Your Highness Alphonse. And to you too, Young Master Tylor," I addressed them with a courteous nod.

"Ah, praise the gods, Takahiko. My wife has been nagging me several times already, asking when you will come again. She and my daughter can't wait for the next edition of 'Enchanted Roses and Knightly Vows'! I believe you have them now, do you?" Lord Alphonse exclaimed. In a realm where entertainment options were scarce for noble ladies, books held a special allure, and it was no wonder that the ladies in his household were eager to be entertained.

"Of course, my lord. In fact, due to my delay, I have brought the two latest editions," I replied, relieved to have the much-anticipated books in hand.

"Hello, Takahiko. Did you also bring the law treatises that I've asked for?" Young Master Tylor asked politely.

"Yes, I have them with me 'The Divine Jurisprudence' and 'The Crown's Edict' by Sir Gerwald Kingsley," I confirmed, presenting the law treatises to the young lord.