They began walking toward the keep.
Tia and Vina were quietly dismissed back to their quarters as the nobles proceeded along the stone path.
As they walked, Vell began issuing instructions as if dictating orders to servants.
"His Excellency shall expect the complete account ledgers for the past three decades by morning. Tax records. Harvest reports. Tithe receipts. Land grants. Debt obligations—particularly those still unpaid."
He paused briefly.
"No copies, no transcriptions. Originals only.
"Any delay will be reported to the Royal Treasury Office.
"We will also require access to your bailiff and senior reeve. And your steward. Separately. No audience. No supervision. Without... interruptions."
Sera's eyes narrowed slightly.
"This is an audit," Emma said, frowning. "Not an inquisition."
Vell tilted his head.
"No," he said softly. "If it were an inquisition... we would have arrived with chains."
Emma's patience was thinning.
Sera gave a small nod, said calmly, "My steward will have them prepared. You will find our people cooperative."
"Let us hope your steward is more competent than your roads in covering up things."
Emma said. "There is nothing to conceal."
"Of course," Vell said over his shoulder. "That is what they always say."
Sera observed that, while Vell spoke, complaining non-stop, the Viscount remained completely silent.
'Oh! Now I get it.' Sera thought, chuckling internally.
From this point on, Sera turned silent, while Emma proactively started to retort Vell, which caused him to be even more furious that some woman is arguing with him and she is not showing any fear and even displaying a hint of disdain towards him.
'What happened to her?' Alaric and Sera thought.
Watching Emma argue, Sera and Alaric are surprised and amused. Because Emma is not usually so proactive.
Even the viscount is surprised that a baron's steward, much less a woman, could argue with his sharp tongued assistant without backing out.
They passed beneath the archway of the keep.
"These are your chambers," Sera said. "Please rest. Everything has been prepared."
The Viscount still remained silent.
Vell answered instead.
"We will take our meal privately. Tomorrow His Excellency's subordinates will visit every village in your territory. I will begin reviewing your records here in the castle."
Sera gestured toward Emma.
"This is Emma, my steward. She will assist with all documents and administrative matters."
Emma bowed stiffly.
"Our head maid will escort you to your rooms," Sera added. "Please inform her if you require anything within our capabilities."
The Viscount gave a faint nod and followed the maid down the corridor.
Just before disappearing, Vell turned once more.
"And please ensure the records are accurate," he said lightly. "His Excellency has an excellent nose for fabrication."
"Delay and deceit are things he detests most."
YOU ARE READING
The Eclipse Moons Grimoire: Lilith's Soft Whispers
FantasyA boy who wishes to be a girl dies in an accident and reincarnates in a world of gods and demons as the second son of the baroness with hidden past. His supposed mother disguises and raises him as a girl.
