376 Meeting The Baron
Before Lucius could dwell further on the attitude of Baron Hugh’s wife, he was quickly greeted by the baron’s son and daughter.
“A pleasure to meet you, Lord Asher Inanis.” Benjamin smiled. “I hope that we can get along.”
“It is good to be of your acquaintanceship, as well.” Lily curtsied shyly.
“Likewise.” Lucius nodded and gave his own smile.
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“May we also introduce to you our guests for tonight’s banquet? This is John and Alessa along with their child, Cia.” Countess Lita said as she gestured with an elegant smile.
“Greetings, Baron Hugh.” The two bowed respectfully.
“Oh, what a lovely couple and what a healthy-looking child!” Baron Hugh greeted them warmly and then glanced in his wife’s direction. “You two remind me of when I first had Benjamin, isn’t that right? What a cute child.”
“Ah, please be a little careful of touching this little one.” Kiana warned. “She’s a little thorny sometimes around strangers.”
“Thorny? Oh, she already has her gift at her age! Quite brilliant—ahem, incredible.” Baron Hugh was enthusiastic but cut back his voice a little.
It was well known among the circle of nobility that Asher Inanis did not have any gifts and Baron Hugh had already instructed his children not to make any mention of it.
Lucius noticed the way that the expression of Baron Hugh and his children lit up at the sight of the baby, but even until this moment, his wife merely had the iciest of dispositions.
“We should head back inside now, Hugh. I am sure that our guests are quite exhausted from the trip.” Baron Hugh’s wife curtly said. She looked like she wanted to be anywhere else but here with the others.
“Oh, right.” Baron Hugh clapped his hands together and laughed merrily. “Ah, what would I do without my wife? Forgive me for letting all of you stand around here, come come, let us all go inside. The quarters where everyone will be staying is prepared beforehand.”
“Thank you, that is appreciated.” Count Gabriel nodded and allowed the Baron to lead them all inside.
The servants went over to their carriage to take care of their belongings while Lucius and everyone else stepped inside of the Hugh mansion.
“With the banquet happening at night, we have a little bit of time to recover and rest. Some of our friends are already here, Count Gabriel but others will be arriving later.” Baron Hugh explained.
“I will be going ahead to check on everything else.” Baron Hugh’s wife said before she nodded towards the Count and Countess and then leaving them all behind.
“Ah, she’s really quite preoccupied with making sure that the banquet is in perfect condition,” Baron Hugh said with an appreciative shake of his head. “You know how it is, fussing and everything.”
Countess Lita lifted a brow at the word, while Count Gabriel didn’t quite comment about it.
“Your wife must run this household well, because I can imagine how preoccupied you are with how you’re running Etara’s Cross, Baron Hugh.” Lucius said. Even though the man seemed to hold his wife in great esteem, it was unlikely that she truly controlled everything.
In fact, it mostly sounded like an excuse to leave the guests than anything else.
“I do what I can for the city.” Baron Hugh said humbly.
“You’ve done really quite well in my eyes, Baron Hugh. From the layout of the city and to how its visitors from all over the area visit this and yet still progress without even a hint of delay? Etara’s Cross functions smoothly. Even with the parade at the gates, the people were quite disciplined.” Lucius said.
“Thank you.” Baron Hugh looked pleased. “But it really does not shine a light compared to how much progress the Inanis City has experienced over the course of months. If anything, it seems like I ought to receive some advice from your father but he has mentioned that I should address it to you. Do you have any suggestions?”
“Hmm, with a city of this size, there are no doubt a great number of visitors coming in from various locations and it would be wise to take care of the crime.” Lucius said. “What we did in Inanis City is reduce the number of criminals, capturing them and then also ensuring in the long term that there’d be less by building up a re education center.”
“Yes, I believe that’s wise. It is certainly something that needs to be handled carefully. Especially if it is a matter related to trade.” Baron Hugh said. “Although, ah, we have already tried it before but there is a lack of manpower and capability. I must admit that Count Inanis’ people are some of the most well-trained individuals in the kingdom. I really ought to hire more from the academy, but all the best ones get taken so quickly.”
Lucius chuckled. “If it’s manpower that you need, then I may be of help. The Masked Legion, a mercenary group can help with it.”
“A mercenary group?” Baron Hugh asked hesitantly. “It’s my first time of hearing of them.”
“I recommend them, Baron Hugh. They participated in my battle against Viscount Drew and they truly turned the tide. They’re organized and powerful, and I believe will be a good asset to this city if you hire them.” Count Gabriel said.
“Oh, is that so?” Baron Hugh said, convinced. “If the Count says so, then I believe that I will look into this, Lord Asher. Thank you for your input.”
“Other than that, for the re education center, we also have people who are trained already in how it is to be done. I can simply recommend some people to come here from Inanis City to help you start your own, Baron Hugh.” Lucius continued.
It would be good for the Masked Legion to be hired as it would increase the inflow of money into the coffers of Inanis.
“Ah, you truly are incredible, young man.” Baron Hugh said. “My children can learn a lot from you, Asher.”