408 Rising Humble Blaze
ραпdα nᴏνɐ| сom
On the event that there was someone in the street, there was no sign of fear on their face and they walked about easily.
It was a peaceful occasion, something that pleased both the Count and Countess Lita.
“The city was not the worst in crime due to the fact that your father was around, Asher, but this is truly the most peaceful I’ve ever seen this place.” Countess Lita murmured.
“I couldn’t be everywhere at once, and neither did the people expect for me to do such a thing and so they thought they could simply keep their heads down and not attract any attention as long as they didn’t commit anything heinous, but this is truly something good.” Count Gabriel acknowledged. “I’m sure that the Viscountess is already seeing the effects of the re education center and so will Baron Hugh when he arrives.”
“Thank you for entrusting me with the chance to prove myself before,” Lucius said. “These changes wouldn’t be possible if you had no faith in me, father, mother.”
It was clear that Lucius could have implemented this all by himself, but at this point, it was still crucial for him to have the support of the Count and Countess. They made things easier for him to achieve his goals, and he wouldn’t squander such an opportunity.
Even if it meant playing the role of a ‘filial’ son, Lucius was willing to do just that until circumstances made it necessary for him to change tactics.
“We are just happy to support you in any way we can, Asher.” Count Gabriel said.
“Thank you, father.”
Lucius checked out the streets through the window.
He was satisfied with the outcome of the Inanis city. He intended to make the city safer as it benefited him, but one of the main reasons why he had chosen to build the rehabilitation center was now becoming a bit more difficult to achieve.
‘Crime has reduced significantly enough that it’s actually unlikely for there to be criminals who’ve done atrocious deeds at least in the public.’ Lucius thought with a frown. ‘They would have chosen to leave to avoid getting caught if there is any and most would go to other territories. Establishing re education centers elsewhere will fix the problem in the future, but at the present, we do need to increase the manpower of Masked Legion if we’re going to fulfill the orders of the nobility.’
Kiana glanced at Asher and noticed his slightly dissatisfied expression. The Count and Countess did not interact with Asher as much as Kiana, so she was able to notice the changes in his mood unlike them.
“Asher…”
Countess Lita peeked out the curtain and then let out a smile. “Ah, we’re almost there. I’ve been aching to go back to bed. I’m afraid that we won’t be able to speak with Viscountess Blackshield until tomorrow. I am sure that she is fatigued too. Kiana, will you handle her and her people’s accommodations?”
“Of course, Countess.” Kiana said.
When they arrived at the Inanis mansion, there was little that Kiana needed to do because the servants were already present.
“Welcome back, Count, Countess, Young Lord Asher!” the servants greeted, and among them was Neta, someone who had quickly grown to become Kiana’s own second in command.
“I’ve told them beforehand to expect us to return a few days after the banquet.” Kiana explained before she turned to a few of the servants. “We have important guests tonight. Please prepare a room for the Viscountess alongside her attendants please.”
“Ah, it’s quite late so we’ll be seeing you in the morning, Young Lord Asher,” Viscountess nodded at Lucius and then exchanged a few perfunctory exchanges with the Count and Countess before she went on her way.
Kiana could have gone with the Viscountess herself, but chose to remain by Asher’s side. She wanted to make sure that his safety was a priority, even now that they were home on their own estate.
“We will also be going on ahead now, Asher and Kiana.” Countess Lita said as she hugged Count Gabriel’s arm. “Please go get some rest too.”
Lucius appreciated the sentiment and thought it was a good idea too, until Neta suddenly approached and cleared his throat.
“Young Lord Asher, there are some letters that have arrived during your absence.” Neta said.
“We’ve just arrived, Neta.” Kiana frowned. “Couldn’t that have waited until tomorrow morning?”
“Apologies, I merely wished to inform Young Lord Asher at once.” Neta bowed his head apologetically. It was difficult getting on the bad side of Kiana, but he had a feeling that Young Lord Asher would appreciate an update on what happened during his absence.
“No need to worry. Thank you for informing me right away. Take the letters to my room. I will be checking them there,” Lucius said.
‘If I were to say that I will read them in the library or elsewhere, Kiana will naturally make complaints. Far better to say that I will be only giving them a quick read through.’ Lucius thought.
While Lucius was indeed fatigued by the travel, the occurrence of letters made it important for him to check in case they had something important.
When Lucius arrived in the room, he sat down by his desk and checked out the letters. The first one was related to Humble Blaze.
“Hmm, I’ve already confirmed this already with the complaints from Baron Hugh during the banquet that the merchants are overcharging, but to think that they’re truly selling it at twice the price of what I’ve established before.” Lucius chuckled at the immense greed of the merchants. “I suppose if they’re going this way, then it seems that raising the price of Humble Blaze again seems proper.”
The initial cost of 10 copper coins for a kilo of carom fruit gave Dionsyia Brewery a profit margin of 300% due to them being able to sell it at 30 silver for the three liters produced per kilo.
Some time ago, he had already raised it to 20 silver per liter which meant that he already made 600%.
“And now, if I raise it by 30% of the base price…”