The situation had changed. Negotiations were broken. The chaos inside the capital became another variable. A majority of farmers began to seek immediate and satisfying measures rather than uncertain promises about compensation.
“See? They had no intention of compensating us from the beginning! What are you doing? Are you going to be duped by them? ”
John Piaf instigated the farmers. Several spineless men supported him as if he had already persuaded them in advance. The atmosphere became overheated with their inflammable propaganda, and the situation gradually got out of control. Eduval asked them to think rationally, but his petition was only a helpless cry before the majority.
Lard left and returned to the barracks to hear detailed reports about the chaos in the capital. Although the rise in the prices of Montrapi was the direct cause of their disturbances, there was prevalent moods among the commoners that they regarded Emperor Isaac’s ascension as an ominous sign when they saw the black smoke rising in the sky on the day of his coronation.
The news that the revolting peasants arrived at the capital and confronted the knights also helped stir up the commoners in the capital because trading Montrapi at the market was stopped.
“They opened the imperial warehouses containing Montrapi reserve in a hurry, but the situation did not improve. In fact, the Montrapi reserved for the imperial family was supplied to the market steadily, but the reserve was insufficient and its distribution was not smooth… ”
“Did the market traders collaborate with Duke Engre?”
“There was a suspicious movement of some powerful groups. I think they were responsible for the shortages.”
In addition to the hike in the prices of Montrapi, the suspension of the market fueled the anger of the common people. There was a suspicious public opinion urging the need to join hands with the peasants who reached the capital, and it became a reality.
Lard soon divided the troops and dispatched them to the main areas of turmoil in the capital. The situation was not good. While looking at the map showing the troops, he felt heavy.
At the same time there broke out the laughter of people in an atmosphere completely different from that of Borams. There was even a friendly atmosphere among the people gathered in the room. Only among the soldiers guarding their surroundings there was a tense atmosphere, but their tension did not spoil the satisfaction of the people in the room.
“Everything is going on well according to your intention. The Goethesman Merchants Association cooperated with us in a timely manner. The imperial family won’t be able to handle the situation anymore, ” Viscount Bual said to Duke Engre with a hearty laugh.
“I want to recognize your great work. I hope you can take care of the rest.”
“Sure, I will.”
The duke nodded, satisfied with his reply and turned to another knight.
“Sir Buleigh, did you find out about the mushroom?”
“I found it out with difficulty. I could find out its name only after visiting some prominent scholars. They say it is a rare species named pumpkin mushroom. It is a mushroom that grows only in the northeastern part of the continent, and they were surprised to find it here. ”
The knight took out the mushrooms wrapped in a handkerchief from his pocket.
Sir Buleigh’s hands, taking off the handkerchief, were full of red spots. The skin of his hands that touched the mushroom caused rashes.
“I feel it’s really mysterious when I see it again.”
Mushrooms that still did not lose their brilliance were radiating golden light faintly. Viscount Bual was impressed with the golden light.
“Mushrooms in the northeast suddenly emerged in prison… ?” The duke murmured silently.
“Are you sure they didn’t find it there before?”
“It is a fact that I have confirmed from those who kept the prison. They said it was impossible that they could not have noticed such a radiant mushroom. ”
“You said Wendy Waltz? She was imprisoned there, right? ”
“Yes.”
“… Can you bring me the report about her that I had reviewed last time? ”
The duke, who thought about something intently, ordered Sir Buleigh.
Shortly afterwards, he came back with a thin document. Upon receiving it, the duke read the documents carefully. As it was not thick, it didn’t take long for him to read it.
“She was there with the crown prince and his knights when his palace collapsed?”
“Yes. There was a report that somebody saw the woman when the supporting unit went there after the collapse. ”
“Then, could Sir Sir Schroder take the woman there? For what did he…? ”
He narrowed his eyes as if he couldn’t understand. When he reviewed the contents of the document again, there were several parts he felt suspicious about. For example, he was suspicious about the report that Jean Jacques Simuan, who won the Burgundy Hunting Contest, testified that he had defeated the bear with the poison arrow he received from Wendy Waltz.
Of course, the record was trustworthy in that Jean replied at the prince’s question in the presence of a number of nobles. However, it was very strange that the woman had a poison arrow that could knock down the bear at once.
“This information is too limited. Is there more detailed information? ”
“I’m sorry. It was very difficult to find out more information about the woman related to Sir Schroder. There were lots of rumors about the woman, but they were mostly disinformation intentionally sown by Sir Schroder. ”
“Is it true that they met for the first time when the Bajazman tree at the Rajabude Museum was stolen?”
“Yes, that information has been confirmed to be true.”
The duke swallowed at Sir Burleigh’s reply,
“From the Rajabude case to her disappearance at the Burgonu forest and the explosion of the palace…there were too many strange things for an ordinary commoner woman to go through. ”
The duke lifted the wine glass on the table and put it on the tip of his nose. As if he was lost in thought, his eyes were deep and serene.
“Try to buy off one knight who survived the explosion, and bring him to me by all means. I have something I really want to ask. ”
The duke ordered Sir Burleigh and Viscount Bual.
Bual asked, as if he was puzzled, “Can I ask you why you are interested in the woman?”
“I can’t start the coup when I have doubt. Who knows if the doubt can be a threat to us? We should remove any threatening factor before the coup.”
His voice was low and secret.
“Are you bored?” Pascal asked with a little smile when Wendy, who was stuck in the place in the Imperial Palace, yawned blankly.
She shook her head awkwardly.
“Would you like to walk? There are many other beautiful gardens in the Imperial Palace that you have not yet walked around. ”
She instantly reacted to his suggestion and stood up gladly.
“I will order the maid to bring a Kaplin parasol. The sun is hot.”
“Oh, no… you don’t have to.”
She seemed impatient enough to get out of the room immediately, but sat back with a sullen look. There was a smile on her face.
“… What’s the matter with you?” Pascal asked, raising his dark eyebrows.
“… As there are lots of disturbances in and out of the palace, I don’t feel comfortable about taking a leisurely stroll through the garden,” she said, pulling the sleeve of her dress.
At that moment she thought of Lard who was in the middle of the danger.
Only then did Pascal scratch his back head with his injured arm and make another suggestion. His arm was still wrapped in a bandage, but he seemed to have no problem moving it.
“Would you like to read a book then? I’ll borrow some books from the palace library. Wait a minute. You won’t have to feel guilty about reading a book. ”
She didn’t have to feel guilty about taking a walk in the garden, but he didn’t say anything about it.
He smiled at her and left the room. She sighed deeply and rested her chin on the table.
Since she heard about the turmoil caused by the commoners in the capital the day before, she couldn’t help but think about the difficulties that Lard was experiencing. His safety was the most important, but she was also very worried about how many people would be damaged and lose their lives.
Thump!
She turned her head to the sound of the door opening. An unfamiliar maid came in with a cup of tea. With her appearance the fragrant black tea wafted into the room. The maid put down the teacup in front of her, who lowered her hand supporting her chin and straightened up.
It was when she lifted the mug after expressing thanks to her shortly.
There was a piece of white paper folded finely on the teacup.