abnabooks Chapter 142 Study Meeting
Chapter 142 Study Meeting
It was evening again.
Several days later, Baron Taliss's town became lively again.
Many of the people gathered together, looking toward Baron Talis's main residence.
Bright light pierced through the main house, as if a sunset were hidden inside.
The seven tall dragon horses were separated by the servants; one was led into a special stable, and the other six were taken to the pasture to be cared for.
In addition, dozens of ordinary, healthy horses were tethered directly in the courtyard of the main house.
But there were only grooms and servants to take care of the horses here; the horses' owners were not here.
They had all gone inside.
The strong, almost pungent aroma of spices filled every corner of the main house, and large tallow candles shone brightly on a dozen silver candlesticks, illuminating every corner.
On the dining table, huge copper platters were filled with food.
A whole roasted suckling pig and a dairy cow were placed at opposite ends of a long table, their mouths stuffed with apples as if they were still eating.
The pig's skin gleamed with an alluring amber hue under the candlelight, while the cow's skin glowed a golden-red!
Anyone who has attended a banquet of high-ranking nobles can tell that they are brushed with honey and safflower during the baking process!
Red Gold Flower comes from a purple flower that takes at least three years to harvest. This flower has an extremely short blooming period and can only be picked in the early morning before sunrise. Only three stamens can be harvested from each flower.
The dried flower core becomes red golden flower.
It has this name not only because it can dye things reddish-gold, but also because its value far exceeds that of gold of the same weight!
Inside the two dazzling cubs are two pies as tall as cartwheel cheeses.
These two things, when put together, can make someone lie down and sleep.
Its outer skin is as hard as armor, as evidenced by the axe placed nearby.
Looking at the cross-section, the filling inside consists of cooked poultry.
These birds exude a tantalizing aroma of spices that can make one dizzy.
At the very center of the long table was a large meat jelly resembling a five-layer cake, filled with bits of spices and nuts. On top of it were tiny figures made of biscuits arranged like an army, each holding slices of meat and leaves made of vegetables.
Around these five largest plates, there is a ring of slightly smaller containers.
The aroma of spices from the stews and meats inside can also make people dizzy.
Even freshly baked bread is like that!
There were no seats set up at the long table today.
Fifty-odd soldiers and several knights could only stand and enjoy the feast.
As for Baron Talis?
After finishing his speech, he went upstairs with his goals in mind.
In the study on the second floor of the main house.
"How charming. Little Talis, I thought you had become a slave to the church. That saddened me for a while. It feels so good to see you are still wealthy."
Upon entering the study, Baron Stern, dressed in a dark green military uniform, with a robust physique and wrinkles beginning to appear on his face, couldn't help but speak.
The Valos Knight and the Kumo Knight, who were subordinate to Baron Talis, immediately showed displeasure.
"You know how unlucky I am."
Baron Taliss, dressed in a scarlet armor, simply waved his hand and sat down behind his desk.
"The saint didn't even pass by me, only because I was near the ruins. Who knows if you won't be next?"
Upon hearing this, the older Baron Stern's expression turned serious.
His territory was located to the east of Baron Talis's territory; they were adjacent.
Baron Talis's territory is shaped like a spearhead, extending from northeast to southwest, with only the northeastern "spearhead" touching the forbidden area.
In terms of proximity, he is clearly closer to the forbidden areas in the east and north.
Unless the church knows that the saint died in the north.
But how is that possible?
In short, if the Church can punish Baron Taliss, it may very well punish him as well.
Perhaps they just forgot.
There are precedents for this.
The thought of those families that disappeared because of the belated punishment made his heart clench.
Not to mention, the Baron Talis family is a large family that directly governs twenty manors.
He directly managed only twelve manors!
But before Baron Stern could speak, the young Matica knight beside him, dressed in a yellow armored uniform, spoke up.
"You make a good point. If the Talis family is punished, the surrounding nobles may also be implicated, and even Lord Evasen behind me will certainly pay the price."
Although the Viscount Evasen's fiefdom was mainly located in the south of Baron Talis.
But he also has an enclave!
That enclave, located directly west of the Valos Knights' territory, is also marked with relics and is now managed by the Matica Knights family.
As for the area further west, separated by a low mountain, it's almost impossible for the church to get involved.
Baron Stern casually pulled over a chair and sat down.
He looked at Baron Talis and asked, "Your profits from selling slaves aren't even enough to cover the church's fines? What prices did they offer?"
"Selling slaves?"
Knight Matika frowned, finding it somewhat strange.
The surrounding territories were not wealthy, and they, located on the eastern border of civilization, had neither mineral resources nor technology.
They can only farm.
It was an open secret that the generals sold the people into slavery.
But there are only so many people in the church, and it's easy to see that they can't make up for the fines imposed on the church.
Baron Talis did not answer.
He looked at the three knights: "You may also sit down. We need to have a serious discussion for a while."
The three knights each found a chair and sat down.
Baron Stern looked at Martina.
"You didn't know? The Talis family has a slave-catching team in the forbidden area, and they sell at least several hundred slaves every year. Is that right, Sir Kumo?"
Knight Matica slightly widened his eyes and turned to look at Knight Kumo.
Although the Knight Kumo did not speak, he already knew in his heart that it was true.
Just look at the sauce made with safflower brushed on the surface of that roasted calf!
Even the viscounts here can't afford that kind of thing!
Unless you're rich!
"Because the pastor here is getting old."
Baron Talis spoke, implicitly acknowledging Baron Stern's words.
"He wants money, and he wants to spend the rest of the winter somewhere warmer and more comfortable. He doesn't want to grow old and die in this remote place."
He glanced at the faces of the other four people.
Knight Kumo and Knight Valos were also sizing up the remaining two.
Baron Stern was not surprised, but rather felt a thrill at having his little secret exposed.
He once fought with Baron Taliss for a slave, which he found utterly inexplicable at the time.
It wasn't until later, after thinking about it, that I understood.
He wanted to follow suit, but unfortunately the priests in his territory were too strict.
There's absolutely no chance!
The Knights of Matica had no chance at all.
Although there was no church in his territory, the apprentices sent by the priests of Viscount Evasen stayed in his guest rooms!
Keep an eye on him!
孽 孽!
The two nobles shared a remarkably similar opinion.
Why don't they have a single greedy pastor around them?
They desperately wanted to give the slaves in the ruins a job!
Quickly calming himself down, Baron Stern looked at Baron Taliss.
"So you're even willing to admit that. Tell me, why did you invite us here?"
Are we going to capture slaves together?
Martina's heart tightened.
Even if he knew, he wouldn't have a chance!
It would be better to report Baron Talis.
But autumn is almost over, so what good will reporting it do?
The church procession won't arrive until the summer.
Not to mention that Baron Talis has already been fined a hefty amount by the church. Once the church has eaten all that it should have, he won't even get a drop of soup!
Baron Talis pointed north.
"Just north of my territory, half a day's journey into the ruins, there are several hundred goblins there."
Upon hearing his words, both Baron Stern and Knight Mattica could no longer contain themselves.
"Goblin!?"
"Goblin?"