Chương 258: Chapter 254 - Elderly offers

Scarlett's fingers sifted through the towering stack of documents cluttering her desk. The papers, a mixture of official business and reports, ranged from shipping manifests and bills of loading to imperial charters and writs issued by the relevant authorities. Invoices from entities such as Elystead Tower mingled with correspondences from the Followers of Ittar, while preliminary reports from Evelyne's various newly hired clerks peeked out from beneath the chaos.

The sheer volume of paperwork was honestly daunting. Scarlett had never been one for bureaucratic tasks to begin with, and most of the content here was far outside her area of expertise. Despite this, she'd been diligently reviewing every document while Evelyne was unavailable, her eyes scanning each page methodically while trying to sort out what was worth remembering and what wasn't.

Although most of the actual work would still be handled by others, including the barony's seneschal, Kinsley, Scarlett felt compelled to gain a more comprehensive overview of current operations than she'd gotten from simply reading through Evelyne's usual reports. Two days had passed since the attacks on the empire, and only one since Scarlett's return to the Freybrook mansion. In that short time, the barony had initiated several of their relief measures.

For now, this primarily focused on establishing communication channels with the Followers and Kilnstone officials, coordinating the distribution of emergency supplies. They were also arranging chartered ships to transport resources that couldn't be moved via Kilnstone. Across the empire, needs varied significantly from one settlement to another. Some cities hit by the attacks had ample food supplies but suffered significant losses in infrastructure and the available workforce.

Others faced severe shortages of water and basic sustenance, requiring urgent deliveries from external sources. Their efforts currently focused on the latter, more time-sensitive issues, but initiatives to provide medical support and other critical aid were also underway. In her preparations, Evelyne had explored various options for delivering, sparing little expense. At present, the barony alone had probably stockpiled enough basic supplies to sustain a medium-sized town for a few weeks.

Though modest on an empire-wide scale, they had also secured several contracts to ensure a steady influx of further supplies, and in this situation, every contribution, no matter how small, was crucial. Fortunately for Scarlett, they'd yet to encounter any major issues that demanded her direct intervention. Admittedly, though, things were still in the early phases.

She knew Evelyne anticipated that some suppliers, both domestic and foreign, might challenge their standing agreements given the drastically changed climate, so it was only a matter of time until those complaints surfaced. Their contracts should be pretty airtight, however, so barring any imperial decrees to start seizing grain and other vital resources, their position should remain secure.

Personally, Scarlett was more concerned about the potential questions regarding their timely preparedness for an emergency of this magnitude. But she would handle those as they came. In addition to deepening her understanding of the relief operations and everything surrounding them, Scarlett had been in regular contact with Beldon Tyndall, receiving updates about the situation throughout the empire.

So far, no members of the Cabal or Tribe had been spotted during any of the attacks, meaning there was still a lot of confusion among the general populace about the nature of the threat. The monster assaults had sparked widespread panic, and while authorities and nobles had managed to stabilise the situation temporarily, the damage to cities had been significant.

Ambercrest and Wildscar had been hit particularly hard — the former due to the precarious political situation following Count Soames' recent detainment and ongoing investigation, and the latter because it had been forced to contend with three adult dragons along with the other monsters. Freybrook and Elystead were the only cities that fared relatively well. Freybrook's defenders had repelled some larger monsters, but overall, things had been calmer here than in the rest of the empire.

Elystead, meanwhile, had both the natural defences and a high concentration of powerful factions that helped it weather the attacks better than most. These developments had been in line with Scarlett's expectations, which provided some relief. She had feared that, because this event diverged from fate and occurred several months earlier than in the game, the Cabal would launch an all-out assault immediately. Thankfully, that hadn't been the case. However, this didn't mean that the threat had passed.

They would have known this wasn't enough to bring the nation to its knees. Beldon had informed Scarlett of reports indicating more portals appearing sporadically across the empire over the last couple of days, unleashing monsters closer to smaller, more vulnerable settlements. This had prompted many people to flee to the cities, exacerbating the already tense resource shortages that were building up.

Groups like the Shields Guild and various knight orders were now redirecting their efforts towards combating these monster incursions, but they were fighting an uphill battle. Already stretched thin by months of increased Tribe activity, they were struggling to reorganise against this new, unpredictable threat. The Cabal and Tribe's ability to strike almost anywhere via their teleportation magic gave them a significant tactical advantage.

The empire had some defences against such tactics, but they had never been truly tested on this scale. Amid these crises, though, there were still some silver linings. For instance, Beldon and Mirage leveraged Scarlett's information to mount a more effective response to the initial attacks. Unsurprisingly, the man had clearly sensed the brewing storm from their previous conversations and made his own preparations.

Mirage's network had disseminated intelligence about safe locations within underground passages beneath certain cities, providing local leaders with escape routes and strongholds. They were also feeding information to organisations like the Shields Guild, helping them anticipate and counter the monstrous threats. Beldon wasn't exactly a saint, but like Scarlett, he recognised the importance of maintaining the empire's stability in the face of the Cabal's onslaught.

Though she didn't have any illusions that he hadn't secured some benefits for himself in the process. Elsewhere, it seemed like there was still a lot of confusion going around. The mage towers were grappling with understanding how exactly the Tribe of Sin had managed to disable the entire Kilnstone network during their first attacks. Meanwhile, circles of the imperial nobility were buzzing with heated discussions on how they should address the current crisis.

According to Beldon, a flurry of petitions had already been submitted to the crown in just the last day. One notable faction was apparently advocating for what basically amounted to martial law, coupled with emergency drafts and taxes, to bolster the empire's defences.

This approach might not sound entirely unreasonable on the surface, but from what Beldon had told Scarlett, there were plenty of nobles pushing for measures that would disproportionately impact certain regions and groups, weakening their rivals while avoiding much of the responsibility themselves. The Hartford barony, with its small population and stable finances, would likely remain relatively unaffected. However, Scarlett could see how such measures might sow discord among the empire's elite.

For now, the emperor had only issued an Imperial Security Edict — essentially a milder form of martial law granting special privileges to military officials and knight orders, while affording high nobles more autonomy in managing security within their domains. Beyond this, the crown's future actions remained unclear. Whispers and suspicions of foul play and espionage within the nobility had also circulated, seemingly fueled by the precision of some of the Tribe's attacks.

The crown had yet to address these rumors publicly, but more than one accusation had already been thrown around. Beldon had cautioned Scarlett that the Freybrook area and nobles like herself who survived the attacks without much cost might come under scrutiny, though he didn't seem to think it was a significant threat. From what Scarlett gathered, he thought that her relief initiatives were a strategic move to preempt such suspicions and ensure, at least, that public opinion remained in her favor.

It hadn't been, of course, but she could see how those efforts might be perceived in that light. Especially considering how similar it was to when she 'dealt' with the Grey Dog Gang operating out of Freybrook. The thought of being viewed as some kind of saint by strangers mildly irritated her, but it wasn't something she would try to work against at this point. As for any potential suspicion that might fall upon her, she had to acknowledge that it was justified. She had, after all, made a pact with the Cabal.

However, she felt pretty secure in that there was little evidence to use against her. Given the enormity of this crisis, she also doubted much attention would be directed towards a relatively minor noble like her, despite her infamy. Having finished reviewing another document, Scarlett returned it to the desk and was about to reach for the next when a knock at the door interrupted her. Garside stepped into the room.

"My Lady," the elderly butler began in a formal voice.

"I have come to inform you that Lady Withersworth has requested a meeting with you at your convenience." Scarlett's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise.

"Lady Withersworth?" She glanced at the papers strewn across her desk before nodding.

"Very well. Bring her to the parlor. I will join her shortly once I have finished here."

"As you wish, My Lady," Garside replied, bowing before departing. Scarlett quickly read through a few more papers, affixed her seal to a couple of them, then rose and left her office. She made her way through the mansion's east wing to the parlor, where she found Lady Withersworth seated on an elegant couch. The room was adorned with landscape paintings and large windows offering views of the hedge garden housing the Loci. A low rosewood table stood at the center, decorated with vases of fresh flowers.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Lady Withersworth, her silver-grey hair neatly gathered into a bun, sipped a steaming cup of tea as she gazed out the window with a dignified expression. Her head turned as Scarlett entered, a warm smile gracing her features.

"Baroness Hartford, it's wonderful to see you again."

"The sentiment is mutual, Lady Withersworth," Scarlett replied, crossing the room and settling into a couch opposite the woman. She noticed another cup on the table, likely prepared in advance by the ever-attentive Garside.

"I trust that you have found your stay comfortable, despite the surrounding circumstances?"

"The formality really isn't necessary, dear. Though I suppose there isn't much point in saying that to you, or asking you to simply call me 'Lila'." The woman's eyes twinkled with amusement.

"And yes, it has been more than comfortable, thank you very much. This is truly a beautiful home. One can feel the weight of history in these walls, and the care that has gone into maintaining them."

"Indeed, this estate has been in my family for many generations," Scarlett said.

"So I've heard." Lady Withersworth's gaze drifted to her tea.

"It reminds me of our estate in Autumnwell, before…well." She paused, then added with a hint of curiosity.

"My husband mentioned that Warley—that old knave—told him about a rather unique garden you have here. I presume it's the one outside, hmm? Supposedly it blooms year-round, unaffected by the seasons." Scarlett glanced at the snow-covered hedges visible through the window, which concealed the flourishing vegetation within.

"That is correct, yes."

"How delightful that must be. I would love to see it during my stay, if possible."

"That should not be an issue. Feel free to do so at your leisure." Lady Withersworth smiled appreciatively, taking another sip of tea.

"How sweet of you, dear." Scarlett observed her guest quietly for a moment.

"Is something on your mind?" the woman asked, catching Scarlett's gaze.

"No, I was simply surprised," Scarlett answered.

"You seem to be in good spirits, considering recent events." She'd heard that the woman's injuries were largely treatable, but recovery at her age could still be slow. Moreover, with Autumnwell in partial ruin and her husband remaining behind to manage the crisis, Lady Withersworth had found herself effectively isolated in Freybrook, accompanied only by a handful of servants. Lady Withersworth's smile waned ever-so-slightly as she set down her teacup.

Suddenly, the weight of her years seemed more apparent, a soft sigh escaping her lips.

"Truthfully, I am exhausted. Every waking moment is filled with worry for my husband, our children, and all those affected by this chaos. But as you know, dear, women in our position cannot always afford to let such concerns show."

"That is a sentiment that I can understand," Scarlett said. She picked up her own tea, finding it brewed perfectly to her preference. Had Garside bothered adjusting its temperature with pyrokinesis as well? After a few sips, she returned her attention to Lady Withersworth.

"If I may ask, what did you wish to discuss with me?" The older woman's smile returned, seeming to mask her earlier weariness.

"Why, I wanted to express my gratitude, of course. For your hospitality in allowing me to stay here, among other things."

"I hardly did much. If you wish to thank someone, you should direct your gratitude to Evelyne." Lady Withersworth waved her hand dismissively.

"Oh, I already have, both for myself and on behalf of my husband, as well as everyone that brave girl helped at our estate. However, I believe you also deserve acknowledgment. Call me old-fashioned and superstitious, but I feel that fate and fortune play a role in everything, and it is partly thanks to you that I'm here to tell our tale." Scarlett shifted slightly, resting her hand on the couch's armrest. Was it ironic that she should bring up fate in front of her, of all people?

Considering how Scarlett's own manipulations of the game's narrative might have inadvertently affected or even hastened the Cabal's decision to attack when they did, it was entirely possible that she was part of the cause of the Withersworths' close brush with death. Pushing aside those thoughts, Scarlett cleared her throat.

"Regarding your husband, what are his plans in the wake of these attacks?"

"His immediate concern is likely to visit our lands and ensure their safety, but we had little time to discuss specifics before I left." Lady Withersworth sighed, a blend of fondness and exasperation in her voice.

"Knowing that dogged nature of his, I suspect he'll dive headfirst into the capital's response to this crisis and reach out to his old acquaintances, offering his counsel whether they ask for it or not. Many will surely welcome his input, but the incessant fool won't have any hairs left on his head by the time his stubbornness leaves me a widow."

"That seems rather extreme. Surely, even as the former Lord Marshal, managing such emergencies was not part of his duties?"

"Oh, my dear." The woman chuckled.

"I'm afraid you might be underestimating my husband's tenacity. He has a knack for involving himself in matters well beyond his official remit. There are many, even among the high nobility, who wouldn't ignore his counsel if he chose to intervene. It's quite likely that he will sway some opinions in the current political disputes." Scarlett wasn't expecting that response. Although she was aware that the Withersworths were pretty well-connected, she hadn't realized they had that kind of pull.

They were just a barony like hers, after all.

"What about you, dear?" Lady Withersworth asked.

"What do you mean?" Scarlett replied. The older woman leaned forward slightly.

"When your sister stayed with us in Autumnwell, I took the opportunity to properly get to know her and hear more about those projects of hers," she said, a glimmer of intrigue in her eyes.

"It seems the Hartford barony has been more foresighted than most, dedicating significant resources to prepare for a disaster like the one we are facing. While it's admirable that you're using the means available to you to aid others, I wonder if there is perhaps some larger objective you have in mind?" Scarlett met her gaze steadily, choosing her words carefully.

"No, there is not. For now, we will simply be collaborating with groups such as the Followers to provide aid where necessary, expanding our efforts where possible. However, we harbor no grand ambitions. The impact a small barony like ours can make is inherently limited, even with our substantial investments." Lady Withersworth nodded thoughtfully.

"I had planned to introduce your sister to some individuals who could have supported these initiatives, but that was before the attacks. Unfortunately, with everyone's focus fixed on this crisis, I fear it will be much more challenging to achieve the same result now."

"We appreciate the intention," Scarlett said.

"We will proceed with the resources and opportunities available to us, though I do not expect our reach to extend much further than that." This was mostly Evelyne's project, anyway. Scarlett wasn't sure how to expand it beyond its current scope. Lady Withersworth's gaze lingered on Scarlett, an almost-smile playing on her lips.

"Then what would you say to me perhaps assisting you, dear?" Scarlett blinked.

"…Pardon?" The older woman lifted her teacup again "Believe it or not, I doubt even I could convince that doting husband of mine to let me return to Autumnwell until I've fully recovered. That leaves me with little else to do but fret endlessly." She tapped her finger against the fine china in her hand.

"That simply won't do, especially not with the empire seemingly up in flames — from demonic castles one week to monster hordes the next. I need a worthwhile diversion, and this project of yours seems like an excellent one." Lady Withersworth sipped her tea, then her voice lowered conspiratorially.

"And do avoid sharing this with my husband, but truthfully, I had started to find my current lifestyle somewhat drab. I sometimes find myself missing the thrilling days of noble intrigue from my younger years, tiring as they were. While this isn't exactly in the same realm, I believe this endeavour might still provide a withering woman like myself ample opportunity to leverage some of my old connections." Scarlett hesitated, not having expected a proposal like this.

She leaned back in her seat, considering the matter.

"And what would you expect in return for offering such assistance?" she finally asked. Lady Withersworth scoffed lightly, as if mildly offended.

"Dear, I hope you know me well enough by now to understand that I am not some old miser. I have plenty of reason to help without needing compensation. Furthermore, it's the duty of the older generation to share our wisdom with today's youth for the benefit of all." She set her teacup down with a soft clink, her expression growing ever-so-slightly more serious.

"It would hardly benefit my dignity if I started making demands of the family who has saved mine thrice over. I must admit, I would be rather disappointed if you were to decline my offer." Scarlett considered the woman for a moment, her fingers absently tracing the leather on the armrest beneath her. It was true that having the woman's support could be incredibly beneficial, but it was unusual for nobles to offer such direct help without any existing familial ties or formal alliances.

The idea of accepting such an unconventional proposal actually made her slightly uncomfortable. But she also recognized that she shouldn't let her emotions cloud her judgement in these matters. She'd allowed them to do enough of that yesterday with Evelyne.

"Very well," she eventually agreed.

"We would be deeply grateful for any help you can provide." A light frown formed on her brow as she considered the logistics of this.

"However, you will need a thorough briefing on our current efforts. Evelyne would be best suited for that, but she should not be involving herself in these affairs until she has fully recovered." Scarlett recalled Garside mentioning how their brief meeting yesterday had taken a lot out of Evelyne. Would it be enough to just show Lady Withersworth all the documentation and have the seneschal provide any additional details? Lady Withersworth's perceptive gaze studied her closely.

"Although I fear it's not my place to say this, dear, I can't help but notice that there seems to be some tension between you and your sister." Scarlett stiffened slightly.

"…I am not surprised that you noticed." A gentle chuckle escaped the woman's lips.

"At my age and with my experience, reading people becomes second nature. Though in your case, it hardly requires such skill." Her voice softened.

"I won't pretend to understand your history, but from what Evelyne has shared, it's clear she holds you in high regard in several ways. And unless I am mistaken, that sentiment isn't entirely one-sided." A small scowl crossed Scarlett's face at the mere suggestion that she respected Evelyne, but she quickly suppressed it along with the brewing emotions inside. It was true, at least in part. Despite any irrational and instinctual misgivings she had, she did admire Evelyne's capabilities and dedication.

"Our relationship is…complicated," she admitted after a while.

"But I strive to ensure it does not interfere with our duties or the barony's affairs."

"That in itself is commendable," Lady Withersworth said.

"Sibling rivalries are not uncommon, and I have personally seen far too many nobles let such conflicts lead to decisions so foolish that it boggles the mind. I do hope nothing of the sort ever befalls any of you. If it's not too intrusive, might I ask what caused this rift between you?" Scarlett's expression tightened slightly, but her respect for the older woman prevented an outright rude refusal. After a long pause, she responded.

"By now, it is mostly forgotten history." Literally. Sensing the shift in the conversation, Scarlett began to rise from her seat.

"I must attend to other matters now, but I will have the relevant documents prepared for you to review and arrange for our seneschal to brief you thoroughly. We can discuss further details afterward. While you are here, do take care not to overexert yourself. The garden is ideal for relaxation if you are seeking a peaceful spot. Garside can show you the way anytime." Lady Withersworth watched her prepare to leave, offering no objections as she extended her farewells.

Once out of the room, Scarlett immediately headed back towards her office, intending to immerse herself in work before going to the training grounds later for practice. It did feel slightly like an escape, but that was probably for the best.