Chương 406: Chapter 401 - Plans

"—and the reports from Stagmond are somewhat concerning. If the monster attacks spread to that region as well, we may have to hire additional guards to keep our fiefs safe. I'm not even sure there are enough men available for that. Our own retinue certainly won't suffice." Scarlett's brow furrowed slightly as she scanned the papers in her hand, then lifted her gaze towards Evelyne, who was sorting through a stack of documents on the desk between them.

"We could contact Baron Tressel and see if he might lend assistance," Evelyne continued.

"His lands don't face as many monster incursions, and he would be obliged to help, considering Count Knottley's cooperative initiatives among the region's nobles — not to mention how much our barony has contributed to supporting the others. Still, I'm not sure his people are equipped to deal with the monsters either."

"What about the Shields Guild?" Scarlett asked.

"The Freybrook branch doesn't have the numbers to spare. Not for the next several weeks, at least. I've already spoken with them, as well as the Steepmond branch."

"And the Elystead branch?" Evelyne gave her a surprised look.

"No, I haven't contacted them. But would it make any difference?"

"I believe it would." Scarlett set her papers down.

"Contact them. See what they can offer." Evelyne considered her for a moment.

"Are you thinking that Arnaud Astrey might step in?"

"Not personally. But they have sufficient reason to extend assistance."

"I suppose that's true. I could try reaching out to Livvi." Scarlett hesitated briefly at the mention of the woman's name, then nodded.

"That sounds prudent."

"Now, about these supply concerns," Evelyne said, shifting topics. Scarlett listened and offered her input as Evelyne went through the list of matters she'd prepared regarding the house's affairs. By the time they reached the end, Evelyne's brow was creased in frustration as she glanced through the last pages.

"Our biggest issue right now," she said, "is that we have no reliable way to ensure the continued delivery of grain and other key supplies once spring begins after our current indentures end. More than half of our suppliers have already redeemed their contracts—or are trying to—and I can't decide what we can do about it. The lump payments are useful, but we need the shipments far more." Scarlett tapped a finger against the desk.

The problem Evelyne referred to stemmed from the contracts their barony had acquired months ago — agreements with several trade guilds and chartered houses for vital resources such as grain, iron, and timber. They had purchased nearly every such contract they could secure in the region, locking in what would have been decades' worth of supply for a small barony under normal circumstances.

But since all of it was being diverted towards rebuilding efforts and managing the damage from the monster incursions, it was dwindling quickly. As were the shipments themselves. It wasn't as bad beyond the Empire's borders, and for a time they had still received enough deliveries to support their relief efforts and strengthen their influence among allied factions by offering aid on generous terms. But the guilds and houses bound to those contracts had grown increasingly dissatisfied.

If Evelyne's reports were accurate, nearly a third of her correspondence in the past month had been with those same guilds seeking concessions. Scarlett had paid them well in advance—at a significant premium—and the merchants had been more than happy to accept it at the time. Now, however, fulfilling those contracts had become far more costly and difficult. Rising prices and increasing scarcity had prompted many to essentially attempt buying out their obligations altogether.

As a result, the barony's coffers would be temporarily flush with coin, but without the supplies they'd counted on. While their current projections weren't terrible, they weren't great either. Unfortunately, Scarlett saw no clear solution. In the worst case, they would simply have to scale back their aid. The nobles and factions relying on their help would need to strengthen their own defences and provisions.

"I can already tell this is going to become an even greater nightmare to manage alone," Evelyne sighed, rubbing her temples. She looked up at Scarlett.

"I'd have preferred your help with some of it, but I suppose you'll have even less time now, won't you?"

"That is correct," Scarlett replied. Evelyne considered her in silence for a few seconds.

"…Good luck, Scarlett. With everything." Scarlett took a moment to answer.

"Thank you."

"Good." Evelyne nodded, gathering her papers before rising.

"I'll finalise the matters we discussed and reach out to the guilds. You'll have an update soon." With that, she bid her farewell and made to leave. Scarlett watched her cross the office. After the big talk the day before—on Fate and everything else—Evelyne had been shaken and overwhelmed. Yet, all things considered, she'd taken it in stride. Or at least, she tried to appear as though she had.

She seemed determined to contribute what she could, and now that she better understood the scale of the forces Scarlett contended with, she was even more willing to shoulder the barony's burdens herself. Today's meeting had been shorter and more focused than those in the past. As Evelyne opened the door, she paused at the sight of two people conversing quietly just outside. Scarlett raised a brow.

"Hello, dear," Lady Withersworth greeted Evelyne.

"Are you and your sister finished with your little chat?"

"Oh—ah, yes, we are…" Evelyne glanced at the older noblewoman, then at the figure beside her.

"I wasn't expecting both of you here." Rosa grinned broadly.

"We didn't want to interrupt your meeting, so we decided to have a little chat of our own while waiting."

"No, that's not what I—" Evelyne stopped herself, then let out a light laugh.

"Never mind. You're here to speak with Scarlett, I assume? Then I'll leave you to it." She slipped past them and headed down the corridor. Lady Withersworth and Rosa exchanged a glance, then peered into the office.

"Mind if I come in, dear?" Lady Withersworth asked.

"Feel free," Scarlett said. The older woman entered, a shawl draped around her shoulders and falling nearly to her waist as she looked around the room. A soft rap followed as Rosa knocked lightly on the doorframe.

"Mind if I come in as well, dear?"

"I do mind, yes."

"Is it because I said dear?"

"Partly."

"I'll take note." Rosa slipped inside and closed the door behind her. Lady Withersworth smiled, glancing over her shoulder.

"That word is a privilege that comes with age, I'm afraid. Give it two decades, and you'll have earned it."

"Two?" Rosa feigned a shiver, hand to her chest.

"I was hoping you'd say three. Maybe even four." Lady Withersworth laughed and turned back towards Scarlett, taking a seat opposite her at the desk.

"I do hope we aren't intruding."

"You are not," Scarlett said, her gaze shifting to Rosa, who had claimed the armchair in the corner.

"She means the singular 'you', I bet," Rosa muttered.

"I did not." This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Rosa blinked.

"Oh. Huh. Well, that's nice."

"Perhaps." Scarlett folded her hands atop the desk.

"Though I must admit, I am surprised to find both of you visiting together. Is there a particular reason?" Lady Withersworth rested her hands in her lap, smiling faintly.

"It would be charming if there were, wouldn't it? Unfortunately, we simply arrived at the same time. Pure coincidence, I'm afraid."

"Yep. I was wandering through the mansion, thinking about bees and flowers and generally pleasant things—as one does—when I happened to meander into her path and we fell into conversation," Rosa said.

"When I heard she was heading this way, I thought, 'why not tag along?' You know how it is." Scarlett studied her. She wasn't entirely convinced Rosa was telling the truth.

"I thought the additional company might be entertaining," Lady Withersworth added, a smirk flickering briefly across her face. Scarlett's mouth tightened slightly.

"…I see. And what was it that you wished to discuss?"

"Oh, nothing of too grave importance, dear. I only thought it might be nice to have a proper moment to speak. Things have been rather hectic, haven't they? And as youthful as you all are, yesterday you looked positively exhausted." Scarlett inclined her head.

"It has been eventful, yes. I apologise for speaking with you only briefly yesterday."

"Oh, don't trouble yourself." Lady Withersworth waved a hand dismissively.

"An old relic like me understands the world rarely waits for polite conversation." Her gaze drifted towards the piles of papers scattered across Scarlett's desk.

"My husband sent word this morning," she said after a pause.

"There's been no shortage of commotion in the capital this past week. It's had half my acquaintances wringing their hands in worry, though things seem to have settled somewhat."

"That is good."

"It is, isn't it?" She shook her head.

"Though most remain entirely uncertain about what truly occurred. I presume you've heard of the strange structure in Lake Rellaria, and that dreadful citadel in the sky?"

"I have."

"How unpleasant it must have been to witness firsthand. I hear there's been unrest among the people. No one quite knows what will happen next." Scarlett's brow lifted faintly. This was coming from a woman whose own estate had been levelled in one of the Cabal's attacks. What happened to Elystead was very mild in comparison.

"Anyway, I'm not here to ruin the mood with rumour and dread." Lady Withersworth adjusted her shawl.

"My husband mentioned some of the discussion at court and the Imperial Diet. Apparently, the Empyreal Barrier has entered its final stage. After these recent attacks, several nobles are pressing to see it completed ahead of schedule." Scarlett's gaze sharpened.

"Is that so?" There had never been an official statement regarding when the Empyreal Barrier would be finished, but she'd gotten the sense it was still a couple more weeks off. The pylon at the back of her estate still had wizards arriving daily for inspection and adjustments, and from what she'd heard, it was among the simpler ones to construct.

"He writes that the final preparations have continued day and night," Lady Withersworth went on in a mild tone.

"Even as the rest of the empire fights to survive, Elystead has always remained untouched—until now. This change has made people frightened, and frightened people grow restless. The very nobles who once chastised my husband and his cohort for pushing the Barrier through at the conclave are now the ones demanding it be completed immediately." She gave a small, dry huff. Scarlett considered that.

If the Barrier functioned as intended—preventing all magical transportation within the empire—it would at least significantly hamper the Cabal's current monster incursions. But it would also complicate travel and communication. If it really was to be completed soon, she might have to hurry several matters before then.

"Have you heard anything else from Elystead itself?" she asked.

"Regarding the city's state, the Followers of Ittar, or anything similar?" She was still waiting for word from Raimond and Arnaud, so she wasn't as informed as she would have liked to be. Lady Withersworth gave her a knowing look.

"I haven't. But I could certainly inquire, if you'd like me to." Scarlett raised a hand slightly.

"No, that will not be necessary. I can secure the information myself."

"Hmm. If you say so," the older woman said.

"On a lighter note, my husband also mentioned a ceremony to be held in Elystead for the completion of the Empyreal Barrier. A 'celebration', they're calling it. It is, after all, one of the grandest undertakings the empire has attempted in generations. The exact date hasn't been decided, but it appears they plan to finalise the Barrier during the event." Scarlett stared at her.

"A celebration?"

"Indeed."

"…That is ludicrous."

"Mm. Quite in poor taste, isn't it?" Lady Withersworth's mouth curved wryly.

"I'm sure it had my husband sputtering in disbelief. Supposedly, it's the brainchild of a few thick-headed members of the Diet who believe public pageantry might steady the realm's nerves. Every noble of note will be invited, of course. Appearances must be maintained, even when the empire is smouldering." Rosa gave a light snort from the armchair.

"Ah, yes. Nothing screams stability like a ball held beside a burning house." Lady Withersworth glanced back at her.

"That's rather the point of it, I think. Pretend loudly enough, and perhaps reality will keep up." She turned to Scarlett again.

"I imagine you will have an invitation waiting for you as well. You are, after all, precisely the sort of person whose presence would be remarked upon."

"I have no intention of attending," Scarlett said at once.

"It would be a waste of time."

"Oh, most assuredly. Not to mention, those who attend will have no access to the Kilnstones to return home. Only the most irresponsible of lords and ladies would squander their time there when their homes may be under attack. For my part, it would be a chance to see my husband and daughter, but that's hardly a proper excuse."

"Do you wish to go?" The woman fell silent, studying Scarlett with a gentle, assessing expression.

"Not particularly," she eventually said.

"However…I wonder if it wouldn't be prudent for you to attend despite it all, dear." Scarlett frowned.

"Me?"

"Yes." She narrowed her eyes.

"Why? Even if I were inclined, I cannot spare the time." Lady Withersworth knew she had very little time to spare. Why would she suggest Scarlett head to the capital for something like this?

"I'm certain you can't spare it," Lady Withersworth said lightly.

"That is precisely why you should consider it."

"…I fail to see your reasoning."

"You never do until later," Rosa murmured from her seat, earning a brief glance from Scarlett. Lady Withersworth smiled again.

"You've shouldered more than your share of the empire's troubles for some time now, dear. This gathering may offer an opportunity to draw upon some of that goodwill. And who knows? You might find it informative." Scarlett was silent for several seconds, weighing her words.

"What is it that you know?"

"You assume that I'm keeping something from you?"

"Are you?" The woman's smile deepened.

"Nothing in particular."

"Then why do you wish for me to go?"

"I do believe you would benefit from it."

"…That is not much to go on."

"I think you should go," Rosa suddenly spoke up. Scarlett turned to her, mildly surprised.

"You do?"

"Yeah," the bard said.

"Why?" Rosa shrugged.

"Not sure. Gut feeling." Scarlett regarded her quietly, her gaze shifting between the two women. Returning to Elystead wasn't part of her plans—and it carried risks—but there were matters she could attend to there if she adjusted her schedule. With some extra planning, it might be possible to make use of the opportunity. Still.

"…I will consider it," she said after a while. Lady Withersworth's smile softened, approval glinting in her eyes.

"That's all I ask." Rosa stretched her legs, letting her chair creak back.

"Look at that. Diplomacy in action."

"That was not diplomacy," Scarlett said flatly.

"Find me a thesaurus that proves me wrong, or I'm unconvinced." Scarlett let out a weary sigh. Lady Withersworth laughed again, the sound genteel but genuine.

"You're quite the pair, the both of you." She rose, gathering her shawl about her shoulders.

"I'll leave you to your work, then. Thank you for your time, dear."

"My regards to your husband when next you write."

"Always." The woman gave a graceful nod and departed, her footsteps fading down the corridor. Rosa remained. Scarlett watched her.

"…'Gut feeling', you say?" The bard offered a crooked smile.

"That sounds convincing, yeah?"

"No."

"Well, shoot." Scarlett's tone cooled.

"What is your actual reasoning, Rosa?"

"Not telling you."

"I need to know why."

"It's fine, you don't." Rosa waved a hand lazily. Scarlett's attention lingered on her for several long seconds. Then she reached for her Pouch of Holding and drew out a dove-grey, linen-bound book.

"Is this connected to it somehow?" Rosa's gaze flicked to the book. She was quiet for a moment before shrugging.

"Who knows." She leaned further back in her chair.

"By the by, mind if I ask you something?"

"It would depend on the question."

"It's about your system." Scarlett paused, expression tightening.

"…What is it you want to ask?"

"Could you show it to me again?" Scarlett gave her a wary look, then snapped her fingers. A window of flame and text shimmered into existence before Rosa as the actual system window appeared in front of Scarlett.

[Name: Scarlett Hartford] [Skills: [Major Mana Control] [Superior Pyromancy] [Argent Pyrokinesis] [Superior Hydromancy] [Major Hydrokinesis] [̼̭̬̋̈́̒͜ ̧̘̜́ͣ͛͛ͅ ͚̜̓͜ͅ ̢̰͚̾̏ͅ ̮̿͆̒͠ ̢̾̏ͅ ̢̰̾̏ͅ]] [Traits: [Dignified August] [Supercilious] [Cavalier] [Callous] [Overbearing] [Conceited] [Third-rate Mana Veins]] [Mana: 13113/13148] [Points: 153] Rosa read through it, then glanced up.

"There was another part, wasn't there?"

"There was." Scarlett gestured, and another fiery pane unfurled. [Skills Menu: Upgrades [Major Pyromancy] (50 points) [Major Hydromancy] (50 points) [Argent Hydrokinesis] (100 points | Spark of Divinity 0/1) [Argent Mana Control] (100 points | Spark of Divinity 0/1) New skills - Echoes [Echo of Shattered Glass] (150 points | Available) [Echo of the Smouldering Crown] (200 points | Dormant) [Echo of a Distant Tide] (200 points | Dormant) […]] Half a minute passed as Rosa studied the glowing text.

"You know," she said thoughtfully, "I was thinking about these 'Echoes.' How much would you bet they're connected to those vision things we both saw?"

"I would not bet anything," Scarlett replied.

"However, you may be right. They might also refer to the same form of Memories present in the Hall of Echoes. I suspect the two are linked, but not identical."

"Maybe not." Rosa tapped her chin. Scarlett watched her closely.

"Why the sudden interest, Rosa?"

"Sudden? What's sudden about this?" The bard smiled faintly, then pointed at the window.

"So, what's up with that '[Echo of Shattered Glass]'? You've got the…erm…skill points? Are you going to try it?" Scarlett observed her for another moment before turning to her own system window.

"I have not decided. I would prefer to understand more about what it entails before attempting it." Rosa leaned forward, stopping just shy of the flames.

"Maybe the best way to understand it is just to see what happens?" Scarlett's eyes shifted to her again.

"You wish for me to do so now?"

"Sure? Why not?"

"I could think of several reasons."

"But you want to try, don't you?" She didn't say anything. Rosa's smile widened.

"Then go ahead."