CHAPTER 46: CHAPTER 42: DISCLOSURE (5K)_2

Speaking of which, Lin Ke understood why the lady had summoned him.

They already believed that Garoce faced grim odds, so they were making preparations for the future.

One must know that the normal operation of Azaenn Castle was dependent on the lady and Butler Billy.

Additionally, there were correspondences with relatives and interactions with other nobles.

"Aunt, please speak." Lin Ke uncommonly used formal language.

After all, the lady seemed very supportive of him becoming the next Viscount.

Perhaps this was the wisdom of the intelligent; with Fulon present, Lin Ke wouldn’t consider doing anything to the lady. However, if another noble from Azaenn became Viscount, the lady would be in danger.

So, the lady’s support for him was quite normal.

As for dealing with the lady...

Unless the lady did something truly out of line, only then could Lin Ke manufacture an "accident" to deal with her.

But so far, the lady hadn’t done anything outrageous, the only time was an attempted killing during his childhood.

This communication with Baron Puxin was full of suspicion. In hindsight, Lin Ke couldn’t be sure whether the lady genuinely intended to kill him.

"Indeed... These years Baron Sangdir has always been respectful towards us, I can’t believe he would do such a thing." From her expression, the lady seemed incredulous, a bit apprehensive, as if explaining something.

Lin Ke remained silent, contemplating.

"My lovely Lin Ke and sister Fulon will come to Parrot City tomorrow."

It might have simply been a prank or something mischievous.

Or... the meaning of that parchment might have been a message for Puxin to treat them well, who knows.

Is that truly the case?

Lin Ke did not react to the lady’s words.

The lady, noticing this, continued, "As the heir, I think you need to be wary of Baron Sangdir and the others, but more important matters are at hand."

"First and foremost... gold coins."

As soon as gold coins were mentioned, she immediately looked worried: "Our estates yield a lot of income, enough for our castle to stand proud in the Gula Kingdom, but... I’m afraid others might be envious!"

Lin Ke nodded slightly: "Aunt, with my mentor here, there shouldn’t be anyone foolish enough to act impetuously in the short term." He briefly recounted the incident of Ove’s anger.

"Lord Ove is indeed powerful..." The lady, hearing this, seemed slightly relieved but immediately frowned, "However, we often have dealings with the Deep Blue Duke; would that grand noble covet us..."

Deep Blue Duke?

That figure who created the formidable Magical Beast "Deep Blue Giant Tiger," and is entrenched in the east, actually has dealings with a little Viscount like them?

Lin Ke furrowed his brows, "The Duke’s rank is above a Duke, they shouldn’t covet..."

Lin Ke’s tone was also a bit uncertain.

"But... we owe the Deep Blue Duke money, a lot of money..." The lady sighed again:

"Years ago, the Torrential Knight Order of Garoce was established thanks to the funding from the Deep Blue Duke..."

"This time, Garoce’s venture into the planes is to find something valuable to repay the Deep Blue Duke..."

Creditor?

This made things difficult.

Lin Ke pondered in silence for a few seconds, then asked, "How much?"

"Two hundred eighty thousand gold coins." The lady spoke a weighty figure: "And, the agreement is to repay by the end of this year."

Two hundred and eighty thousand... gold coins...

If Garoce were in front of him, Lin Ke might have sarcastically approached to give him a few light punches.

"So... ultimately, the most crucial thing is still gold coins..." Lin Ke said.

With Ove handling safety, there’s no immediate concern.

So, at the end of the day, the castle’s biggest worry remains money!

No wonder, no wonder the lady had been so stingy in many areas before, it turns out the deadline was approaching!

The end of this year is just a few months away, December here is known as the Month of Abundance.

By then, it will coincide with Garoce’s return, but what if Garoce doesn’t have enough money?

A headache.

"Of course..."

The lady, watching Lin Ke’s thoughtful expression, showed a trace of heartache in her eyes. She retracted her worried expression to force a light laugh:

"You don’t need to worry about money matters, as long as I’m around, in the worst case, I’ll ask the Blando Clan for some help. What you need to focus on now is becoming a strong professional like your father."

Lin Ke looked up at the lady, seeing her facade of stubbornness meant to feign strength.

"I will strive for it." Lin Ke looked into the lady’s eyes, indicating he was already a professional.

"There’s another important matter, after the Month of Abundance ends, Magical Beasts will emerge from the great swamp, and we need to take defensive measures; this is one of the missions of Azaenn Castle, which stands by the great swamp."

The lady continued, "Of course, not many, actually the villagers are enough."

Hearing this, Lin Ke felt even a few shades heavier in his heart.

So that’s how it is, each time winter approached, the lady always made a trip to Parrot City, and she would hire some mercenaries.

So, hiring mercenaries was to clear out the Magical Beasts.

However, now it’s approaching the end of July, Garoce has five months to return, and the Month of Abundance ends at the end of December.

His father should be able to make it back

Right?

"Moreover, every six years, there’s a surge of Magical Beasts. Last time, your father dealt with it; this time, if he can’t return, it will be up to us alone."

The lady’s expression was solemn, her fair face filled with worry.