The Reveal

The event went on as all those present partook in whatever they wished, some simply used this occasion to create connections with other fellow nobles, using it more as a business opportunity, others simply ate and drank to their heart's content, others danced, and so on.

Many initial agreements were reached on occasions such as these, to be pursued further or formalized later on. This was the true value of events held by higher nobles; it was the people that one could meet not the fun one could have that mattered the most.

As such, the marquess was by far the most sought-after individual at this whole event, not only because he was the host, but also because he was the highest-ranking noble.

The marquess was talking with a group of people, two of whom were counts, and one a countess.

"Now that the bandit problem has been taken care of, how about we restart the negotiations on the trade deal concerning those ores Marquis Blackwell." Said one of the Earls.

"That is far too soon Count Renfred, today should be a day of celebration, business should come later." Count Obarth replied.

"This is a nice opportunity for business, what better way to celebrate than to strike the deals that will benefit all parties involved." Countess Oton argued.

Count Obarth just looked on at these two in annoyance; they were very pushy, because this deal, if it goes through, will be a very lucrative transaction for any one of them that gets it.

The marquess simply let them squabble for a while before he chimed in. " I do not mind striking a deal with you right now, though there are two things that I must ask of you in return."

"Of course Marquess, if it is in our capabilities we would be more than happy to oblige." Renfred was the first to respond; trying to show as much loyalty and willingness to cooperate as possible so as to get the trade deal he wanted, something that was very obvious to all in the group.

"First, it's about the bandit problem, though I have taken care of it right now, something tells me they might be back, or another threat may rise sometime in the future. Therefore I need all of you to cooperate when it comes to the security of and safety of trade in the marquisate and therefore your territories as well." The marquess stated.

Upon hearing this, the trio's expressions all changed, some becoming more severe, others suspicious.

"If I may ask, do you perhaps know something we don't about these recent events?" Countess Oton questioned.

"Indeed, but any further talks will need to be undertaken in a more private setting. We can talk tomorrow in private in my office, we can go over the business deal as well as one of the requirements to fulfilling it."

"What is the second requirement that you spoke of marquess." Asked count Obarth.

The marquess smiled before he responded, "You see, i recently just started a small business and put my youngest son William as the person to manage it, and I hope that you would allow him to access and sell some of our products in your territories, I don't think I have to mention that you should go easy when it comes to taxes."

The trio and upon hearing this all started thinking deeply about the matter; giving someone easy access to their territories as well as compromising on taxes was a serious issue that they had to think deeply about.

" This is quite the serious demand you make marquess, what is it that your son wishes to sell in our land." This time it was count Renfred that asked; he voiced a question that not only himself, but the other two wanted to know the answer to as well, as it will be a big factor in determining if this whole thing is worth it or not.

"Soon, you will know, soon indeed."

The answer the marquess gave them, as well as the almost creepy smile that came with it, made them feel a foreboding sentiment invade their hearts.

---------------------------------------------------

William was doing his own thing in the hall; he had also been going around and exposing himself as much as possible, trying to make up for all the time 'old William' had wasted, get his mind off his recent panic event, and most importantly, set up the right mood and expectations for what was about to come.

Soon he felt that the time had come, so he went to his father and said something to him, to which he nodded. The marquess went ahead and mentioned for the music to stop, after which William went to the center of the hall and started his little performance.

"Ladies and gentlemen! If I may have some of your attention please."

He waited until most, if not all of the guests turned their attention to him before he continued.

"First of all I once more want to extend my as well my father's sincerest welcome to you. But to go straight to the point, I have no doubt that all of you here on this fine occasion, as lords of peoples and territories, know the value of manpower regardless of rank." William stated, trying to use every trick he knew of, to be as expressive as possible; this included his body language use of eye contact, posture, and so on.

" Manpower is a major issue for most that must be managed and cared for, this once more I believe that all of the fine ladies and gentlemen know. Yet the very frustrating fact of life is that the larger the concentration of population in a given settlement, the more likely for there to be illnesses and diseases, which heavily affects the productivity of your people and therefore the taxes you can get out of them." William paused to allow the crowd to process all they had heard so far, from his observation many were nodding at his words, which was a good sign.

"This is an unfortunate fact, set in stone for as long as we remember, that even our furthest ancestors had to deal with it. Yet what if... What if on this very day we can present you with a solution?" William made sure to continuously observe the reactions of the crowd, upon seeing the doubt and the slight ridicule in their eyes, he continued.

"I know what you are all thinking right now, that this must be a joke, either that or the words of a child trying to seek attention. To that I say, I can understand, you are indeed justified in your doubts. Yet all I ask is to wait until you see for yourself, only then cast judgment."

William clapped his hands, giving a signal, after which, a line of servants entered the hall carrying a long table. Behind them more servants made their appearance, each carrying a relatively simple box; on the surface of each was carved the letter L.

The servants placed the many boxes on top of the table and stood behind it.

"Ladies and gentlemen, a new era has arrived in this kingdom, a long time from now, you will be able to say, I WAS THERE, I was there the night they revealed it, I was there when it made its first appearance, the dawn of a new age and the end af a very long chapter in the struggle of the noble class."

"Without further ado and with utmost joy I present to you.... the future."

As soon as William had finished his words, the servants opened the boxes to reveal many different sculptures, small as a fist yet all special; they were made of scented soap alright, but the special thing about them was that each sculpture was made in the image of the sigil of each noble house present this evening.

William looked at the reaction of the people around him; upon seeing that most expressed immense curiosity and interest at this new novelty; he smiled broadly as he thought.

'The bait has been laid and it looks like we got a nice group of sheep this night ready to bite down.'