Chapter 16: The business plan

After the long and grueling battle, Karl, Calos, and their knights finally returned to the town, where a grateful crowd had gathered to express their thanks. The cheers and gratitude of the people resonated through the air, a stark contrast to the darkness that had plagued Karl's heart during the fight.

As they dismounted their horses, Calos approached Karl with a small smile. "My lord, you did it. You protected our people."

Karl's gaze remained distant, his expression inscrutable. "It was our duty. Nothing more."

Calos nodded, understanding the weight that Karl carried. "Still, it's worth celebrating the victory."

Karl's eyes met Calos's for a moment, a hint of appreciation flickering in his gaze before it was replaced by his usual impassive mask. "Indeed."

As they made their way to the mansion, Karl's heart was heavy with the emptiness he felt. The battle had been won, but the darkness within him hadn't lifted. He thought back to all those demons he had slain, the blood-soaked battlefield, and the countless lives lost. The victories came at a high price, and it weighed heavily on him.

When they arrived at the mansion, a sense of relief washed over Karl. Seeing the familiar faces of his household members waiting for him, including Rose, eased the heaviness in his heart, if only slightly.

"Welcome back, Karl," Rose's voice was filled with genuine relief and joy.

Karl's gaze met hers briefly, and for a fleeting moment, his icy exterior seemed to soften. "I'm back," he replied, his voice still carrying a hint of weariness.

With a nod, he excused himself, heading straight to his room. He needed solitude to process everything he had experienced and the emotions that had been stirred within him. As he closed the door behind him, he leaned against it, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings. The battle was won, but the war within himself raged on, a battle he had been fighting for years.

As Karl retreated to his room, Rose's attention turned to Calos. She felt a sense of urgency and importance in discussing the matter that had been on her mind. Calos, being the loyal and trusted confidant of Karl, was someone she could confide in.

"Calos, do you have a moment?" Rose's tone was earnest as she spoke to him.

"Of course, my lady," Calos responded with a respectful bow. "I am at your service."

With a determined look in her eyes, Rose led Calos into the mansion and directly to Karl's work room. Once inside, she gestured for him to take a seat. "Please sit down, Calos."

"Thank you, my lady," Calos replied, settling into the seat with his usual composed demeanor.

As they sat, Irises entered the room with her graceful presence, carrying a tray set with an elegant arrangement for afternoon tea. She began to brew the tea, the delicate aroma filling the air.

"Please have some tea, my lady, Calos," Irises offered, her actions executed with a sense of refined precision.

"Thank you, Irises," both Rose and Calos expressed their gratitude in unison as Irises left the room, leaving them in private.

With the stage set and the two of them alone, Rose's expression grew serious. "Calos, I need your help with something important. It's about Karl and the challenges he's been facing."

Calos listened intently, his attentive gaze fixed on Rose. "I am here to assist you in any way I can, my lady. Please, go on."

Rose took a breath, her words measured as she spoke. "I know that Karl has been carrying a heavy burden, one that he's been concealing from everyone. I believe that he needs more than just protection in battle; he needs support, understanding, and a way to heal the wounds of his past."

Calos nodded, acknowledging the truth in Rose's words. "You are perceptive, my lady. Indeed, my master has faced trials that few can comprehend."

"I want to help him," Rose continued, her voice unwavering. "I've seen the darkness in his heart, and I want to find a way to bring him back to the light. But I can't do it alone."

Calos's eyes softened with understanding and a touch of gratitude. "My lady, your concern for my master does not go unnoticed. Your presence has already made a difference in his life."

Rose smiled softly, appreciating Calos's acknowledgement. "Thank you, Calos. But I believe that together, we can do even more. I have a plan, and I'll need your assistance to carry it out."

Calos inclined his head respectfully. "I am at your service, my lady. Whatever you require, I shall do my utmost to fulfill."

As the two of them engaged in this serious conversation, the bond between them grew stronger, united by their shared desire to help Karl find solace and healing from the darkness that haunted him.

Rose leaned forward, her eyes shining with determination as she explained her unique business plan to Calos. "Calos, as I was sorting through the paperwork, I discovered that our estate is struggling financially. The constant battle against the demons and the harsh weather conditions have taken a toll on our resources."

She took a deep breath before continuing. "But I have an idea, a plan that could potentially bring in a steady source of income for the estate. At the bottom of the high mountains, there's a special plant called cetos. It's a rare and powerful plant that possesses incredible detoxifying properties."

Rose's gaze held a spark of excitement as she shared her knowledge. "With the right processing, cetos can be turned into a potent antibiotic medicine that can treat various infections and aid in healing many diseases. Given the harsh climate here, I believe this medicine could be in high demand."

Calos listened intently, his expression attentive as he absorbed Rose's words. "This sounds promising, my lady. But venturing into the high mountains is no easy feat, especially with the demons lurking."

Rose nodded, acknowledging the challenges ahead. "That's why I need you, Calos. You are skilled and experienced, and I trust that you can navigate the dangers of the high mountains. I want you to go there, gather the cetos plants, and bring them back to me."

Calos's eyes met Rose's, his loyalty unwavering. "I will do as you ask, my lady. If this plan can help our estate and provide healing to those who need it, then it's a cause worth pursuing."

A sense of purpose filled the room as Rose and Calos discussed the details of the plan. They talked about the logistics of harvesting the cetos plants, the processing methods, and how they could market and distribute the antibiotic medicine. As they worked through the intricacies of the plan, Rose's vision for a better future began to take shape.

"I appreciate your dedication, Calos," Rose said with a warm smile. "Together, I believe we can make a difference not only for our estate but also for the people who depend on us."

Calos bowed respectfully. "It is an honor to serve, my lady. I will prepare for the journey to the high mountains and bring back the cetos plants."

Rose nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "Thank you, Calos. Your support means a great deal to me."

Calos embarked on the mission that Rose had entrusted him with. With a determined spirit and a clear sense of purpose, he made his way to the bottom of the high mountains in search of the precious cetos plants. The journey was not an easy one; the terrain was rugged, and the weather was unforgiving. Yet, Calos pressed forward, fueled by his loyalty to his master, Duke Karl, and his desire to help ease the burdens that weighed on Karl's shoulders.

As he navigated through the harsh landscape, Calos thought about Duke Karl's dedication to protecting the estate and its people. He remembered the battles they had fought together, the demons they had vanquished, and the sacrifices Karl had made. Calos knew that Duke Karl's heart was heavy with the responsibilities he bore, and he hoped that by carrying out Rose's plan, he could provide some relief to his master.

The arrival of Duke Leon, Rose's esteemed grandfather and the kingdom's renowned pharmacologist, brought an air of anticipation and excitement to the mansion estate. The news of his visit had spread quickly, and as his carriage pulled up to the entrance, the staff and residents of the estate gathered to welcome him.

Duke Karl and Rose stood side by side, waiting to greet their distinguished guest. As Duke Leon stepped out of the carriage, his presence commanded attention. He was a man of advanced age, yet his eyes sparkled with wisdom and curiosity. His presence exuded an air of authority, a testament to his status as a highly respected figure in both the world of medicine and nobility.

"Grandfather!" Rose exclaimed with genuine delight, rushing forward to embrace Duke Leon. Her smile was radiant, a reflection of the deep bond they shared. Duke Leon's fond smile in return conveyed his affection for his granddaughter.

"Ah, my dear Rose," Duke Leon said warmly, patting her cheek with a gentle hand. "It's a pleasure to see you again."

Duke Karl stepped forward, extending his hand in greeting. "Welcome to our estate, Duke Leon. Your presence honors us."

Duke Leon accepted the handshake with a firm grip, his eyes assessing Karl with a knowing gaze. "Duke Karl, I've heard much about you and your efforts to protect this estate. Your commitment is commendable."

Karl inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you, Duke Leon. The safety and well-being of our people are of utmost importance."

As the introductions concluded, Duke Leon was escorted into the mansion by Rose and Karl. A small gathering was arranged in the drawing room, where tea and refreshments were served. The atmosphere was one of reverence, as everyone recognized the significance of Duke Leon's visit.

Seated comfortably, Duke Leon turned his attention to Rose. "Tell me, my dear, about this cetoz plant you've mentioned in your letter. Your enthusiasm intrigued me."

Rose's eyes lit up as she began to share her knowledge and plans regarding the cetoz plant. She spoke about its potential medicinal properties, its ability to thrive in the harsh climate of the estate, and her aspiration to use it to create healing medicines for the people. Duke Leon listened intently, nodding occasionally in affirmation.

"Very impressive, Rose," he commented, his interest clearly piqued. "You have an astute understanding of botany and pharmacology."

"I've had wonderful mentors," Rose said, glancing appreciatively at Karl. "And I believe that by working together, we can make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our community."

Duke Leon's eyes flickered between Rose and Karl, his perceptive gaze catching the unspoken connection between them. He smiled knowingly. "A united front, I see. That bodes well for the success of your endeavors."

As the conversation continued, Duke Leon shared insights from his extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable guidance for Rose's project. His encouragement and support bolstered her determination, and she felt a renewed sense of purpose in her mission.

The visit extended into the evening, as discussions ranged from medicine to estate matters. Duke Leon's presence brought an air of wisdom and authority, and his approval of Rose and Karl's efforts carried great significance.