Chapter 184

The conversation then turned to the most ordinary topics, and they no longer discussed business matters. The baron was interested in the details of the campaign, they talked about the unusually clear summer, the war, oil, and even women. Such idle chatter, often disregarded by many, was quite underestimated. It not only reveals a lot about the conversation partner but also helps strengthen warm relationships. Around noon, the duke entered the office.

— Here you are, Baron. And you're already here! — The young man stared at the vampire. — And I wasn't told you had arrived, Sir Blood!

Alexander rose and bowed.

— You called for lunch, I did not dare to ask the baron to announce my visit.

— Well, since you're already here, we can discuss business right away. I called everyone to share the spoils. The count has been completed. You are entitled to two and a half thousand gold coins if memory serves me right, — the duke spat out the words quickly.

"How much!?"

— Do you want them in coins, or would a church receipt in my name be acceptable to you?

— The receipt will be more than satisfactory, — Alexander slightly bowed his head.

— Then it's settled. My secretary will give it to you.

When the duke left, the remaining people in the office exchanged silent glances. The openly dismissive attitude of the duke was hard to miss. The door burst open again, and the duke stood in the doorway.

— I forgot to ask. I tried the marvelous forest oil. They say it's made in your village. Is that true?

— Yes, Your Grace! I have a barrel with me as a gift for you.

— Oh, that's wonderful. I'll give it to my mother; she will appreciate it!

Watching the door close again, the vampire sat down.

"Spoke about the barony, indeed."

— Have they decided yet to marry off the duke?

The baron pretended not to have heard the question.

The paper, representing a fabulous amount of money by local standards, burned a hole in his pocket. There was no such thing as a checkbook here. Its distant equivalent was the church receipt, which also served as a credit card. The Church's bank issued blank receipts of such kind to particularly important clients. One could write any amount on these receipts that the Church was obligated to pay upon presentation.

Naturally, each client had their own threshold amount that they could not exceed. The duke had calmly written an amount on such a receipt equal to the annual budget of the duchy, which in itself was a cause for reflection. Vampires clearly understood the value of the artifacts brought from the pass, and it exceeded the annual income of the kingdom.

And now the duke intended to cover the entire cost of the spoils from his own pocket. Naturally, he would then make a profit from reselling them to the king. How much money does he have!?

Entering the church bank, the vampire greeted them calmly and explained his business. He was immediately whisked away to the office of the father-treasurer. The latter examined the receipt and looked at the knight.

— Would you like to receive the entire amount now? — the priest asked sadly.

— No, it would be preferable to leave it with you.

The priest's face clearly showed relief. Although they held a monopoly on banking, they did not resort to complete disregard for clients here. The clergy understood that if they did not accommodate people, their privileged position would not last long.

If the knight had requested such a sum in cash, it would have placed the bank in a very awkward position. Most likely, with all the coins, they would not gather even twenty thousand silver coins. This question intrigued Alexander, and he voiced it to the treasurer.

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