Chapter 182

Alexander became anxious.

— What problems?

— Thirst. Sometimes it causes the girl to experience something like a clouding of the mind, and she goes hunting for people. Sometimes she stops herself, but more often, she is stopped by others.

All that was left was to remain silent and be grateful that such things did not affect them. Otherwise, their existence in this world would be much harder.

— Is she definitely a vampire like us?

— Definitely, — Maria even looked indignant, — Or have you not drunk her blood? All her reactions and manifestations are just like ours. The only difference is a stronger thirst.

— Yes, I believe it! Is there anything new?

— Everything else is on your desk. There is a general meeting tomorrow, following the visit to the duke. And keep in mind, we have abnormally clear weather here, so you'll have to travel in the sunlight tomorrow.

— Oh, it was so nice at the pass! Clouds, plenty of food...

— You'd better go see your lover. She's waiting for you. And you're here trying to tell us fairy tales.

Joking, the vampires went off to their tasks. Left alone, the members of the Triumvirate took out their knives and exchanged a few drops of blood. The simplest and most reliable way to exchange information.

Stefania was indeed delighted to see the returned man. So delighted that she did not let him out of the house until morning. During the time he was away, she had changed significantly, becoming a more confident and stronger woman. The meek maid was a thing of the past. And her breasts had definitely grown...

They set off for the city just before dusk, along with a wagon carrying dairy products for sale. The two vampires, playing the role of carters, naturally didn't need any protection, but the locals would never understand if peasants wore armor and weapons. So every such wagon was always accompanied by a pair of constables. Today, they decided to optimize labor, and the knight and his entourage also served as guards for the valuable cargo.

And the cargo was indeed valuable. Setting up a proper cheese production still wasn't working, even with magic. However, all other dairy products, especially the butter, were in significant demand and steadily replenished the coffers of both the vampires and Baron Savoyardi. The merchant who took on the task of reselling the goods could not be happier. .

The unique taste of the butter allowed for exorbitant prices. And when the vampires' products reached the duchy's capital, their price tripled. Gennady, upon learning of such a wild markup, wanted to cut ties with the merchant and handle sales himself. The man had to be persuaded not to do anything foolish.

Swaying in the saddle, Alexander pondered. The time after the campaign had made him start doubting. Now, he was no longer so sure that the duke would calmly accept the failure and distribute the promised rewards. This meant he needed to take additional steps.

"Looks like I'll have to get involved in the local disputes."

— Kolya (Nikolay)! Are we delivering exactly the agreed amount of goods to the merchant, or what?

The man sitting on the cart turned at the boss's shout.

— Sometimes yes, — he replied, understanding what was meant, — According to the contract, we only guarantee the agreed minimum once a week. Anything beyond that is delivered by me on the spot and paid for immediately.

— Is there any excess in today's batch?

— There is! There's always some. The contract was based on the average milk yield of the locals. But our cows, after magical care, give much more milk, — the man answered, also explaining the nuances of dairy production in the village.

— Then I'll appropriate some of the butter as a gift for the duke and the baron. Just don't tell Gennady for now.

The vampire laughed.

— I can't say, I can't, strict accounting, you know Gena! But I'll give out butter for gifts. The locals are crazy about it.

Parting ways with the convoy at the gate, they rode to the castle. Although they arrived too early, as the duke had invited them only for lunch, Alexander decided that if he was not received, he would go to the mage and try to obtain her blood. But there was no need to change plans. Upon learning that Sir Blood had arrived at the castle, Baron Savoyardi rushed out to meet him. The baron's satisfied smile grew indecently wide when he received a small barrel of butter as a gift.

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