Chapter 16: Beguilement

Roman's voice was firm, his expression calm, effectively shutting down Balrog's litany of complaints.

The young man thought of his deceased father.

He bowed his head in silence, visibly upset.

Roman patted his shoulder in comfort, then told him to get lost.

He picked up the kitchen knife and chopped the vegetables deftly.

After making lunch for the day, Roman shrugged his aching shoulders.

He took Gwivelle with him and found Seth.

"Seth, let everyone rest this afternoon," Roman said, "I need to plan a route to the Salt Mine, and after that, these people will build the road."

Understanding the importance of the Salt Mine, Seth didn't feel that Roman was being impulsive this time.

"Sir, you should also pay attention to your own image," he advised, "You've been chopping vegetables in the fields for two days, which will make those farmers look down on you. They will forget your authority and won't fear you anymore, which is very fatal for nobles."