The Deal

Cario's change in expression did not escape Bruno's notice, and he naturally understood what Cario had associated it with.

But that was understandable—after all, the Idar territory was indeed very close to the Basel Kingdom, separated only by the Mann Fortress.

"I just wonder… how much sugar you are willing to sell me?"

"This time, the quantity might be a bit small—I can only give you thirty pounds for now," Bruno said.

It wasn't that Bruno didn't want to produce more sugar, but Idar's existing stock of sugar beets was limited. Even though he had already sent people out to purchase more, it would take some time before they could be transported back.

"Thirty pounds?!"

Cario was shocked. A pound of sugar usually sold for no less than three gold coins! It was far more expensive than salt, a luxury only nobles could afford!

In the more remote northern regions of the empire, a pound of sugar could even fetch five gold coins—sometimes as high as eight!

For reference, an ordinary Norman Empire commoner household only spent about one or two gold coins a year.

The price of a single pound of sugar was equal to several years of income for multiple families!

"May I… see the actual product?" Cario asked in a trembling voice.

"Of course."

Bruno signaled for Lister to bring over a tray with about a pound of white sugar on it.

Cario carefully dipped a finger in, and the moment it touched his tongue, a burst of sweetness lingered on his taste buds.

"So sweet… this is top-quality sugar!" Cario exclaimed in admiration.

"One hundred and forty gold coins, Lord Bruno—I am willing to purchase this sugar for one hundred and forty gold coins."

"Deal."

From Bruno's perspective, the price Cario offered was already quite generous. After all, it was nearly at market rate in most regions, and Cario still had to cover transportation costs and other expenses. He was practically breaking even.

For Cario, however, winning the favor of the young count was an absolute priority. If he could secure a steady supply of sugar from Idar in the future, his business would have a reliable foundation.

"Mr. Cario, I'd like to ask you for some information." Once the deal was settled, Bruno asked.

"Please ask anything, my lord. I will tell you all I know," Cario replied quickly.

"Do you know where I might find a skilled master sculptor?"

"A master sculptor?"

"Yes, someone skilled in carving statues or engraving patterns on stone columns. As you know, the eastern part of the empire is remote and lacks transportation infrastructure, making it difficult to find a highly skilled sculptor."

"As a matter of fact, I do know of one."

"Oh? Tell me more!" Bruno urged eagerly.

The construction of the Hanging Garden was nearly complete, but he was still missing a master sculptor for the statues and ornamental carvings. The stonemasons in his territory could manage, but they were far from the level of an actual master.

The system's rewards were based on the grandeur of the wonder, and Bruno wasn't about to let minor details drag down the final result.

"A few days ago, while I was passing through Thorn Valley, I happened to meet Master Andy from the Basel Kingdom. He had originally been invited by a noble to sculpt statues, but before he could arrive, the noble passed away. Frustrated, he decided to return to Basel. Andy was traveling slower than me, so I estimate that he should be passing through Idar about now on his way back to Basel Kingdom…"

Hearing this, Bruno was delighted—he was in dire need of a master sculptor!

"If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave now," Cario said.

"Until next time, Mr. Cario," Bruno said as he saw him out.

Once Cario was gone, Bruno immediately gave an order.

"Lister, find Old Ford at once and tell him I have something important to discuss with him."

"Yes, my lord," Lister responded quickly.

By the time Sam Layton, captain of the personal guards, received Bruno's orders, it was already afternoon.

After carefully reading the parchment, he burned it and immediately rode out of Idar City with several dozen cavalrymen.

Their destination: Thorn Valley.

The elderly master sculptor Andy lay back in his rickety carriage, traveling with seven young apprentices.

Due to Andy's age and health, the carriage moved very slowly—barely covering a few miles per hour.

"Good…"

"Teacher, I'm here," replied Good, Andy's most talented student, who had a natural gift for sculpting.

"Where are we now?"

"Master, just ahead is the exit of Thorn Valley. Once we pass through Idar and head south for a few more days, we will reach the border between the Norman Empire and the Basel Kingdom…"

Before he could finish speaking, an arrow suddenly shot from the distance and struck the ground in front of their carriage.

Everyone was terrified—only then did they realize that the road ahead was blocked by dozens of cavalrymen.

"Don't panic…" Though Andy was startled, he was old enough not to lose his composure like his apprentices.

"Are you Master Andy?"

The leader of the cavalry called out loudly.

"I am," Andy replied.

The cavalrymen were none other than Bruno's personal guards, tasked with ensuring Andy was "invited" to Idar—by any means necessary.

Sam Layton, their leader, announced loudly: "We are the personal guards of… earl Soren! Our lord wishes to invite Master Andy to be his guest. We hope you will not refuse!"

"earl Soren?" Andy turned to Good in confusion. "Who is earl Soren? Did we pass through his territory?"

Good looked just as baffled. "earl Soren's lands are north of Idar… why would he be here?"

"Don't overthink it! I said we are earl Soren's men, so we are earl Soren's men! This has nothing to do with Lord Bruno of Idar!" Sam Layton added.

Andy and Good exchanged glances.

Something was clearly wrong with this man's head…

Wasn't this just admitting everything outright?

"So? Are you coming with us or not? If not, I'll cut you down right here!" Sam threatened.

"Teacher?" Good turned to Andy, seeking guidance.

"This man doesn't seem too bright… we'd better go along with him, or he might actually leave us stranded here," Andy sighed.

"We'll go with you," he told Sam reluctantly.