C32
"Is it possible that the cuisine of our castle does not suit your palate?"
—… the lady would speak if it were the case.
-That's how it is.
Zachary nodded at Vincent's puzzled response. The Earl of Blanchefort pampered his only daughter, and Zachary, who succeeded the Earl as his legal guardian, also strove to give his only wife everything he wanted. As a result, Bianca openly said what she was dissatisfied about without being asked, and the same went for what she wanted.
If the dishes at Château d'Arno weren't delicious, I would have mentioned it or asked for a change of chef. Otherwise, it meant that she was somewhat satisfied with the cuisine of the Arno castle. Zachary added with a sigh.
—Tell the chef to think a little more about the dishes you might like. She eats very little, that's why she's still that small.
-Yes. It is understood.
Vincent obediently replied. He couldn't imagine 'that' lady eating as much as she could even if she brought exotic dishes, but Zachary, his mistress, ordered it so he had no choice but to do so.
Since it's an order from the Count, he'll have to pay attention to the menu for a while, and from then on, the Arno Castle's chef was seen pulling his hair out over the sudden mission.
Meanwhile, Robert and Sauveur came to visit Zachary. It was to report how things were going and how far they had progressed, as they took over the logistical reorganization and horse management, which was previously Gaspard's job. Robert started first.
“Count, the repair of the left wall is finished.
"Ah, how much progress has been made in building a fortress in the western forest?"
—Resources like stone and wood are running, but it is snowing and the speed is not good.
- Take care that no accident occurs. Make sure you keep your compulsory military service only three days a week as stipulated.
-As you order.
One day of the week was Sabbath, a day to lay down ploughs, pens, and weapons and rest in honor of the protection of God, whether noble or servant. And in the case of the serfs, they mobilized for three days to help the lord, and during the remaining three days they could cultivate their own land.
From time to time, some lords did not keep the three-day period due to their greed, and used to keep the serfs for a longer period of time. The serfs would then have no time to cultivate their land, and would become poorer. When serfs get poorer, they are less motivated and more prone to illness. So Zachary made his subordinates strictly follow the time.
After hearing Robert's brief report, Zachary turned his gaze to Sauveur, who was waiting, and asked.
"What about the horses?"
“While we were away, two foals were born. Two horses died of old age and one died of injuries. The dead horses were skinned and the meat used to make sausages. The horse keeper is taking very good care of them, so all he has to do is take care of the horses that came with us.
-Good.
Zachary nodded. The work flowed smoothly, so he was able to alleviate some of his concerns. There was a satisfied smile around his mouth.
Sauveur looked at Zachary. Somehow it looked different. The corners of his mouth were slightly raised and his eyes were softened. If he had been the original Zachary, he would have gone over every detail and asked about it. Anyone who saw him could clearly tell that he was excited.
Well, there should be a day when things go smoothly. Sauveur asked in a cheerful voice, chuckling inside.
"Count, did something good happen?"
-… Why you ask?
“She looks especially happy today.
-Is that so?
A slight smile spread across Zachary's lips as he replied skeptically.
Not only Sauveur, who asked the question, but also Robert and Vincent blinked at Zachary's attitude. It was because they had no idea what could have made Zachary happy. Eager to ask, they looked at each other.
As the vassals did this, Zachary opened his mouth as if he had just remembered something.
“Oh, by the way, I went to see Bianca yesterday.
-… what?
The flow of conversation flowed naturally, no one thought to connect Zachary's smile with Bianca. Zachary shrugged.
"As they said, I thought it would be best to find out their intentions." I asked him if he would like to go to the capital with me.
The vassals simply rolled their eyes.
His lord was generally laid back. He respected the autonomy of his subordinates and, since his likes and dislikes were not strong, he generally entrusted all tasks to his subordinates, including Vincent. Of course, he always carefully reviewed the situation and did not forget to receive regular reports.
In this way, he seems like a boss who communicates well with his subordinates, but was stubborn enough to make decisions on his own. Although he did not forcefully insist. However, his actions were quick and the situation was resolved without even allowing the opinions of others to intervene. Like a storm that sweeps away leaving only an empty sandy beach.
He made decisions on his own, took care of the work and reported it only after it was all over.
On the good side, he did things quickly, and on the bad side, he was stubborn and didn't even think to listen to others when it came to his own decisions.
However, since his stubbornness and strong self-assertion are linked to his determination as a teacher, they couldn't just call it a weakness.
Especially on the battlefield, Zachary's leadership and determination showed great charisma and they thought that they had gotten used to Zachary in their own way.
…But it was his arrogance.
They couldn't understand the situation at all. The trip to the capital would be next spring. Since it was a long trip, it was necessary to prepare early, and if the lady was going to accompany them, it would be better to let them know in advance because there would be many things to take care of.
But didn't that mean there was a need to speak so quickly? Didn't you decide to take the Countess to the capital yesterday?
The eyes of Zachary's three vassals fluttered in amazement. But if asked why he handled it so quickly, it was clear that the answer he would naturally give would be that the sooner the job was done, the better.
Sauveur scratched the back of his neck, and Robert's face hardened.
Well, the sudden situation was unnerving, but since Zachary insisted, they felt more comfortable handling these things quickly.
Bianca would have turned down Zachary's offer anyway. They were safe. It was because, as much as they thought about it, there was no reason why she would welcome the difficult and arduous journey.
The furniture and clothes that are fashionable in the capital might be quite attractive, but beyond that, Bianca was a closed woman. She was not sociable and was not relaxed enough to look for accessories and furniture in a place that she will visit for the first time in her life.
And frankly, they wanted him to refuse. It would be a really big problem if the financial situation of the Arno family was compromised after trying the fast and luxurious trend of the capital. Not luxurious enough even now?
Either way, they had no doubt that Bianca had turned down Zachary's offer. Even if it's half trust and half hope. Robert asked soullessly.
-What did he say?
"He said he wanted to go."
-Of course…. What?
Naturally, they thought that Bianca would have rejected Zachary's offer, and they were speechless at Zachary's unexpected response.
Robert was speechless, Sauveur opened his mouth, and even Vincent, who had been quietly serving Zachary without revealing his heart, widened his eyes.
Is a lie. It is clearly a lie.
Even though they were the lord's words, they were impiously suspicious. Bianca's approval to travel to the capital was contrary to everyone's expectations.
Their eyes filled with astonishment, and they all looked stunned, as if they had been hit on the back of the head.
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