Chapter 361: Gifts?
In front of Prince Simon’s castle, many merchants gathered, waiting eagerly for Simon’s return from Snake Pass.
The news that the Brambleford Army had captured Snake Pass had been published in the newspapers several days ago. The merchants who had funded the northern campaign were so excited they couldn’t sleep.
At first, they had little hope that Simon would ever defeat the reavers in West Ham. Most of them had only invested money to flatter him and earn his favor. But to their surprise, in just three months, Simon had truly taken Snake Pass. The once-lost lands of the Sixteen Cities now belonged to him.
Only now did the merchants remember their support and rush to Prince Simon’s castle, holding the promissory notes from when they had provided funds and supplies.
They came every day, waiting faithfully. After all, Simon had promised them triple returns. If someone invested 100,000 caps, they would now receive land worth 300,000 caps.
Just thinking of the wide grasslands outside Dunmere made their hearts race. It was prime land for raising horses. If they could raise horses there and sell them to the Eldorian Empire’s vassal lords, the profits would be enormous.
"His Highness is back!"
As soon as Simon appeared, a merchant shouted, and everyone rushed toward him with flattery on their faces. Some looked ready to hug his legs just to stay close.
Ysabeau was already standing at the gates of the castle.
These merchants gathering every day had been a headache, but now that Simon was finally back, she let out a sigh of relief.
Still, her most important job was taking care of Simon’s health and well-being. She placed her hands on her hips and told the crowd. "Everyone, His Highness has just returned from a long journey and must be exhausted. It would be better to talk business tomorrow."
Simon nodded at her words. He truly was tired and didn’t want to deal with business matters just yet, especially matters involving how to repay the promised profits. He needed to discuss it with Baldwin and get his advice.
Taking the opportunity, he addressed the crowd. "Everyone, I know why you’re here. The promise I made to you still stands, and it will not change. Please be patient. In a few days, I’ll invite you all to the Chamber of Commerce to discuss the matter in full."
Among the merchants was Magnus, who had invested the most and now looked the most pleased.
He said. "Your Highness has misunderstood. We’re not here to ask for repayment right away. We know you’ve been through a tough battle, so we’ve brought some gifts to help you recover."
He signaled to his servants. Six attendants stepped forward carrying red sandalwood boxes. Inside were rare herbs like ginseng, snow orchid, and others.
The other merchants, seeing Magnus so eager, quickly followed suit and began presenting their own gifts to Simon, begging him to accept them.
There were all kinds of items: paintings and calligraphy, fur cloaks, and more. It dazzled Simon’s eyes.
Ysabeau couldn’t help but smile. She loved it when merchants sent gifts to the castle. And knowing Simon’s personality, there was no way he would refuse them.
Sure enough, Simon gave a polite bow to the merchants and signaled for Ysabeau to bring the gifts inside.
Magnus then said. "Now that we’ve delivered our gifts, we won’t disturb Your Highness further. We’ll take our leave."
Since arriving in Brambleford, Magnus had been especially polite and considerate.
Simon nodded, looking relaxed.
These gifts, why not accept them? He was going to give the merchants their profits anyway. The gifts could just count as a little bonus for himself.
He said to Magnus. "In that case, see you next time. Everyone, please head home for now."
Although Simon was a little wary of the Fletcher family’s influence in Brambleford’s financial sector, he couldn’t deny that Magnus was clever, respectful, and always supported him completely, something Simon did find comforting.
Still, as someone from the modern world, Simon knew that capital always came with hidden agendas. Sweet words and gifts were often just a sugar-coated trap. Though he was pleased, he kept his guard up.
Once the gifts were accepted, the merchants finally began to disperse.
Simon let out a quiet sigh of relief, dismounted, and walked into the castle.
Ysabeau was excited, directing the servants to carry all the gifts inside, her face glowing with joy.
Seeing this, Simon shook his head. ’This girl has really turned into a little money-lover.’ He thought.
Still, even in her excitement, Ysabeau didn’t forget her duties. As Simon entered, she followed closely, asking about his health and ordering the kitchen to prepare food for him.
Inside the sleeping quarters, Ysabeau helped Simon remove his armor. Then she said. "Your Highness, the consort sent a message. Assistant Minister Carl has already set out for Brambleford. She also asked me to help prepare for the royal wedding."
"Hmm, I figured the imperial decree would arrive soon. Did my mother mention anything about what’s happening in court?"
As Ysabeau helped him into more comfortable clothes, Simon asked casually.
"The consort didn’t say much, just that His Majesty is very pleased and the court officials are full of praise. She said Your Highness will surely be rewarded generously." Ysabeau replied with a smile.
Simon had achieved historic success. He had recovered Snake Pass, a stronghold lost for over a decade. In Ysabeau’s eyes, his merits outshone all the other princes.
Simon nodded. Still, the silence from the court made him uneasy.
Storms always come after eerie calm.
This time was different. The war in Dunmere had merely delayed the reavers from invading Prince Simon and Gerad’s lands, but this time, Simon had completely changed the power dynamics within the Eldorian Empire.
The reavers of the Sixteen Cities had been driven out. As long as Snake Pass stayed secure, the reavers would never again be able to sneeze and make the entire country tremble.
Now that the blade was no longer at the empire’s throat, no one could predict how the court would shift.
But Simon wasn’t too worried. Controlling Snake Pass meant he had his hand on the throat of both the reavers and the empire.
He understood the old saying:
"When the birds are gone, the bow is put away. When the rabbit is dead, the hunting dog is cooked."
Snake Pass was a fortress the Eldorian Empire couldn’t afford to lose. Alaric had no choice but to rely on him. Once Simon arrived in Eldora, his status would rise sharply, and he’d earn more honors and power.
His only real concern now was his older brothers, who definitely wouldn’t like seeing him suddenly rise like a dark horse in the heart of political power.
But Simon didn’t fear them. In his eyes, all their schemes would be shattered under the roar of his cannons.