Chapter 126 - 127
"Many thanks." Count Brennan took a seat with an audible exhale and then pulled a folded piece of parchment out of a pant pocket. He slid it across the table with an air of confidence. "I’m sure you can guess why I’m here today. You’ve asked for information about our revenues and various streams of income, and so I have provided."
Maels found it unbecoming how pleased the man appeared with himself for carrying out such a simple task, but he hid such judgements from his gaze as he accepted the parchment with a casual hand. Like a true professional, he tucked the slip away within an inner pocket of his vibrant white robes, not showing any intent to read or discuss its contents in front of the count.
"If there’s nothing else, then there are things that I must attend to. I’m thankful for your—"
The lights momentarily went out, though they returned after the magic crystals in the ceiling began to flicker for a few moments.
"I’ve been here many times but I’ve never seen that happen." Count Brennan pinched his chin in thought. "Could it be that the enchantment that powers the palace is waning? If you’d like, I can have some high-class magic crystals sent over to replace the current source?"
Maels shook his head, his voice level. "Thank you for the offer, but I’m not so short on money that I can’t afford to keep the lights on in my own home."
"Ah, forgive me. I forgot that I’m speaking to the son of Archbishop Ettenson. Things such as a handful of high-class magic crystals, I’m sure they’re nothing much to someone like yourself."
If only you knew, thought Maels as he controlled his expression. Like many of the modern-day clergymen of upper offices, his father had hoarded an incredible amount of funds that he’d hid from the church, enough to make a prominent noble like Count Brennan pale at the sight of it. Since his father hadn’t publicly disclosed the scope of his fortune and since to do so in his dying days would have exposed his avaricious nature, his vast wealth had been directly inherited by his only surviving son.
"As I was saying..."