Partially corrected MTL Novel
C32
"Is it possible that the cuisine in our castle doesn't suit her palate?"
... Madam would speak up if that were the case.
That's right.
Zachary nodded at Vincent's perplexed response. The Count of Blanchefort doted on his only daughter, and Zachary, who succeeded the Count as her legal guardian, also strove to provide everything his beloved wife desired. As a result, Bianca openly expressed her dissatisfaction without being prompted and did the same for her wants.
If the dishes in the Arno Castle were not delicious, she would have mentioned it or requested a change of chef. Otherwise, it meant she was somewhat satisfied with the cuisine in Arno Castle. Zachary added with a sigh,
"Tell the chef to think a little more about the dishes that she might enjoy. She eats very little, which is why she remains so small."
"Yes. Understood."
Vincent obediently replied. He couldn't imagine that 'that' Madam would eat as much as she could even if exotic dishes were brought, but since it was an order from his lord, Zachary, he had no choice but to comply.
As it was an order from the Count, he would have to pay attention to the menu for a while, and from that moment on, the chef of Arno Castle was seen pulling his hair out due to the sudden mission.
Meanwhile, Robert and Sauveur came to visit Zachary. It was to report on the progress and advancements they had made since taking charge of logistics reorganization and horse management, which used to be Gaspard's responsibility. Robert spoke first.
"Count, the repair of the left wall has been completed."
"Ah, how much progress has been made on the construction of a fortress in the western forest?"
"The resources such as stone and wood are in progress, but it's snowing, and the speed is not good."
"Make sure no accidents occur. Ensure that mandatory military service is only three days a week as prescribed."
"As you command."
One day of the week was the Sabbath, a day to leave behind plows, pens, and weapons and rest in honor of God's protection, whether noble or servant. And in the case of servants, they would be mobilized for three days to assist the lord, and during the remaining three days, they could cultivate their own land.
Occasionally, some lords would disregard the three-day period due to their greed and would often keep the servants for a longer period. The servants would then not have time to tend to their own land, and they would become impoverished. When the servants become impoverished, they are less motivated and more prone to illness. Therefore, Zachary made sure his subordinates strictly followed the prescribed 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 from injuries. The dead horses were skinned, and the meat was used to make sausages. The horse caretaker is taking good care of them, so all you have to do is take care of the horses that came with us."
"Good."
Zachary nodded. The work was flowing smoothly, so he was able to alleviate some of his worries. There was a smile of satisfaction around his mouth.
Sauveur looked at Zachary. He somehow looked different. The corners of his mouth were slightly upturned, and his eyes were softened. If it had been the original Zachary, he would have scrutinized 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 cheerfully, laughing inside.
"Count, did something good happen?"
"... Why do you ask?"
"You seem especially happy today."
"Is that so?"
A faint smile spread across Zachary's lips as he responded 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 glanced at each other.
While 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 the conversation flowed naturally, and no one thought to connect Zachary's smile with Bianca. Zachary shrugged.
"As they said, I thought it would be better to find out her intentions. I asked her if she would like to go to the capital with me."
The vassals simply rolled their eyes.
Their lord was generally laid-back. He respected the autonomy of his subordinates, and since his likes and dislikes were not strong, he usually entrusted all tasks to his subordinates, including Vincent. Of course, he always thoroughly reviewed the situation and didn't forget to receive regular reports.
In this way, he seemed like a boss who communicated well with his subordinates, but he was stubborn enough to make decisions on his own. Although he didn't forcefully insist. However, his actions were swift, and the situation was resolved without even giving room for others' opinions to intervene. Like a storm that ravages, leaving only an empty stretch of sand.
He made decisions on his own, took care of the work, and only reported it after everything was finished.
On the positive side, he got things done quickly, and on the negative side, he was stubborn and didn't even consider listening to others when it came to his own decisions.
However, since his stubbornness and strong self-assertion were linked to his determination as a master, they couldn't simply call it a weakness.
Especially on the battlefield, Zachary's leadership and determination showed great charisma, and they thought they had gotten used to Zachary's ways.
...But it was his arrogance.
They couldn't understand the situation at all. The trip to the capital would be next spring. As it was a long journey, early preparation was necessary, and if the lady would accompany them, it would be better to notify them in advance because there would be many things to take care of.
But didn't that mean there was no need to rush? Didn't he decide to take the Countess to the capital yesterday?
The eyes of Zachary's three vassals fluttered with astonishment. But if they were to ask why he handled it so quickly, it was clear that the natural response he would give would be that the sooner the work was done, the better.
Sauveur scratched his head, and Robert hardened his face.
Well, the sudden situation was bewildering, but since Zachary insisted, they felt more comfortable handling these things quickly.
Bianca would have rejected Zachary's offer anyway. They were sure of it. It was because, no matter how they thought about it, there was no reason why she would welcome the difficult and arduous journey.
The trendy furniture and clothing in the capital might be quite appealing, but beyond that, Bianca was a closed-off woman. She wasn't sociable, and she wasn't relaxed enough to seek out accessories and furniture in a place she would visit for the first time in her life.
And, frankly, they wished she would refuse. It would be a really big problem if the financial situation of the Arno family was compromised after experiencing the fast and luxurious trend of the capital. Isn't it luxurious enough even now?
Anyway, they had no doubt that Bianca had rejected Zachary's offer. Even if it was half confidence and half hope. Robert asked soullessly.
"What did she say?"
"She said she wanted to go."
"Of course she... What?"
Naturally, they thought Bianca would have rejected Zachary's offer, and they were left speechless at Zachary's unexpected response.
Robert was speechless, Sauveur opened his mouth, and even Vincent, who had been silently serving Zachary without revealing his heart, widened his eyes.
It's a lie. Clearly, it's a lie.
Despite being the words of their lord, they were impiously suspicious. Bianca's approval to travel to the capital went against everyone's expectations.
Their eyes filled with astonishment, and everyone seemed stunned, as if they had been struck in the back of the neck.
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TWB (Novel)