Chapter 63 Outing with Collin (Part 4)
"Master, do you want everybody to know what you are scheming? We're outside. We have to find a suitable place to talk."
Collin realized his mistake and quickly apologized to Aillenne.
"Let's go this way."
Aillenne and the party went inside the carriage they rode beforehand. If the knights of the Winston Marquisate is here, surely they will notice that something's amiss. Of course such suspicion would be whispered in her father's ear.
'And I don't want that. It feels so stuffy whenever I come out with my escorts.'
Being attached to someone who is famous and known really makes a difference. It's a good thing that I made contact with Collin. What a cheat character and here I am like a leech receiving some of his grace.
"I know you're being mad at the same time curious of why I did that, but I want you to look at the bigger picture, Collin."
"What do you mean?"
"There is no loss for us if the Ohphi kingdom will monopolize our meat and vegetables, besides that is not the only product we have."
"Yes, but---"
"Hmmm. We got the best deal. They bought the product at such high price and paid with the rights to six months of monopoly. In addition, where can you find the most precious grade of blue magic stone in the continent?"
"That...the Ohphi kingdom. But why? It is not so important, does it? I can provide you with more beautiful jewels if that's what you want."
Aillenne clicked her tongue making Collin flinched.
'This....This is not what I'm trying to say, but my lady Aillenne seems to know more than I do. It's making me feel a little stupid, and my train of thoughts seem to lag behind whenever I'm with her... but I'm getting more and more interested in her. What is she thinking in that small head of hers?
On the other hand, why the blue magic stones, when she couldn't even draw out mana?'
"Yes, indeed. Only the Ohphi kingdom has the high grade blue magic stone in the continent. They do not open their borders easily, as they were known for their protectiveness to their culture and traditions. They do not want others to touch them and they live secluded. It is even awesome to think that they've first contacted others for their needs."
"Yes. I agree. It's quite surprising they've contacted us in a hurry a few days ago. Alright, I get your point. But how can you-- how will you use the magic stones?"
Collin asked carefully.
'I trust her judgement and plans but I don't want to hurt her as she cannot draw out mana.'
Aillenne smiled brightly, which is unfit to the situation.
"That's a secret for a while Collin."
"Wha---! What?! Why?! But we're partners! Isn't trust and confidence what binds us aside from the contract? Why?"
Collin couldn't help but feel at loss at a thing he didn't knew. He's very curious and the sound of screws in his head could almost be heard.
Aillenne laughed brightly and those who saw her like that felt their heart skip a beat.
'Goodness! So pretty!'
'Such a beauty that could overturn the country.'
"Then stay tuned and wait for three days."
Collin wanted to assert, but he was just left to nod and wait.
'Dang! Three days? My insides felt like burning!'
He couldn't understand the way she thinks, she's peculiar but it's getting more entertaining.
'Last night, I read the reports of her daily activities, but none of them pointed to making her decide this scheme.'
He knew what books she read and what food she ate, but none of them pointed to how she knew about the blue magic stones that he only knew today, were being mined in the said kingdom.
'What triggered her to make things turn out this way? How did she knew such high end information... just how?!'
Collin felt frustrated and challenged making his brain roar to life.
'This is making me excited! I want to know more about her.'
***
Tenth district.
Aillenne and the party went out of the carriage and walked down the now quite path. The streets were silent and the road is cleaned. No children running down the streets or sick people begging for alms.
Aillenne smiled at the preparation of the people. Only the chief of the tenth district was outside and welcomed their arrival.
"Good day, My lady. I'm pleased to see you again and in behalf of everyone who lives in this place, thank you for giving us your attention."
"Yes, good day to you too, Leader Jeremy. I'm the one who feels blessed that you're willing to accept my presence in your territory at the same time, you are willing to hear my offer."
The leader smiled in adoration at the small lady in front of him that doesn't act like one. He really thinks highly of Aillenne and always swore allegiance and loyalty everytime he sees the letter sent by Aillenne.
As if an angel who came down from heavens, she gave them another reason to live and another reason to regain their nature and act like humans and as an equal being. They never thought that time will come, such a small lady could change the way they live their life.
They went deeper the district and finally stopped on a shabby but slightly bigger house. There, they were welcomed by about a dozen of men and women.
All of them got up from their seat and bowed deeply in front of Aillenne even if she said that it wasn't needed.
Collin and the group were astonished at the sight. Their group never failed in gaining information, but whenever the happenings were centered with Aillenne, everything just doesn't make sense.
He watched the leader, which is said to be the most wary of strangers, but he treats Aillenne with care and obvious reverence. The people around too were just like him. Collin couldn't help but smile as he put his hand up and surrender at her actions.
'Really, I think I've been beaten by Aillenne. I don't know how she did it, but it's just amazing. I don't know what picture she's been drawing, but I'm sure it is a masterpiece. I hope to live well and see her work as I join her journey alongside her.'
"I heard of the plan, My lady. I'm really grateful that you think highly of us and give us a chance to change our lives."
Eda, a mother of two looked at Aillenne as her tears were threatening to fall again.