Epic Of The Demonic Sage

Chapter 60 - A Trouble With Finances

Having thought for plenty of time, Lucius knew that he could not just let it happen. He needed to interfere in it, but he knew it would be hard.

'Need to figure out something. This man… needs to change his mind or be eliminated.' Lucius thought.

Kiana who was standing beside Asher, had been observing him for a while. Ever since she had told him about Viscount Drew, he had been in deep thought, and she did not know why. But for a moment there though, she thought she saw a different look in Asher's eyes.

The look was fierce, almost bordering on murderous. She had never seen such a look in his eyes before and but could feel the intent from them. It was only for a brief moment, but it was strong.

'What…' she didn't know what to think of it.

She held her chest and felt her heart that was beating hard. A memory suddenly appeared in her mind. It was of a long time ago. Back then she was merely a child and had been sent to the territory of the Inanis family for the first time.

While traveling there, her caravan had encountered a group of bandits. Half of their people had been killed and she was very scared. But then a man had appeared out of nowhere, slashing apart five bandits in one go.

When the bodies of the bandits fell to the ground, she saw the man who was standing behind them. He was wielding a double edged sword and was wearing a bloodied armor with the symbol of a three tailed dragon.

This man had the same look that Lucius had right now. But back then the look was directed towards the bandits who were killing his people. This man was none other than Count Gabriel himself.

The memory faded away and Kiana's attention returned to the current time.

"He truly has the blood… he only lacks the gift…" Kiana muttered to herself.

~creek~

The doors of the dining hall opened and in walked Count Gabriel and Countess Lita. Lucius turned his neck to look at them and saw their tensed expressions. Lita though, smiled when she saw Asher sitting at the table. Gabriel still kept his expression even when he saw Asher, and it was evident that he was still troubled.

"Bring the food," Gabriel said in a cold tone.

The servants understood the state of the count and were already ready with food. The trays of food were quickly brought it and it was served to everyone. The lunch was eaten in silence and not one word was spoken.

~Sigh~

Once it was done though, Gabriel sighed and rubbed his forehead. He looked at his family and lightly shook his head.

"I believe you already heard what happened, my son?" Gabriel asked.

"I did, father." Lucius replied.

"Turbulent times are coming for us. I just want you to be ready… we may need to take some drastic actions." Count Gabriel said.

"I'll be here for you, father. For whatever you need." Lucius stated with determination.

Gabriel couldn't help but raise his brows as he heard Lucius's words.

"Alright. That will be all. If the time arrives, I shall call for you. For now, you just focus on what you are doing." Gabriel said.

Lita wanted to speak something but hesitated, finally choosing to keep silent.

The clanging of plates could be heard as the servants cleaned up the table. A brief farewell was said among the family before they all went on their separate ways. Lucius headed to the library, and Kiana followed behind him.

"What do you think are the biggest revenue makers for us, Kiana?" Lucius questioned.

Kiana was caught a bit off guard by this but managed to speak.

"If you mean for the territory as whole as it is the taxes from all the trades that are made." Kiana answered.

"That is not what I mean. What about a specific product?" Lucius asked.

"Hmm… I don't think there is anything substantial. We have crops and fruits that grow and also the artifacts that the artificers guild makes, but they all contribute as taxes." Kiana answered.

Lucius was a bit surprised by this and thought about something he dreaded.

"You mean to say there is nothing the Inanis family owns that directly makes a revenue?" Lucius asked.

"No. Why would we need that when we get taxes from everything? The merchants and lower nobles contribute from their business to us as well." Kiana replied.

Upon hearing these words, Lucius could feel a headache incoming.

~Sigh~

'Seems like the Inanis family might have been far too much focused on military might than the financial power…' Lucius thought to himself.

He had read the history of the Inanis family and knew that most of their land was bestowed upon them by the King. But he had not known that in the many years they had existed, it nerves occurred to them to start their own businesses.

If they had their businesses, even if something like the current situation with Viscount Drew happened, they would still be able to manage by depending on their own coffers. Lucius now wondered if there was some deeper conspiracy to this than was being shown.

In the library, he went to a different section which he had checked yet. This was the section that included books about the economics of the kingdom and also the Land Of Etara.

Lucius's aim was to find a resource that existed in their territory that was not being utilized properly. He knew that it was no longer possible to set up a tertiary kind of business and he would have to depend on something on the lines of production and processing.

There was still time till the daily sword practice and Lucius decided to spend this in reading up on as many books as he could about this topic. And while he was reading them, his eyes settled on one thing that was quite profitable in his past world, too.

"Wine…"