Rosie's Games

Chapter 412  An Absurd Plan

"We apologize, but the appearance of those monsters was the final straw," a woman's voice resonated through the room. Rosalind's brow furrowed as she hadn't been informed about this by Denys.

"The monsters were enormous this time, beyond what we could handle. We couldn't even save ourselves. We suffered significant losses, and our profits won't be enough to compensate the families of those who lost their lives."

A heavy sense of sadness settled over the room as Rosalind entered, her expression filled with sorrow. Denys and the others stood up, ready to offer their respects, but Rosalind gestured for them to remain seated.

"Please, take your seats. No need for such formalities," Rosalind smiled gently as she looked around the room.

The meeting took place in a modest room with walls painted in a muted shade. Her eyes landed on the sturdy wooden table positioned in the center, its surface polished to a smooth shine. Around the circular table, six individuals, including Denys gathered.

Each person occupied a chair, strategically placed around the table, allowing for easy communication and exchange of ideas. The chairs themselves were crafted from dark, polished wood, providing comfort with cushioned seats and supportive backs. The room was lit by gentle rays of sunlight filtering through partially drawn curtains, casting a warm glow over the scene.

Rosalind took a seat at one of the two vacant seats."Magda, could you please arrange for their teas to be refilled?"

Magda, who had followed Rosalind into the room, nodded promptly.

"I didn't mean to overhear," Rosalind began, her voice soft. "I wanted to speak with Sir Denys, and I didn't expect to find you here..."

The room remained shrouded in silence, prompting Rosalind to shift her focus to Denys.

"Please tell me what has been done so far…" Rosalind spoke.

"We have fortified our defenses," Denys began, his brow furrowed. "Guards have been deployed to trade routes and caravans, ensuring safer passage for merchants. However, the sudden arrival of these formidable beasts in the north has presented challenges."

Rosalind nodded, recalling the intelligent creatures who had transformed into beasts. Their intelligence made them even more difficult to handle compared to regular beasts. "We used to have a trade network with Lonyth, but recent issues within their realm have complicated matters," an older man with white hair interjected. "The absence of a true King has allowed nobles to exploit the situation, burdening us with escalating taxes for secure passage. If this continues, no merchant would dare venture through the perilous north."

Rosalind acknowledged the situation with a nod. Her gaze shifted to Magda, who appeared with a servant to replenish everyone's tea. As she observed the teacups being refilled, her thoughts turned to the alliances that Duke Lucas had established with the Blaize and Quarris families. It was crucial to ensure a seamless execution of their plans.

Though her options seemed limited at the moment, Rosalind found solace in the fact that she still possessed some alternatives.

After several minutes of silence, Rosalind finally reached a conclusion. "Give me one week. I will explore various avenues to address the current challenges."

"A week is simply not enough," Magda voiced her concerns. "If the merchants leave, they may never return. We cannot—" Magda's words trailed off as Denys walked into the room, interrupting her. "Denys, please tell her that a week is too short. We cannot handle the beasts in such a brief period. We don't even know where they are coming from. It would be suicidal."

Rosalind, however, had a different plan in mind. "I'm not going to deal with the beasts," she declared, redirecting their attention. "Yet."

"Then?" Magda asked.

"I am going south," Rosalind stated decisively.

"The South?" Magda's confusion was evident.

Ignoring Magda's puzzled expression, Rosalind turned to Denys and gestured for him to take a seat. The two of them settled into their chairs, ready for a serious discussion.

"I heard something has happened in the south," Rosalind addressed Denys, seeking information.

Denys began sharing the information they had received. "There might be an imminent war. It's been said that the Blaize Family is preparing to travel to Sloryn and demand an apology from Brinley Fleur. Allegedly," Denys continued, relaying the reports, "The head of the Blaize Family intends to ask the Fleur family to punish Brinley for his accusations. And if they refuse, they are prepared to wage war."

"That can't be true," she stated almost immediately. "The Blaize Family would have to cross deserts and battle unknown beasts to reach Sloryn. It would drain their soldiers and surely result in defeat." Even a child with basic knowledge of military strategy would understand this. Furthermore, if they were truly planning such a journey that would take at least a month, they would never announce it in advance.

Moreover, if something like that was about to happen, then why would Martin Lux come here?

Rosalind's mind raced as she thought of the head of the Blaize Family's motivations. How could someone of his standing conceive such an absurd plan? Rosalind considered the possibility that it might all be a bluff, a strategic move to pressure the Fleur family without intending to follow through.

Her attention shifted to the motive behind the Fleur Family's daring provocation of the notoriously hot-headed and irrational Blaize Family.

Rumors circulated that Lachlan had been collaborating with sorcerers and had made an attempt on Brinley's life. Rosalind found this notion perplexing. After all, why would Lachlan resort to employing sorcerers when Brinley Fleur was not known for his exceptional strength?

How could Lachlan, who had ample resources and skills of his own, deem it necessary to rely on sorcerers in dealing with Brinley? It seemed implausible that such measures would be required to handle a man of Brinley's abilities.

The rumors seemed far-fetched and lacking in credibility, leaving Rosalind skeptical of their validity.

"I need to leave…" she said. If there was anyone capable of aiding her, it was Mr. Pratt and his connections within the Black Market.