Refuge in Audacity (Original/Isekai Chapter 10)

A Few Days Earlier

"Noland, I don't think you know how pranks work." I turned from the request in my hand to look at my Prime Minister, Marquis Noland Ozpin Richter Brokkr.

It was after the usual meetings, on the kingdom's state and decision-making, I sat on, that Noland approached me wanting to talk about a private matter. We went into my personal study and there he gave me a request for a loan. Technically he should be giving this to William, but I'm sure as hell, even William would refuse this because I would have strung him from his balls if he approve this amount behind my back.

What Noland was requesting was 200,000 white gold coins.

So a small economic context on how money works in this world.

1 bronze coin is 1 nír.

1 silver coin is 100 nír.

1 gold coin is 1000 nír.

And finally 1 white gold coin is 100,000 nír. (White gold is like regular gold but light a bit in color, and glows. Yeah, like in a movie emphasizing how shiny treasure is, white gold literally gives off a glow.)

So right now, with Noland asking for what's essentially a third of the royal coffers (because where else would I have this kind of money), I'm starting to wonder if these are the first signs of senility and I should get him a doctor.

"Oh no, I assure you, your Highness. This is for real." Marquis Brokkr replied, a mischievous smile on his grandfatherly face, like he knew a secret I didn't know. But nothing really comes to mind.

"Steven, I think your master needs medical attention quickly. He might be having a stroke." I told Noland's attendant who was in the room, standing a few steps behind the Prime Minister.

"Yes, absolutely. Now my lord, we definitely need to get you back home." The attendant trying to maintain his professional aura, said the words quickly and moved as though to assist the Marquis like he was a frail old man.

"Nonsense! I'll have you know my noggin is as sharp as it still is from my youth." Noland boisterously laughed.

"You mean when the Goddess was still teaching the races about the status system?" I rolled my eyes.

"Ha!...I heard that one before." He gave off a laugh, before pouting at the originality of my joke. "But seriously, Prince Aidan, this is a genuine request as I recently expended this much on a venture, and do need to have my own coffers filled back, or well...I might begin to have some difficulties with my job." He winced as he gave an apologetic smile.

...Well, shit. This is serious.

While a Prime Minister is meant to have a lot of power and influence, as they act as a body between the king and the state, by being the person who collects reports from the other governing bodies, find solutions to them, and act out the crown's will. Influence and connections aren't the only thing he needs for his job. Money helps to grease the wheels so they run smoothly. Engaging and cooperating with other nobles mostly involves favors, but having the money to back up those favors is also important.

"Everyone out."

All the maids, attendant, and Noland's attendant bowed and left.

I gestured for Noland to sit who nodded and did so, while I sat down opposite to him rather than behind my desk, as I took a more serious look at his request.

Noland isn't an idiot. He should know I'm not some kid he can sway with words, and he knows how angered I tend to be at manipulation, and my retaliation to such things.

Thus far, Noland wasn't someone who impended me, or tried to make things difficult for me in my rule, when I tell William to do something. At most, he would advice and show why some options need to be considered, or why some are better than others. This is the first time, he actively requested something from me.

I'm not going to give him 200,000 white gold coins, but at least I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, and hear his problem as something legitimate.

"How much is this out of your coffers?" I asked.

"About three quarters," he frowned and shook his head, be oddly didn't seem downhearted. He still had his cheery glow about him. He was sitting down, leaning forward with his hands lazily resting on his cane.

"...Okay?" is he actually in trouble? "And what exactly happened that you ended up spending that much of your money?"

"You know the civil war in Ocettoka, right?" I nodded. "Well, that bit of a mess, gave me the chance to buy a...certain item that otherwise I couldn't have. The rebel's side either couldn't or didn't care for its value. Something loyalist never would allowed were they still in power." He said with a self-satisfied playful grin.

"Okay," I said mauling his words in my head. "What is this item, and why did you decide to get it? I mean, how could it possible be worth 200,000 white gold? Also you said 'item' as in singular?"

"Well, I'll start with your last question and work backwards. Yes, item. Singular. It is actually worth far more than that, and I got it because little angel, Mari asked me about it. Ah, my cute, little Mari-wary. Have I told you about smart she is?" Noland lost all focus on the conversation and started gushing about his daughter.

"Yes, goddess yes, I know," I groaned. It wasn't the first time I saw him become some anime eccentric father at the mention of his kids. "Focus, please. What was the item?"

"Ah," and in the next moment, Noland was all business again, his alertness in his eyes, and mischief on his face. "That, well, that relates to my second request." I raised an eyebrow as he straightened his back, his posture with his hands on his cane, gave a regal aura. "Prince Aidan, I would like to formally request a marriage interview for my daughter, Maristella Françoise Pamolai Brokkr."

"What?" My other eyebrow went to meet its brother. "What does that have to do with your money situation?"

"Well, my little angel had quite the entrepreneurial idea, but didn't have the means or resources. I brought her the means, but now I'm hoping you would provide her the resources." He said, relaxing his posturing and giving himself a self-satisfied nod, while explaining nothing!

"I...I don't get it." I said tilting my head, confusion on my face.

"Simply put, I am asking for 200,000 white gold coins, if you take my daughter's hand in marriage." he explained calmly, and I felt my world lost some sense in the process.

I mean, is that...I mean the balls and pride on that request. Pay me 200,000 white gold and I'll let you have my daughter? Does he not recognize I'm the one with a higher position of power here?

"So, you're...selling me your daughter?" Does he think that I would think she has that much value? Is he just so sure of how great said daughter is that I would pay that much, just from him asking? Seriously, I'm lost. He can't be that arrogant and thick, right?

"Of course not!" He roared, making me jump back in my seat. "Why, the thought that someone would suggest I would sell my daughter like some cheap furniture. Why I would, I would ripe them apart and beat them with my cane!" Noland waved said cane around.

"Noland, calm down," I said placatingly. Also isn't ripping someone apart worse than beating them with a cane? "But that's basically what you're telling me."

"Of course not," he calmed down, looking at me innocently, like he wasn't acting like a maniac a moment ago. "I am simply asking for a marriage interview for Maristella, and should you choose to take her hand--and why not given how cute and smart she is--and officially declare her as your fiancee, then I would ask that your help me avoid being in debt, your Royal Highness." He said happily smiling.

...That plan doesn't make any sense.

"...Are you punishing your daughter or something?" I asked, seeing the only logical explanation in this conversation.

"Why would you say that?" Noland looked genuinely intrigued.

"You know my reputation. You know what most people think happens when a noble daughter has a date with me. I'm sure your daughter has heard those rumors, so..." I asked on the only connection I can see. "Is this your way of giving her a scare for the ridiculously expensive thing you bought? Although, maybe you should have just not bought it. And again, what is that item?"

"Prince Aidan, I know you. Not just some mere rumors, I actually interacted with you. Oh yes, while you have been quite promiscuous. I had been young once you know, so I know how it's like. Oh the conquests I've had, ho ho ho ho." I did not want to imagine that. "But I also know that the girls you seduced tended to be from families that opposed you. Nearly all of them at least." I looked away from that, because to my shame and guilt, one or two girls weren't from families that were that bad, but the girls' themselves annoyed me. "The others you acted as a gentleman for, and even helped those who came to you with grievances." I shrugged, not know what to say. "However you never gave any of those girls a genuine chance. So that begs the question, why are you taking these marriage interviews one-on-one rather than just having some grand ball, where you meet them all, and just pick the prettiest to catch your fancy, as princes of the past usually did? The one-on-one meeting is a rather outdated method, you know."

I let out a sigh, as I leaned into my chair. "I know, but I am looking...well actually was looking to find a queen candidate. Someone who can stand by my side. Compliment my abilities. Now, it's just, something to do I guess." He chuckled at my wording and I rolled my eyes.

"Well, that is why I am suggesting Maristella. I believe my daughter has what it takes be your partner." He tilted his head toward me knowingly. "Not some bed-warmer, if you'll excuse my saying, but someone who would be a good queen. Also about the item I bought, I think it would be a good topic to talk with Maristella about. You would be able to see the benefits of it with her."

Well, can't fault his fatherly confidence, "I still don't see why you think I'll agree to give you that much money, if I end up choosing her as a fiancee. A smaller number of loans to be paid over a number of years would be much simpler. Actually, wouldn't be choosing your daughter, make things harder on you, being Prime Minister and all." Which is true, it would be seen as the Prime Minister gaining more political power, which might sour or strain some of his relationships, and make operating his influence harde--Oh that's why he wants me to loan him all the money he spent all at once.

"That's why I'm requesting for the total amount I spend, rather than smaller pieces of it. I'll be able to pay it back in time for the crown, without too much damage to my ability to act as Prime Minister. As for why I think you'll agree." He smiled widely again. "I believe if you talk with my daughter you will definitely want her as a wife. In which case, we can consider the money as a bride token."

"Really?" The skepticism could have become a physical object from my voice. "And what happened to paying back the loan?"

"Of course, I would help the crown refill the royal coffers, if you agree your Highness, but I believe it would be much easier with you and Maristella working together." He said without missing a beat.

Okay, I admit the guy has balls for this plan of his, but...

"All of that rests on the possibility that I would want your daughter as my fiancee that badly." My lips twisted down from the deadpan. "For all you know, I could have her just sit with me in a room for the traditional three hours, in silence, and then have her leave and that's it."

"I'm sure one meeting is all she'll need to impress you." His smile carrying a secret stayed, and I felt the want to do just as I told him for spite.

"Yeah, sure." I settle on just sighing at Noland's eccentrics. "Have her come at the earliest free time in my schedule, and afterwards, we can talk about a more reasonable loan payment plan."

"Of course, whatever you say, your Highness." I kinda don't want to talk to that girl now, just to get that grin off his face.

You know what, maybe I'll just give her the silent treatment for those three hours. How's that old man!?

Personal Info:

Name: Aidan Vealfas Rowan Atlas Chavagner

Titles: Crown Prince of Ereon, Bloody Smile Prince, Future King of Ereon, Master of the Demon Queen, Bringer of Heaven Fiery Wrath, Debauched Prince, Plower of a Hundred Fields, The Fucking Prince

Age: 14

Condition: A bit annoyed

Stats:

Strength: 98

Durability: 158

Dexterity: 110

Speed: 94

Mental Calculation: 129

Memory Capacity: 175

Aether Control: 137

Mana Capacity: 120

Skills:

Royal Etiquette:

Swordsmanship:

Kingdom Governance:

Status Magic:

-Sex Magic:

Bedroom Arts:

Presence Detection:

Combat Sense:

Street Fighting:

Knife Catching:

Traits:

Firm Stride: A leap of faith. The confidence of madmen. The ability to not hesitate once a decision is made, and to walk forward with open eyes.

Vengeance Torment: Cold-blooded torture. Pain repaid a hundred fold. The ability to inflict pain and suffering on others without being bother or affected by their screams and tears, or seeing blood and gore.

King's Presence: The air of a ruler. The aura of a leader of men. The ability to captivate attention and project authority to your subjects. When you act like a king, people will listen when you speak, and remember you when you leave.

Princely Charm: Unlockable Trait granted at Royal Etiquette LV. 6; A regal aura. An air of refinement. The romanticized charisma of royalty in fiction, allowing you to appear more glamorous, innocent and alluring to others. Those of the opposite sex or bisexual would more open to hearing you out.

The Body is Willing: Unlockable Trait acquired upon reaching Durability 150. You no longer suffer physical fatigue. You can still feel mental stress and fatigue, but for as long as able you can exercise your body until you physically can't.

Mug Shot: Unlockable Trait acquired upon reaching Memory Capacity 150. You don't forget a face. Given a face and a name to match and you never forget a person. Talk to them for one conversation and you don't forget their personality or mannerisms.