Biflten has long tried to solve the enigma of how the border of the winter region became so distinct.
There were theories that the territories affected by Biflten's master's divine power only had winter, but no one knew the real truth.
“Summer,” Aden murmured the unfamiliar but lovely word.
Summer in Arlen also seemed to have a well-defined boundary.
In Aden's mind, some of the puzzle pieces slowly fell into place.
The biggest part of this was that after Ilyin and the end of the succession, it became much easier to increase the temperature of the winter region.
As if it continued, it could bring summer to Biflten.
There was a strange connection between the pieces.
“You mentioned it’s been just under thirty years since it got exceptionally hot?” Aden asked.
Viscount Arlen nodded: “Yes, just over twenty years.”
Considering Ilyin's age, the timeline seemed to fit.
Aden came up with a big theory in his head.
‘Perhaps Ilyin is the key to the summer?’ In that case, the fate of the Arlen territory was already decided.
The corners of Aden's mouth turned up.
“I see,” he turned to the viscount.
“We’ll certainly have to get her permission, though.” He didn't forget to mention Ilyin.
“If she allows it, let’s make a deal,” Aden said, “I’ll pay 20 gold coins per carriage.”
The usual rate for carrots was 15 gold per carriage.
Viscount Arlen couldn't contain himself and let out a joyful laugh, he grabbed Aden's hand and shook it.
“You have a deal!”
For the viscount it was as if the deal had already been done.
In his head, he was quickly calculating how many carrots his farm produced in a year, the profit he would make, and what to do with the profit.
“Indeed,” Aden smiled.
Ilyin was now a winter person.
Aden couldn't help but laugh, what a perfect way to destroy the honor Viscount Arlen had gained while locking Ilyin in the house.
‘Winter begins now.’
***
The House of Viscount Arlen treated Aden very well.
As Aden knew the House's financial situation, the meal he was offered seemed like an exaggeration that they could not afford.
Viscount Arlen had a cheerful expression as he had no idea that Aden knew that the house was struggling to survive.
As the viscount insisted on drafting a contract during the meal, despite Aden's insistence on obtaining permission, Aden helped draft a contract.
Of course, he would tear it up the moment Ilyin disapproved.
There were many ways for Aden to overthrow the House of Viscount Arlen, but he did not want to pursue any of the ways that could bring sadness to Ilyin.
Ilyin came before anything.
“Um.” The viscount rubbed his chin, pretending that he still had a lot to worry about as he read the contract, but failed when the corners of his mouth continued to turn up.
The contract mentioned the value of each transport, the cost and that the price could change every year depending on market conditions.
The viscount's gaze seemed to have skipped the last part.
Aden said after finishing dinner:
“In addition to the contract, I would like to offer Acid Merchant a monopoly.” When Viscount Arlen's smile fell from his face, Aden laughed:
“Of course, we will give you more.”
Viscount Arlen's face seemed to have calmed down after hearing this.
"How many years?"
As Aden thought this, a deafening scream came from the room above them.
Startled, Aden's gaze turned upward and then to Viscount Arlen.
The viscount seemed completely taken by surprise.
It seemed that this was not part of the festivities the viscount had in mind for the evening.
"Madam!" Viscount Arlen frowned as a maid screamed.
Aden tilted his head a little.
'Madam?
So, the viscount’s wife?’
“Bring me the guest!” A shrill voice sounded.
Aden turned his gaze to Viscount Arlen, “I heard that your wife has a health problem.” It was a well-known fact in the gossips of the hot region.
"Acid Merchant also deals in medicine.
I would like to meet her and perhaps I can recommend some good medicine," he added.
The viscount felt defeated, there was nothing he could do.
He had warned the maids not to let his wife go out, but now it was too late.
"Would you?
She'll like it."
Viscount Arlen walked slowly and led him to her room.
Normally, the viscountess would have considered it rude to receive guests in her room, but she immediately opened the door as if she had been waiting.
The maids who were holding her left, Aden observed that the maids who met the Viscount's eyes froze.
“Go downstairs,” the viscount waved at them as if he didn't like them.
It was a gesture for them to disappear quickly.
"Between."
The face that greeted Aden had kindness all over it.
Aden entered the room and unlike the blood-curdling scream and commotion that was caused, the person on the bed was gracefully sitting and waiting for him to enter.
Isha: Aden in this chapter played Ned Stark lol
Roxi: “Ilyin comes first” the guy is already in love and has no idea….