Chapter 78: The Banished Young Girl Dances the Offering Dance
After that, I held a meeting with Simon and the trade companies they brought along, and we signed the trade agreement between the three territories.
The content of the agreement was as follows: First, the two companies designated by Duke Bicester and Earl Lazlo were guaranteed participation in the gold and silver bullion market in Scarletford, and they were exempted from both import and export taxes on gold and silver bullion.
In return, one company designated by the Baroness of Scarletford was guaranteed the same rights in the territories of Duke Bicester and Earl Lazlo, and taxes on exporting items such as lead, alum, saltpeter, and various other goods to Scarletford would be waived.
These import and export taxes are levied on the goods passing through the gates. In addition, it’s generally customary to charge toll fees at the gates.
The reason why both import and export taxes are charged is to accommodate traveling merchants.
This is because traveling merchants move frequently, making it difficult to tax the profits they earn. As a result, taxes are levied based on the goods they carry.
Moreover, this tax is imposed at the town level. In other words, simply passing through a town with goods can result in being taxed multiple times.
You’d think they’d only impose the tax once within the same territory… but oh well.
Anyway, the negotiations were successfully concluded, and that night, I hosted a banquet to welcome Lord Alfred and Lord Edward.
Before I knew it, the harvest festival had arrived.
Just like last year, we prepared a feast of wild boar steaks and wild boar stew.
Of course, there’s also plenty of ale, which everyone loves!
Even though it’s still early in the afternoon, everyone’s already dancing joyfully. However, with the visiting delegation here this year, people seem to be holding back a little compared to last year.
As time passed, the second bell of the afternoon rang.
Alright, it’s time! Let’s give it our all again this year!
I dressed in ceremonial attire and ascended the stage.
Like last year, I performed the offering dance, and Wil made the sacrifice of a boar to conclude the ceremony.
As I descended from the stage and was on my way back home to change, Muriel called out to me.
“Lady Olivia!”
“Hello, Muriel.”
“That was wonderful! That’s your magic, controlling the ‘suke,’ isn’t it?”
“Yeah.”
“It was my first time seeing something black like that. It was so mysterious.”
“Really? Thank you.”
Does Muriel not have any prejudice against black eyes and black hair? Or is it just that my biological father is the strange one?
At the very least, I don’t see any deceit in Muriel’s eyes…
My thoughts started wandering in a strange direction, so I shifted my focus and decided to ask something that had been on my mind.
“By the way, can I ask you something?”
“Yes, what is it?”
“About the ‘suke’… Could it be…?”
“Oh? You’re referring to Lady Olivia’s bone dolls, aren’t you? The goblin bone dolls are called ‘Gob-suke,’ the bird bone dolls are ‘Tori-suke,’ and the wild boar bone dolls are ‘Boar-suke,’ right?”
“Ah, yeah… I guess that’s right.”
Come to think of it, didn’t Lord Alfred also use that term? Could it be that skeletons are called ‘suke’ outside this region too? But why?
…Ah! Maybe it started with Wil and the others calling them that, and it spread to Simon and beyond?
“Hehe, you’re so funny, Lady Olivia.”
“Ahaha… W-Well, I’ll go change now.”
Feeling a little embarrassed, I hurried away from Muriel.
After changing, it was finally time for the main event.
“Everyone, we’ve prepared bread, meat, stew, and ale again this year. Additionally, Duke Bicester and Earl Lazlo have graciously provided wine and tea.”
When I made that announcement, the crowd buzzed with excitement.
Grapevines don’t grow very well in this area, so wine is considered a luxury. As for tea, it’s not even grown domestically and is entirely imported.
“Well then, everyone, from this point on, we’re free to let loose. Let’s give thanks to the blessings of the gods and enjoy! Alright, let’s celebrate!”
Despite my declaration, people seemed to be holding back compared to last year, likely because I was still in my formal mode.
“Come on! Let’s relax and enjoy! Don’t hold back—eat up!”
Even with that, people still seemed a bit hesitant to fully cut loose.
“Lady Olivia, they can’t really relax with nobles around. Let’s head inside.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
With that, I entered the house along with Lord Alfred and the others.
Aww, too bad. I wanted to dance with everyone again…
The sun set, and night fell over Scarletford. Though things were awkward at first, everyone seemed to have a great time once we left.
As for me, I joined the nobles for dinner, and now I’ve returned to my room. Muriel was part of the dinner conversation, but honestly, I didn’t find it enjoyable at all.
Especially Lord Alfred! He keeps trying to curry favor with me, and it’s really exhausting.
‘’Sigh…’’
I let out a small sigh and gazed out the window.
I could still hear cheerful voices and hand clapping from the square, so I guess they’re dancing again.
We had prepared plenty of ale this year, and with the addition of wine, they’re probably getting quite drunk by now.
I kind of want to join them…
Just as that thought crossed my mind—
*Bang! Bang! Bang!*
Suddenly, the alarm bell signaling an attack began to ring!
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