NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 60: Fools Are Everywhere
Chapter 60: Fools Are Everywhere
At the Lawrence estate, Reneé Black, wife of Baron Pape Lawrence, was in a panic. Her husband had led a large group of elite soldiers to attack Eagle’s Ridge but hadn’t returned. Initially, she wasn't too worried since their territory was the strongest in the Maine Valley, and she didn’t foresee any issues.
However, the letter from Eagle’s Ridge delivered the following morning shattered her composure.
"Fuck, my God, this is impossible!" Reneé exclaimed in disbelief.
"Lady Reneé, nothing is impossible. Baron Pape Lawrence has indeed been captured. Please gather the ransom promptly, or I cannot guarantee his safety," said the knight with a calm smile before turning to leave.
The letter from Eagle's Ridge caused an uproar throughout the Lawrence estate.
In the castle, Reneé was fuming as she read the contents.
"They’re insane! This is madness! How is this not outright robbery? This can’t be!" she ranted.
Baron Pape Lawrence’s ransom was set at 3,000 gold coins, another 1,000 for Lawrence, 500 for each knight, 100 for each appreciate knight, plus an additional 3,000 serfs and 2,000 gold coins in war reparations. The total amount was staggering, likely equating to the entire value of their estate.
"Mother, this is simply impossible. Eagle’s Ridge has no intention of releasing Father," said Orper Lawrence, her son, after reading the letter. However, instead of anger, a glimmer of opportunity shone in his eyes.
As the second son, Orper had no right to inherit the estate, especially given that his knightly talents were far inferior to his elder brother's. Despite his mother being the current baroness, inheritance would not favor him.
But now, with his father and brother potentially out of the picture, he saw a chance.
"Mother, if Father and my brother don’t return, the inheritance of the estate will fall to me," he pointed out.
Reneé was shocked but also intrigued. As a merchant’s daughter who married into nobility after Pape Lawrence’s first wife’s death, she understood the gravity of the situation. If her husband and eldest son didn’t return, her second son could inherit the estate, changing their fortunes entirely.
"No, it’s not feasible without your father’s strength. Without him and the knights he took, we cannot defend the estate. Other Lawrence family branches might take over," she argued, regaining her composure.
"Mother, you forget that the Habsburg Chamber of Commerce can provide protection. For 1,000 gold coins, we can hire a grand knight for a year. Instead of paying Eagle’s Ridge, we should pay the guild. This way, the lordship won't go to my brother," Orper insisted.
Reneé’s eyes sparkled at the prospect. She had always worried about the inheritance. Should Lawrence inherit, they would likely be cast out with a modest sum, which was unacceptable to her. This situation presented an unprecedented opportunity.
"Mother, if we claim that Eagle’s Ridge holds a large iron ore deposit and leak this information, making sure they know it’s from us, Eagle’s Ridge will have to deal with other lords, giving us a clear path," Orper suggested.
Reneé was stunned by her son's audacity. The idea of betraying her husband and son left her speechless.
"Orper, you...," she began.
"Mother, this is our only chance. If my brother returns, we lose everything," Orper said, his voice cold and firm.
Reneé fell silent, weighing the terrible choice before her. After a long pause, she made up her mind.
"Alright," she agreed, inhaling deeply. Although she knew this decision would prevent her husband from ever returning, she chose her son and the estate’s future.
With his mother’s approval, Orper set his plans in motion. His first task was to travel to Loren City to secure the services of knights from the Habsburg Chamber of Commerce. Only then could the real action begin.