" This is the room of the lord."
Horace entered the room where he saw the lord with his children. Unlike central or Eastern territory nobles, the southern nobles were poorer but they were more appreciated. However, in this war, he had to become a sacrifice to ensure the safety of his people. Chess pieces were meant to be discarded, after all, it all came to which one was more useful.
" Ah, you must be the young merchant that might guard said. Pardon for my shabby home.
I couldn't afford a more luxurious house."
The lord smiled softly, extending his hand to introduce himself. As a southern lord, he was accustomed to this new way of greeting which seemed appropriate between men.
" Nice to meet you, lord of Sussex. My name is Horace Delaware. I came from the east to sell some goods including fresh fruits and good quality leather.
Moreover, I have an excellent chest piece which was crafted by the Viking craftsman."
Sussex lord immediately shook his head, gesturing him to sit down while his wife brought tea from the cabinet.
She poured the tea into the crude silver cup, sitting next to her husband as both heads of the territory came right in front of his vision.
If Horace wanted to kill them, he could draw out his dagger and then slash the throats of the guards and the lord but his goal wasn't killing.
He was here to create chaos in the enemy force by kidnapping either the lord or his wife.
" Frankly I don't have much funds after I spent purchasing horses from the northern highland. However, if you show it to me, I might change my mind."
The lord politely asked for permission to look at the item as he lifted the curtain from the box, revealing breathtaking white armor.
It was crafted from a mixture of rare elements, making it flexible and durable. However, it is toughness wasn't the same as steel.
" Oh my, what a beautiful armor! This might become our heirloom if we can buy it."
The countess blocked her mouth with awe for the armor, knowing this must be a masterpiece from a certain master because even she could tell this thing was crafted with meticulous care.
" Indeed. I have never seen such an armor piece in my life. Moreover, this is light and flexible albeit less tough. However, it should be able to block arrows.
Winston, bring an arrow to us."
He took the arrow from his guard, stabbing it to the chest piece. Like he expected the armor wasn't pierced and it didn't leave any mark. His eyes glowed with a desire to obtain such a masterpiece for his children and himself.
" How much, Horace? I will buy your commodity and this armor because you showed me such sincerity and southern people pay kindness with kindness."
Horace raised three fingers, saying he needed three lands from the farmland while sipping his tea. The lord fell into silence, pondering for a moment before he gestured to his knight to bring the rough paper that he obtained from Frank's knights.
" I will sign my name here with a drop of my blood, so you can own the land even if the lordship is changed.
Furthermore, I will grant tax exemption for years to show my sincerity for selling this armor to me so cheaply.
Please, stay here for a day. I will show you the hospitality of the southern people."
Horace nodded with a gentle face, masking what was hiding behind his smile. His goal was already accomplished when the lord wanted to invite him to a banquet because he brought something special from his home.
" Then I will excuse myself for a moment, your lordship."
He got up from his seat, touching the glass vial in his pocket while feeling what was inside of it.
This was an odorless, tasteless poison that could paralyze someone for a few hours if they consumed it. Hence, all he needed to was to find the chef and mix it into the food to create an opportunity for himself.
" Ah, since you are going out my son will help you. Albert, guide him through our lovely town and introduce your friends."
He pushed the young boy toward him with a smile, thinking it was a good moment to socialize with this merchant.