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The Crime Lord Bard - Chapter 128: Ransom
🕑 Added 2025-07-01 00:00:05 +0000 UTC[Maria von Hafenstadt PoV]
Maria paced across her private chambers. Nestled comfortably atop a plush velvet cushion was her guardian, a translucent serpent. It was coiled tightly, observing Maria with keen, unblinking eyes.
"If they've sent an emissary, at least they're willing to negotiate," Maria pondered aloud. Her tone was trying to keep her optimistic amidst it all.
The serpent lifted its head slightly, tongue flickering as it tasted the air. "The alternative was to appeal to the Emperor," it hissed. "He would not have been amicable in any way."
Maria paused, her gaze drifting to the window overlooking Hafenstadt. After weeks in chaos, stability was finally within reach. The last thing she needed was imperial retribution or, worse, a war between factions that could shatter the peace.
She sighed. "The city is just beginning to heal," she murmured. "An imperial sanction or any escalation could destroy everything we've worked for."
"They won't wage war," the serpent reassured, its voice a soothing whisper. "It's too distant, and Frostwall lies too close to the northern frontiers. They can't afford to divert forces to the south. Like us, their resources are committed to holding back the waves."
Maria turned to face her guardian. "You're right," she conceded. "But tell me. What would you do in their position?" She valued the serpent's opinion.
The serpent considered her question. "I would seek to obtain as many resources as possible. Negotiate to get people, materials, and gold. Anything to strengthen my hold and prepare for the next attack."
Maria nodded. "That doesn't help our case," she said with a hint of frustration. "It's not as though we have resources to spare."
Before the serpent could respond, a firm knock called their attention.
Two soldiers entered. They stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "My lady," one announced, his voice steady. "The emissary has arrived."
Maria drew a deep breath, steeling herself. "Already?" she replied, smoothing the fabric of her formal dress and adjusting the pendant at her throat.
"Where is he?" she inquired, her composure regained.
"In the main hall, awaiting your audience," the soldier informed her.
"Very well. I'm on my way," Maria declared. The soldiers bowed once more before retreating, the door closing behind them.
Maria took a deep breath before stepping out to face what awaited her.
Usually, she would have been accompanied by many attendants, but she despised the constant feeling of being watched. Except for the soldiers who were needed for her safety, she preferred not to have too many people around her. Even in her previous world, as a famous entrepreneur, she had preferred the moments of solitude over being the person everyone saw on television.
She navigated through one of the side entrances of the grand hall. The hall was an imposing room, adorned with towering pillars and intricate drawings from the past leaders of Hafenstadt. At the far end, a modest throne awaited her.
With Lucas imprisoned, Maria had assumed control of the main estate and, consequently, access to the throne of Hafenstadt.
A few people, most of them merchants, waited to see the city's ruler. They sat along the sides of the large room, whispering to each other and glancing at the throne from time to time.
It was the guards who organized the proceedings, indicating who could approach next to present their petitions.
"Silence in the hall," one of the soldiers commanded as Maria settled into the throne. His voice boomed across the chamber, and the murmurs ceased.
The merchants, who had been speaking amongst themselves, fell silent upon seeing Maria walking toward the throne.
A soldier stationed beside the throne stepped forward and reported, "The iron merchant has not yet arrived, and there are no updates on the trial. The prisoners will be transferred to another cell later."
"Very well," Maria acknowledged.
"The first petitioner is the emissary from Frosthell," the soldier continued.
"Ask him to come forward," Maria instructed, her tone measured yet firm.
The soldier signaled, raising his arm to usher in the emissary.
From the shadows at the back of the hall walked a gaunt figure, his frame thin and malnourished. Yet, despite his frail appearance, he was wearing heavy furs.
As he approached, he performed a deep bow, lowering himself with practiced grace. "This humble servant is an emissary of the Lord of Frosthell," he began, his voice raspy yet clear.
"Proceed," Maria allowed, her gaze steady upon him.
"During the last Imperial Festival," the emissary began, choosing his words carefully. "The Lord of Frosthell was absent from his residence in the Imperial City. However, by a twist of fate..."
'Twist of fate, my ass,' Maria thought, a hint of skepticism flickering in her eyes. 'He must have orchestrated it. Not that Lucas had been discreet; whispers had circulated for months.'
"...he decided to return to his home," the emissary continued, "and caught the Lord of Hafenstadt in the act of courting the Lady of Frosthell."
A ripple of murmurs swept through the merchants.
"In defense of his honor," the emissary pressed on, his eyes meeting Maria's, "the two engaged in combat. The duel ended with the victory of Frosthell. Thus, at this moment, Lucas von Hafenstadt is under the custody of Frosthell."
"What charges are being brought forth?" Maria inquired.
The entire assembly was filled with rumors, but hearing the official account was a rare opportunity. Many leaned forward in their seats, eager to catch every word. Some wondered if Maria would attempt to save her uncle, while others speculated on the consequences for Hafenstadt.
"For the Lady of Frosthall, she is to be charged with adultery," the emissary began, his voice devoid of emotion. "The lord of Frosthell himself will determine her punishment." He paused briefly before continuing. "As for Lucas von Hafenstadt, there were numerous options considered. We could have petitioned the Emperor to intervene or proceeded with a swift trial, ensuring his immediate execution."
'That would have been the best outcome,' Maria thought. A lord seeking vengeance, executing Lucas, would have minimal impact on the territory or her plans.
"What decision have you arrived at?" Maria pressed, maintaining a composed exterior while concealing her true thoughts.
"We wish to enter into negotiations for the return of Lucas von Hafenstadt to his family here in Hafenstadt," the emissary stated.
'Damn it. And I can't refuse the negotiation. Not in front of everyone,' Maria contemplated, her mind racing to assess the implications.
"I imagine you already have certain terms in mind," she remarked, her tone neutral.
"My lord has sent me with preliminary proposals," the emissary responded. "Yet, he would prefer if you could journey to Frosthell to continue the negotiations in person."
Maria regarded him, weighing the request. 'He seeks to exert extra pressure,' she concluded.
"What initial terms has he conveyed to you?" she asked, seeking clarity.
"He proposes a sum of 10,000 gold pieces," the emissary declared.
At his words, a palpable ripple of shock coursed through the hall. The merchants exchanged anxious glances; even the guards, trained to remain impassive, showed the slightest signs of unease.
The emissary continued. "Additionally, the hand of Maria von Hafenstadt in marriage, and a contractual agreement to conceive a male heir within five years."
Maria felt a surge of anger flare within her. To be used as a bargaining chip, a mere pawn in a political transaction, was infuriating. Yet she controlled her features into an expression of calm indifference. She refused to give the emissary or the merchants the satisfaction of witnessing her turmoil.
"Thank you for conveying these terms," Maria replied curtly. "I will confer with my advisors to determine an appropriate response. In the meantime, please ensure the emissary is provided with comfortable accommodations."
Two soldiers stepped forward to escort the emissary, who bowed once more before being led away.
Turning her attention back to the assembly, Maria addressed them. "Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, pressing matters require my immediate attention. If there are no urgent concerns, I must take my leave for now."
The petitioners shifted uncomfortably. Having witnessed the gravity of the situation, many felt their own issues paled in comparison. Uncertainty hung in the air; whispers spread among them, speculating about the future of Hafenstadt and its leadership.
Seeing no objections, Maria rose from the throne. With a final nod to the gathered crowd, she descended from the throne and made her way back through the side entrance.
Once within her chambers, Maria allowed her composed mask to crumble. She sank onto the edge of her bed, burying her face in her hands.
"This is a disaster," she muttered, her voice muffled by her palms.
"There may yet be a way to avoid it. At least the marriage," the serpent hissed, coiling itself beside her.
Maria looked up, her eyes showing her inner frustration. "I don't even have the gold they're demanding. How on earth am I supposed to navigate this?"
The serpent's golden eyes regarded her. "How about we use the rumors that already circulate about you," it suggested. "Let's pay a visit to your 'in-laws'."
