Salvador summoned Eustace to the palace for an audience.
Eustace had come prepared. Though he had led his bodyguards and the merchant convoys to quell the unrest, the connection between the Spencer family's collateral branch and Nicholas couldn't be easily dismissed.
Even if Salvador publicly declared their merits balanced with their faults, it was not something that could be swept aside without consequence.
However, Salvador's attitude towards Eustace was surprisingly warm. The former even praised him for his loyalty to the throne and his patriotic spirit, noting that he resembled his late father in his unwavering commitment. The previous head of the Spencer family had been generous to the court, contributing substantial funds during times of war.
Eustace understood the underlying message and quickly offered, "With both the Southern Frontier and Victory Pass embroiled in battle, the Spencer family is willing to contribute in whatever small way we can. We will donate 300,000 silver coins to help provide winter clothes and improve the rations for our soldiers."noveldrama
Salvador appeared pleased. He smiled and said, "Good. With your contribution of 300,000 silver coins, I am confident our border forces will withstand the enemy and end this war sooner rather than later."
Eustace was quick to express his gratitude, "You're wise and compassionate, Your Majesty. The heavens will surely bless Starhaven for generations to come."
Salvador chuckled and allowed Eustace to leave after a brief conversation.
300,000 silver coins could buy safety for one's family, but it also served as a valuable lesson.
Not everyone could become a royal merchant, but it also didn't have to specifically be the Spencer family who took on the role.
Doing business with the court didn't offer great profits, but the prestige of the title alone ensured that other ventures would flow in with ease.
When Eustace returned home, he spoke to Violet. "If you plan to stay in the capital, you cannot act as you did before. The Spencer family is large. While we have many strong branches, some are withering. After this, I must make sure to prune those branches. You need to be cautious and keep a low profile. Don't flaunt your wealth. From now on, I'll reduce your spending on clothes and luxuries."
Violet didn't mind. She already had her small stash of money, and she stayed at Hell Monarch Estate, where her basic needs were met. Her clothes were simple throughout the year, and she rarely wore gold or silver jewelry.
"Don't worry, Dad. I understand. But is 300,000 silver coins too much for our family? Will it hurt us?" "It's fine," Eustace replied, looking at his daughter.
He realized just how much she had grown. She was more mature and composed than many of the young men in the Spencer family. A sense of pride swelled in his chest, and he couldn't help but sigh inwardly He had always planned to pamper his little girl, but she had developed a passion for martial arts. So, he had supported a guild for her, allowing her to obtain a privileged role in it.
When she reached the right age, he thought he would find her a husband from a lower-status family and
let her live a life where she could do as she pleased. That would have been a good future.
But he never expected that she
would end up on the battlefield, earn military honors, and later assist the Hell Monarch's princess consort with her duties. During his time in the capital, Eustace had heard many people speak highly of Violet, all full of praise.
What father wouldn't be proud? It was an unexpected turn of events. Who knows, she might even be the one to carry the weight of the Spencer family one day.
On a warm, sunny day, Eustace departed the capital with Conrad and a few others.
At Carissa's insistence, Adrian also decided to return to Meadow Ridge with the members of the Pathfinders Guild.
Adrian had originally planned to stay longer, but Carissa made it clear she preferred his absence. With a resigned shake of his head, he chastised her for being ungrateful and reminded Kyle and Isaac to take good care of her.
After Adrian left, Isaac poked Carissa on the forehead. "You ungrateful little one! Sage Adrian wanted to stay longer with you. Why did you just send him off? He's been nothing but worried about you."
There was still a trace of reluctance on Carissa's expression, and she sighed deeply at his words. "Sage Adrian has never liked the capital He's too accustomed to freedom. If he stayed in the capital just for my sake, that would have been selfish of me."
Throughout his time in the city, Adrian had scarcely smiled.
Moreover, when Adrian was around, she always depended on him. She wasn't as sharp in her actions as before and often found herself wanting to be close to him, even when there was nothing important going
on.