31 The Big Fish (1/2)
Once more, for the third time in his life, Corco found himself across from Duke Herak of Balit. The first time they had met when Corco's old master had entered Balit Castle with the matter of a loan to the Duke on the table. The second time, the prince had had been atop the walls of Etra, staring down at the invading forces of Borna. This time, the meeting took place within his own home, albeit one he was willing to abandon soon. Even so, meeting the man here, at such close distance after so many years, still made Corco uncomfortable.
”Ah, Prince Corco. These are quite delectable. What did you call it?”
The duke picked up a small piece of brown bread from one of the tablets which had been placed across the room and observed from all sides, with great curiosity.
”It's gingerbread,” Corco answered in a flat tone. He would have much rather not met the man today. It was too difficult for him to keep up the facade. ”But if Milord is only here for the food, I can just give you a couple boxes full and send you back on your way. I'm sure Milord would enjoy the food much more without my company.”
”Why would I not enjoy the company of the great prince of Medala?” the duke said as the tiniest smile played around his lips. ”Not to mention, many items on offer today are of great interest to me, and to the great Kingdom of Borna. Rather than blame me for not bidding in the earlier parts of the auction, it is Master Fastgrade's own fault for not providing any desirable offers within the first few hours.”
Despite his best attempt at keeping a straight face, Corco grimaced in response.
”You don't believe that our land deeds for much of Etra's harbor and main road, our donkeys, oxen, carts and warehouses all across the south are 'desirable'? I mean, even though you have kidnapped your own merchant company, I get why a noble wouldn't be interested in the properties of a trader, but what about you, Kolbrandt Devaerter?”
As he spoke, Corco turned to one of the men who had surprisingly appeared together with the duke. Kolbrandt Devaerter, his former ally, stood by Herak's side with an unreadable smile on his face. They had worked together for years and as a result of their cooperation, both had grown their business by a great measure. However, the years had changed their relations.
The first sign of trouble had been the mutiny atop the Delahlia, together with the death of Devaerter's close friend. On top of it, although both of them had gained from their arrangements, Corco's profits had always been far greater than the Etra merchant's. As a result, much resentment had quietly built up within Corco's business partner, something the prince hadn't been aware of until very recently. Either way, after today their cooperation would be over for good.
”Ahaha, it is sad to say, but my traders do not have need of any resources on offer today. Maybe if sire had been able to prepare better for this auction, and invited more than a small contingent of potential buyers in secrecy, he would have been more successful.”
Confronted with a smug smile, Corco only barely didn't slap the idiot, but before he could say anything in response, Corco was preempted by another one of Herak's new allies. Trellban, as malicious as he was greedy, had decided to twist the knife further.
”Yes, my traders can't find much use in these cheap properties either. Further, we need to save our money for the truly important treasures which await us after this little break. With most of Etra's merchants abstaining from the first half of the auction, it appears as if competition has been reduced. How unfortunate that 'Prince' Corco did not manage to gain as many funds as he had expected. Truly, I must apologize.”
Although he didn't like Devaerter's attitude, it stung much more when the self-serving Trellban did it. Just as Corco tried to step ahead to teach the idiot another lesson, a shadow entered the periphery of his vision.
”Boss, we need to go back. The second part of the auction will start soon,” Fadelio's calm voice rang out. As always, the warrior's timing was impeccable.
”Right,” Corco said, as his view once again zeroed in on Duke Herak. ”You should prepare yourself as well, Duke. You might have had your fun until now, but the lords of Cahlia, Whiteport and Eniila aren't people you can bribe so easily.”
What answered Corco was a dry laugh from a confident opponent.
”Haha, I have no intention to do so. After all, despite their apparent strength, the other lordships are much farther from Etra than its neighbor Borna. And Master Trellban is indeed correct: In the end, there was far too little time to prepare for today's auction. I wonder if our competitors have brought enough gold to weigh up against all the wealth of Etra and Borna combined.”
”We'll see,” Corco said in defiance, but his balled fists revealed his irritation.
Without a further word, he stormed off towards the back of the hall, but not before the duke took another shot at the prince's pride.
”I wonder just how 'Prince' Corco will feel when the fruits of his labor will be taken, in their entirety, by the money I claimed of your old master Fastgrade. I will look forward to our talks after the auction has ended.”
Still tensed, the prince stared ahead and marched back up towards the stage. However, unbeknownst to the duke, a sinister smile formed around Corco's lips as he left behind his enemy, and his supposed allies.