Reincarnated as the Baron's son: My Infinite Card Upgrade System-Chapter 47: Supplies

"Here are the number of minerals ready to be sent for trading," Hina spoke, standing beside Alaric with a list she had written herself.

They were both in the center of the warehouse, a large place Alaric had built to store any resources coming from the mining ground to the barony.

So far, over 40 supplies had been mined, although mining had to stop due to workers waiting for their salaries to be paid completely.

Alaric understood why that was, so he didn’t bother trying to stop them.

"So basically, 10 barrels of crude oil, and 15 stacks of gold and mana crystals," he spoke as he read the list.

"Yes, Ava told me that was all the Count was planning on bargaining for now. If it goes well, he’ll fund further trades so we won’t have to go through the stress."

"Meaning he wants to buy it from us and sell it off by himself. Smart man, best way to gain profit. I’m not even mad, just impressed."

Alaric sat down on one of the barrels. "Also, any news from my sister?" he asked.

"The Viscount only mentioned she would be released after the debt has been paid. He didn’t add anything else in the letter," Hina responded and proceeded to pay close attention to Alaric’s face.

She had noticed he was often in a bad mood anytime he mentioned Erica. Hina didn’t know much about Alaric’s sister, but she knew that, at the time, she was the most responsible among them.

"If you’re wondering why I’m asking about my sister, it’s because I’m worried the Count might decide to ask for her hand in marriage. Get your mind out of the gutter," Alaric spoke effortlessly.

Hina’s face flushed. "I wasn’t thinking about that!"

"Okay, Hina," Alaric turned his gaze to the side, where Laura was sitting, her legs swinging playfully.

"Come, we have a job to do," he said, standing up.

"Eh? You’re going somewhere?" Hina asked.

"Yes, inform Ava I won’t be coming home tonight. Oh, and make sure you get this batch sent off quickly. The faster we sell them off, the better."

With that, he walked out of the room, Laura following behind him after flipping her hair to the back and side-eyeing Hina.

With a sigh, Hina began to wrap up the paper.

"Honestly, he’s always with a woman every time. I’ve changed my mind; I can’t stand him sometimes," she murmured to herself as she began to set the barrels in the carts.

It took her a couple of minutes to finally get the first batch ready to be sent to the Count.

Normally, she would have called for help from one of the workers, but since everyone was refusing to work until they were paid their salaries from the previous month, she had to do it all by herself.

Mid-work, Ava finally showed up.

"Where is Lord Alaric? I need to tell him we have new recruitments into the ranks," she said while standing at the entrance of the warehouse.

Without looking back, Hina responded, "He said he was going somewhere with Laura, and he won’t be back tonight."

"Uhn? He never mentioned that to me. Did he tell you where he was going?"

"No, no he didn’t..."

"I honestly hope that man isn’t drinking somewhere!"

Ava was just about to leave.

"Lady Ava? You’re here..." a random man spoke, standing at the entrance with a smile on his face.

He wasn’t the only one. About ten more were present, each having weird looks on their faces.

Looking closer, Ava was able to tell they were once workers from the barony.

"Sorry, are you lost? No one is allowed to be here," Ava informed them gently.

Hina, on the other hand, who was still arranging the barrels, suddenly noticed a small rope drop from the ceiling.

"My apologies, we just saw Lord Alaric exit the area, and we were curious as to why that was. Is he gone?" the man asked.

Something didn’t feel right, and Ava could tell.

She suddenly had her hand on the hilt of her blade.

"He simply had something to do. He should be back soon."

"Oh right, it would be such a shame if some of the items in this warehouse went missing while he’s away. I wonder who he is going to blame."

Those words were creepy, and yet Ava was still calm.

"I see," she sighed. "I understand not all of you have been paid your salaries. I beg you to be patient, as my master simply wants to make sure no mistakes are made. Resorting to stealing isn’t the way, especially from a noble."

Ava spoke with care. She knew exactly what it felt like to be desperate to have something. If these people felt the same, she wanted to make sure she wasn’t too rash with them.

"Oh, this has nothing to do with salary," another one spoke.

Followed by yet another manly voice,

"What’s 1,000 Eres when we can become rich by stealing from here? Besides, my friends here didn’t pass the job application. He didn’t think it would be successful, and now that it is, we might as well take our own share."

"Yeah, it’s not like there isn’t more to go around in the mining ground. If we take just one barrel from here, it will be like nothing was ever gone, so please, knight lady... Step aside."

One by one, they began to pull out knives and machetes.

"I’m afraid I can’t let you do that," Ava, who was still calm, also drew out her blade. "This is a battle you can’t win. Drop your weapons and rethink your steps... I do not want to cut down the people I should be protecting."

The man in front gave an evil smile in response to Ava’s words.

"How naive... Against only me, sure. But against nine others? I’d like to see you survive that! Hahahah!"

"Very well. Under the name of the—"

"Ahhhhhh!"

Hina’s scream suddenly echoed.