Construction Mage - Chapter 54: Lunch, Tea, and Favors

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Clay was then invited to take a seat at the luxurious table in the gazebo. Two rings of people surrounded the place. The inner ring consisted of the two nobles’ retinue, and the outer ring was made up of the estate’s servants.

He glanced back at Malik, who was taken off to the side by a servant. They didn’t appear to be mistreating him, so he was relieved to leave him in their care for now.

Caelan’s attendant commanded a servant to bring another set of utensils to him and explained the various confectioneries and snacks before him. Normally, Clay would’ve been very interested, as the former complemented his tea hobby quite well. However, everything she said went in one ear and out the other. His mind was too focused on figuring out his next step now that the prince had rejected his proposal.

As if sensing the turmoil within him, Caelan decided to clarify his stance some more.

“While I cannot put my support behind your initiative, I don’t believe it is impossible for you to accomplish it without my help. If Lord Varek here gives you some support, I’m sure it would go just as smoothly if not more so, considering this is the Talon family’s fief.”

“My prince, you jest. I don’t mind permitting the formation of a guild that has good intentions in mind, but the resources at our disposal are limited. We cannot compare to a sliver of the royal family’s might. It would be irresponsible for us to gamble our limited resources away, no matter how just the cause is.”

Their conversation successfully drew Clay out of his shell, but he continued listening passively. He didn’t know how to intervene in a discussion between nobles or what to say anymore. Working with the so-called Lord Varek didn’t seem to be a good idea, given the unpleasant vibes he got from him, but declining any assistance he could give wasn’t the answer either.

“In that case, you can simply lower your wager. Just give your consent for the formation of the guild and favorable tax policies that cost you nothing, and allow Clay here to do the rest. If he fails, it won’t affect your fief.”

Hearing the prince’s idea, Clay perked up his ears as he awaited Varek’s reply.

“Hm, if this is my prince asking me for a favor, then how can I decline?”

The two noblemen locked eyes for a brief moment. During the short lull, Clay could almost feel the tension crackling like static between them, but it quickly disappeared as if it were an illusion. The Third Prince hefted his cup up and toasted to his fellow nobleman.

“Cheers to the Solkin Kingdom and the prosperity of your Ravenhold!”

Lord Varek returned the gesture in kind, and the two downed their cups in one go.

Maybe this isn’t so bad after all?

The attendants behind the two lords quickly came up and wiped their mouths as Caelan turned his attention back to Clay.

“Well, you heard it. I have asked Lord Varek here for a favor. Forgive me for being incapable of doing more, but this should suffice for your reward, don’t you agree?”

“Of course, milord. I am already grateful that your lordship spoke on my behalf. I will never forget this grace.”

“Enough with the pleasantries. It is time for food—a moment of joy and relaxation. Feel free to speak normally while we eat. That is what it means to sit at the table with us.”

Stealing a glance over at Lord Varek, who didn’t seem to react, Clay gingerly nodded. The servants took that as a cue to go fetch the main course for lunch.

Several roasted poultry dishes and some large chunks of red meat suddenly filled the table. There were plenty of berries, seeds, and small fruits to the side as well, making it quite the feast. In fact, it was the most extravagant meal Clay had seen in Ravenhold up to this date.

“What would you like to drink, sir?” one of the servants respectfully asked.

His gaze immediately snapped to the drinks in the noblemen’s hands.

Umm, alcohol for lunch is a bit too much for me.

“Some tea would be nice. I will go with your recommendation, thank you.”

The servant blinked blankly at him for a split second before quickly nodding.

“Of course. I will be right back.”

The lunch swiftly kicked into gear without incident, as the topics of discussion no longer lingered on matters beyond Clay’s understanding. The three men chatted about more mundane things, sharing stories of their past adventures or their preferences in women. It allowed even a commoner to chime in from time to time.

Nevertheless, Clay was more focused on the food than the conversation. That was because this was the best meal he’s had since coming to this world.

I really do need to work on a kitchen next. I haven’t had so much protein in months. If I don’t fix my diet, my body is going to wither away more and more.

As he took another hearty bite out of a roast chicken leg, the previous servant came back with an elegant tea set on a tray and carefully placed down the saucer, cup, and teapot. A fragrant aroma immediately wafted into his senses.

“I’ve brought you some Emerald Scale Tea,” he introduced as he poured Clay a cup. “Please do tell me if it suits your taste.”

The first thing Clay did was to bring the cup closer to his nose. The smell reminded him of a kind of green tea. The floral, nutty scent was closer to one of the Chinese variants he could not put a name to, rather than Japanese matcha.

As much as he wanted to memorize the smell and analyze it further, he couldn’t resist taking a sip. His eyes closed in enjoyment as he allowed it to coat his mouth, spreading across the roof of his tongue. It allowed him to taste the layers of sweetness mixed in with the bitterness and umami before allowing his body to naturally swallow it down. Then, he basked in its aftertaste.

“This is amazing!” he couldn’t help but exclaim. “The flavor is so much fuller than anything I’ve had.”

“I’m glad you liked it, sir.” The servant revealed a self-satisfied smile. “This Emerald Scale Tea is of the highest quality, handpicked from only the most suitable tea trees on the second layer by our knight order.”

The second layer? I ought to go there as soon as possible. With my recent level-ups, it shouldn’t be too far off, right?

As Clay nodded along to the delightful explanation of how the tea leaves were roasted and then rolled. However, it was cut short when he heard a woman clearing her throat from behind him.

Both Clay and the servant turned to find Agra, the Third Prince’s head attendant, staring at them, causing the servant to pale. He quickly poured another cup for Clay and retreated with haste.

Realizing his faux pas of enjoying a conversation with a servant more than the noblemen, Clay swiftly turned and apologetically nodded to the prince, who simply chuckled at the display.

“I see that you’re an appreciator of fine teas. Unfortunately, my own supply had run out during my travels, but should you even come to the capital, I don’t mind treating you to the select few brews I enjoy from the castle’s collection.”

“Haha, if the opportunity arises, I would be honored.”

Thank whatever gods ‌who brought me here! This prince is so forgiving. He may not have gotten me what I wanted, but I can’t say he didn’t try. It was a long shot anyway. There must be circumstances that prevent him from agreeing to my proposal. 

Regardless, it doesn’t change the fact that I’m closer to my goals, with the guild idea sanctioned by the lord. Now I just need to rally the Delvers somehow without any support. Hmm, how should I approach this?

It’s got to be delving deeper, right? I need more resources, and fighting stronger monsters will help me level up much faster. Not to mention the tea…

***

“Milord, your son, Varek, has returned. Shall I lead him in?”

“Yes, and tell the guards by the door to go on patrol once he’s here.”

“Of course, milord.”

The servant bowed down, never daring to stand up straight as he backpedaled out of the room. A few moments later, someone knocked on the door.

“Enter.”

A young man in a dark green tunic strode in with a smile.

“Lord Father, I have returned from the prince’s meeting.”

“And so? What have you learned? Something that requires my attention?”

“No, I do not believe so. The prince may be known for his carefree nature, but he isn’t a complete fool, either. It seems he knows how to avoid being entangled in any power struggles.”

“Oh, did someone try to rope him into their cause again? And in your presence, too?”

“Nothing that serious. Just some Delver with ideas. Possibly a fallen noble from a minor house from somewhere remote, or could be a smarter commoner, but either way, not someone who can make any waves.”

Hearing the mention of commoner Delvers, Count Talon scoffed.

“A fool’s errand, then. Are you sure the prince hasn’t taken any action after you left?”

“Of course. He is on our territory. I have ears everywhere. The ever-curious child is busy appreciating his new toy. So far, all he’s done is invite his cronies in order to brag about his toy to them.”

“Very good. You have done well, my son. Continue monitoring him until he leaves. I’ll leave everything related to the prince to you. You may go.”

“I will continue to do my best, Lord Father,” Zarek said with a bow before retreating.

Unbeknownst to both men, they would come to regret their inaction on this day sometime in the future. An undercurrent was building. Slowly and surely. With no one realizing it until it was too late.

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