Volume 16 Chapter 9: How Much Do They Make?

“What did you say?” Scarlet’s expression was indescribable, but everyone knew it screamed profanity and rage. It could be seen all the way across the vast acres of the royal castle. Tharaziel gulped as sweat dripped down his cheek as he rushed behind Keith, who stood at his side.

“Did you call me here to be your meat shield again?” Keith wanted to be a bystander, but Tharaziel was not allowing him an out.

Tharaziel’s head poked up from his shoulder as he repeated, “Mother requested you head to the dining room in the evening. She wishes for the family to have a meal together!”

“…Is he going to be there?”

“He is our father.” Why even ask? Of course, he would be there! But that answer was the worst choice.

“I will not join you.” Scarlet snorted as she sat down.

Tharaziel’s fear turned to sadness as he nudged Keith forward, and Keith stayed behind him. He reasoned, “Please, Sister! Grandmother is going. Could you please explain why you cannot attend?!” Lilith agreed to it.

“Why should I go? I have Keith here; I rather enjoy my meal.” Good food and company. She would lose both if she shared a meal with Alastair.

“Please!”

“You should go.” Keith finally chimed in. Scarlet’s gaze fell, her eyes drooping downwards, “I don’t want to.”

Keith patted her shoulder, “Don’t be the only person who’s left out.” If she were the only person who did not attend, it would make the situation awkward.

Scarlet sighed, “I would rather share a meal with you.” She could already imagine what the dinner would be like: an awkward silence while they ate.

“We can have one any time.”

“Keith, you are joining as well,” Tharaziel spoke up.

“Huh?”

Tharaziel added, “Father requested you and Eri to join us.”

“Hmm? Us as well?” Keith looked down at Eri, “Do you want to go?”

“Okay!”

“I shall prepare your outfits,” Selk headed off to prepare. Keith wanted to say no, but the maid’s movements were too quick.

Scarlet held his arm, “I will compromise then. Are you?” Her eyes said it all: if you don’t go, I won’t go either!

“Alright.”

Dinner,

In the dining room, Alastair, Elyndra, and Lilith were in their seats. The expression on Elyndra’s face displayed her anxiousness and worry. However, it was nothing compared to the peculiar look Tharaziel had.

Please let this meal be peaceful. Tharaziel could only pray as he closed his eyes. Her sister promised Keith she would be calm, but he had doubts. It could turn into a battle in a matter of moments. Keith, Scarlet, and Eri soon entered. Scarlet wore a vibrant black and red dress; holding on to his hand was Keith, who wore a black suit with navy inlays.

Eri’s dress had a similar color to the two; instead of the elegant designs of Scarlet’s, hers was covered in frilly white bows.

“Oh my, the three of you look like one happy family.” Lilith praised. Her eyes glanced at Selk and gave her a thumbs-up.

“Of course!” Scarlet’s voice carried a subtle undertone of pride. Keith nodded as he sat down; Eri took the middle seat with Scarlet sitting on her right side. Alastair glanced at the maids, “Bring the food in.” The butler nodded as they brought them in; the domes were taken off, and the meal began.

“…” A still silence loomed over the table; that was expected when there was someone who didn’t want to be here. Scarlet was like an alert cat who glanced at Alastair.

Alastair wanted to speak, but nothing came out of his mouth when he saw the cautious gaze from his daughter.

Keith took a sip of the soup before speaking up, “Your Majesty, I wish to apologize for the incident during your outing.” There was a reason why he had to come here: to apologize. Eri and the little ones interrupted Alastair and Elyndra’s outing. It probably took them aback to see a giant cow out of nowhere.

“There is no need for apologies; no one was harmed in the matter.” At first, they thought Eri was in danger, but noticing how calm she was on the cow’s head, the two settled down. They didn’t make a fuss as the cow waddled off.

“By the way, Keith. I heard you own a company; is it famous in the human kingdom?” Elyndra asked. As she talked with Scarlet, she also heard much about Keith.

“Mmhmm. I own a few bakeries and merchants—hey! Why are you pinching me?” Keith frowned; Scarlet was pinching his waist.

“You’re downplaying your achievements.”

“Hmm?”

“My granddaughter is right. Keith, your stores earn close to what a national budget would make.” Lilith provided some clarity. She had gone to the bakery in Vastoria; they delivered so many types of bread that were unique from any other store.

Before the day was over, nearly everything had been sold! And that was from one store. What about the other stores?

“That much?” Elyndra froze. National budget?

“Come on—“ Keith was about to deny, but paused and turned to Alastair, “What’s the national budget of a kingdom, your Majesty?” Actually, he didn’t know too much about the national budget of the Solis Kingdom. He never asked Julius about it.

“Are you serious?” Tharaziel blinked in disbelief as he stared at him. To ask this made it even more unbelievable. Moreover,

“It’s around a few hundred platinum coins.”

“I see.” Keith nodded, “Yeah, I make around the same. Probably even higher now that the dessert section is there.” With some rough calculations, his profits were close to his last year’s profits. He needed to check this year as there were more stores this time.

“…” Alastair and the rest blinked, taken aback by his answer. Do you really make the same amount as the national budget?

“And you call those minor achievements?” Scarlet rolled her eyes.

“What? I haven’t looked at the profits in a while.” May was the one who had consistent eyes on the gross earning they made. He only got them once a month.