"Once the two hours are completed, bring me the items. I'll be at the Gilded Swan tavern conducting other business." Richard continued.
But then the baron's expression shifted to something far more threatening as he addressed both his guard and Noah simultaneously.
"If the stock is not ready as promised..." His voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "You know what to do."
The baron was now giving direct threats; he was no longer trying to hide it.
The implicit message was crystal clear: Noah's failure to comply would result in consequences far more severe than the financial loss. The baron was prepared to use violence to enforce his extortion demands.
To Noah, the reason why he had left the guard was clear. The baron feared that he would escape the area with his items, hence leaving a guard outside the store safeguarded that issue. It was also more efficient in terms of transporting the items.
