The group returned to the castle.
Darien took the foremost seat in the hall, and Knight Thorold set down a hefty wooden chest of gold coins.
"Lady Celeste, first withdraw seven hundred coins. The merchants shall deliver their food to Brindlemark on the morrow. Guard against shortages and see that all is of good quality. Store the provisions within the castle, and set a watch both day and night—let no error be allowed."
With food secured, there was no need for worry. Though perhaps more than required, it would serve to hold the town steady through the coming winter.
"Aye, my lord," Celeste said, seating herself beside him, her eyes alight with respect and admiration.
"Sir Thorold, take a hundred gold coins to recruit guards and knights. Let skill not alone decide their worth—see to their character as well. None of ill repute shall serve under us."
"As you command, my lord!" Thorold replied.
"If coins remain, spend them on arms or steeds. I shall not interfere; only a trained force capable of defending Brindlemark is required."
Darien's voice held weight—guards were the town's shield, and carelessness could not be suffered.
"Lady Isolde, you will oversee the rest of the recruitment. Take one hundred gold coins. Remember—skills can be taught, but character is most important."
The town was still in its early days; none with wicked intent could enter.
"Yes, my lord!" Isolde replied.
"Once men are recruited, construction shall quicken. Begin with the public toilets, then rebuild the inn and taverns."
The inns were foul beyond remedy; Darien deemed it wiser to begin anew, with gold sufficient for the task.
"And after that…"
Since this was the third day since his return to this world, and he would depart for the modern realm on the morrow, Darien sought to prepare all he could.
"Now, that should cover it—ah, I almost forgot! Sir Thorold and Lady Isolde, in reward for your labor today, each of you shall receive fifteen gold coins."
"Many thanks, my lord." ²
Neither dared refuse; fifteen gold coins were no trifle, and only a fool would spurn such reward.
"Now, 'tis time for supper. Thorold, Isolde, come, and share the meal I shall prepare."
"I thank you kindly, my lord!" they replied, hearts light with joy. Even the usually stoic Thorold could not hide his excitement.
Ever since tasting their lord's cook's fare, they had longed for it again—but none dared touch it without permission.
"Come, let us go. The remaining coins will be entrusted to you, Celeste. Find a safe place for them," Darien said.
"All of it?" Celeste asked, surprised.
Nobles were careful with gold, trusting none, even kin. Yet Darien trusted her fully.
"Yes. Take any gold you need; there's no need to report to me. I can trust you, can't I?" he added with a smile.
She had proven reliable these past days, and Brindlemark's prosperity required ready access to its resources.
Besides… Darien was no longer tightfisted.
"You may count on me, my lord." Celeste replied, nodding. The trust placed in her was more precious than the coins themselves.
Then they all proceeded to the great hall, where Darien himself oversaw the preparation of the evening's meal.
As he was to depart upon the morrow, he spared no effort. From his stores he drew the last of his goods and set to the fire a Boeuf Bourguignon—beef steeped in Burgundy wine with carrots, onions, and herbs. Modest in form, yet lordly in savor.
In this land the fare was poor; seasonings were scarce, and even nobles counted wealth in salt. Such dull victuals he could not abide, nor could he suffer their contentment with tasteless meals.
Thus he laid beef to the pot, browning it well with onions and root vegetables, then bathing all in red wine. A bundle of herbs, crushed pepper, and a bay leaf lent their strength as it simmered long and slow.
Long it simmered, until the hall filled with rich fragrance and curious glances.
As the old saying went, "Even a poor man's stew may taste noble when well-seasoned."
The meal was devoured with great relish.
For Celeste and the others, it was a feast unlike any they had known. They were accustomed to plain fare—boiled meats and grains—yet this dish shone as night to their former day.
"My lord, we thank thee for this feast. We shall take our leave," said Knight Thorold and Lady Isolde, satisfied from the meal.
"Be wary on your way home. Hard work awaits in the days ahead, but your efforts will be duly rewarded once Brindlemark weathers this winter."
—"Yes, milord." ²
After they departed, Darien and Celeste retired to the study.
Darien continued issuing instructions, yet Celeste felt unease stirring.
"Milord… are you really leaving tomorrow?" she asked cautiously.
"Aye," Darien nodded.
"Ah, my lord! Brindlemark needs you… it is barely regaining its strength." she cried, words stumbling as panic took hold.
Since Darien became lord, she had at last someone to rely upon. Under his guidance, the town had shaken off its peril and now prospered. Should he depart… she knew not how she would manage.
Darien noted her unease and laid down his pen gently.
"Fear not, Celeste. I go but for a short while—two or three days at most. I shall return anon."
"I have left ample food—help yourself freely. The rest you may keep safe."
"I will, my lord," Celeste replied.
Though still uneasy, she trusted Darien. With so much food left in her care, her heart felt lighter.
"Good. There is one more thing—I wish to bring you a gift, but I must know your measurements to ensure it fits."
"Measurements?" she repeated, puzzled.
"To ensure it fits. Come, let me show you."
"I… I understand," she murmured, gradually relaxing as he measured carefully and courteously
After some time, he set the tape and parchment aside.
"It's late; get some rest. I'm leaving early tomorrow, so there's no need to see me off."
"Y-yes… good night, my lord," she said, bowing slightly before leaving his chamber.
Darien sighed softly. "Hah… these past days have worn me sorely."
He lay upon the bed and swiftly drifted into sleep.
When next he opened his eyes, the familiar white light of his own world greeted him.
---
🔍 Did you know?
- In medieval Europe, towns stored grains, salted meats, and dried vegetables to survive harsh winters, long before modern refrigeration.
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