>>5203175“ -southern revenue is down due to the missing collectors the Lord Constable mentioned. I suggest increasing guard on their caravans and hiring more locals to the Imperial Revenue Service. Alternatively-” She is cut off by the Emperor.
“Ah, Lord Campbell! Lady Alys! If you're both here, then I assume I can finally end the life of your damnable charity cases?” The Emperor spreads his arms wide from his seat in welcome.
You both bow, and you meet Alkaign's eyes. “You will need only one gibbet, my Emperor. Vera did not survive the birth.”
He fails to hide his disappointment. “A better death than the whore deserved. The child?”
Alys speaks up. “My Emperor, we have a proposal about that...” She proceeds to explain the fate you had chosen for Vera's son, and why you both felt such an approach was wise. To your surprise, Alkaign required little convincing. He seems to even find it amusing.
Only you, Lord Campbell, are so honorable as to sacrifice your honor.” He says, a sardonic smile that resembles Alys' across his aquiline features. “Maybe having the child around will get your sisters to find a match before your hold becomes some sort of sanctuary for spinsters.”
Alys takes this opportunity to relate Vera's final warning of the coming of more foes like Reiji.
