Kapitel 29: Negotia-trading?

Ronald gives an empathetic smile as he steps next to the carriage and pats Michael on the shoulder, "I'm sorry for your loss, it ain't much of a consolation but, almost everyone here has lost someone close. May not have been by bandits, but the feelings are generally the same." he says, a couple of the people watching them giving small greetings to him as if in some kind of solidarity.

Michael slowly nods, feeling slightly guilty at taking advantage of their kindness... "Thanks... sorry to ask but, how far am I to reaching the port city?" he abruptly asks, causing Ronald to shake his head and chuckle.

"You ain't going anywhere with your horses lookin' like that... They'll drop dead if you push them any harder." he states

Michael glances back at the horses pulling the carriage, while they seem to have caught their breaths after the short break, they still look as if they're on their last legs. "W-what should I do then?" he anxiously asks, knowing that the military and bounty hunters would probably be pursuing him soon enough.

Ronald, noticing this, audibly sniffs and shrugs, "Well, you can rest in Redfield for the day, I doubt those thieves'll be willing to follow you here... Might set up an ambush for you further up the road though if given enough time..." he trails off.

"I'd be happy to stay for the day, but I don't want to leave it to chance. I need to get to Antomiers before those bandits get any bolder." Michael stresses, "I'd even be willing to trade these horses for some of yours if I could leave quicker." he offers.

Ronald crooks a brow and walks over to the horses, giving each a couple pats while examining them, taking a close look at their muscles, fat, state of their hooves, even dental health. "Well, these two are fine mares, but we only have a single mare that we use for ploughin', doubt she'd be able to pull your carriage alone..."

Michael frowns at this, unsure how he should proceed from here... Honestly, he was acting how he thought most medieval people did, as if he were mimicking a game character or something. He simply wasn't trained in trade, negotiating, or even the general worth of the horses themselves. Fortunately, getting a good deal wasn't really his objective right now. "How about this then... These two and the carriage for your horse, but I also want lessons on how to ride, as well as supplies..."

Ronald slowly nods with a thoughtful look on his head, stroking his thick red beard as he goes over it in his head, "Alright, think I could spare the day. Specially considerin' these mares'll help with the workload. Surprised you aren't able to ride a horse though, only learned to coach?"

Michael sheepishly nods in response, "Er, yes... My father thought it was too dangerous and not worth the risk..."

Ronald laughs, "Haha! Typical Merchant thinking. Alright, hop-off and we'll see about getting you started on ridin'," he starts, but Michael's stomach interrupts with a loud growl that almost seems to silence everything else...

"Maybe some breakfast first then?" Michael mutters as he hops off of the carriage after retrieving the bags filled with jewellery and clothing, stumbling slightly due to the height of the carriage. Ronald then leads him into to his house where his wife, Aubrey, and two teenage children, Samuel and Hugo.

It was a bit awkward being introduced to them, especially since both of Ronald's sons were taller than Michael is, despite him apparently being older by a year or so. Regardless, he caught them just as Aubrey had set out breakfast, the kindly woman setting out another plate for him so he could join them.

Michael wasn't really good with new people, especially in this kind of familial situation, so he decided to just treat it like an 'information gathering job'. Using this chance to get a general idea on the area's happenings.

"So, in the capital, we don't really hear much about what's going on in the countryside, any news I should know about?"

Ronald shrugs, "Ah, it probably won't involve you, but I'm worried about the future, specially for my boys." he says, tapping Samuel on his shoulder, "Count Mott's been given this area, and he's already begun sending people to each village. Last time somethin' like this happened they were conscripting folk for a war..." he explains, Aubrey solemnly nodding in agreement with her husband's words.

Michael frowns, knowing for a fact that a war with Albion would be occurring in the near future. Samuel and Hugo would be prime targets for the Tristain army due to how young and able-bodied they seemed. Their close vicinity to the capital made it almost impossible for the Count to miss them as well. "You think they'll really be forced to fight?"

Ronald nods, "If it happens, yeah... Doesn't matter if they need their fields worked if their positions are put at risk... They'll throw our whole village at an enemy army if it'd slow them down... Even if my boy's were spared, the war-time taxes and seizure of food would slowly destroy Redfield." he mutters, "To be honest though, I'm more worried about the young, unmarried girls here... I've heard bad things about the Count... Don't mention this to anyone, but, rumours say he doesn't take no for an answer when it comes to taking mistresses."

A prominent scowl makes its way onto Michael's face as he hears Ronald's words. Count Mott is the man who would've taken an interest in Siesta had she not been fired. So while she might've been spared, apparently he'd just switched targets to the nearby villages. "Is there nothing that can be done? Surely the Princess would have something to say about it?" he says, knowing that Princess Henrietta is a kind and just person from the anime.