Chapter 189: 188 Carpe Holiday Humanity

Chapter 189 188.Capay Holiday – Human Facts
Major Fraser, having completed the handover of his work at the pioneering fortress with another intelligence officer who had come to relieve him, left his barracks full of relaxation, carrying the baggage he had packed a dozen days before.

Starting today, he was going to enjoy his first vacation since the end of the war.

Although the originally promised three-month leave had turned into two months, the major had no complaints about it, performing his duties against the backdrop of the coming Black Plague was an honorable thing to do, not to mention that as His Majesty’s eyes and ears and the heir of the Capet family, he had to make a career to prove that his success did not depend on his noble birth.

But even Major Fraser, who had such a positive outlook, had to admit that a large part of the reason why his military career had gone so well came from his family name.

The Carpe family, when in the Silan Kingdom, was a famous family in the Anjou region!

Relying on Fraser’s grandfather’s precise bets in his middle age, they became a significant force in the royal party, and they built factories in the country at the beginning of the reforms of the Kingdom of Sealand, while his father hitched his wagon to King Louis, monopolizing the supply of logistics for the Praetorian Guard for a certain period of time.

After the establishment of the Kingdom of the Golden Spire, King Louis’ generous reward made the Capet family, which was already powerful, the “pillars of the state”.

Ancient inheritance, enlightened education and the constant flow of money, Major Fraser was born in such a family.

Fate played a joke on the Capet family in that he was the only boy born in his generation, both in the main line and in the most important branches, so that he was considered the heir apparent from infancy without question.

A life of wealth and honor once overwhelmed Fraser.
This was not in Versailles.

If you knew the Major’s schedule at the age of eight, you would know that the pressure was literal.

There were simply no free choices left to him in a family like his; no one in the Carpe family would allow a weakling loser to take over the family, and what they wanted most at this point was a hundred-foot step up, and thus not even a good keeper would satisfy them.

From the moment of his birth, Major Fraser had to become outstanding far beyond his peers.

Outstanding?

That was simply his obligation as the heir to the Capay family as it should be, and not worthy of being appreciated in the slightest.

In this case, the Major had only felt free for two periods in his thirty years of life so far, one of which was the two years he had spent studying after enrolling himself in the University of Craftsmen in Chardonnay at the age of seventeen.

The second was the military career that immediately followed his student life.

While everyone else complained about General Loren’s strict military discipline, Major Fraser was the only one enjoying the good old “loose and free” life, but there was always something he had to face.

The Major’s journey home was different from that of the other officers who were on leave with him. Instead of traveling by wagon to the steam railroad station being built to extend to East Prussia, and instead of riding home in a group, he had to carry his pack from his barracks to the communication station at the Pathfinder Fortress.

Less than 2,500 paces away, the three high-ranking psychics in the family who specialized in transportation matters were already waiting there.

They would use the safer large-scale teleportation spells to return the Major directly to the vicinity of the family’s headquarters at the manor, and the fact that they were able to make such a showing was a clear indication that his father wanted to see his son urgently.

Perhaps there were also some important matters to be entrusted to Fraser.

It made the Major, who had never changed his face when facing a vampire head on, feel the pressure once again.

In his opinion, dealing with his father and elders was much more difficult than dealing with Marshal Loren, which was normal, politicians were always much harder to deal with than soldiers.

“Young Master, if you are ready, we will start the teleportation immediately. You don’t have to worry about the teleportation getting out of control, besides me, there are three other colleagues in the family manor who are proficient in teleportation to maintain the ceremony, even if something does go wrong, they will bring you back from the astral realm in the first place.

Of course, you will still need to wear this Evil Protection Amulet to ensure your absolute safety.”

A voluptuous and elegantly dressed female psychic master wearing the ceremonial uniform of the Carpe family handed the major a glittering talisman that looked quite impressive, and spoke softly.

Major Fraser took it and put it on his body, and with another smile on his face, he nodded to the voluptuous lady.

He knew that this lady was one of his father’s lovers and his most trusted subordinate; she had graduated from the Manipulation School of the Tower of the Ring with extremely high grades when she was young, and had the chance to enter the National Organization of Psychic Masters, but had been recruited by his father at great expense.

To put it mildly, this lady’s body and soul belonged to his father, and was explicitly paid for by his father, but to the lady in front of him, this was not a humiliation.

She was really expensive!

And she was proud of it.

“I’m ready to go anytime, Mrs. Lena.”

The Major returned in a gentle tone.

But just as the three psychics cast their spells, the Major’s psychic energy pearl suddenly vibrated, which caused the Major to look down in surprise after seeing the unique marked psychic energy symbol, his expression changed slightly.

“Wait a moment, I have an important communication to reply to.”

He placed his traveling bag on the couch at the conveying station, then walked out of the ceremony hall with slow steps and found a hidden position to connect the communication, and in the next instant, Vampire Lord Murphy’s voice rang out from it.

“Greetings, young lord of House Carpe as well as the brave Major Fraser.”

Murphy’s voice was a bit distorted, and there was the murmur of interference.

This was normal without the communication enhancement matrix, and it was a matter of luck to complete the conversation over such a long distance even with the added power of the Arithmetic Pearl’s communication enhancement attachment.

“Greetings, Lord Murphy.”

Major Fraser asked decently:

“What is it that you are looking for me for? You got this private communication band from Ms. Miriam, didn’t you? Please pass it on to my schoolmate! I’m not happy about her revealing my personal contact information!

It’s so undignified.”

“Miriam is just being loyal, don’t hold that against her, after all, this conversation isn’t a waste of time for personal matters, it’s official business.”

Murphy casually explained before getting down to business:

“I’ve just finished a meeting with Marshal Loren that wasn’t pleasant, but at least it was fruitful, but one of the things that came out of it had to do with you, your family to be exact. Do you remember the battle in which the Pathfinder Legion destroyed the city of Sikor two years ago?”

“Of course I remember, I personally participated in that battle as a frontline commander.”

Major Fraser whispered:

“The shadows cast by the valiant and fearless Sicor Winged Cavalry still haunt me to this day in my midnight dreams, but we managed to capture the Prime Minister of the Bohemian Confederacy along with his entire governing body in that battle, and after that battle, the Bohemian Confederacy went into chaotic fragmentation.

That battle was the turning point of the second half of the Ten Years War.

But I’m guessing you’re not here to talk history with me, much less spend precious time condemning us for utilizing psychic plague weapons in order to win.

Please be direct, Lord Murphy.

State your needs.”

“The city of Sicor was not only the capital of the Bosian Confederacy, but also the industrial center of Transylvania and Saxony, and you dismantled and moved as many production lines as you could from that city after you broke it down.

From a military perspective, I can understand the necessity of such behavior, but now that Transylvania has reached an agreement with the Kingdom of Golden Sparrow on the preparations for the Black Calamity War, I need you to return those taken production lines to help Transylvania restore its primary weapons manufacturing and repair capabilities as soon as possible.”

Murphy said in a deep voice:
“Marshal Loren told me that all the production lines in Sicco City have fallen into the hands of the Carpe family, and the only one of all the people I know as a fringe vampire who can have some contact with the Carpe family is you, so I would like to ask you to help us get those production lines back!
The sooner the better.

A good soldier like you who has read the history should know the significance of those things in resisting the Black Plague, if Transylvania falls, then the Anjou region where your family is from can’t be safe either.

To help us is to help you.”

“Hmm?”

Major Fraser’s eyebrows raised.

He then said:
“I’ve always stayed out of the family’s business, so perhaps I can help, but I want to ask one thing in advance, and that is, what is Transylvania willing to give to get back the loot that already has a new owner?

Before you answer that question, I ask you to think hard.

Please.

Please don’t dishonor my family with money.”

“Well, that’s the key to what I’m going to say to you.”

Murphy’s tone became a little wistful as he said:

“I’m certainly not naïve enough to think that you would donate for free, how could a capitalist be so kind? I can allow the Capay family to set up the factories derived from those lines in any part of Transylvania.

You will pick the address, we will plan the site, put up the manpower and operate and commission the building, and the Carpe family can appoint a treasurer to monitor the process.

Sixty percent of the proceeds from those factories will go to you for the first three years, and after three years they will be collected and owned by the Governor’s District of Transylvania.”

“With all due respect, Your Excellency, that is an offer we cannot possibly accept.”

Although the major was not a businessman, he had been an intelligence officer for ten years and immediately sniffed out the harshness in Murphy’s terms, he shook his head and said:

“My father might even think you’re making a joke that isn’t funny.” “Hold your horses, young man, I’m not done yet.”

Murphy let out a chuckle, then said in an aggravated tone:
“Since the date of the factory’s commissioning, the entire Transylvania region’s logistical supplies to deal with the Black Plague War will be monopolized by you for 40%, and until the Black Plague is completely over, we will not look for other merchants, but will only buy from you.

I learned about the Carpe family’s founding history from Professor Malcolm, and I also heard about your grandfather’s embarrassment when he was young and running a wool business in the Cato region from Tris.

He did a small favor for Tris, so Tris told him about an ancient treasure buried in the Anjou region, and your grandfather found it and used the money to monopolize the wool and textile business in the Cato region.

This was the turnaround for the Capet family, which had fallen on hard times, and today several textile mills there are important properties for the Capet family.

Of course, I am not asking you to repay this favor.

I just want to say that monopoly is the trick that allowed your grandfather’s generation to run the Capet family so well, and I once told another honorable person that war is always the most profitable business, and the Capet family is the absolute leader in this line of business.

If you cannot understand this, then “

“No, I can fully understand what you mean, and I can also understand how great the profit you are talking about is.”

Major Fraser’s mind raced, then said:

“But if you want to move my father, then you may have to shed a little more blood; after all, you don’t deny that there is a risk of Transylvania’s overthrow in the Black Plague War, and you’ll need to add an additional ‘insurance policy’ for that risk.

Like using tax revenues as collateral”

“Ever considered coming to me as a vampire? Major Fraser, you’re really well suited to our line of work, and even I think our physical means of knocking the bones out of the body seem too implacably gentle compared to the old money of capitalists with a legacy like yours.”

Murphy returned with great irritation.

He said:

“A 30% reduction in all taxes for the first three years!”

“50%!”

The Major shouted a bite-sized price, and the sound of pounding on the table from over there made the corners of his mouth widen into a grin, knowing that Lord Murphy would eventually agree.

“I’ll give you a 60% tax exemption for the first year, and 30% for the next two years.”

Murphy said in a hushed voice after a few seconds:
“But the factory I want must start construction within a month and a half! Neither of us has that much time to waste, Major, and you and I both know it. You have to earn as much as you can afford to spend!”

“Then I will convey your terms to my father and do all I can to convince him.”

The Major courteously returned the favor, then addressed Murphy:
“Now please transfer the communication to my schoolmate Miriam, I have something personal to say to her.”

In the office of the Blood Vulture Cloister, Murphy’s eyes glanced at the somewhat jittery Scarlet Consul with surprise, then turned the communication band over.

Miriam returned to the office only after several minutes with a face of shame.

Obviously Major Fraser had taught her a hard lesson as a senior because she had casually divulged her personal contact information, and he had given his contact information to Miriam out of trust and in the name of a friend, and a person of his status was most concerned about personal privacy.

“I have to remind you, Miriam.”

Murphy thumped open a bottle of champagne to celebrate the basic understanding he’d reached with the Kingdom of the Golden Sparrow, and while pouring drinks for the few important members who would be coming to the office to celebrate in a few moments, the vampire spoke slyly to his scarlet consul:

“You have to be careful of these rich kids, they’re the best at tricking girls, especially young and innocent cuties like you who can be eaten to the bone by them if you’re not careful. I don’t want to see you coming to me a few months later with a big belly crying and wailing about your experience of being cheated by scummy men.

You better not do that because I will laugh at you hard.

Still, you’re a baroness now, so why don’t you pick yourself a last name?”

“Yeah, I’m a baroness, what do I need a last name for?”

Miriam rolled her eyes and touched the seal ring on her finger as she said:
“Now they all call me Miriam Moorland, I think that’s just fine.”

“But names aren’t just used to mark one’s identity, they’re also used to honor family and clan, and don’t you adore your mother the most?”

Murphy advised as he poured a glass of wine for his right-hand man:
“Add her name to the list, it’ll sound better.”

Miriam was silent for a few seconds, then nodded.

She raised her glass.

Raising her glass to the vampire lord in front of her, who had gone from loathing and fear to trusting and following, she said:

“Then from this day forward, I shall be known as Miriam Cynthia Moreland.”

“Well, what a memorable day!”

Murphy also raised his glass in celebration.

The moment the two glasses clashed, the office door opened and Tris, who had run over after smelling the good wine, chided with a very irritated cross of her arms:

“Good you two! Drinking behind my back without calling me, right? You two wait for me! I’ll curse you with a horrible spirit energy spell in a moment.”
—
“Father, I’m back!”

Although the impression of his father in his heart always stayed at the level of “psychological shadow” in his childhood, when he returned to the family manor after several years of war and saw his father personally come to the door to greet him, Major Fraser still reddened his eyes and went forward to embrace with his father, who had already sprouted gray hairs.

Don’t think to come to the door of the manor to meet just a ceremonial welcome, on the people Carpe family manor this will be a mountain into the scale of the observation deck, from the main house to the gate, even if it is to ride a horse forward will need nearly thirty minutes.

With Count Lyon’s current age and his physical condition, this is really an extraordinary display of affection.

Behind the father and son, this manor is always called “Scanderpump City” in the outside world.

“Scanderpump” was the name of Major Fraser’s grandfather, and also the first owner of this manor, he was the best head of the Capet family ever, and was a figure that Fraser’s father, Earl Lyon, and the Major himself both regarded as an idol and tried to chase after his achievements.

Oh yes, the valley in the center of this manor was the location where that ancient treasure was buried that year when Tris told Scanderpei about it.

“The daughter of House Lord Xavier has been waiting for you at the manor for two days, the girl called ‘Bikki’ is excellent in every way, perhaps you should have your first dance with her at tonight’s celebratory banquet.”

Count Lyon, leaning on his cane, walked towards the carriage accompanied by his son, who gave a soft admonition.

The Major did not retort.

He knew there was no point in retorting.

On this estate, any word from his father without a question mark was an order.

Even if his tone was gentle.

As for House Xavier, it was the top three local noble houses in the Anjou province, known for producing loyal and powerful shock knights, but of course, that ranking would have to strip out the giant House Carpe.

“I will do as you wish, Father, but there is one thing I need to communicate with you.”

As he boarded the carriage for the main house, the Major placed his traveling bag at his feet and told his watching father about the agreement he had just made with Lord Murphy.

Earl Lyon did not interrupt until his son had finished, and then he smiled in relief.

Saying:
“My son has grown up, knows how to fight for the interests of the family and possesses great ambition and vision, your grandfather’s vision was excellent. At the end of his twilight years, he kept saying that you would make a career that was even more impressive than his.

I believe it now.

After all, I didn’t have your determination and courage when I was thirty.

But my son, you decided that Transylvania had potential, and now with the state of affairs in the face of the Black Plague, instead of doing a successful business deal you might as well do a favor to that rising vampire lord, and since it’s a favor, you might as well be more generous.

This kind of favor is not beautiful if you let the other side of the heart instead of beautiful, tax relief is not necessary, we do not lack so little money, but Transylvania is very short.

Well, let your fiancée take care of this matter.”

“Hmm?”

The Major’s eyes widened in surprise as he said:

“But Miss Becky is a noble lady, how can…”

“In addition to being an elegantly spoken young lady, she is also the third place winner of the Xavier family’s martial arts competition, and is also a graduate of the history department of the Chardonnay Craftsmen University just like you, and is now in charge of a portion of the Xavier family’s external commerce.

You are my son, Fraser, and although our father-son relationship has been rather frosty since you were a child, how could I not know your preferences?”

Earl Lyon smiled mysteriously as he said:
“My son is more interested in conquering a lioness of his own than devouring a bored sheep, and spending time with Ms. Becky won’t bore you, son. Just hopefully, you have your taming whip ready.”

(End of chapter)