I Killed The Main Characters-Chapter 224: Black Vassals [1]
Ravenwood Academy was more than a place of learning.
It was a pillar of influence.
A beacon of knowledge, and most importantly, a thriving institution that required extensive financial backing to operate at its esteemed level.
Few understood the intricate web of power, politics, and coin that kept the academy standing.
Even fewer were aware of the delicate balance maintained between the Holy Church of St. Eldred, the academy itself, and the noble houses that contributed to its prosperity.
On this particular morning, that balance was about to be tested.
A black, unmarked carriage rolled to a stop before the grand iron gates of Ravenwood.
From it stepped two figures clad in the crisp, understated attire of high-ranking vassals.
The first was an old butler with a rigid, confined posture, his white hair neatly combed back.
Despite his age, he carried himself with precision, exuding an air of quiet authority.
His name was Conrad Ashworth.
A lifelong servant of the Ashbourne family and a man who had seen decades of financial negotiations that shaped the empire.
Beside him stood a woman of striking yet subdued appearance.
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Her dry green hair, cut to shoulder length, framed her face.
And her pale green eyes carried a sharpness hidden beneath a facade of modest obedience.
Elira Falken, a maid in title but far more dangerous than her role suggested, walked with effortless grace as she followed Conrad's lead.
Without a word, the guards at the academy's entrance stepped aside.
These were not ordinary visitors.
The insignia of the Ashbourne family, discreetly embroidered on their gloves, was enough to grant them passage without question.
---
The two vassals were led through the vast halls of Ravenwood Academy, passing by students and professors who barely spared them a glance.
Their destination was not among the lecture halls or training grounds but deeper within—
The administrative wing, where the true affairs of the academy were conducted.
At the heart of this sector was a lavish yet meticulously arranged office.
Where matters of funding, tuition, and institutional agreements were finalized.
A long mahogany table occupied the center of the room, littered with scrolls, sealed documents, and ledgers thick with calculations.
At the far end of the table sat Chancellor Noel Valen.
A man well into his fifties with graying hair and a calculating expression.
To his right, in an elevated chair that signified her higher status, sat Lady Catherine du Lys.
A senior representative of the Holy Church of St. Eldred.
Her presence was no mere formality—
The church owned Ravenwood Academy and had the final say in all financial dealings.
Her sharp gaze flickered toward the approaching vassals, her fingers lightly tapping against the armrest.
A scribe sat at the far end, quill poised above parchment, ready to transcribe every word.
Conrad and Elira took their seats without hesitation.
---
"Master Ashworth, Miss Falken."
Chancellor Valen greeted, his tone measured.
"It is always an honor to host esteemed representatives of the House of Ashbourne."
Conrad inclined his head politely.
"Chancellor Valen, Lady du Lys. The honor is ours."
Elira remained silent, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
The chancellor wasted no time.
He gestured to the documents before him.
"As you are aware, the academy continues to expand, and with that growth comes financial strain.
While the Holy Church provides a considerable portion of our funding, the Ashbourne family has remained a critical benefactor in ensuring our operations remain uninterrupted."
Lady Catherine cleared her throat delicately.
"Ravenwood is an institution of divine learning, but divinity alone does not pay for arcane laboratories, advanced spellcraft wards, and the latest alchemical research."
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She gestured to a parchment in front of her.
"The academy requires additional funding for the coming term...
...particularly for the expansion of the eastern wing and the maintenance of the Astral Convergence Tower.
These are no small expenses."
Conrad glanced at the parchment, his aged eyes scanning the precise numbers.
The requested amount was substantial but not unreasonable.
"The House of Ashbourne has always supported Ravenwood..."
Conrad replied smoothly.
"However, we must ensure that our contributions align with our interests."
He reached into his coat and produced a series of sealed documents, sliding them across the table. "These are the proposed terms of our continued financial involvement."
The scribe immediately took one and began copying its contents.
---
The room was silent for a long moment as Chancellor Valen and Lady du Lys reviewed the documents.
Within them lay meticulous details:
A direct donation of 300,000 gold marks, earmarked specifically for infrastructure development.
A long-term loan of 500,000 gold marks with a structured repayment plan, ensuring the academy remained in the Ashbournes' financial good graces.
Exclusive supplier rights for the Ashbourne Trading Company, allowing them to be the sole provider of high-grade enchanted materials to Ravenwood for the next five years.
Lady Catherine tapped the edge of one pparchment
"This clause here—'exclusive supplier rights.'
That is an aggressive demand, Master Ashworth."
Conrad smiled faintly.
"Ravenwood Academy is the finest magical institution in the empire.
The House of Ashbourne ensures it remains so by providing only the best resources.
Would you rather risk inferior materials?"
The chancellor cleared his throat, interjecting.
"There is also the matter of loan interest.
The Holy Church cannot be seen as dependent on noble financing."
Elira finally spoke, her voice smooth yet edged.
"Then let the Holy Church negotiate better rates with the Imperial Bank.
We are offering a direct solution to your needs."
Lady Catherine's eyes narrowed slightly but said nothing.
After a long pause, Chancellor Valen exhaled and picked up his quill.
"These terms are… acceptable...
We will make the necessary adjustments and have the final contract ready for signature within the next three days."
Conrad nodded, satisfied.
"Then our business here is complete."
---
With the primary negotiations settled, Elira reached into the folds of her dress and withdrew a separate envelope.
Unlike the others, this one bore a black seal—marked with the insignia of the Ashbourne family's private dealings.
Lady Catherine hesitated before taking it.
"What is this?"
"A private donation," Elira said, her voice neutral.
"A gesture of goodwill from Lady Ashbourne herself."
Lady Catherine did not break the seal but gave a slow nod.
"Your lady is most generous."
"She understands the value of maintaining strong ties..."
Conrad replied smoothly.
