Once the refreshments were served and the servants had withdrawn, Count Raymond took a seat in a nearby chair, his expression growing solemn.

"Lord Melfield," he began, choosing his words carefully. "A moment ago, outside the Iris Pavilion, I happened to witness the scene in front of the Gold Harvest Bank."

He paused, looking at Murphy with sincere eyes. "In your view, were the actions of that steward... right?"

Murphy lifted his teacup, steam swirling from its surface. "Merchants chase profit, and market prices fluctuate. That is to be expected. They have their own considerations when setting prices."

It was clearly a safe, non-committal platitude.

Upon hearing this, Count Raymond shook his head gently, a look of almost pained disappointment on his face.

"No, my lord, that is not right." His voice was low. "That is far from simple profiteering. It is exploitation. It is extortion. It is taking advantage of the desperate and helpless to reap unjust gains."

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes burning with intensity. "I have often thought that under a true order, one that aligns with ancient virtues and the laws of Nature, the land and its bounty should be shared among the people it sustains. A Lord is granted land, and his duty is to protect and govern, like a shepherd tending his flock, not to fleece them for profit. A farmer toils in the fields, and his harvest should, first and foremost, ensure he and his family have food and warmth. Only the surplus, in fair proportion, should serve as a reasonable return for the Lord’s protection or be used to trade for other needs."

His tone gradually rose. "Imagine, my lord, a village where the land is held in common, where labor and its fruits are shared. Work is assigned according to one’s ability, and the harvest is distributed according to one’s need. No corrupt merchants to exploit the people, no heavy, unjust taxes. A world where the old are cared for, the young are supported, and the sick are treated... That is how the world of men ought to be! Only then can we restore the Age of Divine Revelation recorded in the Holy Scripture of Truth!"

He stopped, taking a deep breath, his eyes filled with expectation as he looked at Murphy. "I have heard of your accomplishments in the Monte Territory, my lord. I’ve heard the taxes are fair, the administration is clean, and the people live in peace. I have always believed you are different from those nobles who know only how to exploit their lands in pursuit of extravagance. Perhaps you can understand my thoughts? Perhaps we are... kindred spirits?"

The parlor fell silent.

Aurora raised her teacup and took a sip, her expression unreadable.

Eleanor, however, widened her dark eyes, glancing from the passionate, sincere Count to her father, whose expression remained placid.

Murphy slowly set down his teacup. The porcelain made a faint, crisp sound as it met the wooden table.

He raised his eyes to meet Count Raymond’s, which were filled with fervent hope, and remained silent for a moment.

Then, he spoke slowly, his voice flat and devoid of any emotion.

"Count, your ideas are... interesting."

The light in Count Raymond’s eyes brightened, as if he had found a kindred spirit.

His hands clasped together unconsciously as he waited for Murphy to continue.

Murphy studied the forty-year-old man for another moment before speaking again.

"Tell me, Count, have you ever considered how the priests and Bishops of the Church Court might react if they learned of these ideas of yours about ’common land’ and ’shared harvests’? What would Archbishop Fernandez think?"

The fervor on Count Raymond’s face faltered for a moment, replaced by a complex expression.

"The Church Court naturally abides by the Holy Scripture of Truth, advocating for charity and justice. The Scripture states that it is harder for a rich man to enter the Celestial Kingdom than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. It also instructs us to ’walk the righteous path’ and show mercy to the poor and weak. My ideas are not in fundamental conflict with the spirit of compassion taught by the Holy Scripture."

He paused, his voice lowering slightly. "It is just that the authority to interpret the Holy Scripture lies with the Church Court. Perhaps some Priests would consider this too radical, that it touches upon... the very foundations of the secular order."

Murphy remained non-committal and continued his questioning. "And what of the other nobles? Your neighbors, the other Counts and Viscounts who also possess land and people? How would they feel if they heard about your ideal village, and that you describe their relationship with the farmers on their estates as ’exploitation’?"

This time, Count Raymond was silent for much longer. He finally spoke, his tone strained.

"Not all nobles are exploiters, my lord."

"Many ancient families still adhere to the old creed of protection and responsibility. It is just that times have changed. The tide of commerce has swept over everything, corrupting some hearts along the way."

"My ideas might arouse suspicion, even censure. But truth is only revealed through debate. I believe there will always be others like me, willing to listen and to reflect."

"Others like you?" Murphy said mildly. "Many years ago, when I was much younger, I recall hearing some rumors. In certain regions of the South, there was also a group who claimed to hold to ancient ideals. They roused the farmers, denouncing the injustices of the nobility and wealthy merchants, and ended up storming more than one noble’s castle and estate. The outcome, as you might imagine, was not pleasant."

Count Raymond’s expression changed instantly.

He straightened his back, his voice stronger than before.

"My lord, I know of the people you speak of! Please allow me to clarify: we are absolutely not the same as them—those fanatics known as the ’Field Sect’ or the ’Brotherhood of Equality’!" 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

He took a deep breath. "Those people, they reject all order, including the sacred Church Court and the lawful succession of the nobility! They preach violence, believing that only through blood and fire can the world be purified and their so-called ’Celestial Kingdom on earth’ be established."

"They foment hatred, indiscriminately branding all Lords—and even moderately prosperous freemen—as their enemies. That isn’t just madness; it is a complete betrayal of sacred order and peace!"