Ett was deeply enraged.
Stand down, girl. She tries to calm herself down, or else her rationality would be blasted out to who knows where and how long she can take it back.
She snickered.
Well-made. Very good.
They used Eru as bait. Very nice.
"You let that Lyre of Songs into the wolf's lair?"
Cashim whispered. This girl is bold, and it looks like it had stayed in this estate far longer than the mole he planted. No, this girl's master should be the one that's fearless.
Meanwhile, Ett regained her calm, unbothered to reply. She needs to think quickly, faster than their mouths bidding for Eru.
"Sire Cashim."
He grinned, "What's your plan, little lady?"
"Buy him for me," She paused, bringing out the Red Coin and pointing at her as she drawled, "Father."
Thunder.
An imaginary thunderbolt hit Cashim as he shivered either from fright or goosebumps.
"Fa...Fa..."
"Quick."
Ett quickly added, "By tomorrow, you'll already have your title. No, you'll be a Marquis then."
Cashim intently stares at her amber eyes, raising his number.
"1,000 golds!"
The price a while ago had already reached 700 gold.
"Oh! Oh! What a significant sum! 5,000! Are there any more? No?"
"Going once!"
The hall was silent. Although they desire the Lyre of Songs, 1,000 is quite a heavy sum. Even the bird acquired by the Farus royalty was just 400 gold.
"Going twice!"
"Going.... thrice! Sold! Congratulations!"
Ett heaved a sigh of relief.
"So, daughter, am I not a great scapegoat? Why don't you hug me and kiss your father? Aren't you unhappy?"
"..."
Ett doesn't have any other choice. They can't attack the one who will buy it; she can't buy it herself, as Cashim as he'll be suspected. But if she acts like Cashim's hidden child that will soon be revealed and bought from her, the less suspicion.
She took a deep breath. Right now, she isn't the Queen Dowager. She is a child. In the eyes of the spectators, she hugs him, beaming with her most beautiful smile that could conquer the world. As they say, it's worth seeing when someone rarely smiles or never smiles does so. Coupled with Ett's acting, she achieved it 100 percent while saying thank you 'father' three times.
Her soft cheeks rubbed to his own. "Father, I am thankful." Pwe.
On the other hand, Cashim was in a daze, stiff from the warm hug of this wooden-face child. His mind became a paste for a while. Only when Ett pinched him did he react and quickly hug her back.
"A-All for my daughter."
Who would have thought she had a great smile?! He nearly believed he had a daughter. This soft, fluffy little thing was his first time hugging a child. Her Dalwan scent soothed his heart, and he played with her hair. Ett didn't notice him pause for a moment before brushing her hair again.
Ett lowered her head, whispering, "You seem to be enjoying this."
"This is an added tariff. Don't be stingy."
"..."
Ett pulled herself away. "Let's immediately get her."
Who knows if they will steal Eru away again? "Be careful."
"Don't worry, daughter~."
"..."
He's definitely enjoying this.
They quickly went behind the stage, where they would collect whatever they bid. When Ett saw Eru, and when its mouth opened, she stopped. She grinned, a wide grin that held no warmth, and strolled to the cage. "Ah, father, what a cute bird."
They did it. They cut off Eru's tongue. It was within her expectation, but she still hoped it wasn't the case. After all, her mouth is used as information. Never mind, what's important is she's alive. The rest can wait as she looks for another alternative.
Ett puckered her lips, looking at the assistant, "But she is damaged." She looked at her father 'aggrievedly,' "Father, how will daughter teach her to speak and order cookies?"
"That, Young Miss…."
Cashim cut the assistant off, "That's right, why did you give us something damage in the end ah? Are you looking down on me?"
"No, sir we…."
"I get it. It's because I'm just the third son of the Count and unfavored."
Cashim uttered, indeed there, it was a fact that among the Count's sons, it was Cashim who had no favor with his father. If not for his brother's entanglement, would his father still look at him? The assistant was full of sweat. He didn't want to offend him. It was the master's doing.
"Young Master Cashim, I'm sorry if you think that way. Oh, is she your daughter?"
The moment they heard the tone of that voice, they all looked up. In the small stairs, even Ett, who didn't see him before, knew who he was. The current patriarch of the Ostenian Duchy. A white-haired man with an eye of a fox and sleek obsidian iris looked at them like material goods, assessing them and making them fall into whatever category of shelves they might be in terms of usefulness. Of course, Ett is in the rubbish or set aside, waiting for when she'll be thrown in the waste.
"Adopted sister."
Cashim corrected. It was not usual for nobles to adopt children, even if it was just a mere commoner or beggar on the streets. Still, there are some like Cashim who do it. It's just that the upper-echelon children are more or less ridiculing this kind of adoptive child.
"I see a gift for your adopted sister. It was truly not my intention to belittle you."
Cashim smiled. His eyes showed dissatisfaction: "Then would it be a trickery and way to appease the buyer if it was done personally?"
"Young Count, you know how business work."
You know this better than I do.
"I'm young. Thank you for your teaching, Duke Aubern."
"You're welcome."
"…"
Splendid, this guy is far more shameless than Cashim.
Patriarch Aubern stepped towards Eru's cage relaxedly while Eru screeched mutely. "This bird was found by my men like this a couple of months ago. We took the time to take care of it. It is far less obedient than before."
Ett slightly narrowed her eyes, observing the patriarch as she held the sleeve of Cashim tightly, a natural reaction of children who instinctively felt that the man in front of him was dangerous. Or so she acts as so. This old man seems to be implying something.
"Although her tongue was cut off, the little lady shouldn't be discouraged. After all, this bird is rare and can accompany you. Just by having it, the other noble children would look at you with envy."
Ett's eyes glimmered albeit doubtfully, and he looked at Cashim.
"Really?"
Cashim sighed, "Here, I thought I could use it for something more exciting."
He said and looked at the patriarch. They both know that one of the reasons why the Lyre of Song are quickly wanted is because they are not just intelligent but can't speak and imitate human words. A Lyre of Song can be useless without it. Patriarch Aubern smiled, "That's why I come to apologize for not meeting your expectation. How about I give you half of your money, no, a quarter of your money?"
Cashim was looking thoughtful, "I've heard Duke Aubern has a lot of goods to show. Maybe my Isolet can exchange some with yours?"
After all, Isolet isn't a simple tavern but also can seek information throughout the empire extending to other lands. Who wouldn't want to be acquainted with him? In terms of benefits, he is one step ahead. Patriarch Aubern looked at him, mildly saying, "Then I'll give you half the sum first. The goods that I auctioned today are the only ones left. I hope you understand."
Cashim nodded, "Then thank you." Then he looked at his 'sister' sadly, "I'm sorry, you can only play with her. Don't worry. I'll buy you more gifts, alright?"
Ett just pouted. "You're such a big liar, father. I thought I could be like the king."
"You…how dare you say that! I've spoiled you too much. I'll have to teach you when we go home!"
"What!"
Patriarch Aubern smiled. In a fatherly tone, he said, "Little girl, don't be discouraged when we find another Lyre of Song. I'll tell you first."
Ett whipped her head to him, smiling as if he believed his words, "Thank you!" Before saying, "Not damaged."
"Mmm. No damage."
Satisfied, she turned back to Cashim and consoled, "There, don't feel down, alright?"
Cashim was speechless, "I'm not down…."
Is this about his act of being looked down upon?
Cashim slightly bowed, "Then we'll be going Duke Aubern. It was nice to meet you."
"As do I. Here."
There was a black envelope in his hand.
"This?"
"My sincere apology."
Cashim smiled, "I'm grateful."
After ending with another bout of pleasantry, they quickly in a carriage with Eru in tow.
"Fuu~"
Cashim heaved a relief laughing. "I felt I've aged a decade even if there are just a few exchanges with the patriarch."
After reading what was on the black envelope, which was like a VIP card for the front seat, she gave it to Cashim. It would be helpful when he bids on something in the future. He would have priority; however, it's no use if the bidder bought something higher than him.
"That man is too cautious."
"You are right. The Duke offered half when I lessened the price while wanting to gain his favor while offering a partnership with my Isole business."
"In his words, you'll only be qualified to trade with him if you're already the Count."
Good thing she is a child, and Duke Aubern didn't think suspiciously of her.
Cashim grinned, "And I have you to sweet talk your master for that."
"…"
"Judging from your direction, you will belong to the Noble Faction."
"Hey, don't be like that. I decided to support my 'daughter.'''
Ett ignored him, caressing the poor little Eru, who was weak in her lap. Whether the Duke still suspects Cashim or not, once his title is out and knowing Cashim's capabilities, he would have an interest in the Isolet business. At that time, as long as she gave more benefits and deals with Cashim, she didn't think she would lag behind that paranoid pedantic fellow. She would indeed cause some damage to the Duke, even if it's not a complete breakdown of their family.