Maria happened to catch a glimpse of a group of men huddled together, looking tense and deep in discussion. She gently nudged Simon with her elbow, signaling him to look in their direction.

Simon glanced over and then smiled at Maria, whispering, “Don’t bother with them.”

He then continued with his evening as if nothing had happened.

The banquet lasted late into the night, well past Maria's usual bedtime before it finally concluded.

The next morning, some nobles left early, contracts in hand for the agreements they had signed with Simon. They were eager to return home and adjust their spring farming plans, making room to grow the raw materials...