I'll have to share my thoughts on the matter with Maria. When Alexander occupied the manager's office, he put aside those thoughts, which were completely unnecessary now, and took up the papers.
The inquest had been going on all day. As expected, there were no surprises. Of course they stole here, but as expected, they did it big - three caravans for the treasury, one for themselves. No hiding places or other nonsense, tons of ore was not a small nugget that could be easily hidden from view.
I didn't even want to execute anyone, but the locals wouldn't understand such complacency and at least one scapegoat had to be found. It remained to choose whether the "shooter" would be appointed from among the garrison or from among the workers. The others seemed to realize this, as they cooperated and helped the vampire in every possible way.
In the evening, left alone, Alexander was going through the papers, choosing a victim for tomorrow's execution, when there was a quiet knock at the door. The visitor turned out to be the tenser of the fort garrison.
- Your Grace, Madam Magessa... she... - the officer hesitated.
- Well? - the vampire hurried him on.
- Her Grace is stealing ore," the tenser finally said and stopped talking, apparently frightened by the words, but keeping his eyes on the knight.
- He steals it just like that? - Alexander could not imagine how it was possible to steal ore secretly and naturally doubted the words of the man who had come.
He realized that there was nowhere to retreat and his chances of being executed in the morning had risen sharply, he was no longer careful in his words.
- By her order, several cartloads of ore have been removed from the stockyards, Your Grace.
Now that was interesting. Martha Tap had never planned such a thing, and it would have amazed anyone who didn't know her true nature. The vampire stood up and stared perplexed at the dozen. He was sure that she would not miss her chance to enrich herself, but he did not understand how she was going to do it. And then there's the removal of the ore from the warehouse. Magessa couldn't help but know that it would be reported to him and what was she counting on?
"Wait! I wasn't reported!"
The thought made Alexander pull himself together. The situation was taking on a very different look. The ore had been out for at least half a day. And none of the squad officers had reported to him. The locals did. And clearly at their own risk. Checking his weapons and armor, the vampire left the office.
Martha found herself in the courtyard. With a satisfied look, she approached Alexander and said quite loudly.
- Everything is done as you ordered, Your Grace.
- And what exactly did I order? - The vampire also asked loudly, having guessed the magess's plan and even relaxed a little, realizing that the fight with the entire detachment of the royal troops was postponed and there was no conspiracy.
The girl was not confused.
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