I Don’t Know the Original, I’m Too Busy Trying to Make a Living

By gathering his faction’s nobles and enforcing rigid etiquette rules, Duke Quantis systematically drained Penelope’s energy and morale.

Penelope was, after all, merely the ruler of a small domain at the northern fringe.

Even a lion hunting a rabbit wouldn’t put this much effort into it.

‘Someone save this poor lord!’

Penelope glanced sideways, sneaking a look at her entourage.

Her companions were trembling with barely contained frustration, as if they themselves had been personally insulted. Every one of them appeared overly agitated.

It had only been ten minutes since Penelope had reminded them to stay calm. Clearly, they’d completely forgotten the principles she had set out.

‘This won’t do. If no one else can keep it together, I have to!’

They say even in a tiger’s den, you can survive if you keep your wits about you.

Grinding her teeth, Penelope finally spoke up.

"I’ve heard that Quantis and Beluci have raised the toll fees for goods passing into Halo by tenfold. Today’s meeting is to inquire about the reasons for such an extreme increase."

"Impatient, aren’t you? Can’t you even enjoy a cup of tea before we begin?"

Viscount Lindo clicked his tongue as he interrupted, his tone thick with disdain. Was this really the time to drink tea?