Traveling through The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim

"The annual fixed franchise fee is tentatively set at 5,000 Septim. If your business is further developed, we can discuss it again, but it must be agreed by the three captains. The floating fee is 5% of the profits generated by all transactions related to you, paid every six months."

“What if you lose money?”

Resard twirled his beard and smiled.

"Your Excellency has considered everything. If this is really the case, you do not have to bear the losses of the Tiger Caravan, but after the profit is made, the losses must be deducted before calculating your dividend."

"Fair enough. But I'd like to have access to your ledger at any time."

"Of course. However, accounts often involve commercial secrets. Resard believes that it is best for you to handle this matter yourself, or designate one or two trusted persons. If too many people are in contact, there is a risk of leaks, which will inevitably harm your interests."

"Don't worry, I will definitely not abuse my power. But isn't the dividend ratio too low? Lord Sidgeir wanted to collect more than 20% of sales. I want 30% of the profit, isn't that too much?"

"Your Excellency should know that the Khajiiti caravans never came to Falkreath to do business before."

I picked up the teacup.

"Oh. Sir, why don't you try my pine needle tea?"

The old cat blinked its triangular eyes.

"How about one percent?"

"My pine needles are picked one by one by girls between the ages of twelve and fifteen. They must have complete leaves, thin and firm, and green throughout."

Resard gritted his teeth.

"I really can't give you more. However, Resard is willing to personally guarantee that if you have difficulty in cash flow, the Tiger Caravan can provide a low-interest loan of 20,000 Septim for a period of five years."

“How low is low interest?”

"Fifteen percent annual interest."

Why don't you go and grab it?

Seeing that my expression was too exaggerated, Lao Mao hurried to explain.

"You must know that even for a lord, the interest rate for a loan will not be lower than 20%. For a baron, the prevailing interest rate is between 40% and 60%, and the amount will not exceed 10,000 Septim. Of course, the specific situation depends on the borrower's wealth and credit."

"That's meaningless."

"That's not the way to say it. As far as Resard knows, you are not well off right now. If you have some money to support yourself, many things can be put back on track quickly. And you are good at making money, so it won't be difficult for you to repay the money on time."

I picked up the teacup again.

"This water for making tea came from the snowfall last year. Before it hit the ground, it was stored in a pottery jar and hidden in a dark room. I dare say that there are less than three places in the whole sky where you can drink this. Do you really not want to try it?"

Fortunately, there is no custom of serving tea to see off guests in Tianji, otherwise I would have sent this old cat out three times in half an hour.

"How about this, for your first loan, if you can pay it back within one year, you don't have to pay interest. If you can pay it back within three years, the interest rate can be halved."

I took a big sip, and seeing that the old cat was determined not to give in, I had no choice but to agree to his terms. Resard then drank his tea in peace, and chatted with me about Aigis's situation.

The silverware mold really attracted Anton's attention. Although the little cat girl was clumsy, the tiger caravan was full of experienced people. With a lot of discussion, they not only sent Aigis to the city, but also opened up sales channels for themselves in Rich Territory.

Markarth is rich in silver mines, and there are many silversmiths in the city. Anton is one of the best among them, and his clients are all well-known figures in the city. He later contacted Resard and said that he had helped contact the court wizard Kasemmer as instructed. As for what the little cat girl said to the other party, he did not eavesdrop.

Anyway, Aigis decided to hide in the city for the time being, while Hayou and the others waited outside the city. And Resard went to contact other caravans to establish a relationship with me, so he was not aware of the subsequent situation.

While I was writing to Lund, the old cat drank two cups of tea, shamelessly asked for two taels of pine needles, put the letter in his arms, and hurriedly led his men to Granite Village.

On the 25th day of the Chaoyang month, someone pulled me out of bed before dawn and forced me into a chair to shave. Although Nord men generally grow beards, they still have to take good care of them and not make them look messy. Stein was waiting beside him with a dress in his hand. As for Lemei and Savilla, they had already accompanied Donna to the wedding scene.

After washing and changing clothes, someone led me to the City Hall, which had been carefully decorated with lights and decorations, and was filled with festive atmosphere. I could hear the sound of singing in the distance.

I took a deep breath, took a lavender wreath, and adjusted my clothes again. The door opened in front of me, and a commotion filled my ears. The room was full of distinguished guests, including nobles from Falkreath and several large families from Whiterun. The female hunter Ella and the junior sister Lia from the Companions were also among them.

There was a red carpet in the middle of the room, and at the end was a square table with a round Mara altar on it. Yilandul stood in front of the altar, raised his hands, and spoke in a loud voice.

"Let us welcome the happy groom. Baron of Sunny Garden Fortress, Baron Loristed, horse breeder of Falkreath, friend of Moonvaska, warrior who ended the ancient wight Songjo Drake with a single blow, hero of the night raid on the Imperial Legion and the recovery of Falkreath City, hero who slaughtered the werewolf Schooner and the vampire king Movarth, Locke Swelinsson of the Inglin family."

There was a burst of applause from the guests, who were arranged in advance to cheer me up. There were also gasps, especially when the names of Schooner and Movars were announced. Some people were already whispering to each other, asking the people around them about something. To be honest, if I hadn't experienced what he said personally, I would have been intimidated by the long list of names.

The dark elf smiled as he looked at me as I slowly walked forward.

"Are you Baron Locke himself?"

"Exactly."

"Ladies and gentlemen, do you know Baron Locke? Has anyone discovered the despicable act of impersonation?"

Ella was the first to stand up and confirm my identity. The official certification from the members of the comrades' circle was very important. Those who were not familiar with me came close to their friends and whispered. Even Mrs. Gangli, who was sitting in the front row, muttered to Danger. Yilandul kindly gave everyone some time to gossip, and then raised his hand again.

"Well, next, let us welcome the beautiful bride. Irina Tuasdot of the Sengard family."

The door opened again.

Irina wore a pure white slim-fitting dress with a wool belt that was as flowing as a cloud, outlining her infinite grace. Her pretty face was covered by a white veil that symbolized virginity, which gave her a hazy beauty. She held her father's arm, and her steps were light and graceful, like a white swan floating on the water.

The father and daughter stood beside me, and after Ilandur confirmed the identity of the bride as usual, he announced the official start of the wedding.

"It was Mara who gave us life and all living things, and treated us as her own children. From her love, we first learned to love. From her love, we learned that a lonely life is incomplete. Today, we gather here, under Mara's loving gaze, to witness the union of two souls. May they be together for life, whether they are rich or poor, in good times or bad."

He looked at the people in the audience.

"Men, I ask you in the name of the Holy Spirit, if any of you knows of any reason why these two cannot be legally united, please tell me now."

He asked three times, and the guests responded with silence.

"So, groom Locke and bride Irina, are you willing to become one and love each other forever?"

Irina and I followed the procedure and both expressed our willingness.

Ilandur asked Baron Sengard again.

"Who married this woman off?"

"She followed her own wishes and had the blessing of her family."

The Baron handed his daughter's hand to the priest of Mara and sat down next to Lady Ganglie.

"By the witness of Mara and the Holy Spirits, I declare the couple husband and wife. Groom, you may unveil the bride."

The white veil was lifted, revealing a face with delicate makeup. Irina had put on a lot of powder today, and her face was fair. She chose bright orange eyeshadow, and her pupils were clear and bright. This woman's skin was really good, and she looked like "light makeup or heavy makeup is always suitable", but she didn't look happy at the moment, instead her eyebrows were slightly frowned, as if marrying me was a bad thing.

I carefully removed the veil so as not to disturb her hair, and placed the lavender wreath on her head. Ilandur gently placed Irina's hand on mine and stepped back half a step with a smile. My wife bowed slightly, and I bowed and nodded in return.

"I give you the rings with the sacred blessing of Mara. May they bless you in your new life. Next, please say goodbye to your childhood."

When Irina and I exchanged rings, someone brought a small iron basin. Lai Mei, who was sitting next to Donna, stood up and presented the wooden sword she made.

I made a sword flower with my right hand, put two fingers of my left hand together, muttered something, and a tongue of fire spurted out from my fingertips.

The common flame tongue technique would spray out a radius of three to five meters, and a powerful person could even push the attack radius to fifteen meters. But I did the opposite and controlled the flame within one foot.

In the past half month, I have read Falion's magic notes a lot, just for this moment: a flame spell with a shorter distance and higher temperature. Don't underestimate this change, it tests the caster's understanding and control of the fire element. Only a magic genius like Helgi can learn without a teacher and use lightning spells to weave a web to catch insects, while I just follow the experience of my predecessors and copy them. About 30 centimeters is also the limit I can achieve at present.

"I haven't seen Baron Locke's magic skills for a few months. I am so happy to see him improve again. It seems that I was too reckless at the beginning."

Most of the people in the audience were laymen, but Ilandur was a connoisseur. I said a few humble words and threw the wooden sword into the brazier. When I looked up again, I saw Irina biting her lower lip and hugging a tattered rag doll tightly. She stared at the brazier, her eyes misty, and her shoulders trembling.

In order to make the sword burn faster, Lei Mei specially selected pine wood rich in resin, and she repeatedly soaked the hilt with oil. Once the flames licked it, crackling sounds immediately exploded. Irina was frightened and tears welled up in her eyes. She no longer hesitated and sent the rag doll into the fire.

"I'm sorry... Sylvia... Goodbye... Bless me..."

Her voice was so soft that even though I was standing next to her, I couldn't hear it clearly. It seemed that this doll was really her favorite thing and had even been given a name.

In the blazing firelight, Irina and I kissed each other, the guests stood up and applauded, and Ilandur announced the end of the wedding.

People did not disperse, but went to my house in groups of three or five, where everything was ready for dinner. Irina and I stayed and changed into a more convenient dress. The woman also changed her makeup, which was still full, but not as exaggerated as before.

Hot pot is a thing that can last a long time. What's more, there are toasts from the newlyweds, blessings from the elders, singing and dancing performances, etc. This meal lasted a whole afternoon. I drank a lot of wine, and when the last guest left, I was even a little unsteady.

Irina remained conscious the entire time. She helped me into the bridal chamber and helped me take off my clothes, shoes and socks. I have no recollection of what she did after that.

I must have had a sleepy night, and when I woke up it was already midnight. The moonlight came in through the window, lighting up a pair of starry eyes.

"Should we do something?"

Irina asked me quietly.

"I'm tired, let's wait another day."

Anyone who has drunk a lot of alcohol knows that you are not in the mood for strenuous exercise at this time. Although the alcohol has mostly dissipated now, my head still hurts a little.

"But...if this happens, I won't be able to explain to my mother tomorrow."

According to Nordic tradition, the pure white bed sheet from the wedding night must be handed over to the bride in the presence of her mother-in-law. If there is a quarrel between the couple in the future, this sheet can prove the wife's innocence. Of course, some ladies have a more colorful life before marriage, and there are ways to deal with it. For example, Rigel said that she killed a chicken in advance and poured the chicken blood on the bed while her husband was sleeping.

"There are chickens in the yard, go catch one."

"You! I'm a virgin, why do you have to do all this!"

Irina's voice was shaking, but she didn't dare shout, and I didn't want to dwell on it.

"Oh, then you figure it out yourself."

So, this woman was so angry with me that she started crying. She sat at the end of the bed, hugged her knees and sobbed, as if she had suffered a great injustice. I was upset by her, and felt even more distressed about the property I was forced to give away. I spent a lot of money to buy her, but she has never smiled since the wedding. It's been less than a day, and she has already cried twice! If she cries like this every day in the future, who can bear it?

So marriage is a matter of mutual consent. I am like this now. Outsiders may think I have married a beautiful woman and am very happy, but in fact I am not happy at all. If I had known this would happen, I would have been more resolute. The worst that could happen is that I would have turned the table with that old fox Danger.

I felt regretful and the remaining alcohol completely disappeared. I even had the urge to kick this woman off the bed. I opened my eyes and looked at Irina coldly. The bright moonlight sprinkled on her jade-like back, creating a hazy glow.

What did she say just now? She's still a virgin? If I just let her go, I'd be really losing money!

I sat up suddenly, grabbed the long hair that was draped over my shoulders, and pulled Irina onto the bed, her screams being silenced.

The warm magnolia is fragrant, the cold dew drops golden spears. The flowers have all fallen, the snow has melted and frost has formed again.