Kitanna
Chapter 258: TRADE BY BARTER

Chapter 258: TRADE BY BARTER

[MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: THE UNIVERSE ~ KWON JIN AH]

It was already dusk when Cortez, Chantal, and Heiron arrived at Badukeh. They dismounted from their horses, walking towards the palace entrance where they were stopped by the guards.

"Who are you?" One of the buff-looking guards asked, trying to intimidate the three men with his size.

Cortez rubbed his temples tiredly, "Tell the King we are guests from Morado." He replied.

The guard narrowed his eyes, looking at the men suspiciously before he walked back inside to relay the message. When he returned, the initial pride he had was gone.

"I’m sorry, Your Highness, I didn’t recognize you. Please don’t punish me," the man bowed deeply, afraid of losing his life. It was only when he went to that he was told by the king’s aide that the heir to the throne was among the guests.

Cortez raised his brow, "Don’t mistake me for someone else."

But the guard didn’t stop, he moved to the side with his head still bowed. "Please follow me, Your Highness."

Lord Hieron scoffed, "His guards are as persistent as their king." He muttered, following the guard who was leading the way.

The three men made their way inside the palace. Inside the throne room, Venantius sat with his leg crossed over the other. When the door to the room opened, he got to his feet.

"Welcome home, son. I should have known you’ll come right away. Don’t worry yourself; your welcome party would be held tomorrow." Venantius rambled, clapping his hands excitedly.

Cortez rolled his eyes, "If delusional was a person." He muttered to himself, looking to the other side.

Venantius stopped in his tracks, "I wasn’t expecting a white Lord to come with you, even if one should come I was expecting the king. Did you bring him here as a sacrifice?" The man asked, casually descending from the stairs.

Heiron scowled, "Is this how you welcome your guests? With words of threat?" The elderly man asked casually.

Venantius chuckled, "If he had told the guards at the gate that he was my son, he wouldn’t have been delayed entrance. Do you still not want to answer my name?" His question was directed to Cortez.

Chantal stood behind, feeling the hostility in the room. He stayed quietly, waiting for orders from the elder white Lord.

Venantius frowned, putting on a displeased face. "Is that how you greet the father you haven’t seen for years? Other sons run to greet their father, with a hug and kiss. Why is mine different?" The man asked no one in particular.

"Because you don’t have a son." Cortez replied curtly causing Venantius to grin.

Heiron sighed tiredly, "Enough of your jokes, Venantius, where did you keep the women?. You’re the only one enjoying this game."

Venantius cocked his head, "Am I? Then let’s do what everyone would enjoy. Let’s go and have a seat shall we?" He started walking towards a round table, motioning with his hands for them to sit while he sat at the end of the table.

Venantius hummed thoughtfully, "I know why my son came here, was for his woman. What I’m not sure is why you’re here, Lord Hieron is it?" He asked, using his hand to hold up his chin while looking at the elder white Lord.

Cortez who was already tired of the talks, hit the table, "Where is Axilla, what did you do to her?" He interjected.

Venantius chuckled, "Don’t worry, son, my daughter-in-law is doing just fine. I had to show her how I rule this kingdom; my rules must be kept. It’s something you should learn too..." He drawled, turning his focus back to Lord Hieron, he said,

"Don’t tell me...you’ve been charmed by Hash? That woman, she’s quite a head-turner, yes?" Venantius asked, looking at the man with a knowing look.

Hieron smiled, "Looks like someone was rejected. Did it hurt so much?" He asked calmly.

Venantius twitched his lip, "You shouldn’t annoy me that much; remember you’re in my kingdom, and I have what you’re looking for." He said with a serious tone before breaking into a small laugh.

Cortez, already tired of the back-and-forth conversation, sighed. "I’m here now; what do you want from me? We should be leaving soon." The young merchant looked around, trying to find out where Axilla or Lady Hash would be locked in.

"Leaving soon? I already got your room arranged. I hope it suits your taste; I didn’t make provision for your companions but nothing I can’t get done quickly." Venantius snapped his finger, and his aide walked inside the room. The supreme king gave him orders, and the man left to carry them out.

"So, son, how have you been? You’re into trading, yes? Do you want me to help with my influence? I can move your warehouse to this place so it’ll be easier for you when it’s time for you to take over the throne." Venantius stated, looking at the young man who had a striking resemblance to him. It gave him joy to see his son.

Heiron smiled, "A very weird way of apologizing for killing his mother and trying to kill him." He chimed.

Venantius cocked his head, "Does your grandson know you saw my face the day I killed his father?" His words struck a nerve on Heiron, who didn’t reply.

"I thought so too; we all have our sins we are ashamed of. Don’t make mine so big in front of my son." The Supreme king said matter of factly.

Cortez replied, "I don’t know of this son you talk about, tell me what do you want from me?" He asked, tired of the delay.

Venantius sucked his teeth, reclining on the chair, "I was going to make you comfortable, but you want to dive right into the serious discussion. Well, we are going to trade since that’s what you’re into. I’m a very considerate father, you see?"

Cortez furrowed his brow, "Trade what?"

Venantius tapped his finger on the table, "There’s something called Trade by barter; you should know it well since you’re a merchant."

Cortez nodded, "Of course, so what do you want in return for them?" He asked.

Venantius grinned, "You, of course; what would a father want if not his son? What would a king want if not an heir?

Cortez slammed the table angrily, "You were never going to release them, were you?"

Venantius chuckled, "I was, if you stay back. It’s only my luck that the two women would want to stay back with you. Isn’t that sad, Lord Hieron?" The man smiled, looking at Heiron with a look of victory.

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