Terrified, Leonard seemed to have grasped a lifeline and hurriedly asked, "My lord, what should I do?"
Lothar questioned him point by point:
"First, tell me exactly how this group of desert bandits set their sights on you. Who did you encounter on the road to Montreal? Who knew you were carrying a large sum of solidus?"
Leonard stammered, "It was like this. Y-yes, when I set out, only the five soldiers I brought knew about it. They had all been stationed at Yoglusburg for a long time and were absolutely loyal and reliable. I had never been robbed when paying taxes before."
"That village where half the inhabitants were heathens was called Antoga. It was the closest to Montreal, so we passed through it and asked for water."
"I don't know whether anyone among them noticed I was carrying a lot of solidus. I kept the money on me the whole time, but I couldn't conceal the crisp clinking from the purse."
"..."
The panic in Leonard's heart gradually subsided, and he began carefully recalling everything that had happened.
He recounted every last detail, even how many times he had relieved himself along the way.
"Fine. One last question: while you were traveling, was there an eagle constantly circling overhead?"
Leonard shuddered. "My lord, how did you know? I thought it was the will of the Heavenly Father, turning your heraldry into a black eagle to watch over us!"
Lothar waved a hand.
"Alright, I understand. Next, you are going to spread a piece of news far and wide: Baron Lothar of Yoglusburg intends to bring a lavish gift to Kalerburg to visit the esteemed Countess Stephanie."
Lothar patted Leonard on the shoulder. "If you manage to botch something this simple again, then after you die, I won't even