Hobart could have used "travel" to deliver the letter directly to Backlund, but he had caused quite a stir there not long ago. It would be troublesome if the Official Extraordinaries had taken precautions.
Donning his cloak once more, Hobart used the ability of "travel" to arrive in the room Christine's residence had prepared for him.
The room was relatively secluded. After checking that no one was outside, Hobart jumped onto the roof to avoid the servants' notice and made his way to Doffis's door.
He knocked, and a voice came from inside. "Come in."
After entering, Hobart quickly shut the door. "Good evening, Mr. Doffis."
Doffis's expression remained as stern as ever, revealing neither pleasure nor anger. "You've arrived at your Fief?"
After a pause, he added, "The Count isn't home. He went to a banquet today."
"Yes, I've arrived at my Fief." Hobart roughly recounted his journey there, then took out the 700 pounds in cash he had prepared beforehand. "Please help me exchange this money for Lire tomorrow. I want mostly Silver Lire coins. As for Gold Lire, exchange only some coins or banknotes in denominations of one or two Gold Lire."
In Jeffrey Town, there was practically no occasion to spend Gold Lire.
Doffis nodded and accepted the money, counting it in front of him.
Then, he briefly described Christine's recent circumstances. Christine had displayed just a little of his talent and was already highly valued by Fernando II. He was now leading a military logistics reform.
Hobart more or less understood. Christine's current situation resembled that of an isolated minister. The king was taking advantage of his lack of any background to carry out reforms that would certainly offend people.
That was one reason Christine had been put to important use. The other was that