“What… what?” Angelo’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Just moments ago, Count Kent had returned to the banquet and announced that he would suspend the campaign against the Grayman family, allowing his vassals to return to their own territories.
Kent had just expended great effort to incite hatred against the Graymans among those present. Now, with the Count’s sudden change of heart, Angelo felt like a fool.
“Why? My Lord, you promised me! You can’t go back on your word!” Angelo questioned Count Kent, almost in a frenzy.
“How dare you! Guards, throw him out!” Count Kent glared at Angelo, and immediately, guards came to drag him away.
“Let me go! Let me go! My Lord, we had an agreement…” Angelo continued to shout as he was dragged out, but his voice gradually faded from the ears of those in the hall.
Count Kent addressed his knights and nobles, “I know you’re all puzzled, but I was just persuaded by an old friend. He said that waging war is not always the best course, and that it’s better to win people over with reason. So, I’ve decided to give Count Grayman another chance.”
The hall was filled with silent glances and no one spoke.
Count Kent knew what they were thinking and quickly added, “However, I can’t let you all come here for nothing. Therefore, I announce a reward of 2000 silver coins to each Viscount and Baron, and 1000 silver coins to each Knight.”
A murmur of surprise rippled through the hall.
“Count Kent is truly a benevolent man!”
“Surely, the Grayman family will be eternally grateful to the Count.”
Such praises filled the air.
Count Kent laughed heartily. Though fond of amassing wealth, he knew the value of winning hearts. He spared no expense when necessary; otherwise, he wouldn’t have become the second most powerful man in the Northwest Bay, next to Duke Ferdinand.
Moreover, he would soon need these vassals for an important cause; when he and his teacher made their move, their support would be indispensable.
At that moment, Count Kent seemed triumphant in front of his vassals, a stark contrast to his subservient demeanor earlier in front of Barnett.
In his view, the Duke’s position and the power of a wizard were within his grasp.
Only two people remained confused – Kent’s son, Jace, and his distant nephew, Emerson. However, at Kent’s subtle hint, they refrained from asking questions immediately.
The banquet continued, and the vassals drank to their hearts’ content before supporting each other as they dispersed.
Once the hall was cleared of guests, Jace and Emerson approached Count Kent.
“What’s happened, father?” Jace asked eagerly.
The Count seemed in high spirits, slightly tipsy from the wine, his pale face showing a hint of red.
He glanced at the two young men, pondering.
After a moment, he spoke, “Well, there are some things you should know.”
Count Kent led them to his study.
In a low voice, he said, “I plan to seize the title of Duke of the Northwest.”
The two were shocked. What had gotten into Count Kent? Had he lost his mind?
Count Kent responded with a slight smile, “Rest assured, I haven’t lost my mind. Duke Ferdinand will willingly hand over his title to me.”
Jace and Emerson exchanged glances, their doubts evident: “Is that even possible?”
Count Kent confidently said, “As for why, I can’t tell you now, but you’ll understand in time.”
He turned to Emerson and asked, “Young Emerson, as a royal commissioner, are you willing to support the Kent family?”
Emerson immediately replied, “If Duke Ferdinand truly consents, I would wholeheartedly support it.”
The Count, pleased, patted his shoulder and said, “Good, I won’t forget your Wilder family’s support when the time comes.”
Then, as if remembering something, he added, “I’ve received certain news from the old friend I mentioned earlier. The royal family is in a dire situation. You should send word to your father immediately and advise him to prepare.”
Emerson, slightly surprised, thanked Count Kent and promised to inform his father.
However, he quickly asked, “But why spare Grayman? It doesn’t seem to relate to your quest for the dukedom. He openly humiliated you.”
Recalling the humiliation he faced in Lakeheart Town, where the entire room had shouted him down, Emerson felt a surge of anger.
Count Kent, with a solemn expression, advised him, “Young Emerson, if one can’t endure minor setbacks, it affects the realization of long-term goals. I don’t want to stir up more trouble before acquiring the dukedom. Although I’m fully confident in my strength, I must eliminate all risks. However, once I have the title, if Grayman continues to be a problem, he won’t be as fortunate as this time.”
He chuckled coldly, “There’s plenty of time for that.”
Emerson, seizing the opportunity, flattered, “Uncle Kent is truly far-sighted.”
After chatting a bit more in the study, Jace and Emerson left.
Once the door closed, a figure emerged from behind a bookshelf – Barnett.
Count Kent immediately inquired, “Teacher, what do you think of that Emerson?”
Barnett nodded, “No issues. According to my investigation, aside from some skepticism about your words, he harbors no other intentions and is quite hopeful about your accession to the dukedom.”
Relieved, Count Kent knew that if Barnett had sensed any malice from Emerson, he would have had to arrange an ‘accident’ for the young man.
He said, “Of course, they’re hopeful. The Wilder family has been allies with the Kents for generations. My becoming a Duke would greatly benefit them. The Wilders hold significant influence in the capital; leveraging them would aid our plans.”
Barnett cautioned, “Still, it’s best to remain cautious. After all, the human heart is the most unpredictable.”
Count Kent nodded, “Yes, teacher, I will be cautious.”
Barnett added, “I need to leave for a while but will remain active in the Northwest. Before I return, think about how to distract Duke Ferdinand’s guards so I can approach him.”
Count Kent placed his hand over his heart, “Rest assured, teacher, I will find a way.” Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by novel~fire~net