As everyone in the restaurant was enthusiastically discussing the promising future of canned food, a guard hurried in.
He approached Paul and whispered, “Lord Grayman, an envoy from Emden requests your audience.”
Upon hearing this, Paul’s face, previously lit with a smile, instantly turned grave. In a somewhat heavy tone, he addressed the others, “Gentlemen, a representative from the Kent family has arrived. It’s likely they bring the news we least want to hear.”
The atmosphere in the restaurant immediately grew tense, and everyone’s expression turned serious.
Bryce cracked his knuckles with a pop and said, “So it’s finally come? Let us face it bravely, gentlemen.”
Paul was somewhat puzzled, as recent intelligence suggested that the Kent family had not yet completed mobilizing their forces.
‘Well, let’s not dwell on that for now,’ he thought. ‘Meet force with force, meet trickery with wisdom. Who are we afraid of?’
To fully demonstrate his ‘contempt’ for the enemy, Paul ordered the envoy to be brought into the restaurant. He wanted to meet the envoy while nonchalantly enjoying his canned meat.
Soon, the envoy was brought in. Upon entering the restaurant, he frowned slightly, deeply displeased. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by Nove1Fire.net
The people of Alda dared to meet with him while eating. It was utterly discourteous.
With a stern face, Paul asked, “What brings the envoy of Lakeheart Town here?”
The envoy bowed and said, “I am here on behalf of Count Kent to convey his hope for peace.”
Paul laughed in disbelief: “Hah! What part of me does he plan to cut off this time? Out with it!”
The envoy said, “Lord Kent harbors no ill intentions towards you. The unpleasantness of our last meeting was due to a misunderstanding.”
“He asked me to convey his apologies to you. The envoy we sent last time did not grasp Lord Kent’s intentions, complicating matters and causing you great misunderstanding.”
Paul was incredulous: “What? Am I hearing this right?”
“You are not mistaken,” the envoy affirmed, repeating his earlier statement.
Paul asked, “And what about the matter of Baylding…?”
The envoy answered, “Lord Kent will no longer interfere in that matter.”
This was utterly bewildering! Paul could hardly believe his ears, knowing full well what kind of man Marltz Kent was. His current actions were completely out of character.
After a few more exchanges, the envoy was quickly taken away to rest. The people in the restaurant began to discuss the intentions of the Kent family.
“Don’t believe a word from Marltz Kent.”
“The Kent family is definitely brewing some sinister plot in secret!”
“Perhaps they aim to deceive us, waiting for our guard to drop before launching a surprise attack on Alda.”
Everyone voiced their skepticism, viewing the Kent family negatively and agreeing that they must not lower their guard.
Paul instructed, “Barnett, check if Cecil, the head of the Intelligence Department, is back. If so, bring him here.”
Cecil was absent due to other commitments and hadn’t come to taste the canned food. He soon arrived with Barnett.
Upon entering, he hurriedly reported to Paul, “Coincidentally, Lord Grayman, I was just about to report an important piece of news to you.”
“Oh? Let’s hear it then.”
“The Kent family’s troops gathered at Bayland Castle have disbanded.”
Paul stood up abruptly, “Is this true?”
Cecil confirmed with a decisive look, “Absolutely true, Lord Grayman.”
Paul took a deep breath and said, “Cecil, do you know why I called you? The Kent family has sent someone, expressing Marltz Kent’s wish to maintain peace with us. They claim that the previous envoy misunderstood his intentions, acting on his own to create the misunderstanding.”
Cecil asked, “What do you think, sir?”
Paul replied, “How could I believe such nonsense? He’s either plotting something bigger or has encountered some trouble, forcing him to temporarily stop targeting us.”
Cecil nodded in agreement, saying, “Your thinking is very wise, sir. A hungry wolf like the Kent family never releases its prey until it tears off a chunk of flesh.”
Paul instructed him, “So keep a close watch on Emden. Don’t miss any movement, and try to infiltrate the Kent family if possible.”
“I’ll keep an eye on Emden. Infiltrating them will be challenging, but I’ll do my best,” Cecil responded.
Paul then addressed everyone, “Regardless of why the Kent family has ceased their war efforts, the pressure on us has lessened. But we must not rely on their goodwill for our safety; we need to continue strengthening our forces.”
He looked at the military officers present: “Schroeder, Bryce, and others in the military, I entrust this to you.”
Schroeder and the others stood up in unison, saying, “We will follow your orders, Count.”
Paul continued, “Now let’s shift our focus back to economic development.”
“Hansel, set off for the capital in a few days. The second batch of food for the King is ready, and take some canned food to sell to the kingdom’s army. I believe they’ll find it to their liking.”
Hansel replied enthusiastically, “I’ll start preparing right away, Lord Grayman. You’re right, canned food is ideal for military campaigns.”
Paul thought to himself that canned food was indeed invented for long-term military food preservation during Napoleon’s time.
Hansel’s trip was not just to deliver food; he was also to establish a Northwestern office in the capital, leaving staff there to recruit talent and gather intelligence about the kingdom’s upper echelons. Several of Cecil’s capable men would accompany him.
“Also, if you can, try to bring over the refugees from the south.”
“I’ll pay attention to that. A vassal like you, actively helping the kingdom, will surely be viewed differently by the King,” Hansel replied.
Paul hoped that would be the case.
After concluding this matter, Paul announced, “Gentlemen, today is full of good news. The war clouds over us are finally dispersing. And there’s more good news. I’ve received a report from Port Fran Shipyard; our first sloop has been completed!”
Many were puzzled, wondering why a single ship warranted such joy from the Count.
Ford, the steward, explained to the confused, “This ship is not the usual rowing and sailing vessel. It’s built for ocean voyages. With it, the Count’s previously mentioned long-distance trade can now be realized.”
Realizing the significance, everyone saw why the Count was so pleased. With sea trade, Alda wouldn’t have to fear a blockade by surrounding lords.
Administrative officials began discussing the prospects of trade, while military officers talked about naval development. They chatted and ate their canned food, lightening the atmosphere in the restaurant.
Only “Advisor” Miss Dias seemed not to share in the joy, reminded of the southern rebellion by Paul’s mention of selling canned food to the kingdom’s army.
She thought to herself about the situation in the south, her father, and sister’s response to the current situation. Having been away from home so long, her resentment towards her father had faded, and concern for her family and the kingdom grew—after all, she was a princess of the land.
Lost in thought, she lost interest in staying in the restaurant. Finishing her apple, she stood up and excused herself to Paul, “Count, I have work to attend to. If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back to my office.”
“Of course, Miss Dias. Thank you for your hard work,” Paul replied.
Eileen bowed slightly to Paul and turned to leave.
Ladi also stood up, “Lord Grayman, I’ll go back with Miss Dias. We have some things to discuss.”
“Please do, Miss Ladi,” Paul nodded.
Ladi seemed to notice Eileen’s mood and took her hand as they left together.
Watching the two advisors leave, Hansel looked puzzled.
“I feel like I’ve seen Miss Dias somewhere before. But where?”
He couldn’t recall, so he shook his head to clear his doubts and focused on his beef canned food.
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