The atmosphere in the reception room finally relaxed.
Paul, with a smile, asked, “What can I do for Count Kent?”
It was time for a frank discussion.
Emerson, slightly surprised by Paul’s directness, felt he couldn’t beat around the bush any longer since Paul had opened the conversation so candidly.
Emerson pulled out a scroll and handed it to Paul.
Paul took it and unrolled it, with Malron leaning over to look as well.
Upon reading it, both were visibly shaken and angered. Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on NoveI(F)ire.net
The scroll listed the Kent family’s demands:
1. One-fifth of the current income from paper and porcelain production in Alda’s territory to be given to the Kent family, and another fifth to Duke Ferdinand.
2. Baylding to be “jointly managed” by Emden and Alda.
Malron, infuriated, was about to stand up and argue with Emerson but was held back by Paul.
Paul said with difficulty, “Sir Emerson, we find these conditions a bit hard to accept.”
Emerson’s expression stiffened again, “Lord Grayman, these conditions have been carefully considered by Count Kent. If you fail to recognize reality, I’m afraid the Count might take some measures you wouldn’t like to see.”
Paul, suppressing his urge to explode in anger, maintained a strained smile and said, “Allow us some time to discuss and decide. Someone, please escort Mr. Envoy back to the inn for rest.”
“Hmph! It’s better for Lord Grayman to make a decision soon. I don’t mind, but Count Kent isn’t very patient.”
Emerson left with what Paul considered an annoyingly smug smile, after dropping such a statement and following the servant out.
Malron turned to Paul, anxiously asking, “What do we do now?”
In the Northwest Bay area, Count Kent was extremely influential, almost like a mini Jars. Whenever he set his sights on something, he wouldn’t rest until he got a piece of it. Moreover, as a direct vassal of Duke Ferdinand of the Northwest, he had a strong relationship with his lord and never forgot to share his gains with the Duke. Ferdinand also liked having this loyal ‘dog’, well-fed and robust, ready to bite others when he was displeased.
On one hand, Baylding was now threatened by the Kent family, and on the other, much of the Ganard family’s wealth was invested in Paul’s factories. Both publicly and privately, Malron found it difficult to accept these conditions.
Paul patted Malron’s shoulder, comforting him, “There’s a saying I’ve heard — ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ Let’s gather everyone to discuss this; surely we’ll find a solution.”
Soon, the high-ranking officials of the Administration Council and the military were convened at the lord’s mansion.
After Paul explained the Kent family’s envoy’s demands, the attendees first reacted with shock, then with varying responses.
The administrative officials were all frowning, worried due to the Kent family’s strong-arm tactics. After all, they were a powerful family known for easily mustering hundreds of knights.
The military personnel, on the other hand, were indignant, clamoring to assemble the army and march on Emden right away.
“Lord Grayman, this is outright extortion and blackmail, a direct insult to you and us. Let’s declare war on the Kent family!”
“We now have three musket platoons and ten cannons. A single volley could scatter those farmhands-turned-soldiers.”
“As for the knights, you saw it yourself last time under Butuya Castle. Under the firepower of the cannons, they were just a mass of flesh.”
The loud-voiced Bryce stood up to represent the military’s opinion, with other officers nodding in agreement, their confidence bolstered by the recent battle under Butuya Castle.
Chief Steward Ford immediately objected: “How can you speak so lightly of war? Do you think everything can be solved with military force?”
These warriors, getting carried away after just a couple of victories.
“Even if we defeat the Kent family, what then? Behind them stands Duke Ferdinand of the Northwest — the kingdom’s largest noble in the northwest, with territory and population many times ours! Can our military prowess really compensate for such a huge numerical disparity?”
“Once the Kent family drags Duke Ferdinand into this, which is very likely given their image as the Duke’s loyal dogs, they don’t even have to attack us directly. Just having the Duke forbid his vassals from trading with us and blocking our trade routes to the south would shrink our income back to what it was at the beginning of spring.”
“Then where would we get the money to pay our soldiers or buy materials to manufacture weapons?”
“This…” Bryce was at a loss for words.
Hansel also advised with a frown: “Sometimes, stepping back opens up new horizons. It’s necessary to assess the situation appropriately.”
Chief of Staff Schroeder was in a dilemma, unsure which side to support.
Ford’s words gave Paul a big scare. He had only considered the enemy’s larger territory and population, which in this feudal era couldn’t effectively be converted into military strength, making him believe he could still fight.
But he hadn’t considered Ford’s latter points. Alas, Alda and Baylding were both in the northernmost part of the Northwest Bay. What if their trade routes to the south were really cut off?
Both paper and porcelain needed to be sold to make money. Without sea routes open and surrounded by hostile lords, his efforts over the past six months would be in vain.
Paul tapped the table, listening silently to the debate between the civil and military factions.
Some military officers still objected, suggesting concentrating forces to fight a few decisive battles to force the enemy into peace.
However, Paul didn’t quite agree with this. During World War II, the Japanese military also naively thought that despite America’s overwhelming comprehensive power, after being hit hard at Pearl Harbor, the Americans would come begging for peace. They were harshly corrected by reality.
War doesn’t just follow the will of one side.
After hesitating for a long time, he finally made a difficult decision. He slapped the table, and the arguing crowd fell silent.
“Gentlemen, I’ve decided to temporarily compromise with the Kent family.”
He gave Malron, sitting beside him, a reassuring look.
“However, we will absolutely not agree to joint management of Baylding with them. I’d rather concede a greater share of the profits.”
No one opposed Paul’s decision. The officers’ arguments were more about not being able to swallow their pride. They knew the disparity in strength between the enemy and themselves. Since the lord had made a decision, they had to accept reality.
Humiliation, anger, frustration – a mix of negative emotions engulfed everyone.
“Bernard.” Paul softly called his chief secretary.
The chief secretary immediately responded, “Lord Grayman.”
“Arrange for Emerson to come to the castle tomorrow. I’ll talk to him again.”
Paul added, “Ford, Hansel, Cecil, Schroeder, Bryce, come with me.”
“Yes, Lord.” The named individuals responded in unison.