After sending Emerson packing, Paul and his associates continued to stay in the reception room, summoning other high-ranking officials from both the Administration Council and the military. The meeting quickly transitioned into a war council.
“The Kent family must pay a price!” The officers were incensed upon hearing about the envoy’s actions from the Kent family. Lakeheart Town had already conceded so much, and yet the Kent family was audaciously demanding even more, an utter humiliation.
After thorough discussion, several resolutions were quickly drawn up:
1. Strengthen reconnaissance in the border areas and be on constant alert for movements from Emden.
2. The Department of Intelligence to gather all possible information on Emden, from high-level personnel details to military assembly and movements.
3. Based on the current Independent Firearm Platoon, form the Third Infantry Battalion, led by Schroeder’s former attendant Joyce.
4. The Staff Department to intensify the training of the militia and, if necessary, directly supplement them into the regular army.
5. Order the navy to be combat-ready for immediate support to land forces.
If they wanted to start a war immediately, the troops stationed in Lakeheart Town could depart in just two hours. After all, Emden was just to the south of Alda, negating the need for lengthy preparations typical of long-distance expeditions. This was the advantage of having a standing army – ready for small-scale, short-distance combat at any moment.
However, Paul believed that his opponent, Count Kent, was in a different position. Despite the count’s considerable overall strength, assembling an army for a war between lords would take at least 1-2 weeks.
This presented a dilemma: Should he lead his troops to surprise the enemy, or wait for the Kent family to slowly gather their forces and come to them? Attacking first might stir up a hornet’s nest. After all, the Kent family hadn’t caused any substantial harm yet, and striking first would put him on shaky moral ground, potentially provoking Duke Ferdinand and his numerous vassals. But passively waiting and foregoing the advantage of speed seemed foolish too, as military strategists from ancient times to the present have always emphasized the importance of swift action.
The officers, led by Bryce, eagerly looked at Paul: “Lord Grayman, let’s strike first!”
But after much deliberation, Paul decided on a more conservative approach. The Grayman family, being direct vassals of the king in the northwest, meant that the Kent family would have to consider the consequences of any aggression. War was not a certainty.
Thus, at the end of the meeting, besides the five measures, Paul simply ordered martial law in Alda and Baylding, without declaring war on Emden.
At the Kent’s estate in Emden, Bayland Castle stood isolated, devoid of towns or farms, housing only the Kent family and their servants.
Emerson paced nervously in the hall, waiting. Finally, footsteps echoed in the corridor, and a figure appeared.
He bowed respectfully: “Uncle Kent.”
Count Kent seemed in good spirits as he sat at the table, where a servant promptly served two glasses of wine, one before the count and the other before Emerson.
“Little Emerson, tell me how our Lord Grayman responded,” said Count Kent to Emerson, who hesitated before speaking.
“What’s the matter?” the Count asked, sensing something amiss from Emerson’s expression. Could it be that the young lord refused his terms? How could that be?
However, Emerson’s words soon confirmed his suspicion.
“Uncle Kent, Grayman refused your request! I’m sorry, it’s my incompetence,” Emerson said with an expression of deep guilt.
Hearing this, Count Kent’s face gradually stiffened.
“How dare he… how dare he…” the Count muttered in disbelief.
He quickly ordered a servant to summon Jace, who was practicing swordsmanship outside.
Jace entered the somber atmosphere of the hall and asked in confusion, “Father, Emerson, what happened?”
Without answering, Count Kent listened as Emerson recounted his meeting with Paul, embellishing the details.
“…I emphasized that this was already a leniency from you, Uncle Kent, just a small punishment for his unilateral actions…”
“…But Grayman arrogantly refused, it seems his previous victories have gone to his head…”
“…His officials were all incredibly arrogant, saying they wanted to teach the Kent family a lesson…”
Emerson spent nearly half an hour detailing the ‘events’ of the meeting with Paul, with the expressions of Count Kent and Jace growing increasingly grim.
After Emerson finished, Jace looked to his father, asking, “Shall we punish the Grayman family?” Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novel⁂fire.net
“Of course!” Count Kent replied almost growling, his tone firm and unwavering as he addressed Jace.
“The Kent family has established its footing in the northwest through the fear of other families. We can bide our time, lie low for as long as it takes, but we will never forget an enemy. Without Duke Ferdinand’s support, who in the Northwest Bay would dare refuse the Kent family or disrespect us? If we let the Grayman family go unpunished, others will follow suit, and we will become a second-rate family in the northwest.”
“In short, Grayman must be punished!”
Jace nodded in understanding, “I understand, Father.”
Count Kent’s face twisted into a cold sneer, revealing his sharp, long canines, “Hmph! The Grayman family isn’t worth our patience. Their current strength cannot withstand even a single blow from us.”
“Father, your command?” Jace responded immediately, ready for orders.
“Summon half of the knights from our lands and notify our vassals. I need at least 2000 soldiers, all must be assembled at Bayland Castle within three weeks.”
“Yes, I’ll see to it at once.”
Count Kent then turned to Emerson, “I hear you’ve studied military strategy in the capital. You’ll assist Jace.”
Emerson stood up resolutely, “Uncle Kent, I will help you teach Grayman a lesson.”
Count Kent drained his glass of wine, then casually let the glass fall and shatter on the floor.
“Grayman, this will be your fate!” he declared.