Chapter 61: Not Going Back

Chapter 61: Not Going Back

TL: Etude

Paul Grayman convened the military and political leaders of his territory, having Malron recount the specific details of recent events at the meeting. Everyone present was outraged by the treachery and shamelessness of the traitors.

He then explained to everyone his plan to announce to the entire Northwestern Frontier in the coming autumn, exposing the conspiracies of these traitors and sending troops to Baylding.

The steward, Ford, suggested, Should we not first lodge a complaint with the Duke of the Northwest, letting him adjudicate the right and wrong of Baylding?

Oh? That was an option. But Paul would not opt for it. Setting aside whether the Duke of the Northwest was fair or not, if the issue was resolved by someone else, what would become of the coal and iron mines in Baylding, and what would Paul Grayman have to do with them?

This back-and-forth could drag on indefinitely. Are we supposed to let those traitors get away with it for even longer? Paul disagreed with this plan.

Old Ford was somewhat worried: But, my lord, the Duke is after all the most significant vassal in the kingdoms northwestern territories. If we act on our own without consulting him, could it not lead to his displeasure?

Paul appeared unconcerned: We are not vassals of the Duke of the Northwest. If I remember correctly, ever since the establishment of the kingdom, the Grayman and the Ganard families have always been direct vassals of His Majesty the King. Our titles were granted by His Majesty himself, and we need not heed the opinions of others.

Seeing the lord so resolute, Steward Ford said no more.

From now on, everything in the territory must give way to the preparations for the autumn campaign. Cecil needs to ascertain as much as possible about the enemys reality and illusions. The staff department must formulate a battle plan, preparing for any possible scenario. The logistics department should ready ample supplies, and the equipment department must hasten the production of firearms and cannons, striving to equip a company of riflemen before the commencement of hostilities.

The meeting concluded with the above resolutions.

Why hadnt he noticed this earlier? In desperation, Malron wrote secret letters for help to his former close friends. Fortunately, the traitors were unaware that their plot had been exposed, and the letters were successfully delivered to Lakeheart Town. Now that he had escaped the wolfs den, how could he possibly return?

Following Pauls earlier advice, Malron didnt react rashly. He tried to remain calm and politely told the messenger, Let Supervisor Angelo and others handle those documents for now. I grant them this authority.

The messenger seemed to want to persuade him further.

Malron, maintaining the dignity of his title, was on the verge of losing his temper: Hmm? What? Are you defying your lords will?

Frightened, the messenger hastily apologized and left in a hurry.

Back in Butuya, Malrons vassals panicked upon learning he wouldnt return. Viscount Aibut immediately blamed Angelo, Look what youve done! That boy must have sensed something!

Angelo feigned calm, Whats the panic? Its normal for a young man, confined at home for so long, to want to stay a few extra days at a friends place!

Even he seemed to convince himself of this. However, he continued, The sky isnt falling. If he doesnt return after a long time, well lead troops to Alda to demand his return. We can claim that the Grayman boy is trying to seize the mines of Baylding and that he lured his blood-sworn brother to Lakeheart Town under the guise of an invitation and imprisoned him. With the Graymans poor connections in the Northwest, who would help them?

You all, return to your territories, recruit soldiers, and start training. If Malron doesnt come back by autumn, well go and take him by force.

The barons nodded, while Viscount Aibut, though reluctant, had no better plan and tacitly agreed to Angelos scheme. He left with a bitter remark, If you hadnt let him go, we wouldnt be in this mess! and stormed off.

Angelo watched Aibut leave, his expression fluctuating between light and shadow.