After having dinner together, seven people sat around a round table. In front of them was a glass cup and a bottle of wine. After making small talk about introductions, asking how they were doing, sharing news about the condition of the area, and so on... the seven people looked at each other.
"Shall we start the real show, Prince Azazel?" asked Hector with a smile on his face.
Sipping the wine in the glass slowly, Azel surveyed the six former nobles. Putting the glass down on the table, he then said, "Fine."
"So... What does Prince Azazel want from the six of us? There's no way you're inviting us just for dinner, right?" Hector asked.
"Tch! You always act like the highest of us, Hector!" exclaimed David with a dissatisfied expression. The rude man gulped down the wine with a smug expression. "You want to ask for our help right, Prince? Just say so!"
"Hehehe... There seems to be a misunderstanding here."
Azel chuckled while looking around. The young man then raised his right hand while showing three fingers.
"Firstly, I'm not asking for your help because you are nothing.
Second, if you think that you are an 'aristocrat', that is a big mistake. Since the previous Marquis was beheaded, you guys have returned to being commoners.
Third, I invite you to come because I want to offer a deal."
"Arrogant!" David shouted angrily.
Not only David, the five other former nobles also looked gloomy. But obviously, Armand looked the calmest because his family was extremely loyal to the Empire and accepted all decisions from above. Hector also became calmer after a while.
Seeing that David was about to throw a tantrum, Hector said quickly, "Calm yourself, David. Let the Prince explain everything."
"Tch! You cowards! Really scared of the little boy."
"DAVID! Your words could be considered as blasphemy against the Imperial Family!" shouted Hector with a somber expression.
Realizing something, David clucked with a dissatisfied expression. Looking away, he looked indifferent. But in the end he chose to remain silent.
"In the Royal Capital, maybe you will be beheaded immediately. But here I won't care what you guys say. I just want to offer something." Azel smiled casually and didn't think David's words were too much.
"um... Prince Azazel, what exactly do you want to offer us?" Rocco Carter, who had been silent, spoke up.
"Noble title of course, However...with some conditions." Azel smiled mysteriously.
"Tch! Want to ask for another tax increase? In the end you showed your true self!" David snorted coldly.
"David..." Hector growled.
"Fine... fine! I'll be quiet."
"No." Azel shook his head lightly. "I don't want an increase in taxes, but a system of government. After you return to being nobles, you will manage your territory according to my request. If I say I need troops, you send troops. If I say taxes go up or down, you should also adjust."
"Nonsense!" David stood up and pounded on the table. "How are we different from being your errands! That's impossible!"
"I don't think that's a problem, do you? Previously... you were also an 'errand'. Just changing Master, what's the difference?" Azel shrugged with a disdainful expression.
"Mr. Lawyer gave us the freedom to rule the territory and only care about taxes!" shouted David with a stern expression.
"Hehehe... wasn't it because he was trying to create an opening so he could rebel? After all, rather than you guys, the Marquis Lawyer chose the other two families. Yes... even though all three families ended up being wiped out."
"Taking all the land in this region so easily? Impossible! I and my people own the land! If you want, take it from me yourself!" David called out with a vicious expression. He immediately turned to leave the room.
"Aren't you going to regret this decision, Mr. Nixon?" asked Azel.
"Want full control of my land? No way! I don't agree!" exclaimed David before leaving. "Besides, I can't believe the Emperor would support an outcast Prince like you."
Seeing David Nixon leave, the other five former nobles looked at each other with complicated expressions. Azel also noticed that but didn't care. The young man instead added, "Anyone have thoughts like Mr. Nixon? No need to hesitate. If you want to go, I'm not forbidding you.
Willy Palmer's figure suddenly stood up. The man bowed before saying, "I have an objection too, Prince. Although it's not too obvious, the area I'm in charge of already produces a lot of food that keeps the region going through the cold winters. We also donate a lot of grain export funds. So-"
"No need to beat around the bush. You feel that the villagers prefer you over me, right? Have me personally seize the area? I understand, please go."
"Hmph!" Willy Palmer left with a cold expression. Pride was clear on his face.
Seeing that Willy had also left, Azel looked at the remaining four people. The young man smiled, "Anyone want to go… again?"
Realizing that the others had stayed put, Azel smiled.
"Would you give me reasons why you chose to stay, Mr. Foster?" asked Azel.
"The Foster Family exists of the Empire and for the Empire. Any orders, we will carry out."
Hearing words like that straight out of Armand's mouth made Azel feel amazed. He then looked at Rocco. "How about you, Mr. Carter?"
"Yes... I don't have a heroic soul like Armand. It's just that I feel this way is more profitable. As a merchant, calculation aside, I trust instinct." Rocco Carter replied with a slightly embarrassed expression.
"How about you, Mr. Oxley?" asked Azel.
"To be honest, I have feelings of fear for you, Prince Azazel. Unlike the foolish Palmer, we Oxley are aware that our ancestors were just farmers. Despite having good agricultural achievements, we don't have much military achievement. Not to mention... people like us are the easiest to replace type." Matteo Oxley answered with a nervous expression.
"That's not wrong. I like your analysis. But what I like even more, you are aware of your own roots, Mr. Oxley." Azel smiled as he nodded. He then saw a slightly suspicious blonde middle-aged man. The young man thought the man was going to leave. But he was wrong.
With a curious expression, Azel continued, "What about you, Mr. Lawrence?"
"Hehehe…" The middle-aged man chuckled. "Actually this is a gamble. From the information I got, in the 1 month you came to Black Lily City, you made a lot of changes. For that, I don't know whether it's good or bad. But there's something that intrigued me. According to a farmer's story , The Prince has cultivated two kinds of potions. I suspect, these two must have played a big role in the change of your territory."
'Tch! Sly fox! No... you cunning antelope! Thoroughly find out what happened in the territory I manage.'
Azel took a deep breath before saying, "Even though I prepared it for the bargain chip. You have such good hearing, Mr. Lawrence."
"Thank you for the compliment, Prince."
Realizing that the other three former nobles were watching him, Azel smiled bitterly. After lightly shaking his head, the young man said, "Bring that thing in."
After Azel finished talking, four maids including Isabella came into the room. Apart from Isabella, the other three maids were carrying something in their hands. One person brought a glass box containing grasshoppers, one person brought a glass box filled with mice, and finally a tray. On the tray, were two violet and dark green potion bottles.
With a gentle smile on his face, Azel spoke again.
"Because you guys look impatient. Let Isabella explain."
****