Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Just as everyone in the dining hall was enthusiastically discussing the bright future of canned food, a guard hurriedly entered.
He approached Paul and whispered, "Lord Grayman, an envoy from Emden requests your audience."
Upon hearing this, Paul's face, which had been full of smiles just moments ago, suddenly turned serious. With a somewhat grave tone, he addressed the people present, "Everyone, the Kent family has sent someone over. It's very likely they bring news we least want to hear."
The atmosphere in the dining hall immediately chilled, and everyone's expressions turned serious.
Bryce cracked his knuckles and said, "Is it finally happening? Let's bravely face it, everyone."
Paul was actually a bit puzzled because according to the latest intelligence, the Kent family hadn't completed their troop assembly yet.
Oh well, let's not dwell on that. We'll face whatever comes. Who's afraid of whom?
To fully display his "contempt" for the enemy, Paul ordered the envoy to be brought to the dining hall. He intended to meet this envoy while chewing on canned meat.
Soon, the envoy was brought in. Upon entering the dining hall, he frowned slightly, clearly displeased.
The Alden people actually planned to eat and negotiate at the same time; it was extremely disrespectful.
Paul asked sternly, "Mr. Envoy, what brings you to Alden Town?"
The envoy bowed and said, "I come on behalf of Earl Kent to convey his hopes for peace to you."
Paul chuckled instead of getting angry. "Oh-ho! What part of me does he intend to cut this time? Just say it straightforwardly."
The envoy replied, "Earl Kent harbors no ambitions toward you. The misunderstandings from our last meeting were due to misinterpretations by our previous envoy, which unnecessarily complicated matters and caused you great misunderstanding."
Paul found it somewhat unbelievable. "What? Am I hearing correctly?"
"You heard correctly."
The envoy repeated his words.
Paul asked, "And what about Byerldine?"
The envoy answered, "Earl Kent will no longer involve himself in that matter."
This was truly bizarre! Paul could hardly believe his ears. He knew exactly what kind of person Maltz Kent was, and his current actions were completely contrary to his usual style.
After a few more exchanges, the envoy was quickly taken away to rest. People in the dining hall began discussing the intentions of the Kent family.
"You can't trust a single word from Maltz Kent."
"The Kent family is definitely brewing some clandestine conspiracy!"
"Saying they won't interfere is probably just to confuse us. They might strike Alden when we least expect it."
People discussed fervently, all holding a negative view of the Kent family and agreeing not to relax their guard.
Paul instructed, "Bernard, see if Supervisor Cecil has returned to the Intelligence Department. If he's here, bring him to me."
Cecil hadn't come over to try the canned food due to some business, but soon he arrived with Bernard.
He hurriedly said to Paul upon entering, "Lord Grayman, it's quite coincidental. I was just about to report an important piece of news I received."
"Oh? Then go ahead."
"The Kent family troops gathered at Bailan Castle have disbanded."
Paul stood up abruptly. "Is this true?"
Cecil affirmed with a determined gaze, "Absolutely, Lord Grayman."
Paul sighed, "Cecil, do you know why I summoned you? The Kent family sent someone earlier, expressing Maltz Kent's desire to maintain peace with us. They claimed the previous envoy misunderstood his intentions and caused a misunderstanding."
Cecil asked, "What do you think, my lord?"
Paul replied, "How could I believe such nonsense? Either he has a larger conspiracy or he's encountered trouble, forcing him to temporarily halt aggression against us."
Cecil nodded in agreement, "Your thinking is very wise, my lord. Once that wolf catches its prey, it won't let go until it has taken a substantial bite."
Paul instructed him, "So, continue to keep an eye on Emden. Don't overlook any developments, and if possible, try to place some insiders within the Kent family."
"Emden will remain under close watch. It's challenging to insert personnel into their ranks, but I'll do my best," Cecil promised.
Paul addressed everyone, "Regardless of why the Kent family has backed down from war, the pressure on us has eased a bit. But we must remain strong; we cannot rely on their goodwill for our safety. Our strength needs continuous reinforcement."
He looked at the officers present. "Schroder, Bryce, and everyone else in the military, I entrust military matters to you."
Schroder stood up along with the others and said, "We will follow your orders, Earl."
Paul then turned to everyone and continued, "Let's now shift our focus back to economic development."
"Hansel, in a few days, you will depart for the capital! Our second batch of grain offerings to His Majesty is ready. Additionally, take a batch of canned goods to market to the royal army. I believe they will find it to their liking."
Hansel replied happily, "Lord Grayman, I'll go back and prepare. You're right; canned goods seem tailor-made for military campaigns."
Paul thought to himself, "You're not wrong. Canned goods were indeed invented under Napoleon to solve the problem of long-term storage of military supplies."
Hansel's return would not only involve delivering food but also establishing a northwest office in the capital. He would leave personnel stationed there to recruit talent long-term and gather the latest intelligence from the kingdom's upper echelons. Several of Cecil's trusted subordinates would accompany him to the capital.
"Also, regarding the Southern refugees you mentioned earlier, if conditions allow, do your best to bring them here," Paul added.
"I'll keep a close watch. A vassal like you who actively helps the kingdom resolve troubles will surely be seen favorably by His Majesty," Hansel replied.
Let's hope so!
After concluding these matters, Paul announced to everyone, "Today brings us good news continuously. The war clouds hanging over us are finally dissipating. Speaking of good news, yesterday I received a report from the Frand Port Shipyard that our first 'sloop' has been completed!"
Many were puzzled. Was one ship enough to make the Earl so happy?
Ford, the steward, explained to those confused, "This ship isn't like the sailboats we usually see. Its structure is vastly different and designed for long-distance voyages. With it, the Earl's proposed ocean trade can finally become a reality."
Everyone suddenly realized why the Earl was so delighted. With maritime trade possible, they need not fear a coalition of nearby lords blocking Alden.
Administrators discussed promising trade prospects, while military officers deliberated on naval development. Amidst these discussions, they continued to enjoy their canned food, and the atmosphere in the dining hall relaxed once more.
Only Lady Advisor D'Arshi couldn't hide her lack of excitement. Paul's suggestion for Hansel to market canned goods to the royal army reminded her of the Southern rebellion once again.
She thought to herself, "Sigh! I wonder how things are in the South now, and how Father and Sister are handling the situation."
Having been away from home for so long, her resentment towards her father had gradually faded. Eileen now worried about her family and the kingdom's situation, after all, she was the princess of this country.
Lost in these thoughts, she lost interest in staying in the dining hall. She finished her apple and stood up to bid Paul farewell. "Earl, I have work to attend to. If there's nothing else, I'll return to my office."
Paul replied, "Of course, Lady D'Arshi. Thank you for your efforts."
Eileen bowed slightly to Paul and then turned to leave.
Ladia also stood up and said, "Lord Grayman, I'll accompany Lady D'Arshi back. We need to discuss some matters."
Paul nodded, "Please do, Miss Ladia."
Ladia seemed to notice Eileen's change in mood. She held Eileen's hand, and together they left.
Watching the two advisors leave, Hansel looked puzzled.
"I feel like I've seen that Miss D'Arshi somewhere before. Where could it have been?"
After pondering for a while, he shook his head to clear his doubts and refocused on the beef canned food in front of him.
(End of the Chapter)