Translator: Cinder Translations
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After Paul and Malon returned to their domain, they briefed the senior officials of the administration and military on their experiences in the Rankar domain.
The Parker family was secretly forming an alliance against Earl Kent? This news surprised everyone greatly.
"So, what do you think we should do? Should we join this secret alliance? Or perhaps remain neutral and stay out of it? We still have a chance to choose before both sides clash."
Paul asked the gathering. He wasn't about to rush into the secret alliance just because of grievances with the Kent family. What if he picked the wrong side and ended up losing?
The sound of fists pounding the table erupted.
"Of course, we should join this alliance and give those Kent bastards a good beating! Have you forgotten how they treated us last year? It still makes my blood boil."
Bryce spoke, continuously pounding the table with his fist to emphasize his point.
"We were weak before and struggled against the Kent family. We had to pretend like nothing happened despite their disrespect. But now, with so many lords against them, why not take this opportunity to retaliate against the humiliations they forced upon us?"
"Bryce! Mind your manners in front of Earl Grayman." Schroeder intervened to stop the First Battalion commander's impulsive speech.
"Maltz Kent is now the Duke's heir. If that letter is genuine, then the Duke is already under his control. He can command the other vassals of the Fraule family. It's not just the Kent family we're facing."
Bryce retorted, "If we make that letter public, who would support him?"
Schroeder shook his head. "It's just a letter; its credibility is weak. Even I doubt its authenticity. It's likely Earl Parker wanted to overthrow the Kent family long ago, and Viscount Henry, disgruntled for not becoming the heir, joined hands. The rushed writing was probably to avoid exposure of the forged words."
"Well... that's also possible," Bryce was at a loss for words.
"Which side do you two Earls lean towards?" Ford, the steward, stroked his beard and asked aloud. He had been meditating with his eyes closed, listening to the discussion.
"Malon and I are inclined to join the alliance against the Kent family, if... if Earl Parker can gather a sufficiently strong force."
Ford nodded. "Morally speaking, the Kent family has acted wantonly in the Northwest Bay. We have all suffered from their bullying. It would be welcomed by many to eliminate or weaken the Kent family. Moreover, with the Duke's coercion and the conspiracy to betray the kingdom—ah, whether it's true or not isn't important. When everyone needs it to be true, it's one hundred percent true. Either way, both are serious offenses. Besides..."
Ford paused and continued slowly, "According to the letter, Earl Kent is suspected of manipulating sorcery..."
Paul noticed a slight tremor in the body of Lady Advisor Ladia, responsible for recording the meeting.
"Therefore... I suggest you seize this opportunity."
The old steward's words inclined Paul even more towards joining the alliance against the Kent family.
Others also expressed their agreement with Steward Ford's words. Especially Hansel, who was particularly sensitive to the suspicion that Earl Kent was planning a rebellion. The kingdom's government was focusing its efforts on dealing with the southern rebels, and Hansel had just received news from the capital that the pacification forces were about to march south. The emergence of another rebellion in the rear was a serious concern.
"Since we have decided on the general direction, we need to start preparing. We must revise and activate last year's contingency plans for dealing with the Kent family threat, strengthen our military capabilities, and shift our production focus to military matters."
This was the resolution made in the meeting.
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After Paul and Malon left, Earl Parker continued to contact nobles from various regions. The lords exchanged letters and shared their views on the Kent family. Gradually, an anti-Kent faction began to form among the lords of the Northwest Bay.
A month after the previous invitation to Paul and Malon, Earl Parker felt it was time. After extensive testing and screening, he had identified some staunch members of the faction, and as long as he took the lead, they would definitely join his alliance.
It was time to gather everyone and discuss the specifics.
Alden Town received another invitation from the neighboring territory.
Paul and Malon set out once again and arrived at Earl Parker's castle on the appointed day.
Upon entering the hall, Paul was shocked to see that it was already filled with a large number of prominent lords from the Northwest Bay.
A closer inspection revealed that the majority of these lords were direct vassals of the royal family or their subordinates, with only a few from Duke Fraule's faction.
"Everyone! Let's discuss the main business."
When everyone had arrived, Earl Parker promptly initiated the meeting.
"The most important reason we are gathered here today is to hold Maltz Kent accountable for his kidnapping of Duke Fraule and his conspiracy to betray the kingdom. As subjects of His Majesty the King, we cannot ignore such matters. We must extinguish this fire before it starts. With the southern rebellion still unresolved, it is our duty to ensure the stability of the kingdom's rear."
A murmur of agreement echoed through the hall, with a few individuals stepping forward to pledge their loyalty to the royal family.
Earl Parker continued loudly, "Of course, there is a secondary reason, which is to unite against the oppression of the Kent family. I am sure everyone is aware of Maltz Kent's numerous crimes. Most of us have suffered under his tyranny. If he could be so abusive as a mere count, imagine how much worse it will be if he becomes a duke."
Paul thought to himself, 'This must be the main reason everyone is here.'
Indeed, as soon as the old earl finished speaking, the hall erupted into a heated discussion. One by one, lords who had grievances against the Kent family stood up to recount the misdeeds of Maltz Kent, and the meeting began to shift towards a grievance session.
(End of the Chapter)