Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

TL: Etude

“Uncle Kent, if you agree, I am willing to meet with Count Grayman.”

Emerson immediately stood up, expressing his willingness to make a trip to Alda for Count Kent.

This was a great opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two families. For a noble family like the Wilde, which specialized in legal robes, having a noble family with lands as a strong ally was extremely necessary.

Count Kent happily said, “Having a skilled speaker like you makes me much more at ease.”

The Kent father and son discussed such a matter in front of another family’s members without any discomfort, as their two families had long been a community of shared interests.

If Emerson could be involved, then after the Kent family received the expected benefits, the Wilde family would surely have their share.

“Uncle Kent, once I arrive in Alda, where should I start?”

Emerson had already roughly understood the situation from the conversation of the Kent father and son, but he still planned to ask Count Kent for advice.

Count Kent stroked his smooth chin, pondered for a while, and after a long time, he said:

“Start with the statements of those few vassals of Baylding. If the other party has sufficient evidence…”

“In our region, Duke Ferdinand [1] of the Northwest is the king’s greatest vassal. Hmph! Grayman took over the neighboring territory by force without even consulting the Duke, he’s really not putting the Duke in his eyes.”

“Even if the truth is as he says, it should be up to Duke Ferdinand to decide, not for him to act rashly.”

“When you get there, focus on this point and see how this young Count responds.”

Emerson indicated he had noted this, then asked, “Then, Uncle Kent, what do you hope to gain from the Grayman family?”

The Count did not answer this question, but instead took out a piece of paper and handed it to Emerson.

Emerson glanced at the paper, carefully put it away, and said, “I will not let you down.”

The Count drained the ‘drink’ in his glass, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with a napkin, and said with a smile:

“This young Grayman is impetuous and acts without considering the consequences, sooner or later he will bring great trouble to his family. So, I feel it necessary to properly teach him a lesson on behalf of his deceased father.”

“Uncle Kent’s efforts in educating the younger generation are truly admirable.”

“Ha ha ha!”

Laughter echoed in the dining room from the three people.

Up to this point, the three present had never considered what they would do if Paul Grayman refused their request, as in their view, this was not an issue at all.

The Kent family was the most powerful family in the region, second only to Duke Ferdinand of the Northwest, with over fifty knights directly under the family, and ten baronial lands as vassals, each with a varying number of knights.

With just one command, they could gather a force of around a hundred knights. In the Northwestern Bay area, who would dare to underestimate such a force?

And Alda needed no further mention. Even if Paul Grayman had expelled the pirates and annexed Baylding, could he establish a force to rival the Kent family in such a short time?

Therefore, Grayman might hesitate, he might negotiate, but he definitely wouldn’t have the courage to outright refuse.

Soon, Emerson set off for Lakeheart Town.

…

To Emerson’s surprise, he encountered a snag as soon as he arrived in Lakeheart Town.

Upon arriving in the town, his first impression was of its remarkably clean streets. He had visited many places in the northwest, not just staying in Count Kent’s territory, and found every town he visited to be rather dirty.

“This seems like a nice place to live,” he thought, as he approached the castle gates of Lakeheart Town.

Emerson identified himself to the guard as a noble from the capital and an envoy of the Kent family, stating he had urgent business with Count Grayman.

After the guard went to notify someone, a well-dressed man soon came out.

Emerson was puzzled: “Strange, isn’t Count Grayman supposed to be only fifteen or sixteen years old? This man looks to be in his twenties.”

The well-dressed man approached Emerson and, with a courteous gesture, said, “I am Bernard Francis, the secretary of Count Grayman. Please follow me to the reception room.”

Emerson felt insulted!

He was representing the Kent family, the second most powerful family in the Northwestern Bay area, and he himself was also a noble. He had made this clear to the guard.

The fact that he was not greeted personally was one thing, but to be casually assigned to a mere clerk was a blatant disrespect to him and the Kent family.

During his nearly half a year in the northwest, Emerson had visited other territories and families. Upon learning of his relation to the Kent family and his status as a noble of the capital, everyone had treated him with flattery and utmost hospitality. Unknowingly, this had fostered in him an extremely arrogant attitude.

“Please lead the way,” said Emerson, adjusting his mindset and setting aside his displeasure to follow Bernard to the castle’s reception room.

Bernard respectfully asked, “May I know the purpose of your visit, sir?”

Emerson shook his head: “I can only speak directly to Lord Grayman. Please arrange a meeting with him as soon as possible.”

To his surprise, the man claiming to be Bernard said, “Lord Grayman is currently busy with other matters. I am his chief secretary, and you can tell me anything. I will convey your message to Lord Grayman without fail.”

“I’m sorry, but I must speak directly to Lord Grayman!”

Emerson emphasized again, his tone now carrying a hint of displeasure.

Bernard felt troubled, not understanding how he had offended the envoy. Emerson’s tone clearly carried an intimidating undertone.

Recalling Paul’s schedule, Bernard reluctantly said, “Sir, if you insist on speaking only to Lord Grayman, then you will have to wait until tomorrow afternoon. The Count’s schedule is fully booked until then.”

Paul had instructed him on prioritizing various matters. Matters like envoys from peer lords seeking a meeting, unless it was for declaring war or discussing business cooperation, were to be scheduled later.

Since Emerson was unwilling to disclose his purpose, Bernard had no choice but to postpone the meeting.

Emerson became infuriated upon hearing this!

Before coming, he had thoroughly inquired about the Grayman family. They were banished to the Northwestern Bay for siding with the wrong party in court politics and were even prohibited from granting fiefs. They had no legitimate knights, let alone barons or viscounts.

For such a family, weaker than some slightly more powerful viscounts, to disregard an envoy from the Kent family was audacious.contemporary romance

“Very well! I shall wait for my meeting with Lord Grayman tomorrow afternoon.”

Emerson, far from angry, smiled. He decided to play along with this young, naïve Count.

[1] Author changed Duke Flaur (弗勞爾) has been changed into Ferdinand (費迪南)

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