Chapter 152: Andrew
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"Baron Abbott, these 'canned goods' are indeed what the Kingdom's army needs."
Viscount William's complexion had improved significantly since their first meeting.
"So, how are they made?"
Naturally, it would be best if he had control over such things.
Hansel wore a somewhat apologetic expression.
"I'm sorry, my lord Viscount, I don't know how the canned goods are made either. The inventor and producer of canned goods is Earl Paul Grayman of Alden in the Northwest Bay. He simply commissioned me, as a royal commissioner, to promote this processed food to the Kingdom's army, but he didn't mention a word about how they are made."
Viscount William shook his head repeatedly. "That's truly regrettable, very regrettable. Earl Grayman should have directly offered the production method to the royal court. These local lords, what has become of their loyalty to King Rodney I's legacy? Have they forgotten their ancestors' oaths?"
In truth, what truly disappointed the Viscount was that the other party was a feudal aristocrat, moreover an Earl, making it difficult to forcibly acquire the canned goods production method, especially during this sensitive time of lordly rebellions in the South Marches.
Hansel thought to himself, bitterly: The original oath didn't say that lords had to obediently hand over whatever caught the royal family's eye.
Viscount William continued, "Baron Abbott, please convey to Earl Grayman that if he can offer the production method for canned goods, His Majesty the King will surely reward him generously."
"I will definitely relay this to Earl Grayman."
Hansel promised verbally but thought to himself: Since when can a quartermaster make decisions for His Majesty the King? Moreover, what use is such an empty promise?
"So, the Kingdom's army is interested in these military rations?"
"Interested? Certainly."
The Viscount rolled his eyes.
"But I wonder how large the production capacity of these canned goods is? Once the military decides to procure them, it won't be in small quantities."
Hansel replied somewhat nervously, "Um... to be honest, the current production of canned goods is still relatively low. However, please don't worry; Earl Grayman is expanding his canned goods factory on his estate. By February next year at the latest, he will be able to supply the Kingdom's army on a large scale, steadily and continuously."
I hope those merchants mobilized by Grayman will be effective, Hansel prayed silently.
After stroking his chin for a moment, Viscount William said, "Then let's discuss long-term procurement after he can produce them in large quantities. However, you can provide us with a small quantity of canned goods first for the troops to taste."
Hansel stood up and bowed to him.
"Thank you, my lord Viscount. I will send you another batch of canned goods. When I return to the Northwest, I will ensure they prioritize production and shipment to the capital. Earl Grayman remains loyal to His Majesty the King. This time, I am bringing back a batch of grain as a gift to His Majesty. If the Kingdom's army can purchase canned goods in large quantities, Earl Grayman will surely offer a very low wholesale price."
Viscount William nodded. "Hmm! Let's hope so. However, I must clarify one thing with you first."
"Please, my lord Viscount."
After considering for a moment, Viscount William slowly said, "I am only responsible for supplying the Princess's army with provisions. Other commanders' forces are responsible for their own supplies. It's up to you to figure out how to get them to accept the canned goods."
Hansel noted this down, "Thank you for your reminder, my lord Viscount."
... After bidding farewell from Viscount William's residence, Hansel went straight back home.
As soon as he entered the house, a servant reported to him, "A guest claiming to be Baron Andrew is here to visit you. I told him you were out today and asked him to come another day, but he insisted on waiting for your return."
"Baron Andrew? I don't seem to know such a person."
"From his accent, he seems to be from the northwest area. We thought he might be related to you, so we let him wait for you in the reception hall."
"Take me to meet this Baron Andrew."
Hansel suddenly remembered a Baron Andrew - a vassal of a certain lord in the Northwest Bay.
According to Earl Malon Ganard, Baron Andrew was supposedly the only vassal who did not participate in the rebellion. Using the pretext of loyalty to the crown, Baron Andrew was nominated by Viscount Ankiro to lead the direct troops of the Ganard family south to participate in the royal anti-rebellion war. With this justification, he led the private troops of various families to control the capital of Buteya in the rebellion-torn Byerldine.
Before and after Paul crushed the rebellion in Byerldine, Baron Andrew never led his troops back.
Previously, it was because his lord Malon Ganard "ordered" him to assist the royal family in suppressing the rebellion before returning. However, considering the current situation, the end of suppressing the rebellion still seemed distant. Moreover, according to the correspondence, it was learned that Baron Andrew had performed well and was entrusted with important tasks by Her Highness the Princess. Therefore, after the fire incident at the capital's granary, the Byerldine army was not sent back home like most of the loyalist armies.
Afterwards, when Malon regained his freedom, the Aldens were worried that Baron Andrew might cause trouble when he returned with his troops, so they asked Malon to personally write to him. In addition to informing him that Ankiro and others had initiated the rebellion but it had been suppressed, they reiterated the previous orders, to assist the royal family in suppressing the rebellion before returning. To appease Baron Andrew, they also had his family write a letter and send it together, in summary: there was a little trouble at home, but it had been resolved, so he could rest assured fighting on the front lines and represent Byerldine to serve His Majesty the King faithfully.
That's how Baron Andrew and his Byerldine army remained in the South.
Hansel arrived at the reception hall and met Baron Andrew, who had been waiting for him - a rugged and imposing man.
Hansel introduced himself first, "I am Hansel Abbott. What is Baron Andrew looking me for?"
Baron Andrew immediately stood up to greet him, "It's an honor to meet you, Baron Abbott. I heard you are the royal commissioner stationed in our neighboring Alden. Is that correct?"
Hansel asked him to sit back down, and he took a seat opposite Andrew, nodding in confirmation, "Indeed, I am. I came to the capital this time for official business and will soon be returning to the Northwest Bay."
Baron Andrew looked thoughtful, "It's rare to see someone as dedicated to their duty as Baron Abbott. After the royal commissioner stationed in Byerldine returned to Crystal Glare for no reason, he disappeared. I heard this phenomenon is not unique."
Hansel sarcastically thought to himself: Lords everywhere can't wait for their commissioners to leave, isn't this fulfilling their wishes?
Baron Andrew continued, "I have learned about Ankiro and others' rebellion from Lord Ganard's letter to me. Although I usually despise them, I never thought they would violate their own oaths. It's truly a disgrace for knights."
"Fortunately, Earl Grayman promptly dispatched troops to suppress these traitors. Lord Ganard did not waste his alliance with him in vain. Please convey my gratitude to Lord Grayman when you return."
Hansel smiled and nodded, "Haha, of course, I will convey your sentiments to Earl Grayman."
The two continued to talk for a while, and from the conversation, Hansel judged:
- He really didn't know about Ankiro and others' conspiracy.
- This Baron was always considering himself a knight, and politically... he was a bit naive.
In a way, such a person was quite cute.
The two enjoyed their conversation, and finally, Hansel agreed to help him with a small favor - to bring back a pile of letters to the Northwest Bay, most of which were letters written by soldiers of Byerldine asking someone to write for them.
(End of the Chapter)
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