Capítulo 227: Invitation
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
As February arrived, the weather remained chilly, but the first signs of spring began to emerge. Everything started to awaken, and the northwest fields began to show vibrant green hues.
On the road from Alden to the neighboring territory of Rankar, a group of riders was galloping along.
"To be honest, I prefer the snowy winter to the warm, green spring," Paul complained to Malon beside him. "It's just a shame such a beautiful season passes so quickly."
"Are you joking, Paul?" Malon was surprised. The northwest winters were a major challenge for the locals, with many poor families losing members to the cold each year.
"The longer the winter, the more commoners freeze to death! I can't believe you, as a lord, would say something like that!"
"Ah, I apologize. My words were indeed inappropriate. I promise you, in the future, winter will lose its harshness and become a warm and beautiful season."
With the commencement of blast furnace ironmaking, Paul planned to increase coal production to make coke. However, the mined coal would not only be used for ironmaking but also sold to the commoners at a low price.
"What do you think Earl Pryce Parker invited us for this time?" Paul asked. "Any thoughts?"
"He just wants our technology. Didn't he say at the Duke's bithday celebration that we'd discuss it slowly later?"
"I have a feeling there might be more to it…"
...
TL NOTE: The author seems really confused with these titles, last time it was Viscount Parkerer but now it's somehow Earl... I'll keep it as the author has kept it...
By evening, the group arrived at the Parker family's castle, where Earl Pryce Parker welcomed Paul and Malon inside. After some pleasantries, the Earl arranged for them to be taken care of, allowing them a short rest before inviting them to dinner.
"Lord Parker, what is the purpose of your invitation to your castle?" Paul and Malon's invitation mentioned important matters but did not specify what.
"Ah! Paul, Malon, I am somewhat of your elder, so I'll take the liberty of calling you by your names directly. I invited you here regarding the Duke's heir. You know that Duke Fraule has designated Earl Kent as the heir. What are your thoughts on this?"
"Thoughts?" Paul and Malon exchanged glances, unable to gauge the old Earl's intentions.
As Paul pondered how to respond, Malon spoke up first, filled with indignation. "Personally, I am pessimistic. That Maltz Kent is no good man and lacks the demeanor of a high noble. Last year, he tried to blackmail us and nearly marched his troops against us. Though he didn't in the end, we've already made enemies. Surely you know, Lord Parker, that he's been arrogant and tyrannical, abusing the Duke's favor, causing resentment among the northwest lords. If he becomes the Duke, he'll only get worse."
Paul was sweating profusely, trying to intervene but failing in time.
Oh my, dear brother, your mouth is too fast! What if Pryce Parker is allied with Maltz Kent? What if he's probing us on Kent's behalf?
"Oh~ I hope there aren't five hundred axe-wielding soldiers outside just waiting for Earl Parker to throw his cup."
He glanced nervously at the old Earl. Pryce's expression remained unchanged, and he didn't throw his cup, but kept stroking his graying beard.
After almost a minute of Paul's anxious waiting, Pryce finally spoke. "Malon's words truly resonate with me. I also believe that Maltz Kent becoming the Duke is not a good thing for us."
The old Earl said solemnly, "Especially for those of us who are direct vassals of the royal family."
"What do you mean by that, Lord Parker?"
"Allow me to introduce someone to you. Viscount, please come in."
As Pryce spoke, he clapped his hands vigorously.
A figure appeared from around the corridor and walked towards them.
Paul and Malon were astonished to see that it was Henry Fraule, the Duke Fraule's younger brother.
Wasn't he imprisoned by his own brother? How could he be here? Have the brothers reconciled?
"This…"
Paul looked at Pryce with a head full of questions.
Pryce said to Henry, "Viscount, these two are indeed not aligned with Maltz Kent. You must have heard about the near-war between Alden and Emden last year. Please tell them what happened."
Compared to the Duke's birthday banquet, Henry Fraule looked much thinner but more resolute. He bowed to Paul and Malon and then hurriedly said:
"My Lords, Maltz Kent is plotting to betray the kingdom!"
"Betray the kingdom?"
Paul and Malon were both shocked. The information was overwhelming.
"Do you mean he plans to stage a rebellion like Giles did?"
"Yes, that is certainly his plan."
"How did the Viscount learn of this? Shouldn't you report this to your brother first, so he can strip Maltz Kent of his heir status and arrest him?"
Paul found it hard to believe. Though the Kent family was notorious in the northwest, they were just earls with no real chance against the kingdom's government.
Oh, perhaps once he inherited the Dukedom, he might have some leverage, but if Duke Fraule knew of his schemes, he would... Wait, could it be Duke Fraule himself planning the rebellion? Isn't Maltz Kent his most trusted lieutenant?
Paul looked at Viscount Henry. If this were true, was he planning to betray his own brother?
Viscount Henry's face showed a sorrowful expression. "My brother, the Duke of the Northwest, told me about this himself. He has been controlled by that scoundrel Maltz Kent."
Paul and Malon roughly understood the situation. Duke Fraule was somehow controlled by Maltz and discovered his rebellious ambitions. He then quietly informed his brother, Viscount Henry, who fled to warn other lords.
This assumes Viscount Henry is telling the truth, as many questions remain. How could a Duke be so completely controlled, even at a public event like a birthday banquet, without raising any alarm? How did Viscount Henry escape?
As if sensing Paul's doubts, Henry took out a piece of paper and handed it to him.
"This is a letter written by my brother himself. Please read it."
(End of the Chapter)
REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES 
CinderTL
CinderTL If you want to support me and read advanced chapters (currently up to 272 as of 30Aug24), visit my p atreon: Pa treon.com/CinderTL
Support me for as low as $1
Like it? Add to library!
Don't forget to vote to support the book if you like it.
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder