Bab 92: Extortion 1
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Emerson Wilde waited in the castle's dining hall for the arrival of Earl Kent.
Deployed six months ago as a royal commissioner to Emden, Emerson's family, the Wildes, had close relations with the Kent family. Their ties had never been severed, and Emerson had maneuvered skillfully behind the scenes to secure this assignment to Emden.
This overseas assignment was almost like a vacation in a relative's territory. Unlike the Northwest Lords, renowned for their hardship, the Kents were known for their wealth. Emerson naturally didn't suffer much upon arriving here, and thanks to their familial ties, he didn't face the disdain from his host like other royal commissioners.
A voice announced at the door, "The Earl is here!"
Emerson stood up to greet Earl Kent upon his arrival.
The lord of the castle strolled into the dining hall, accompanied by a young man who bore some resemblance to him.
He was the Earl's son and Emerson's cousin, Jaius Kent.
Emerson greeted the two, "Good day, Uncle Kent. Good day, Cousin Jaius."
"Please, have a seat, young Emerson."
The Earl warmly invited Emerson to sit down, showing none of the coldness he had displayed when Viscount Ankiro visited, his pale face even showing a hint of color.
Once the father and son were seated at the table, the Earl instructed a nearby servant, "Serve the meal."
Jaius asked Emerson, "Long time no see. How are you settling in here with Uncle Kent?"
Emerson smiled and replied, "Uncle Kent has treated me very well. And what about you? When did you return?"
"Only last night. I didn't want to disturb your rest, so I didn't inform you," Jaius said.
Months ago, Jaius had led troops south to defend the king, but due to shortages in the capital, the defending forces had temporarily disbanded.
The three discussed recent events. Earl Kent remarked, "This time, the grain was burned to the ground. After this disbandment, I wonder when His Majesty will gather the lords again for defense."
All three were aware of the kingdom's grain shortage, so there was no need to be discreet in their conversation.
Shaking his head, Jaius added, "Before I left, rumors were rampant. Our king seems to be facing an unprecedented crisis. It's not just a matter of food; the southern rebels seem unusually powerful, making it difficult to deal with."
Despite his tone, there was no worry for the king in Jaius's voice.
Earl Kent looked meaningfully at Emerson and slowly said, "Given the current situation, both the Wilde family and the Kent family must prepare in advance."
Emerson clearly understood what the Earl meant by "preparing in advance"—essentially, ensuring not to hang oneself on the royal tree and keeping a way out for oneself.
Though Emerson was a royal commissioner, his loyalty primarily lay with his family. Until the situation became clearer, he would maintain the appearance of a loyal servant to the crown. Once the crown's decline was evident, he would immediately turn to another side.
In this era, wasn't this how everyone acted?
He gave the Earl a knowing glance, silently acknowledging, "Thank you for the reminder, Uncle Kent. I'm sure my father will make all necessary preparations."
Earl Kent burst into laughter, understanding the times and recognizing the necessity of assessing the situation. It was this mutual understanding that allowed their families to maintain long-term relations and even alliances.
Just then, the servants brought in breakfast.
As the platter was unveiled before the Earl, a strong smell of blood filled the air.
Emerson wrinkled his nose. Despite sharing several meals with Uncle Kent, he still wasn't accustomed to this taste.
On the Earl's plate was an exquisite glass filled not with wine or juice, but with crimson blood, a sight that sent shivers down one's spine.
His cousin Jaius remained unfazed, evidently accustomed to his father's peculiar beverage.
Emerson had visited Emden before, but Earl Kent hadn't developed this habit back then.
During his current visit to Emden and his first meal with the Earl, a large glass of blood on the table startled him.
The Earl explained that it was a health regimen taught by a wandering physician: drink a cup of sheep's blood or pig's blood with a secret medicine to stay robust and extend one's lifespan.
Through past communications between their families, Emerson knew Earl Kent had suffered a severe illness. Saved by a passing physician while on death's door, it was likely this person who taught him this health practice.
Clearly, this health regimen had some effect. Despite being over fifty, Uncle Kent appeared robust, albeit with strangely pale skin—probably due to spending most of his time inside the castle, rarely venturing out.
The Earl enthusiastically recommended his health regimen to Emerson, but the pungent smell of blood made Emerson politely decline. How could one have a good appetite while dining and drinking such things?
Earl Kent lifted the cup and took a small sip, showing a thoroughly pleased expression.
Initially repulsed, Emerson gradually acquired a taste for the beverage himself.
To maintain a fresh supply, the Earl ordered the kitchen to slaughter livestock every two days. Blood obtained on the same day was particularly delicious, while a few cups were left in the cellar to chill for the next day's consumption.
After a sip of his "drink," the Earl felt invigorated and began enjoying the delicacies on the table.
Between bites, he said, "Leaving aside the southern rebellion, there have been quite a few events in our region lately!"
Jaius, newly returned, became interested and quietly awaited his father's next words.
"Our northern neighbor single-handedly wiped out invading pirates from our territory. I believe that lad from the Grayman family just turned fifteen, yet he possesses such prowess."
Jaius scoffed, "Just pirates. No matter how young the lord is, his vassals can still do the work."
Earl Kent continued, "After dealing with the pirates, our young Earl seems to have expanded. He even took over Byerldine next door. He and Byerldine's lord, Melon Ganard, are blood-sworn brothers."
"There are two versions of events: one spread by Grayman claims that Ganard's vassals plotted to kill their lord, and as Ganard's blood-sworn brother, he couldn't stand idly by. The notice bore Ganard's personal signature, but it might have been coerced."
"The other version, propagated by Ganard's vassals, alleges that Grayman coveted Byerldine's wealth and, under the guise of a banquet, detained Melon Ganard. They rebelled to reclaim justice. Predictably, they failed—how could a few viscounts and barons contend with a Earl? So, these fellows fled to our lands..."
Jaius continued his father's words, "Want us to send troops to assist?"
"Yes, Byerldine's steward, Ankiro, has been coming to see me every few days."
"Father, which side do you think is lying?" Jaius shrugged.
"It could be Grayman, Ankiro, or both lying. Who knows? Old Ganard's death was dubious, and Ankiro and his men can't be absolved of suspicion. Grayman's takeover of Byerldine is a fact, though. So, my son, it's not important who lies..."
"...but to make the choice most advantageous to us!" Jaius understood his father's intent.
Seeing his son's maturity, Earl Kent smiled, nodded approvingly, and raised his cup to take another sip of his "drink."
"Ankiro has already set his price—a half of Byerldine's land. I wonder how high Grayman's price will be. I'm currently considering who should make a trip to Alden."
As soon as the Earl finished speaking, Emerson, who had been quietly listening, stood up.
"Uncle Kent, if you agree, I'm willing to make a trip to Alden."
(End of the Chapter)
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone