Bab 97: Outraged
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
After dismissing Emerson, Paul and his associates remained in the reception room and gathered other senior officials from the Cabinet and the military.
The atmosphere quickly turned into a war council.
"We must make the Kent family pay!" The officers were fired up upon hearing of the actions of the Kent family's envoy.
Alden Town had already conceded so much, yet the other side had taken advantage with excessive demands, which was a great humiliation.
After thorough discussion, several resolutions were quickly reached:
Strengthen reconnaissance in border areas and remain vigilant of Emden's movements. Mobilize the intelligence department to gather information on Emden, from high-ranking personnel to military deployments. Form a third infantry battalion based on the current Independent Rifle Company, with Joyce, formerly a sergeant under Schroeder, appointed as battalion commander. Strengthen militia training through the General Staff, supplementing the regular army when necessary. Order the navy to prepare for combat operations, ready to support ground actions at any time.
If they wanted to initiate combat immediately, the troops stationed in Alden Town could depart within two hours. After all, Emden was adjacent to Alden in the south, so extensive preparations like those for a long-distance campaign were unnecessary.
This was the advantage of a standing army. For small-scale operations involving a few thousand troops over short distances, they could be assembled and deployed at any time.
Paul concluded that Earl Kent, his opponent, was different. Although their overall strength was formidable, to conduct a proper lord-to-lord war would require 1 to 2 weeks to gather their forces.
This dilemma troubled him. Should he lead his troops to catch the Kent family off guard first? Or wait for the Kent family to slowly gather their forces and initiate an attack?
If he attacked first, he risked stirring up a hornet's nest without justification, especially since the Kent family had not inflicted any substantial harm on them yet. It would undermine his moral standing, and could provoke retaliation from Duke Fraule and his many vassals. That would be disastrous.
But if he passively waited, giving up the advantage of speed seemed foolish. Military strategists from ancient times emphasized the importance of "speed" in warfare, both at home and abroad.
The officers, led by Bryce, looked eagerly at Paul. "Lord Grayman, let's strike first!"
After careful consideration, Paul opted for caution. After all, the Grayman family were direct vassals of the King in the northwest. If the Kent family indeed harbored ill intentions, they needed to weigh their options carefully.
The likelihood of war breaking out was not a certainty.
Therefore, at the end of the meeting, in addition to the five measures mentioned above, Paul only ordered martial law to be imposed in Alden and Byerldine, refraining from declaring war on Emden.
...
In the lord's residence of Emden, Bailan Castle, there were no towns or villages, only a solitary castle where members of the Kent family and their servants resided.
Emerson paced nervously in the hall, awaiting the outcome. His steps echoed off the walls.
Finally, footsteps approached from the corridor, and a figure emerged into the hall.
He bowed respectfully to the figure. "Uncle Kent."
Earl Kent appeared in good spirits. He walked to the table and sat down, and immediately a servant brought two glasses of wine — one placed before the Earl and the other before Emerson.
"Emerson, tell me how Lord Grayman responded," Kent said casually.
Emerson looked at Earl Kent, hesitant to speak.
"What's the matter?" The Earl sensed something amiss from Emerson's expression. Could it be that the young lordling had dared to refuse his conditions? Absurd!
But Emerson's words confirmed his suspicions.
"Uncle Kent, Lord Grayman has refused your request! I apologize for my incompetence," Emerson said, a deeply ashamed expression on his face.
Upon hearing this, Earl Kent's expression stiffened.
"How dare he... How dare he..." The Earl muttered, his face showing disbelief.
Quickly, he ordered a servant nearby, "Fetch Jaius."
Soon, Jaius, who had been practicing swordsmanship moments ago, arrived.
Seeing the solemn atmosphere in the hall, Jaius asked in confusion, "Father, Emerson, what's happened?"
The Earl remained silent with a stony expression. Emerson spoke up, "Lord Grayman has rejected Uncle Kent's request."
Jaius understood his father's expression now and took a seat, asking, "Father, what's your decision?"
The Earl turned to Emerson and said, "Emerson, tell us in detail about your meeting with Lord Grayman."
Emerson breathed a sigh of relief, carefully controlling his expression, and began recounting his "encounter" with Paul.
"... I emphasized repeatedly that this was already a lenient punishment for his unilateral actions..."
"... But Grayman still arrogantly refused. It seems his recent victories have clouded his judgment..."
"... His officers were all insolent, claiming they would show the Kent family who's boss..."
Emerson spent nearly half an hour detailing his meeting with Paul to the Kent father and son. As he spoke, their expressions grew increasingly grim.
After Emerson finished, Jaius looked at his father. "Should we punish the Grayman family?"
"Of course!" The Earl almost growled, leaving no room for doubt as he answered his son.
With unwavering determination, he stared at Jaius and said:
"The Kent family thrives in the northwest bay because of the fear other families have of us."
"Against our enemies, if a week doesn't bring them down, we'll spend a month. If a month doesn't suffice, we'll spend a year. We can endure and wait patiently, but we will never forget our enemies."
"That's why, except for Duke Fraule, who in the northwest bay has dared to refuse the Kent family's requests, who has dared to disrespect the Kent family?"
"If we let the Graymans off this time, allowing them to insult us without punishment, other families will follow suit, and we will become second-rate in the northwest. Our hard-won reputation will crumble."
"In short, Grayman must be punished!"
Jaius nodded. "I understand, Father."
A cold smile played on Earl Kent's lips, revealing sharp canine teeth, as he said darkly:
"Hmph! The current Grayman family isn't worthy of our tolerance. His current strength can't withstand our blow."
"Jaius!"
"Father, give me your command." Jaius immediately responded, knowing his father was about to issue orders.
"Immediately gather half of our knights in the territory. Notify the vassals of the family to mobilize at least 2,000 soldiers. Everyone must assemble at Bailan Castle within three weeks."
"Yes, I'll do it right away."
The Earl then instructed Emerson, "I heard you studied military matters in the capital. You'll assist Jaius this time."
Emerson stood up promptly. "Uncle Kent, I will ensure Grayman learns his lesson."
The Earl raised his wine glass, finished the wine in one gulp, and then dropped the glass, shattering it on the ground.
"Grayman, this is what awaits you!"
(End of the Chapter)
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
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