章節 221: Banquet 3
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"Grayman Earl, Ganard Earl, how were those things of yours made? I'm willing to pay a hefty sum to acquire the relevant technology."
Finally, someone asked.
"I am too. Our family has some savings, and the price we offer will definitely satisfy you."
Once the first person spoke up, the second followed.
They had sent people to Alden to gather information on the related technology, but Alden strictly controlled access to its factories and workers.
Inside the factories, the production process was divided into several parts, with each worker responsible for only a small portion. Very few could glimpse the whole process. Those who had such qualifications were highly paid, and both they and their families lived in specially protected areas.
So far, they had only gathered a little information. For example, paper-making seemed to involve wood, while porcelain appeared to be fired from clay.
Cecil, the intelligence chief, managed the intelligence department not with the supernatural powers seen in other time-travel novels but adequately maintained the secrecy of their own affairs. However, around here, none of the neighboring lords had any underground strength to speak of; everyone of them was an amateur in the "covert front."
Malon was at a loss, staring at Paul, waiting for his decision.
"Um... everyone..."
Paul pondered for a moment. At present, he couldn't make up his mind whether to open up the technology to outsiders. Since the successful iron smelting in the blast furnace, he had higher pursuits and was less concerned about industries like paper-making and canning. He also didn't want to expend too much effort in keeping their secrets. As he had thought before, these things would inevitably spread sooner or later.
However, even if combining Alden and Byerldine didn't give them absolute superiority over neighboring territories, in this chaotic world, might made right. They had to accumulate some capital for self-preservation first.
"Everyone, we have a patent system. Whether others can use this technology depends on the authorization of the inventor."
"Patent? Aren't you the lord of Alden? Why do you have to consider others' opinions?"
"Well... rules still need to be followed. It's not convenient to discuss this here now. If you're interested, you're welcome to visit Alden Town, and we can sit down and talk."
Seeing Paul's non-committal stance, the lords knew there was hope in this matter. Moreover, with so many people around here, it truly wasn't a suitable place for business negotiations. It was better for fewer people to know about good things, just a few neighbors sharing information.
"Alright, alright, we'll talk slowly after we return! Paul, my young friend, Malon, drink! Drink!"
The delighted crowd shifted to other topics and began to talk loudly.
"Duke Fraule~ is here——"
"Earl Kent~ is here——"
Outside the door came the loudly announced names, their voices several times louder than the others. Finally, the main guest of this birthday banquet had arrived.
The entire hall fell silent, everyone quietly waiting for the arrival of the largest vassal in the northwest kingdom.
A shaky figure, supported by servants, slowly entered.
The current Duke Fraule looked frail and weak, unable to even walk steadily.
"Tsk tsk~ Duke looks really bad."
"I didn't expect it. When I came to pay my respects half a year ago, he was still in good health and had just taken a new concubine."
"Could it be some acute illness?"
Paul heard people murmuring around him.
As soon as the Duke entered, his brother Viscount Henry hurried forward.
"Oh, my brother, you're finally here. Today, you're the protagonist. Happy Birthday!"
"Mm..."
The Duke weakly responded, not looking at anyone in the hall, and silently walked towards the main seat.
Henry dismissed the servants and personally supported him.
Behind the Duke, there were two other figures. No, it was two people.
One was Marz Kent, the Earl, and the other was a young boy, probably Earl Kent's pageboy.
Why Earl Kent appeared with the Duke, no one in the hall thought much about it. Everyone knew that Marz Kent was the most trusted confidant of Duke Fraule.
The Duke finally reached his seat and sat down heavily.
Earl Kent and his pageboy also took their seats near the Duke, while Henry sat on the Duke's other side.
Only then did Duke Fraule raise his head to survey the hall. Seeing so many people looking up at him, his complexion unexpectedly flushed.
The pleasure of power restored some vigor to the Duke.
He extended his slightly trembling arm, and a servant standing by immediately filled a wine glass on the table.
The Duke raised his glass forward.
"Everyone! Thank you for coming to my birthday banquet. Tonight, let's make merry till dawn!"
"Happy birthday, Your Grace!"
The people in the hall also raised their glasses towards Duke Fraule, wishing him well in unison.
"Cheers!"
A smile finally appeared on the Duke's face.
While everyone was focused on Duke Fraule, Paul was observing Earl Kent, the man who had sent envoys to Alden Town last year to extort him.
Marz Kent seemed to sense something and turned his head, meeting Paul's gaze.
He smirked and gave Paul a slight nod.
Paul, however, suddenly felt a chill run through his body, like stumbling upon a group of bats in a pitch-dark cave.
On the main seat, Duke Fraule gathered his strength and announced the start of the banquet. Immediately, a group of servants entered and filled the tables in front of the guests with food, replacing the almost empty wine barrels with fresh ones.
"Please!"
"After you!"
After some polite back-and-forth, the guests began to enjoy the feast and wine.
In addition to the lavish food, the banquet featured various entertainments, with performers of all kinds taking turns to showcase their talents.
"Darn, I'm definitely gaining ten pounds after this."
Paul, sweating profusely, juggled a knife and fork as he dealt with the roast pig in front of him, occasionally toasting with Malon, Bryce, and others around him.
"Everyone!"
A voice suddenly came from the guests' side, not loud but enough to quiet the hall once again.
The Duke spoke again, and reluctantly, Paul set down his utensils and listened attentively.
"As you've seen, my body is becoming less reliable, so..."
The Duke's voice lowered again, as if speaking was becoming difficult.
"So... so..."
After repeating "so" several times, he seemed to gather his final resolve and loudly declared,
"While everyone is here, I will announce the matter of the heir!"
With these words, the entire hall was stunned.
(End of the Chapter)
創作者的想法 
CinderTL
CinderTL If you want to support me and read advanced chapters (currently up to 257), visit my pa treon: Pa treon.com/CinderTL
Like it? Add to library!
Don't forget to vote to support the book if you like it.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票