Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 58: Discussing Strategy

Translator: Cinder Translations

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Two days after receiving the distress signal, Intelligence Director Cecil placed the intelligence regarding the situation in Byerldine and his own analysis on the Earl's desk.

Paul frowned as he read through it. It seemed his friend was truly in danger; he was now under house arrest, waiting for those traitors to divide their spoils and choose an opportune day to stage an accident, just like his unlucky father.

Cecil asked, "My lord, if you wish to rescue Earl Ganard, I can deploy all available personnel to Byerldine to thoroughly investigate the backgrounds of those traitors."

Paul rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Whether to rescue or not, I need to discuss with everyone. However, gathering intelligence early is definitely the right move. Go ahead and send someone over."

Half a day later, Paul summoned high-ranking military and administrative personnel to gather at the Lord's mansion, showing them the distress letter from Malon Ganard.

Conspiracies among vassals to overthrow their lord weren't unheard of, especially neighboring families like the Kents of Emden, whose position as earl had some dubious origins, so no one in attendance expressed much surprise.

Watching as each person passed around the letter, the Earl sat uneasily in his seat. "If my future reforms conflict with the interests of those present, will they conspire to eliminate me?"

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, Steward Ford spoke up, "How do you plan to handle this letter?"

Paul replied, "Cecil has already sent people to Byerldine to investigate those conspirators. But I haven't decided yet whether to rescue Malon immediately. If we decide to rescue, how should we go about it? That's why I want to hear everyone's opinions."

Bryce slammed his hand on the table, "Lord Ganard is your childhood friend, even your blood oath brother. If you abandon him, you'll be scorned by all."

"Hey, hey Bryce, I know you're straightforward, but couldn't you have said that privately? Saying it out loud like this puts me in a difficult position."

Paul's face showed a hint of embarrassment. "I didn't say I wouldn't rescue him, but we must also consider our own strength. That's why I called everyone here to discuss."

The concept of blood oath brothers was somewhat similar to sworn brothers in the Celestial Empire, where young Malon and Paul got along very well, each mother deciding that the two small children had become blood oath brothers.

Speaking of which, both mothers died very early, and Paul was somewhat sentimental. What did his mother look like in this life, and what memories did she leave behind? He couldn't even remember.

Steward Ford was very pleased; his young lord did not become arrogant and overconfident because of his victory over pirates, nor did he recklessly provoke a war that might not be won due to his youthful impetuosity. Instead, he weighed the pros and cons, convened a wide consultation, and as a lord, he was already very qualified.

He touched his own graying long beard and said, "It's indeed inappropriate to abandon a blood oath brother. If rumors spread, it would damage the lord's reputation. But we cannot act recklessly; remember, Lord Ganard is still in their hands."

"And judging from this letter, the conspirators haven't realized that their plan is compromised yet. If we mobilize troops openly under the guise of rescue, regardless of victory or defeat, what if they react unfavorably towards Earl Ganard?"

Paul found a way out and said with concern, "That's exactly what I'm worried about."

In a flash, Bryce blushed red.