Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 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."