Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 93: Extortion 2

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

"Uncle Kent, if you agree, I'm willing to go meet Earl Grayman," Emerson promptly stood up, volunteering to make the trip to Alden for Earl Kent.

It was a perfect opportunity to strengthen relations between the two families. For the Wildes, aristocrats of the cloth, having a noble landowner as a strong ally was crucial.

Earl Kent smiled, "With someone as eloquent as you handling this, I feel much more at ease."

Discussing such matters openly with another family's member didn't seem inappropriate to Earl Kent and his son, as their families had long been allies in shared interests.

If Emerson could participate, the Kent family would surely ensure the Wildes benefited once Earl Kent secured his desired advantages.

"Uncle Kent, once I arrive in Alden, where should I start?" Emerson had gleaned the gist of the matter from the Kent father and son's conversation earlier, but he still sought advice from Earl Kent.

Earl Kent rubbed his clean-shaven chin, pondered for a moment, then spoke, "Begin with the arguments of Byerldine's vassals. If they have ample evidence..."

"Here in our region, Duke Fraule of the Northwest is His Majesty's greatest vassal. Hmph! Grayman acted without consulting even the Duke and forcibly took over the neighboring estate. He truly underestimates His Grace."

"Even if the truth aligns with his claims, it's for Duke Fraule to decide, not for him to act rashly."

"After you go, seize upon this point and observe how this young Earl responds."

Emerson noted it down and then asked, "Uncle Kent, what do you hope to gain from the Grayman family?"

The Earl didn't answer directly but pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Emerson.

After glancing at the paper, Emerson carefully stowed it away, saying, "I won't disappoint your expectations."

The Earl finished his "drink" in the glass, wiped the blood from his lips with a napkin, and chuckled, "Young Grayman is ambitious and reckless. Sooner or later, he'll bring great trouble to his family. It's necessary for me to teach him a lesson on behalf of his deceased father."

"Uncle Kent, educating the younger generation is truly commendable. I admire your efforts," Emerson said sincerely.

"Hahaha!"

Laughter filled the dining room.

So far, none of the three had considered what to do if Paul Grayman refused their demands, as they saw it as inconceivable.

The Kent family was the second most powerful in the region after Duke Fraule of the Northwest. They commanded over fifty knights directly and held ten baronial fiefs, each with its own contingent of knights.

With a command, they could muster a cavalry force of around a hundred knights. In the Northwestern Bay region, no one dared underestimate such power.

As for Alden, even if Paul Grayman expelled pirates and swallowed Byerldine, could he establish a force to rival the Kent family in such a short time?

Therefore, Grayman might hesitate or negotiate, but he certainly wouldn't dare outright refuse.

Soon, Emerson set off for Alden Town.

...

To Emerson's surprise, upon arriving in Alden Town, he hit a snag.

Upon arriving in Alden Town, his first impression was of remarkably clean streets. Unlike his time in the northwest, where he didn't spend all his days cooped up in Earl Kent's domain but explored many places, the towns he visited were invariably grimy.

"This seems like a livable place," he thought, heading towards the castle gate of Alden Town.

Emerson identified himself to the guards as a noble from the capital and an emissary of the Kent family, urgently seeking Earl Grayman.

After the guards reported inside, a well-dressed man emerged promptly.

He seemed puzzled. "Strange. Isn't Earl Grayman supposed to be only fifteen or sixteen? This man looks to be in his twenties."

Approaching him, the elegant man greeted, "I am Bernard Francis, Earl Grayman's secretary. Please follow me to the reception room, honored envoy."

Emerson felt slighted!

He represented the Kent family, second in strength in the Northwest Bay region, and was a nobleman himself. He had made that clear to the guards just now.

While it wasn't necessary for them to greet him personally, dispatching a mere scribe to deal with him was disrespectful. It showed a lack of regard not just for Emerson but for the Kent family.

During his nearly half a year in the Northwest, Emerson had visited other domains where, upon learning he was related to the Kent family and a noble from the capital, he was showered with flattery and meticulous hospitality. Unknowingly, it had fostered an overly confident attitude in him.

"Lead the way!"

Emerson adjusted his mindset, putting aside his displeasure for now, and followed Bernard to the castle's reception room.

With deference, Bernard asked, "May I inquire about the purpose of your visit here?"

Emerson shook his head, "I can only speak directly to Lord Grayman. Please inform him that I urgently request a meeting."

Unexpectedly, Bernard replied, "Lord Grayman is currently occupied with other matters. As his chief secretary, you may relay anything to me, and I will faithfully convey it to Lord Grayman."

"I'm sorry, but I insist on speaking directly to Lord Grayman!"

Emerson emphasized again, his tone now tinged with impatience despite his earlier apology.

Bernard felt quite frustrated. He didn't know what had offended this envoy before him. The envoy's tone clearly carried a hint of intimidation.

Recalling Paul's schedule, he reluctantly said, "Sir, if you insist on speaking directly to Lord Grayman, you will have to wait until tomorrow afternoon. The Earl's schedule is fully booked until then."

Paul had instructed him on prioritizing various matters. If an envoy from a peer lord arrived to see him and didn't come to declare war or discuss business cooperation, it would be postponed.

Since Emerson was reluctant to speak further, Bernard had no choice but to postpone him.

Upon hearing this, Emerson became suddenly furious!

Before coming here, he had thoroughly researched the Grayman family. Banished to the Northwest Bay for misaligning in court politics and prohibited from granting vassals, let alone formal nobles like viscounts or barons, those families would not let a knight pass.

Such a family, even some of the slightly stronger viscounts would not dare disrespect the Kent family's envoy so blatantly.

"Fine! I'll wait until tomorrow afternoon to meet with Lord Grayman."

Emerson smiled instead of getting angry. He decided to play along with this young Earl who didn't know the true depths.

(End of the Chapter)

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