Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 95: The Lion's Demands

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

The atmosphere in the reception room finally eased.

Paul smiled and asked, "I wonder how I can assist Earl Kent?"

Let's all be straightforward.

Emerson was slightly surprised by Paul's directness, but since Paul had opened the door, he didn't beat around the bush.

Emerson pulled out a scroll and handed it to Paul.

Paul took it and unfolded the scroll. Malon also leaned in to read.

Upon seeing it, both men trembled with anger.

The paper listed the conditions of the Kent family:

1. Twenty percent of the income from papermaking and porcelain in the current Alden territory should be given to the Kent family, and another twenty percent to Duke Fraule.

2. Byerldine is to be "co-administered" by Emden and Alden.

Malon was immediately enraged and about to stand up and argue with Emerson, but Paul held him back.

He awkwardly said, "Sir Emerson, we find these conditions difficult to accept."

Emerson's expression stiffened again. "Lord Grayman, these conditions have been carefully considered by Earl Kent. If you cannot recognize the reality, Earl Kent may have to take measures you won't like."

A threat! A blatant threat!

Paul resisted the urge to explode and maintained a stiff smile. "Let's discuss and decide lightly. Someone, escort the envoy back to his inn to rest."

"Hmph! Lord Grayman, it would be wise to decide early. I don't mind, but Earl Kent doesn't have much patience."

Emerson gave Paul what he saw as a disdainful smile and left with the servant.

Malon turned to Paul anxiously, "What do we do now?"

In the Northwestern Bay, Earl Kent was like a smaller version of Giles. Whenever he set his sights on a target, he wouldn't relent until he had taken a bite out of them. Moreover, as a direct vassal of Duke Fraule, his relationship with his liege lord was very good. After gaining benefits, he would definitely remember to honor his liege lord. Duke Fraule was also happy to see his loyal hound fat and strong, especially when he let him loose to bite certain people.

On one hand, Byerldine was now under threat from the Kent family, and on the other, a lot of the Ganard family's money had been invested in Paul's factories, making it difficult for Malon to accept the conditions they had set.

Paul comforted Malon by patting him on the shoulder. "I've heard a saying — when the cart reaches the mountain, there must be a way forward, and when the boat reaches the bridge, it will naturally go straight. Let's gather everyone to discuss. There must be a solution."

...

Soon, the high-ranking officials of the administration and military were summoned to the Lord's mansion.

After Paul explained to everyone about the envoy sent by the Kent family and the excessive demands made, they were first shocked, then their reactions varied.

The administrative officials were all furrowing their brows, worried about the Kent family's dominance. After all, they were known to command several hundred knights at their beck and call.

The military personnel, on the other hand, were filled with righteous indignation, clamoring to mobilize the army and strike at Emden immediately.

"Lord Grayman, this is clearly extortion, blatant blackmail! It's an insult to you and us. We should go to war against the Kent family!"