Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 130: Unexpected Changes

Translator: Cinder Translations

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Duke Fraule, the largest royal vassal in the northwest region of the Aldor Kingdom, was no longer young. In a short while, he would be celebrating his 45th birthday.

Yet people's impression of the Duke was that while he aged, his heart remained youthful, especially in matters concerning men and women.

Just this July, the Duke took in a new concubine. Including his original wife, he now openly had seven women, and who knows how many more secretly.

The Duke's infatuation with women was not purely for fulfilling his physical desires. As a Duke, over half of the lords in the northwest were either his vassals or vassals of his vassals. Even the other direct vassals of the royal family in the northwest had to consider his opinions when acting. When disputes arose among these lords, they mostly sought his arbitration.

In terms of power, wealth, and status, the Fraule family stood at the pinnacle of the northwest aristocracy pyramid.

By rights, this was already the limit a noble could achieve. To ascend further, one would have to rebel like Giles.

Having spent many years in such a position, one would have enjoyed almost everything possible and should have no regrets.

But Duke Fraule had his own regrets, or rather troubles—he had yet to father a son.

Despite marrying several wives and concubines, he had only produced three daughters. The thought that after his passing, his title would fall to a collateral branch of the family weighed heavily on his heart.

He pinned his hopes on his recently taken concubine, but perhaps due to his advancing age or excessive indulgence in the past, the Duke was no longer as capable in that regard.

Fortunately, the Duke's most loyal hound, Earl Maltz Kent, had found a solution for him.

Speaking of this Maltz Kent, he was truly the Duke's most capable vassal. If the Duke asked him to go east, he wouldn't head west; if the Duke told him to chase chickens, he wouldn't go hunt dogs. Moreover, everything he did was to the Duke's satisfaction.

For such obedient and useful service, Duke Fraule naturally spared no effort in granting him more power. Gradually, Maltz Kent became a sharp sword in the Duke's hand, eliminating many who were detrimental to the Fraule family.

As the Duke's trust in Earl Kent grew, sometimes he would confide in him about personal matters, such as the aforementioned worries, hoping he could find a solution.

To the Duke's immense joy, Maltz Kent soon informed him that he had found a remedy—a physician who could treat his condition.

Truly, he was the Duke's most trusted vassal, and he acted with remarkable speed.

Now, Duke Fraule sat anxiously in the great hall of his castle, awaiting Earl Kent to bring the physician to him.

"Your Grace, Earl Maltz Kent requests an audience with you," a servant reported.

"Quick, bring him into the hall immediately," the Duke urged impatiently.

Finally, Maltz arrived, accompanied by a man clad entirely in a black cloak.

The Duke could hardly contain his excitement. "You've finally come."

A slight smile curved on Earl Kent's lips as he stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Respected Duke Fraule, I have brought him here. Allow me to introduce him. This gentleman behind me is the wandering physician, Mr. Bennet."