Yan Xing gulped down the entire glass of red wine. Only then did he finally understand what Duan’er must have felt when drinking with him. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and a unique fragrance transported him to a sun-drenched vineyard. It truly made one crave another drink; he simply couldn’t stop.
He then tried the pan-fried veal steak on his plate. Crisp, tender, and juicy. Followed by another sip of red wine. Wow! This was living!
Noticing Colell rely tasting a small sip of red wine while still staring at him, Yan Xing asked as he cut his steak, "Why aren’t you eating? I’ve never had such delicious steak. I think I could eat two more."
To emphasize how delicious the steak truly was, Yan Xing sliced off a large piece of beef and popped it into his mouth.
Colell glanced at the Earl’s Mansion’s butler and the attendants standing by.
Finally, he couldn’t resist whispering a reminder to the voraciously eating and drinking Yan Xing, "This is Count Theodore’s residence. Please mind your manners. Don’t cause to appear rude as well."
Yan Xing paused, gave Colell an odd look, then resud eating and drinking. He then asked, "You’re just sitting there, not eating or drinking. Do you find the steak terrible and the wine unpalatable?"
This pointed question from Yan Xing startled Knight Colell, who quickly explained, "Of... of course not. My father is often invited by the Lord Earl to banquets here. Every ti he returns, he praises the deliciousness of the food and the sweetness of the red wine, envying the Lord Earl for having such fine chefs and vintners."
"Then you should definitely eat. I believe that eating and drinking heartily shows the greatest respect for the host and the chef. Could I get another steak?" Yan Xing said to the butler, holding out his empty plate. He then poured the remaining red wine from the pitcher into his glass and handed both to the butler. "And another pitcher of wine, please. Your red wine is fantastic!"
The butler, taking the plate and pitcher, said to Yan Xing with great respect, "Sir Yan Xing is right. My master, the Earl, will surely be delighted to know how much you enjoy our food and wine. Please wait a mont..."
Yan Xing took a small sip from his glass and said to Colell, "Did you hear that? Don’t hold back, eat and drink your fill... Co on, let’s have another toast. You look so tense, like you have a lot on your mind. If sothing’s troubling you, tell your big bro. Let ... offer so guidance."
Colell waited for the butler to leave before raising his glass and clinking it with Yan Xing’s. He still took only a small sip, then picked up his knife and fork and began to eat his steak.
Usually, by this ti, he would have already finished lunch in the military barracks. But this ti, he had a rare excuse to be in the Earl’s Mansion. Moreover, Miss Hibel was also present. Therefore, after escorting Yan Xing to the Lord’s Mansion, Knight Colell hadn’t left, instead shalessly following him inside. This was also why Colell appeared so restrained; he was afraid any misstep on his part would leave a poor impression on both the Earl and Miss Hibel.
Colell had been observing Yan Xing all along.
Although he wore armor that looked quite sumptuous, by noble standards, his conduct was extrely uncouth. No wonder even his attendants were Swamp Werewolves. He must be so minor noble from so remote place. But why had he co to see Miss Hibel? His armor, ostentatious as a peacock in full display, made him look... like he was here to propose marriage. Currently, Miss Hibel was the jewel of Nuta City. Whoever could marry Miss Hibel would inherit Count Theodore’s title and lands and beco Marquis Anderson’s brother-in-law. Which of the unmarried noble sons in Nuta City, those unable to inherit their family titles, wouldn’t want to seize this chance to rise teorically? Besides, Miss Hibel was so beautiful.
Colell kept watching Yan Xing.
He was now quite convinced that this knight nad Yan Xing hailed from so remote, insignificant rural fiefdom. To win Miss Hibel’s hand, he must have exhausted his family’s finances to craft such a lavish suit of armor. He looked presentable on the outside, but his attendants and his own deportnt betrayed that his origins were far from those of a true noble. Perhaps he was the descendant of one of Count Theodore’s old subordinates. A minor noble who had earned his title through military rit would naturally lack the refined upbringing of those from hereditary noble families. However, the tangled interests among established noble families posed a far greater threat to the Earl’s domain than a minor, rit-based noble ever could. For Count Theodore, selecting a husband for Hibel from the sons of minor, rit-based nobles, who lacked the power to usurp his earldom, was preferable to choosing a scion from an established noble family.
Believing he had discerned Yan Xing’s identity and purpose, Colell felt a significant threat emanating from this boorish knight.
The jewel of Nuta City should not be defiled by such a person!
At this mont, the butler returned with a new plate of steak and a fresh pitcher of red wine.
Colell paused his al and sat up straighter, adopting a more noble posture.
Then he asked Yan Xing, "Knight Yan Xing, may I inquire as to your views on the current situation in the Wildwind Highlands? The Wildland Orcs and Snow Elves are now showing signs of allying to attack us. If you were the commander of the Duchy’s Wildwind Highlands Legion, what strategy would you employ against the combined offensive of the Orcs and Elves?"
Yan Xing, devouring his new steak, paused briefly at Colell’s question.
I don’t even know where the main forces of the Orcs, Elves, and humans are, so what strategy could I possibly offer? Even if I did know, I don’t have a clue about warfare.
Thinking Colell was worried about the impending battle, Yan Xing offered so reassurance, "Of course, we should strike them before they can act. As a saying from my holand goes, ’Strike first to gain the advantage; hesitate, and you’ll suffer the consequences.’ Another proverb from my holand says, ’It’s best to et the enemy beyond your own gates.’ Whether Orcs or Elves, if they show any intent to attack, we should concentrate our forces and crush one of them first. The other, left isolated, will be easy to deal with. A true man builds his legacy on the battlefield. In that situation, it’s one cut of the blade whether you stick your neck out or pull it in. Only by casting aside thoughts of life and death can you fight for a marquisate. My young friend, let this old bro give you a piece of advice: ’Kings, nobles, generals, and ministers...’ No, that one’s not quite right for this. It should be, ’A soldier who doesn’t want to be a general isn’t a good soldier.’ Co, let’s drink to that! For the victory of humankind!"
Colell thought to himself, I asked him about the strategy the Wildwind Highlands Legion should adopt against a joint Orc and Elf offensive, and what does he spout? Utter nonsense. A brute is just a brute. He only knows how to charge headlong into battle, with no understanding of military strategy. The Hibel family is of military lineage. How could they possibly accept a brute who consorts with Werewolves and is clueless about military tactics as Miss Hibel’s husband? I was worrying too much. When Miss Hibel arrives, she’ll naturally see he’s just an incompetent knight.
Colell, his mood greatly improved, raised his glass and clinked it with Yan Xing’s.
Just then, the butler announced, "Miss Hibel Theodore, daughter of Count Theodore, arrives!"
Colell hurriedly put down his wine glass and stood up.
Yan Xing also rose, mimicking Colell’s gesture of respect towards the approaching Hibel.
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