As February began, the weather remained cold, but hints of spring were gradually erging.
Life began to rejuvenate, with proud greenery already adorning the northwestern fields.
On the road from Alda to the neighboring territory of Lanaka, a group of riders galloped swiftly.
Truth be told, I prefer the snowy winter over the green warmth of spring, Paul complained to Malron, riding beside him. Its a pity such a beautiful season passes so quickly.
Are you joking, Paul? Malron expressed his surprise. The harsh winters of the northwest were a significant challenge for the inhabitants, with many poor families losing mbers to the cold.
The longer the winter, the more civilians freeze to death! To think you, a lord, would say such a thing!
Ah, my apologies, that was indeed inappropriate of . I promise that future winters will lose their severity, becoming warm and beautiful seasons.
With the introduction of blast furnaces for ironmaking, Paul planned to increase coal production for coke manufacturing. The coal mined wouldnt just be for iron production; it would also be sold to commoners at low prices.
Lets discuss why Count Price Parker invited us. What do you think its about? Paul asked.
Its probably about the technology we possess. Didnt we agree to discuss it after the Dukes birthday?
I have a feeling it might be sothing else
They arrived at the Parker family castle by evening. Count Price Parker welcod Paul and Malron inside.
After brief pleasantries, the Count arranged for their accommodation and rest, later inviting them to dinner.
Lord Parker, may I ask why you have invited us to your castle? Paul inquired. Their invitation only ntioned urgent business without specifics.
Ahem! Paul, Malron, I am sowhat your elder, so Ill take the liberty of addressing you by your nas. Ive called you here regarding the succession of the Duke. As you know, Duke Ferdinand has nad Count Kent as his heir. What are your thoughts on this?
Thoughts?
Paul and Malron exchanged glances, unsure of the old Counts intentions.
Before Paul could formulate a response, Malron spoke up indignantly, Personally, Im pessimistic. Marltz Kent is no good man and lacks the deanor of a high noble. Last year, he tried to extort us and nearly launched an attack. Though he refrained for unknown reasons, weve made an enemy of him. Im sure youre aware, Lord Parker, of how hes been abusing the Dukes favor, causing strife among the northwestern lords. If he becos the Duke, things will only worsen.
Paul listened, sweating, wishing to intervene but too late to do so.
Oh dear, my dear brother, why speak so hastily? What if Price Parker is allied with Marltz Kent, or probing our stance on Kents behalf? What if there are five hundred axen lurking outside, waiting for Parker to signal?
Anxiously, he glanced at the elderly Count. Prices expression remained unchanged, not smashing his cup, simply stroking his white beard.
After a tense minute, Price finally spoke, Malron, your words resonate with . I too believe Marltz Kents ascension to Duke bodes ill for us.
The elderly Count spoke solemnly, Especially for us, who are direct vassals of the royal family.
What do you an, Lord Parker?
Let introduce soone to you. Viscount, please co in.
As Price spoke, he clapped his hands vigorously. A figure erged from around the corner of the corridor and approached them.
Paul and Malron were shocked to see the newcor was none other than Duke Ferdinands brother, Viscount Henry Ferdinand.
Wasnt he imprisoned in the dungeon by his own brother? How did he end up here? Could it be that the brothers had reconciled?
This is
Paul looked at Price, filled with questions.
Price addressed Henry, Viscount, these two gentlen are certainly not aligned with Marltz Kent. You must have heard about the near-war between Alda and Emden last year. Please tell them what happened.
Henry Ferdinand, looking much leaner than at the Dukes birthday party but with added resolve on his face, bowed to Paul and Malron, then spoke hurriedly:
Lords, Marltz Kent is planning to betray the kingdom!
Betray the kingdom?
Paul and Malron were stunned. This was a lot to take in.
Do you an he plans to stage a rebellion, like Jars did?
Yes, that must be his plan.
And how did you co to know of this, Viscount? Shouldnt such a matter be reported to your brother first, to strip Marltz Kent of his heir status and then arrest him?
Paul was sowhat incredulous. Although the Kent family was notorious in the northwest, they were just an earldom, hardly a match for the kingdoms governnt.
Oh, maybe after inheriting the dukedom, hed have so leverage. But if Duke Ferdinand knew of his sches, he wouldnt Wait, could it be that Duke Ferdinand is the one planning the rebellion? Isnt Marltz Kent his most trusted henchman?
Paul looked at Viscount Henry, pondering if he was about to denounce his own brother.
Henrys face was filled with sorrow, My brother told this himself. My brotherthe esteed Duke of the Northwesthas been controlled by the villain Marltz Kent.
Paul and Malron roughly understood the situation. Duke Ferdinand, controlled by Marltz through so ans, had beco aware of his intentions to rebel and secretly inford his brother, Viscount Henry. The Viscount then sought to reveal Marltzs plans to other lords.
Of course, this assud that Viscount Henry was not lying. There were still many unresolved questions, such as how exactly one could control a Duke to the extent that he couldnt speak out even in front of many lords at his birthday party, only managing to secretly inform his brother. And how did Viscount Henry manage to escape?
Seeming to anticipate their questions, Henry handed them a piece of paper.
This is a letter written by my brother. Please take a look.
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