At 9 A.M., the next morning, Erson once again visited the Lords Mansion. This ti, he did not make Paul wait for him intentionally.
Heh, Lord Grayman really has set quite a stage, Erson remarked with a laugh upon seeing the increased number of people in the room.
Of course, this did not intimidate him. Erson confidently took his seat where he had sat the day before, not waiting for Paul to speak before settling himself down. Lord Grayman, a nights ti should have given you enough ti to think, right?
Ill endure it, Paul silently urged himself, maintaining a smile and nodding. Sir Erson, I have made my decision.
For the sake of the friendship between the Kent and Grayman families, I agree to your demands regarding the sharing of profits. However, regarding the joint governance of Baylding, I absolutely cannot agree. It would be a betrayal to my late Uncle Ganard, and the true lord of Baylding is Malron Ganard.
I will not agree to your demands about Baylding from yesterday.
Malron, standing nearby, shook his head as he addressed Erson.
Oh Erson appeared sowhat disappointed, shaking his head.
Lord Kent will be very disappointed.
He stared motionlessly at Paul, and a standoff ensued between them.
Finally, after a long internal struggle, Paul conceded to his bottom line: If the Kent family can relinquish their demands on Baylding, we can offer a larger share in the profits.
He then waited silently for a response.
Erson continuously stroked his chin, seemingly pondering Pauls recent offer.
In reality, he had already made up his mind, but he relished this feeling of judgnt, watching the other party anxiously await his response. He felt a sudden rush, as if his word alone could decide their fate.
The whole room is silently awaiting my verdict, thought Erson.
What verdict should he pass on them?
Ah, Grayman, Grayman, if only you had co to greet imdiately upon my arrival the day before yesterday, I would have spared you now.
Unfortunately, you made the mistake of disrespecting then, and must be punished.
After intentionally waiting a bit longer, Erson put on a serious face and finally spoke: Paul Grayman.
Since you failed to make a decision satisfactory to the Kent family in ti, I, on behalf of the Earl, demand the following.
First, the profits shared with Earl Kent and Duke Ferdinand should be increased to one-third each.
Second, hand over the technology of papermaking and porcelain manufacturing to the Kent family.
Third, imdiately cede half of Bayldings territory to the Kent family.
Fourth,
Ersons originally serious face broke into a sinister smile.
swear allegiance to the esteed Earl Marltz Kent and his lawful heirs.
After stating these four demands of his own accord, Erson felt an uncontrollable excitent within:
Hmph, kneel and beg for rcy, this is the punishnt for your neglect.
Paul Grayman, as a weakling, dared not to et imdiately, thinking too highly of yourself, a re titular count without even a single knight under your command.
But if you please enough, perhaps I might spare you. Just perhaps.
Though inwardly excited, Erson maintained an unperturbed deanor with a slight smile on his face, leisurely taking a sip of water.
At this mont, Paul was stunned, utterly astonished by the others greed.
The others in the reception room also wore incredulous expressions, unable to react.
Paul suddenly felt a tug at his sleeve and turned to see it was the steward, Ford, signaling him.
Fords right hand was stretched out straight, slicing downwards a clear signal: Lord, lets go to war!
The demands were too excessive, crossing the limits that Alda could bear. Agreeing would an the Grayman family would have no standing in the northwest.
So things, especially on a spiritual level, cannot be surrendered. Clearly, it was ti to fight.
Seeing even Ford, the greatest advocate for peace, urging for war, Paul quickly made a decision.
He straightened up and asked Erson with a smile, Sir Erson, do you have full authority to represent Earl Kent?
Erson, awaiting Pauls plea, hesitated but firmly responded, Of course, Lord Kent has appointed to handle all negotiations with you.
Paul continued, Are the conditions you just ntioned personally requested by Lord Kent?
Erson, slightly irritated, replied, What are you implying, Lord Grayman? Ive already said, Lord Kent has entrusted with full authority. I do not wish to repeat myself.
Alright, Paul thought, no need to ask further. Whether these were Marltz Kents own words or the envoy Erson overstepping his bounds, the situation was now do or die.
He crossed his arms and leaned on the table, his face set with determination.
Erson, noticing Pauls posture and expression, felt uneasy. Could this minor lord dare to refuse his terms? Ha, impossible.
His confident smile returned. Representing Earl Kent, he had secured many benefits beyond expectations. Surely, his elder would reward him handsoly.
However, Pauls next words took him by surprise.
Sir Erson, given the Kent familys outrageous demands, I see it as a great insult to the Grayman family.
From now on, anyone related to the Kent family is no longer welco in Alda and Baylding. Once found, they will be expelled imdiately.
Now
Paul paused, his eyes fixed on Ersons detestable face, and said word by word:
Getout!
Ersons smile froze.
What? I must be hearing things. This minor lord, without a single knight, dares to tell to leave? Ha, absurd!
He asked in confusion, What did you say, Count Grayman?
Paul replied irritably, I said get out. Are your ears clogged with dung, or is your brain too waterlogged to understand?
Erson finally understood. This minor lord, without a knight to his na, had truly told him, a noble from the capital and an envoy of the Kent family, to leave.
Absurd! Utterly absurd!
Erson stood there, bewildered.
Leave!
Bryce suddenly roared at him.
Leave!
Leave!
The others in the reception room began to angrily echo the sa words.
Erson felt a wave of fear, trying to suppress it, pointing at Paul and the others.
You, you, and you, just wait, all of you.
Seeing his arrogance, Bryce unsheathed his sword and pointed it at him, yelling again, Leave!
The intimidating blade shone on Ersons face, causing him to shiver, but he quickly regained his haughty expression.
Hmph!
He huffed, adjusted his clothes in front of Bryces sword, and turned to leave.
After returning to the inn, Erson did not stay, riding out of Lakeheart Town with his servants.
Just wait! Wait until the Kent familys knights crush you ignorant fools!
He cursed inwardly.
But first, he had to think about how to face his Uncle Kent. If not for his overstepping with those four new demands, Paul Grayman was almost ready to agree to the previous conditions
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