59 Chapter 59: Hawkwood Barony IV

The prison guard quickly locked the cell again and continued to lead Herbert out.

Once Herbert had breathed the fresh air from the outside, he couldn't help but materialize another white feather. This time, he felt sick so he took off his gloves and handed them to Oliver. He then took another one from his pocket and replaced the dirty ones that he just threw away.

In terms of information, this trip had brought him an ample amount of harvest. Knowing this new stream of intelligence should save him a lot of trouble in the future.

Herbert then ended the day with this. He had already crossed off all the things that he could do in the Ravenmoon territory. He had consolidated his power and had established a small foothold which should also come in handy when he needs it.

After a couple of days, Herbert once again left the Ravenmoon territory alongside his new companions. The weather was clear with birds occasionally chirping happily in the trees.

Since he now had the leeway to increase the number of carriages that followed him, he arranged for an entirely new carriage for Ingrid, he also added a group of female servants to help Ingrid in her daily life.

This meant that he should have his carriage all to himself, however, it seemed that Ingrid still had no intentions of leaving him alone. When he had entered his carriage, Ingrid had once again managed to sneak inside.

"Why did you sneak in here?"

"Am I not allowed?"

"Yes, I have arranged a separate carriage for you. Why didn't you use that?"

Ingrid rolled her eyes.

"It's too stuffy in there. Besides, why would I force myself in the carriage when yours is ten times better?"

Herbert closed his eyes and instead pretended to not see her. Although he didn't enjoy her presence, that doesn't mean that he can't tolerate her. Since she knew how to keep to herself, he didn't intend to pursue the matter any further.

"Say, since we're going to be here until we arrive at our destination, can you give me a detailed recount of what happened before you returned to the past?"

Seeing this as a chance, he did not want to miss the opportunity. However, Ingrid merely sat still and kept quiet. Surprised by her defiant attitude, Herbert gave her the look.

"What? Didn't you tell me to listen more, talk less, and don't touch anything?"

Herbert was speechless.

"You're the one who told me your rules. I'm just following it."

Herbert could feel his blood boiling; she only remembered the rules when it suits her.

"Whatever. Since you don't want to chat then you can keep quiet for the rest of the journey."

Knowing that she had the upper hand in this argument, Ingrid smiled.

Their journey didn't take long, they quickly reached their destination in a flash. Their trip only took a little more than four days.

After receiving the information from Davos, Herbert figured out a way to solve everything while trying to downplay the entire issue. He didn't want others snooping in on him so the first thing that he decided to do was to grab a hold of the Oxsword territory through the use of another family.

Coincidentally, he just has the perfect tool to use. The Oxswords were located around the northwestern side of the country, their alignment mostly favors the western Ducal Household, the Rozenbloods. However, since they were also geographically close to the north, they had a fairly good relationship with the Ravenmoons.

This was why Herbert can't make any significant moves that involves using his family blatantly. As a result, he has to go through a middleman. In this operation, a noble household with enmity against the Oxswords would be preferable.

"We're finally here. Ingrid, get up."

Stretching her arms, Ingrid lazily exited the carriage. Ingrid looked around before eventually following behind Herbert.

"So, this is the Hawkwood Territory?"

"What are my rules?"

"..."

"Good girl."

After that short interlude, Herbert was welcomed by the entire Hawkwood Family. As it is a form of etiquette to personally welcome other nobles of higher or similar rank than them with the whole family, Herbert did not find this odd.

As Ingrid looked at the building in front of her, she couldn't help but compare it to the manors of the Ravenmoon and the Rozenbloods. It only took one look and it didn't take long for her to conclude that this place pales greatly in comparison.

He could even see that the Hawkwood Baron was a little too excited by his visit. Naturally, this was because he had already sent a letter informing him of his plans for cooperation.

"Well, if it isn't the young master of the Ravenmoon. It's a great pleasure to see you here, Sir Herbert."

Although Herbert has yet to succeed in his title as the Northern Duke, he was treated politely by the person in front of him, even the way that he addressed him was with respect for his position as a knight.

"Likewise, the pleasure is mine, Lord Eric."

This time, aside from Ingrid who came with him hand-in-hand was Oliver who silently followed Herbert a few steps behind.

As they mentioned their brief introductions, Lord Eric turned to look at the lady beside Herbert. Although his eyes showed little surprise, he did not let it affect him.

"And who might this lucky young lady be?"

"It is nice to meet you, Lord Eric. I am Ingrid Rozenblood."

Hearing those words, Lord Eric temporarily lost his composure as his eyes widened. As the political head of the family, he knew what it meant for Herbert to show up with the young lady of the Rozenbloods in public.

For the first time, he felt like he had finally started to climb up the ranks among the allies of the Ravenmoon. He could even receive such first-hand information right at his doorstep. Not to mention Herbert's change in attitude, he was now a lot easier to talk to compared to his previously cold and curt exterior that he showed the last time that they had met.

"So, it was Lady Ingrid. I apologize for not recognizing you at first glance. Please, make yourselves feel at home."