Chapter 68: The Best Time is Now

"Is this our escort?" 

Hubert's mouth twitched. He hadn't expected John to make things difficult for him.

That's right, John wanted him to go to Lancaster now to put on a play for him. Hubert's work in forming the troupe wasn't even complete, yet John had made such a request and even arranged for such a large army to protect his troupe.

"Yes, this is His Highness' request. It's absurd, but we still have to do it," Breton said with a hint of helplessness in his tone.

He looked at his troops. They should have been on the battlefield gaining glory for him, but now they were here protecting a small troupe.

Despite his immense dissatisfaction, he could only follow orders.

In truth, if these two had a bit of political acumen, they would have realized that John's intention was not in the play. Along with them, thousands of pounds stored in Dublin's treasury were also being transferred.

This money was not for them to spend.

Unfortunately, both men lacked political sense, which suited John just fine. Subordinates didn't have to be smart, but they had to be loyal.

Even if they didn't understand John's orders, they still carried them out. Large numbers of soldiers loaded crates of pounds onto ships, and the troupe members, grumbling, followed the soldiers onto a separate vessel.

After a few days of sailing, they would arrive in Lancashire and head to Preston Abbey, as John had designated.

...

"John is in Lancaster right now, with only a small group of royal guards. Their numbers are small, probably no more than five hundred."

Young Robert was explaining the situation to the Earl of Derby, William, during his stay in Derby.

Contrary to Robert's expectations, the usually shrewd Earl of Derby seemed less astute when it came to political matters. Robert had to patiently explain the situation to him.

"I'm just concerned that things won't go smoothly with Edward. By the time we get there, won't John have already assembled his troops?"

William's worry was written all over his face, without any attempt to hide it. But his concerns only made Robert despise him more.

What a brainless fellow.

Robert said, "John's main forces are still in Ireland, and those young knights from Lancaster have also been summoned to Ireland. John doesn't have many troops to call upon. Besides, we have many mercenaries from Flanders here, and they are no weaklings in battle."

Seeing young Robert's confident demeanor, William still felt uneasy.

"William, don't worry. Two years ago at Christmas, I went to London to see the King on behalf of my father and met John. He's not particularly bright. He might have some talent in warfare, but he won't anticipate our actions."

"When we launch our surprise attack, no matter how good John is at fighting, he won't be able to do much with the few men he has."

What Robert said was true, and William agreed. However, Robert's unwavering confidence made William even more anxious. Yes, Robert was smart, handling his father's affairs since he was a teenager. 

But in these matters, it's not about who is smarter but who makes fewer mistakes.

William prepared to caution Robert: "You're right, if everything goes according to plan, there shouldn't be any problems..."

"Do you support me or not, William?" Robert interrupted.

At that moment, William saw many things in Robert's eyes: a hunger for power and an obsessive confidence in his own intelligence. He couldn't quite discern what Robert truly wanted.

He only knew that the Duke of Aquitaine had promised him many benefits. But those benefits depended on ensuring the Duke of Aquitaine ascended to the throne and became king.

If they failed this time, John's prestige would skyrocket.

Even if John didn't seek retribution, William would be out of the running for power and privilege. At that point, just surviving would be fortunate.

"William, think about it. How many opportunities like this do you get in your lifetime? If we succeed, we'll become the top nobles in the kingdom, just like the Earl of Gloucester."

The example Robert used was indeed tempting for William.

The Earl of Gloucester had risen by supporting Henry II's rebellion. After overthrowing Stephen's rule, he became the foremost noble in southwestern England, enjoying a life of wealth and privilege.

"The risk is a bit too high, Robert," William tried to say a few more words.

But young Robert interrupted him directly, "If you keep talking like this, I'll really look down on you, William. Do you want to spend your whole life stuck in this small place of Derby? Think about it, have you had any moments of glory in your decades of life? If you want to live like this forever, fine, I won't talk to you about these things anymore."

This coercive attitude might be unpleasant, but it worked on someone like William.

Startled, he agreed, "I don't mean to back out, Robert. I just think we need a backup plan. What if our current plan fails?"

Robert shook his finger and said, "No, it absolutely won't fail."

"Why?" William questioned Robert's certainty. "What if John secretly brings his troops over from Ireland?"

At this, Robert suddenly laughed.

The cryptic laugh made William even more puzzled, "What are you laughing at?"

"I just received some news that I can use right now, William. Your question is indeed a good one." Robert placed a letter in front of William.

William rolled his eyes, annoyed, and said, "Read it to me."

Realizing that William was illiterate, Robert pursed his lips and put the letter back in his pocket. William watched his hands, waiting for him to speak.

"John has brought some people over from Dublin, but those people neither wield swords nor spears. Yes, it's a bunch of actors. He summoned his favorite actors from Dublin."

After saying this, Robert spread his hands, his mocking expression unmistakable. William remained expressionless, watching Robert's performance.

"Our beloved prince has done nothing but wait there for his actors to perform for him."

"So when do you plan to start the uprising?" William asked. "There's no news from Edward; he must be hiding."

A triumphant look crossed Robert's face. "Now is the best time."