Chapter 19: Beware of Royal Deception

The night in Dublin was quiet. This city, established by Norsemen, exuded a Nordic flavor in its architecture—simple yet resilient, much like the distant cities in Norway. However, now there was an added air of desolation within the city.

The nobles gathered in the castle built by Longbow Richard years ago, sitting silently around a round table with a burning candle in the center. The firelight illuminated their faces, yet their expressions remained indistinguishable.

Regent Odo observed these men. Behind him stood young Lord Gilbert, an 11-year-old boy not yet capable of managing the territory. As Longbow Richard's most loyal minister, Odo had to take on the responsibility of regent.

Around the table were lords from various parts of Leinster—Irish, Norse, and Normans alike. Such a diverse group would be challenging to unite. Besides these noble lords, a peculiar envoy sat at the head of the table, as if he were the most important guest here. In fact, to Regent Odo, this guest was indeed his lifeline.

"Our duke will bring reinforcements in the spring. Your task is to hold Dublin. Do not let Prince John take control of this place easily," the Aquitanian envoy declared, wearing a tall hat and speaking in a haughty tone. "If you can hold out until spring, once the duke's reinforcements arrive, defeating John will be a simple matter."

His words were filled with confidence, as if the duke behind him were omnipotent. However, the nobles present were not so convinced.

Regent Odo, left by Longbow Richard, spoke up, "Aquitanian, we all know your master is very powerful, but can he really keep his promise?"

In response to Odo's skepticism, the Aquitanian declared, "I swear to God, if my master does not send troops to support you, he will surely enter hell after his death." Such an oath, nearly a curse, made it difficult for the nobles to continue doubting. 

They were all devout Christians; surely no one would break such a vow.

"You better understand one thing," the Aquitanian leaned forward, "you haven't paid tribute to the royal family for three consecutive years. Given the king's temperament, he will surely pick some of you for reckoning. You'd better be careful then; who lives or dies will depend on your luck."

The Norman adventurers sneered at the Aquitanian's threats. "You'd better understand, what we want is the Duke of Aquitaine's recognition of Leinster's independence after he becomes king."

These audacious men were utterly brazen...

The Aquitanian was so enraged by these Norman adventurers that his nose nearly twisted with anger, and he almost cursed them out loud.

Before he could start, a knight rushed in from outside and whispered something urgently to Regent Odo.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on Odo's expression. The usually stoic regent now showed a look of surprise, making all the nobles curious about what had happened.

After the knight finished speaking, Odo hesitated for a moment before addressing the nobles, "Gentlemen, I must excuse myself for a moment."

With that cryptic remark, Odo put aside all current matters and left the meeting hall. The nobles watched his departure in bewilderment.

"Who could warrant such a reaction..."

"Could it be His Highness the Prince himself?"

"That's impossible."

Not only were the nobles baffled, but the Aquitanian was also puzzled. Everyone had the same question: Who had arrived?

Only Regent Odo knew the answer. The more he knew, the more anxious he became. His steps quickened with his growing urgency.

He was going to meet the Earl of Bedford.

Although Regent Odo, being in Ireland, was not fully aware of the situation in England, he knew two things: the Earl of Bedford's estate was very far from Ireland, and the Earl of Bedford was a distant cousin of Longbow Richard.

These connections suggested that the Earl of Bedford's visit to Dublin was of significant importance.

Led by the knight, Regent Odo arrived at a secluded reception room.

The room was poorly lit, and the air was stale, but it was highly private. Once the knight closed the door, no one would be able to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"Odo, Odo!" The Earl of Bedford exclaimed with excitement upon seeing Odo, almost rushing forward to give him a bear hug.

But Odo declined the Earl of Bedford's enthusiastic greeting, leaving the young earl standing awkwardly.

"What are you doing, Odo?" The Earl of Bedford probed.

Odo replied, "My lord, your behavior is somewhat inappropriate. However, I am curious—what brings you here?"

At this, the Earl of Bedford found it difficult to speak. "I recently had a falling out with His Majesty the King, and I had no choice but to come here."

A conflict with His Majesty...

Odo was no fool; he knew the Earl of Bedford was not revealing the whole truth. However, lacking specifics and still recognizing the earl's significant status, he did not dare to press too hard.

"So, what kind of conflict do you have with His Majesty?" Odo continued to inquire.

The Earl of Bedford hesitated, and seeing Odo's patience waning, he decided to spill everything that had happened recently.

After listening, Odo felt relieved. He realized the Earl of Bedford had indeed lost his power and had also extracted some valuable information about the Aquitanians from him.

It seemed everything was true, and he had not been deceived by the Aquitanian.

"I see..."

Odo stroked his chin, contemplating how to deal with Prince John outside the city. Meanwhile, the Earl of Bedford nervously clutched the hem of his garment. His story was only half-true; the fabricated part concerned the number of John's troops.

The Earl of Bedford was hedging his bets. If John won, he could make amends. If Odo prevailed, his life in Dublin wouldn't be bad either.

At that moment, the Prince John whom Odo was strategizing against was outside the city, studying the terrain.

How could he give these Irish pests a little taste of Plantagenet's might?