Political Storm

When the news of Milhouse Castle reached Gothingen Castle, the countess was putting on her makeup.

She was to have a formal dinner that evening with Lady Marianne and Lady Shayla, who were visiting Gothingen Castle. Although the latter two were nominally guests, everyone knew that the countess kept them around because she was uncertain and needed their company.

At that moment, as she picked up her lipstick to apply it to her slightly chapped lips, a maid's sudden intrusion caused her to snap the precious lipstick in half.

At that time, lipstick had not yet been demonized as a symbol of witches and was still a favorite cosmetic among noblewomen.

"If you don't explain yourself, I'll punish you by making you clean the stables!" Conosa stood up angrily, hands on her hips, glaring at the maid who had broken the rules.

The maid stammered, taking a long while before she could speak: "Lord Damian von Bovendon, has just defeated Count Schmalen in a forest battle and… has also seized Milhouse Castle!"

The maid, born into a noble family, although a bit tongue-tied, managed to convey the message clearly.

"What!?"

Conosa, in her excitement, abandoned her lipstick and powder, and even rushed out barefoot, looking towards the castle gate, completely unladylike.

Fortunately, the maids managed to catch her in time, dressing her properly before she descended the stairs, maintaining her noble demeanor.

Downstairs, a breathless messenger was informing everyone about the battle at Milhouse.

"You say that Damian not only routed and captured my brother on the main battlefield but also took Milhouse Castle in less than five days? That's one of the major cities in Weimar County… This…" Conosa admitted she had underestimated Damian.

With such remarkable achievements, was there any commander in the neighboring principalities as capable as Damian?

Absolutely not.

Even a knight leading the army to conquer a castle in two months was considered highly notable.

A castle, 25 villages, such a vast territory, could be subdivided to create two baronies. Moreover, Conosa had promised Damian a baron's title before he set out.

Conosa felt conflicted. On one hand, she was relieved that Damian was on her side; on the other hand, she wasn't sure if she could truly control such an outstanding man.

If… If she wasn't met with strong opposition, Conosa might fulfill her vow to God and betroth herself to Damian, perhaps securing his loyalty?

Additionally, she had personally paired her confidante Joan with Damian as a companion, hoping she could keep an eye on him. She wondered how effective this would be.

If Damian occupied Milhouse Castle and demanded to become an independent count or pledged allegiance to another count… such things were unlikely but not impossible. History had seen several cases of marshals betraying their lords.

With these thoughts, Conosa couldn't wait any longer and sought out her two guests to alleviate her worries.

The two ladies, having heard about the events in their guest rooms, congratulated her as soon as they met: "This is wonderful! The threat from Schmalen has been removed from Gothingen, and peace has been restored once more."

Lady Shayla added, "I always knew Damian was a remarkable talent. But I didn't expect him to be this outstanding. If I had known, I would have married my niece to him."

This statement only made Conosa more anxious.

Lady Shayla, with her mature charm, was quite alluring; presumably, her niece would not be much different.

"That won't be necessary. I've already arranged a marriage for Damian. There's no need to rush the next steps." Conosa waved her hand hastily, unable to hide her anxiety.

Lady Shayla couldn't help but laugh behind her hand.

She saw through Conosa's thoughts immediately.

This young women were still too naive.

However, Lady Shayla was genuinely interested in marrying her niece to Damian, which would allow them to gain a more significant influence over him together. Besides, Damian's military power could ensure her own lands near the capital were protected.

Lady Marianne watched the verbal sparring between the two without any desire to join in, quietly enjoying her meal.

After the verbal exchange, they finally discussed serious matters.

What matters?

The impending intervention from the principality's capital.

Damian was very gratified to his decisive victory over Schmalen, but for the Grand Duke, it meant losing a direct-count territory.

This implied losing a feudal obligation, a count and nearly a hundred knights, and several hundred troops. For the Grand Duke, whose direct lands were already limited, this was like cutting his flesh.

Therefore, the Grand Duke was likely to intervene.

According to the usual protocol, Diodoric would send a cleric as an envoy to mediate the conflict.

"Conosa, Schmalen has acknowledged his mistakes and received his punishment. For the sake of family, return his territory to him."

She had even guessed what the envoy would say.

But she found it difficult to resist.

Diodoric, after all, was the Grand Duke of Lorraine, with over a thousand knights and tens of thousands of troops. Those who opposed him never fared well.

But letting Schmalen off so easily was a bitter pill for Conosa to swallow.

"Don't worry, Andreas and I will help you," Shayla said, though her mind was on the task given by the Grand Duke.

To bring Conosa back to the capital to marry the Grand Duke's son.

However, Lady Shayla had her own thoughts.

She did not favor the Grand Duke's foolish son and saw great potential in Damian.

Moreover, Andreas' stupidity was becoming increasingly apparent.

Lady Shayla was not anyone's vassal; she was a countess in her own right, with family power and wisdom. She had her own independent family interests, which neither the Grand Duke nor Andreas could alter.

Therefore, Lady Shayla suggested, "I advise you to go to Milhouse Castle immediately and meet with Damian. On one hand, you need to control your brave general quickly; on the other, you need to be wary of the people from the capital."

Conosa nodded repeatedly.

So she arranged for her guards and hurriedly set off southeast the next morning.

…

Meanwhile, news of Damian's victory also reached the monastery.

Visiting Bishop Matt sat with Abbot Andreas.

Matt, agitated, pointed at the abbot and shouted, "How could you go back on our previous agreement? To be honest, I have already contacted Conosa's elder brother, preparing to oust her from her countess position!"

"Oh?"

Andreas was somewhat surprised.

Such a thing was actually happening?