Chapter 35: Borrowing a Bit of Money

Noble life on the European continent was indeed much better than in England. Those who migrated to England in the past were all Norman conquerors, whose ancestors were pirates from the North Sea. After being appeased by the French royal family, they were responsible for guarding the north. In terms of extravagance, they were certainly not on par with the native nobles of France.

Coincidentally, the House of Plantagenet hailed from Anjou, with lineage connections to the Norman dynasty but culturally rooted in pure French heritage. As old French nobility, they certainly couldn't escape the indulgent pleasures.

Wines produced from Burgundy, Bordeaux, and along the Loire River converged, while delicacies cooked by chefs from Italy and Spain far surpassed those of England's mere cooks.

While John reveled in the luxuries of noble life in Rouen, Henry II observed it all.

"He doesn't seem like a qualified warrior, Your Majesty," said old Roches, his words filled with concern.

Henry II leaned against the window, wearing a relaxed expression. "Back then, my kinsmen also thought I was just a bastard, unworthy of the English throne. You know that, Roches."

These were words Henry II only shared with those close to him, and Roches happened to be one who had witnessed Henry II's rise.

"Our country is too vast, and Richard is too reckless. He may be better suited for building a vast empire than guarding a kingdom."

Roches highly agreed with Henry II's assessment of Richard, but John's display of indulgent luxury was not a good sign.

Thinking of this, Roches's gaze drifted to the window again, where John was flirting with a maiden in the garden.

The lad was displaying the traits of a little scoundrel.

"Don't you think this is fine? He knows what he wants, and he isn't the kind of ruler who is obsessed with power. That's enough. Besides, he's cunning. Who knows if he's just putting on an act for us?" 

Is he just putting on an act...

Roches silently hoped he wouldn't turn out like the neighboring King of France, Philip. 

John paid no mind; he had no intention of pretending. He was here to enjoy life.

After his dalliance with the maiden, he had a noble banquet to attend. This banquet wasn't hosted by John but arranged for him by Henry II, aiming to acquaint him with those nobles.

Most of the attendees at this banquet were noble heirs, mostly local Normandy nobles, with some nobles from Brittany also participating. Before nightfall, nobles had started arriving at the Duke of Rouen's palace one by one.

Norman and Breton nobles had been competing and occasionally aiding each other for centuries. During the Norman conquest of England, the Bretons had provided a significant amount of assistance. The Breton knights who had accompanied the Normans to England were now scattered across the west of England. The Breton nobles present at the banquet were loyal to Geoffrey, the Duke of Brittany and Henry II's son.

Under Henry II's instructions, Geoffrey had married the Duchess of Brittany, gaining control of Brittany. These Breton nobles were now loyal to Geoffrey and had come to this banquet to strengthen ties with the House of Plantagenet.

John, as the protagonist, had been hurried to the palace early. He sat in the Duke of Rouen's palace, surveying the palace. This had once been the residence of numerous Norman dukes, and the conqueror William had perhaps pondered here how to conquer England.

"Your Highness," the nobles entering from outside the palace greeted John with utmost respect, then found their seats.

Once everyone had taken their seats, John raised his cup to toast the assembled nobles.

"I am honored to meet you all here. Each of you is a pillar of the nation, a loyal servant of the king. To drink this wine with you here is God's will and my good fortune."

John smoothly delivered his tribute, then drained the wine from his silver cup. The vassals also exchanged pleasantries, then emulated John's actions by finishing their cups of fine wine.

Seeing the nobles finish their wine, John continued, "Today, my father has had an urgent matter arise, so I am hosting this banquet in his place. If there are any oversights, please forgive me."

For these nobles who had long lived on the continent, John was a stranger. John had lived in England all his life, mainly around Oxford. Unlike Richard, who had lived in Anjou and Aquitaine since childhood, he had hardly visited England.

Therefore, for these nobles, their impression of John was based on rumors and some strange rumors.

These claims are easily dispelled upon meeting John for the first time, especially after he exhibited such a humble attitude, strange rumors naturally debunked in the hearts of these nobles.

"His Royal Highness is modest," a Breton noble stood up and said, "We are all loyal subjects of His Majesty the King, why would we find fault with your hospitality?"

With such a statement, John's humility waned, and he led the nobles into a feast.

However, during the feasting, John noticed that many of the nobles present seemed to be young members of their families.

Young people have two characteristics, one is capable and the other is poor.

Many noble youths are actually second sons in their families without inheritance rights, perhaps they have received a good knightly education, or grown up under church education, but after they grow up, they will find that their employment is a problem.

But they are much better than the lower-level knights, at least they are not laborers, and they have a little power of speech.

For these people, establishing a good relationship with John is very beneficial for their future employment. Especially since John is now fighting in Ireland, he must need people.

Unfortunately, John does not lack people.

"Everyone——"

John saw that the atmosphere was appropriate and began to lead the topic to his advantage.

"I know that many of you here are second sons in your families, and so am I, so I understand the difficulties you all face." John spoke of the suffering in their hearts, causing most people present to listen.

"Therefore, we have to find a way out for ourselves, like me, I have to go to Ireland to get land for myself. And my elder brother, the Duke of Aquitaine, can enjoy his accomplishments."

Stirring words are often the most deadly, and John, when promoting his views to these nobles, also made a bit of a fortune.

"I understand everyone's distress, but I really lack the funding on hand to support more people..."

John solicited sympathy, revealing a helpless expression on his face.

Although the young nobles present had seen the world, they were still a little tender compared to such cunning little foxes as John.

Just a few expressions, a few words and a bit of body language, these young nobles really believed John's argument.

"Everyone can help me,"

Speaking up here, John finally showed his real intentions