Henry Fraule

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

After resting for a day in Earl Kent's castle, the young mage Andy accompanied the Earl to the capital of Duke Fraule's direct domain in the northwest—Sente.

Upon reaching Sente, they first stayed at the Kent family's residence in the city. By then, it was already late, so the Earl decided to visit the Duke's castle the next day.

However, unexpectedly, before breakfast began, a certain person arrived—Henry Fraule, the younger brother of Duke Fraule.

Earl Kent settled Andy and personally received Viscount Henry alone in the hall.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the Earl asked, "Viscount, what brings you to Sente?"

Henry had his own fief elsewhere and normally wouldn't reside in Sente, so it was unusual for him to be here coincidentally at this time.

"Oh, Earl Kent, you know... My elder brother hasn't been feeling well lately, so I moved to Sente to be closer to him and take care of him."

"You truly have a deep brotherly bond. Whenever I encounter such matters, I regret not having a brother to care for each other."

Earl Kent put on an emotional appearance. Deep down, he knew well why Duke Fraule's health had deteriorated—it was due to their 'visit' with Barnett before, where they had used a brain parasite to control the Duke's mind, greatly affecting his physical health.

At this rate, the Duke probably had only about a year left to live.

Viscount Henry wore an expression of matter-of-factness. "Of course, my elder brother treats me just like a father. Ah... Earl, when my servants saw you on the street as you entered the city, I hurried over to have a chat with you."

Earl Kent internally remained cautious. Had Viscount Henry already begun planting spies in Sente?

"Why did Earl Kent come to Sente?"

Upon hearing Henry's question, Kent Maltz gave a slightly embarrassed smile. "Um... well, naturally, it's also related to the Duke's health matters."

Seeing the awkward expression on Maltz's face, Henry understood. The 'health matters' he mentioned naturally referred to issues concerning a man's personal health.

He shook his head and made a clicking sound with his tongue.

"My elder brother... he's just unwilling to accept God's arrangement. In my opinion, that's fate. At his age, what more can he hope to change?"

Viscount Henry's mention of "fate" referred to the fact that Duke Fraule had no sons.

Without a son, the title would naturally have to pass to one of the fortunate brothers.

And as the Duke's eldest brother, Henry had the best chance.

Thus, with his elder brother's health deteriorating, he had come to Sente to make arrangements.

Earl Kent didn't respond directly, just smiling at the Viscount.

Although Maltz was renowned as the Duke's hawk against outsiders, Viscount Henry, as the Duke's brother, wasn't afraid and spoke freely.

Of course, if Henry wanted to vie for the Duke's title, he would need to align with the powerful Kent family. After all, they were the second most powerful family in the northwest after the Fraules.

"Earl Kent! This time, I've brought you a gift and hope you won't refuse it. Bring it in!"

Following his words, servants waiting outside immediately entered with a delicately crafted wooden box.

The Viscount took the box and placed it carefully on the table before opening it.

In an instant, the Earl felt as if the room was filled with brilliance.

Inside was a golden statue of a deer.

Henry lowered his voice. "This is a treasure passed down from the ancient Bela Empire, made entirely of pure gold."

The Earl's heart raced.

Maltz Kent actually quite liked these kinds of things. Setting aside the fact that it was made of gold, the item itself was a precious artifact that could greatly enhance one's taste in the eyes of others.

However, some courtesy was still necessary.

"Oh... this is really too precious, I can't accept it, but I appreciate your kindness."

"Earl, how can you refuse? You've been a loyal vassal of our Fraule family for so many years. On behalf of the family, this small gift is just right."

Henry emphasized the term "vassal."

"I'm the vassal of your sickly elder brother, not yours," flashed through Maltz's mind with a hint of anger.

But he still maintained a sincere smile. "It's all my duty, how could I..."

"No, no, no, you must accept."

...

The two of them exchanged pleasantries back and forth for half a day, and in the end, Earl Kent reluctantly accepted.

Maltz hosted Henry to a lavish dinner. During the meal, Henry was in high spirits, frequently toasting as if the ducal position were already within his grasp.

After who knows how many cups, Henry drank a bit too much, his face flushed.

"Maltz! I never thought you could hold your liquor so well... hic! You weren't like this before!"

He directly addressed Maltz by his name, ignoring the fact that the Earl's title was higher than his own.

"Hehe! You flatter me."

Maltz showed no signs of intoxication on his face, remaining unusually clear-headed, despite having consumed as much as Viscount Henry.

Ever since he had been studying the health techniques taught to him by Barnett every day, alcohol had less and less effect on his body.

Even he didn't know how it happened, but now he could say he was completely immune to getting drunk, no matter how much he drank.

"When I become Duke..."

Alcohol emboldened Henry to speak rebellious words, although his speech was already somewhat slurred.

"I'll give you more wealth, hic!... give you more land!"

Henry pounded his chest vigorously.

"What my elder brother has given you, I won't give you any less."

Kent smirked inwardly but said aloud, "Viscount, you're drunk."

"Huh? Drunk? Hic! I guess I really am a little drunk. Alright... I won't disturb you anymore. Hic!... I'll take my leave first."

Henry swayed as he stood up to bid farewell to Earl Kent.

The Earl immediately went to support him personally, slowly guiding him towards the door.

"Maltz, remember what I said today. I know my idiot brothers will come to you... or maybe they've already approached. But... hic... whatever conditions they offer you, tell me... I'll guarantee you more than those idiots."

"Haha, I'll remember, I'll remember."

Earl Kent assisted him outside the residence, helping him onto the carriage.

"Let's keep in touch more often from now on!"

After saying this, Viscount Henry left in the carriage.

Maltz Kent stood at the door watching the carriage disappear into the distance, his face displaying a sarcastic smile.

"Hmph!"

With a cold snort, he turned and went back inside the residence.

(End of the Chapter)