Let it go...

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

"What... what?"

Ankiro stared incredulously.

Just moments ago, Earl Kent returned to the banquet and announced that he would suspend the pursuit of the Grayman family, instructing his vassals to return to their respective territories.

He had worked hard to stir up resentment against Grayman among those present, and now, with the Earl's sudden decision, he felt like a fool.

"Why? My lord Earl, didn't you promise me? You can't go back on your word!"

He demanded angrily.

"Insolent! Guards, throw him out!" Earl Kent glared at Ankiro, and immediately, guards came forward to drag Ankiro out.

"Let me go! Let me go! My lord Earl, we had an agreement..."

Ankiro continued to shout defiantly as he was dragged out, but his voice gradually faded in the hall.

Earl Kent addressed the assembled lords and knights, saying, "I know you all must be confused. However, I was just advised by an old acquaintance that raising the banners of war is never a good thing. It is more important to persuade with reason. Therefore, I have decided to give Earl Grayman another chance."

The people in the hall exchanged looks but remained silent.

Earl Kent knew exactly what they were thinking. He continued, "However, I can't let everyone's efforts here be in vain. So, I declare that each Viscount and Baron shall receive 2000 silver coins, and each knight shall receive 1000."

"Wow!" Voices of surprise echoed through the hall.

"My lord Earl is truly benevolent!" "Surely the Grayman family will be grateful to my lord Earl."

Such praises continued to pour in.

Earl Kent burst into hearty laughter. Although he enjoyed amassing wealth, he also knew the value of buying people's loyalty. When it was necessary to spend money on this, he spared no expense. After all, it was this group of vassals he would soon need. When he and his teacher launched their move, their effectiveness would be crucial.

At this moment, Earl Kent was confident and spirited before his vassals, a stark contrast to his deferential demeanor in front of Bennett earlier.

In his view, the ducal title and the power of a wizard were within his grasp.

Only two people remained bewildered: Earl Kent's son, Jaius, and his distant nephew, Emerson. However, under Earl Kent's hint, they refrained from asking questions immediately.

The banquet continued, with vassals toasting each other and enjoying themselves before dispersing with mutual support.

Once the hall was cleared of outsiders, Jaius and Emerson approached Earl Kent.

Impatiently, Jaius asked, "Father, what happened?"

The Earl appeared in high spirits, having consumed quite a bit of wine at the banquet earlier, and now showing a slight flush on his pale face.

He glanced at the two young men, seemingly contemplating.

After a moment, he spoke, "Well, there are some things you should know."

Earl Kent led the two to his study.

In a low voice, he said, "I intend to seize the title of Duke of the Northwest."

The two were greatly shocked. Had Earl Kent lost his mind?

The Earl smiled faintly, "Rest assured, I haven't gone mad. Lord Fraule will willingly pass the title to me."

Jaius and Emerson exchanged glances, each seeing the other's doubt. "Is that possible?"

Earl Kent confidently replied, "As for why, I can't tell you now, but you will know when the time comes."

He fixed his gaze on Emerson and asked, "Young Emerson, as the royal commissioner, would you support our Kent family?"

Emerson immediately responded, "If Lord Fraule truly agrees, I would naturally support it with both hands."

The Earl patted his shoulder approvingly, saying with a smile, "Good. I won't forget your Wilde family when the time comes."

Then he seemed to remember something and added, "I received exact information from the old friend I mentioned earlier. The royal situation is precarious this time. Send a message to your father immediately, advising him to prepare early."

Emerson was surprised but said, "Thank you for the reminder, Uncle Kent. I'll inform my father right away."

Then he quickly asked, "But why did you spare Grayman? How does it relate to you gaining the ducal title? He openly insulted you like that."

Thinking of the humiliation he suffered in Lake Town that day, Emerson was furious, itching to retaliate. No one had ever treated him like that before.

Earl Kent adopted a solemn tone, saying, "Young Emerson, if we cannot endure minor setbacks, it will affect our long-term goals. Before I secure the ducal title, I prefer not to stir up more trouble. Although I am one hundred percent confident in my abilities, I must eliminate any possibility of unexpected events. However, once I obtain the title, if Grayman continues to be foolish, he won't be as lucky next time."

He sneered, "Hmph! There's plenty of time."

Emerson took the opportunity to flatter, "Uncle Kent is truly farsighted."

Jaius and Emerson chatted with Earl Kent in the study for a while before leaving.

After the door closed, a figure emerged from behind the bookshelf. It was Bennett.

Earl Kent immediately asked, "Teacher, what do you think of that Emerson?"

Bennett nodded, "No issues. According to my probing, apart from some skepticism towards your words, he has no other thoughts. Moreover, he has high expectations for you to obtain the ducal title."

Earl Kent relaxed. If Bennett sensed any ill intentions from Emerson towards him, he would have to arrange for some "accidents" for this young man.

He said, "Expectations are certain. The Wilde family and the Kent family have been allies for generations. My obtaining the ducal title will greatly benefit their family. The Wilde family wields significant influence in the capital. Utilizing them well will be helpful for our plans."

Bennett reminded him, "Still, be cautious. People's hearts are the most unpredictable in this world."

The Earl nodded, "Yes, teacher. I will be extremely cautious."

Bennett added, "I have some matters to attend to temporarily, but I will still operate in the Northwest. Before I return, think carefully about how to bypass Duke Fraule's guards and let me get close to him."

Earl Kent placed his hand over his heart, "Please rest assured, teacher. I will find a way."

(End of the Chapter)