HTLCCBFT Chapter 219

Has The Lord’s Career Chart Been Filled Today? – Chapter 219

“Even the naive young master Calward would find it difficult to believe what you just said, Master.”

The white-haired butler calmly remarked while personally attending to his master’s attire.

“That’s irrelevant,” Welph replied indifferently, his gaze fixed on the large emerald on his belt that pleased him so much. After a moment, he sneered, “Even if he feels dissatisfied about this, would he dare to leave this place and find someone willing to take him in with such dignity? Oh, that person would also need to possess both the power and courage to oppose the new lord of Gregor. Aside from the royal capital, he might only try his luck in Wealfay City.”

The butler naturally continued: “Unfortunately, I’ve never heard of the McKenna family having any exchanges with Wealfay City, let alone marital ties.”

“Hmm,” Welph said lightly. “Young McKenna’s thoughts aren’t even worth considering. The key issue is the royal capital – that equally annoying King is pressing harder with each passing day. The letters he’s sent alone must be nearly filling that largest chest by now?”

Like the former Count McKenna, as the lord of one of the three wealthiest territories in the kingdom outside the royal capital, Welph certainly had the confidence to privately speak disrespectfully of the new King.

Especially since this new King, who had ascended through the cruelest, most extreme and dishonorable means, appeared clumsy and childish in other political matters: like a child who, in a tantrum to get his parents’ attention, burned down the family house. Though his parents perished in the flames, having seized everything through this act, he lacked the courage to deal with the devastated situation.

Just like now, facing Duke Oliver, that fully-fledged and dramatically changed brother… Even if Cameron barely managed to free his hands, he remained helpless against his opponent. And he actually thought of using royal authority to command Welph to send troops against him?

What a joke! Welph wasn’t a fool like Gride McKenna. Underestimating one’s opponent would only lead to handing over the capital accumulated by the entire family over centuries.

“If I were King Cameron,” he said these treasonous words without changing expression or heartbeat, “I would have handled things more thoroughly from the start. I wouldn’t have let the most troublesome brother leave the royal capital alive, instead of behaving like a unreasonable child crying for candy every day.”

Back then, the Angel Duke indeed appeared like a simple, harmless little honey drop, which made Cameron lower his guard and decide to leave his fate to destiny.

But he overlooked a fatal point: after experiencing the catastrophe of nearly losing everything, Oliver would also grow up – and growing up symbolized tremendous trouble.

As long as Duke Oliver survived… even with limited personal capabilities, the countless loyal followers surrounding him formed a sharp blade that could pierce the King’s heart. Major nobles with considerable power would likely be delighted to have such an honorable son-in-law.

Not to mention that within just two years, he had expanded from the most isolated and barren Laina territory to three territories including Gregor, the largest city in the south… Such capability was truly chilling to contemplate.

The butler reminded him, “Master, you may have forgotten that the former Laina territory was once called ‘the cursed land.'”

Welph was genuinely taken aback for a moment before chuckling in disbelief, “Ha, I’d completely forgotten about that. So what does this mean? Even a dormant God would open His eyes for an angel and bestow divine favor?”

The butler replied, “Duke Oliver is indeed hailed as god’s chosen—even though the deity he worships is the God of Wealth, who, before he spoke of Him, had never been known to appear or walk in any legends of this world.”

Welph lazily yawned, “A new god and an angel… splendid, they’re a perfect match, aren’t they? Speaking of which, though I’ve never been to the royal capital to witness the Angel Duke’s elegance, his exceptionally superior looks are a favorite subject of bards’ songs.”

He admired his own reflection in the mirror with satisfaction and, recalling something offhandedly, remarked, “What do they call him again? Something like… the rose kissed by God?”

The butler checked the state of his gemstone cufflinks and confirmed, “Exactly as you say.”

“Alright,” completely unaware that he had, in a way, spoken the truth—that God indeed kissed that rose daily—Welph’s eyes flickered with annoyance at the thought of the impending task. “His Majesty the King’s letter is likely to arrive again today. Let’s put our heads together and figure out a way to send him and his bothersome messenger off in a manner that pleases everyone.”

The butler said respectfully, “You might be surprised to learn that the true identity of this ‘messenger,’ just revealed, is as noble as little McKenna.”

Welph’s eyes widened slightly, “Oh? Then by all means, don’t tell me the answer now—I want to see for myself.”

The butler replied without hesitation, “Yes, master.”

When Welph entered the drawing room, a brief look of astonishment crossed his face, quickly replaced by a feigned, ingratiating smile.

The other person rose from the seat first, gracefully lifting the hem of her lavish skirt to perform the most impeccable noble curtsy. “Lord Welph, good day. I am Talendi Pride[mfn]泰伦蒂·普莱德(Tài lún dì·pǔ lái dé) – maybe ‘talent?’ Also- unsure if this character is another daughter of Count Pride, as it was previously stated that Oliver’s ex-fiance was Fanci Pride.[/mfn].”

“Ah, allow me,” he said courteously, bowing to kiss the hand of the young lady with her charming looks and aloof demeanor before continuing unhurriedly, “Miss Pride, I must say, your appearance here truly surprises and delights me. Although I have never met your esteemed father, I am not entirely unfamiliar with his deeds.”

Despite Welph’s benevolent demeanor, reminiscent of a kindly elder, the content of his words was laden with irony that would draw knowing smiles from those in the know.

The actions of that Count Pride were enough to bring shame upon his valiant ancestors—as the heir to a title earned through military exploits, he not only failed to attain true knightly qualifications but was solely known for being the object of ridicule in others’ eyes, the most unsightly and obsequious flatterer.

First, he painstakingly curried favor with the old king, who reluctantly agreed to the engagement of his most beloved youngest son to Pride’s daughter; and then, when Duke Oliver…After seemingly losing power in that coup, he unilaterally and resolutely broke off the engagement, then promptly and repeatedly sent his daughter into the palace. He even attempted to bribe the new king’s most favored mistress, all just to make his daughter one of King Cameron’s lovers—after all, the queen position he most desired was already occupied.

Unfortunately, Cameron’s attitude toward him remained lukewarm, and as Duke Oliver rapidly rose to power with influence even the king feared, his situation became increasingly awkward.

Of course, for Count Pride’s shamelessness, that was nothing—if he weren’t so aware that Count Oliver, or rather, Count Oliver’s extremely protective butler Fosse, would never agree, he would have secretly left the royal capital to try restoring the previous engagement after repeatedly failing to curry the king’s favor.

“Thank you very much for your thoughtful understanding,” Miss Pride said words of gratitude, yet her eyes held not a trace of warmth, as indifferent as if discussing someone else’s affairs. “I come this time by the revered Majesty’s personal order. With your permission, I would also like to meet with Lord Calward McKenna.”

Lord?

“Oh, of course.” Welph quickly pondered the meaning behind her words while revealing an amused smile. “My unfortunate nephew, poor Calward, though not yet fully recovered from his grief, I assure you he has been treated with respect on my territory this past year and has complete freedom to receive any guests.”

“Thank you again,” to Welph’s surprise, this astonishingly bold countess with demeanor far more mature than her appearance showed no intention of keeping him in suspense, directly stating her other main purpose: “According to His Majesty’s instructions, I am to become engaged to young Count McKenna on your territory.”

“—What?”

Several days later, Oliver unfolded the reply just delivered from Riche city at the dining table. After casually scanning it, he exclaimed in surprise: “Is Welph so miserly that he’d begrudge such a small ransom?”

Lord Welph’s letter was very polite, its meaning clear: knights should pledge loyalty to the territory’s ruler, and since Duke Oliver had become Gregor city’s new master, they should rightfully serve the esteemed duke.

“It seems those knights will be staying in prison much longer. Perhaps we can find them some harmless tasks.” They couldn’t keep eating and drinking for free indefinitely. “And judging from this, young McKenna’s situation in Riche city probably isn’t wonderful either.”

Oliver shook his head, not particularly concerned about his first ransom demand being refused.

It appeared he wasn’t suited for playing games like Western European coup politics, nor for making fortune by kidnapping nobles.

He casually set aside the read letter, which Butler Fosse would later collect uniformly: “Then the previous claims about him ‘persuading’ Welph to incite rebellion in my territory probably aren’t accurate either.”

Fosse gave a slight nod, a flash of intense killing intent passing through his eyes. “It must be that damned Cameron.”

“It can only be him,” Oliver murmured thoughtfully, his voice soft. “I have a strong premonition that he will be the first to shatter the peace before long…”

If this were truly the case, numerous construction projects within Gregor City would need to be accelerated to free up more personnel for military training and other preparatory procedures.

To improve efficiency, there were only two paths: either create labor-saving and time-saving machinery, or conscript more workers.

Unfortunately, he hadn’t studied engineering in his modern life. Without being able to provide shortcuts himself, the former option seemed nearly impossible to obtain.

That left only the latter—relying on sheer manpower.

With high compensation offered, nearly everyone in Gregor City had already been mobilized by him. The other two cities had their own infrastructure tasks to complete and couldn’t spare any additional labor.

Oliver frowned.

Moreover, what he needed weren’t just laborers capable of simple chores, but skilled workers with some experience…

Hmm?

Wait.

Suddenly recalling a previously overlooked resource that had been accidentally set aside and forgotten, his eyes abruptly lit up.

“Oh, dear Fosse,” said the golden-haired villain with peerless beauty, gazing at his loyal butler with a beaming smile. “I often worry about those three neighboring territories who only focus on digging ore. They might be so busy supplying the royal court with minerals that they neglect caring for their commoners…”[mfn]In case some of you have forgotten, Iron, Copper, and Gemstone cities are neighboring territories[/mfn]

Instantly guessing his young lord’s thoughts, Fosse’s lips slowly curved into a tolerant, doting smile.

After spouting such high-sounding hypocrisy that even the liar himself felt embarrassed, Oliver continued nonchalantly, “My faithful and reliable butler, I think you might help me find a way. First, demonstrate the cat god’s boundless love and mercy to them, then logically take over—I mean, care for—a portion of their territory’s subjects? If that doesn’t work, borrowing some usable talents would be fine too.”

— Though it would be the kind of borrowing with no return.

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