Chapter 1945 – Drawing a Pie
“Fief a knight?” Jayad raised his head and looked at the Count of Deep Lake City. He didn’t expect him to be the first to extend an olive branch. Although he had no feud with the Count of Deep Lake City, the relationship with Little Elaine made things rather awkward.
“Yes, that’s right. I am willing to grant you the best fief under my jurisdiction, Zono Bridge, Sir Norton,” the Count of Deep Lake City said earnestly.
Pfft! I next to my older brother almost choked. Zono Bridge, isn’t that the previous fief of Little Elaine’s father, Sir Elaine?
“Um, Sir Jose, are you saying you’re just granting me a bridge?” Jayad asked in feigned surprise. Of course, he was feigning. He actually understood the situation in Zono Bridge very well, having learned it from Little Elaine.
At this moment, Little Elaine’s face was already flushed with anger, barely able to suppress it. Even the guests at his table noticed something was amiss. I quickly transmitted a message to calm him down, as the Count of Deep Lake City was not today’s target.
“Heh heh, Sir Norton, you might not know this, but Zono Bridge is one of the most profitable knightly territories under my jurisdiction. It’s located on the main route to the royal capital, Madrid. The tolls from passing merchant caravans can even exceed those of a barony,” the Count of Deep Lake City began to explain.
“Furthermore, the fief is not just this bridge, but a hundred acres centered around it. There are already villages built around the bridge, and the land by the riverbank is fertile. However, due to reasons you know, it is now temporarily abandoned.”
“I understand. It was abandoned because of monster attacks, and they couldn’t hold them off. In this situation, giving me this fief is just an empty promise,” Jayad said.
“Under the wise leadership of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, we will surely eliminate all monsters and restore peace to this land. Then, you can build your own fief from scratch, exactly in the style you prefer. Farmers and artisans will quickly gather, and of course, I will provide the necessary assistance,” the Count of Deep Lake City said confidently.
This sounded good, but in reality, it was just asking you to start from scratch. Even if it was successfully built, it would only be a fief of the Deep Lake City Count’s territory. He would be the one profiting, skillfully pulling a fast one.
Speaking of which, theoretically, Deep Lake City itself should be in one of the core areas of monster unrest. Yet, he followed the Crown Prince to a neighboring city, abandoning the citizens of his own fief.
Of course, as a Count, his fief would undoubtedly be much larger than Cando City, with stronger forces and defenses. Plus, the pressure was being shared by Cando City, so he wouldn’t be unable to defend it.
However, if the knights who remained in the Count’s territory knew that they were fighting desperately against monsters, and Jose was offering the most lucrative fief, Zono Bridge, which could be a reward after the battle, to an outsider, what would they think?
“Even so, I have no experience in building a territory. You should find another contestant for this kind offer. Perhaps they would be happy to serve you and are even stronger than I am,” Jayad said, his refusal already quite tactful.
“Heh heh, if you don’t like building your own home, I can also grant you an already operating manor. Moreover, your strength is already the strongest among the contestants,” the Count of Deep Lake City chuckled.
Just as Jayad was about to explain something, he waved his hand and interrupted, “No need for false modesty. Your strength is evident to all and beyond doubt. Perhaps you feel that with your ability, you deserve better treatment, is that right?”
“So what if I do?” Jayad smiled. I could see my older brother was playing along. He certainly had no intention of becoming a vassal of the Count of Deep Lake City, but hearing the Count’s offer wasn’t bad.
“Then I can analyze the pros and cons for you,” the Count of Deep Lake City also smiled. In his view, Jayad was holding out for a better price, and since there was room for negotiation, he could bargain.
“Admittedly, with your strength, you might be able to obtain a higher noble title and become a noble in one step. However, those great nobles have many vassals, fierce competition, and may often impose new taxes or get involved in inexplicable family wars. It’s not a good choice.”
These were things that couldn’t be said openly, nor were they the stated offer. The Count of Deep Lake City continued, “Conversely, with me, you would have relative freedom. You would only need to fulfill the minimum vassal obligations. You can go on trials or pilgrimages as you please, and you might even be promoted to Baron, or even Viscount if you assist me more…”
This was already drawing a pie in the air. Since he started talking about assistance, it meant that the Count of Deep Lake City’s ambition was not just to be a Count. He had larger, far-reaching plans that required the assistance of experts like Older Brother Jayad.
All the fiefs he currently held were full, leaving no room for Older Brother Jayad. But if he became a greater noble, he would have more land and grander titles to bestow.
Despite being so old, he had no intention of retiring to enjoy his twilight years; still ambitious. But perhaps he had no concrete plans and was just drawing a pie.
“Thank you for your recognition. I will seriously consider your proposal, but I need some time to think carefully,” Jayad said.
The Count of Deep Lake City knew that Jayad wanted to shop around, but there was nothing he could do. The reality was that great nobles could usually offer higher prices, while lesser nobles could only try their best to pick up the remaining experts, either by starting with personal connections or by cultivating local talents within their territories.
“Then I welcome you anytime. Please take your time to consider,” the Count of Deep Lake City raised his glass and clinked it with Jayad’s, then left.
During this time, Little Elaine’s veins were bulging, his eyes were burning, and his killing intent towards the Count of Deep Lake City was almost uncontrollable.
Just as I was worried he would expose his target, Amelia next to him held him down, gently massaged his temples, and said a few words. His anger actually subsided immediately.
At this moment, Amelia was like a kind mother and a gentle elder sister, seemingly able to contain all anger. Under her comfort, Little Elaine miraculously regained his composure, and could even raise his glass, talk and laugh with those around him, and coldly watch the Count of Deep Lake City’s performance.
I suddenly recalled that Amelia had once said she was also a therapist. Although not a professional, she could calm Little Elaine down simply by being part-time and having some basic knowledge. It was said that experienced therapists could resolve issues of rationality.
After the Count of Deep Lake City left, I saw Older Brother Jayad sighing and couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Older Brother, what are you sighing about?”
“I’m thinking, half a year ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed that someone would offer me a noble title, would I?” Jayad lamented. Things had changed too quickly, and he hadn’t gotten used to it yet.
