Chapter 343 Howdareyou!
A cocktail party was held at Sigh High Wall.
Participating in the reception were not only a small number of nobles from Nord Province, but also Eivor nobles from Iron Birch County and several surrounding counties.
As the news of Raven's three victories spread, especially after defeating Palmer and Faraday, the situation became increasingly clear.
Anyone with a discerning eye can see that Eivor VIII and his cabinet are no longer able to interfere in matters south of Eivor.
The Eivor came to seek support and protection, even at the expense of some of their wealth.
The nobles of Nord finally dared to let go and bet on Raven to gain more benefits for themselves.
Of course, the premise is that they have to wait until the big shots have finished dividing the cake before they are eligible to eat some of the leftovers.
There are only a limited number of big shots in the Nord province.
After the Fox family was destroyed, Earl Tyrone counted as one, Archbishop Thomas counted as one, and Anthony also counted as one.
It's just that Anthony's actions since taking office have been disappointing, and he wasn't there.
Therefore, the only real big names in this game are Tyrone, Thomas, and——
Raven.
He maintained his usual humble posture and was not arrogant at all because of his achievements. He was wearing a decent and appropriate black dress, holding a silver goblet in his hand, looking down into the hall and looking at the noisy crowd.
The nobles were in small groups, chatting incessantly. Occasionally, someone would look up and look at Raven, showing a flattered look.
Regardless of whether they were viscount or baron, whether they were from Nord or Eivor, they all immediately bowed and saluted.
Even though Raven had already looked away at this time.
They discussed Raven's achievements, and no one showed any dissatisfaction.
As if everything was meant to be, Raven was meant to be sitting at the big shot's table.
I completely forgot that just 7 years ago, Raven was still a joke in the aristocratic circle.
The attitudes of Thomas and Tyrone have also quietly changed.
Especially Lord Tyrone.
Looking at Raven, who was confident and calm in front of him, as if he had everything under control, Tyrone simply couldn't connect this man with the young man who appeared in Men'en City five years ago.
At that time, during the same banquet, Raven bit off a piece of fat from his and Montreal's mouths, taking advantage of the situation to make himself fatter.
But after all, it is just a small trick, a small trick, a conspiracy that cannot be put on the table.
No matter how well you do it, it will still appear a bit slick.
But now, Raven really has a majestic air of being in a high position.
That is not the nobility cultivated by aristocratic families, but the calm confidence that comes from fighting with swords and guns and then settles down.
A level 3 magician with 13,000 armored elites and experienced warriors. This kind of power, let alone the Nord province, is enough to be considered a considerable force even if you look at the entire empire.
"Your Excellency Raven." At this time, it is meaningless to address Raven's current title: "I wonder what your next strategy will be?"
"Continue heading north." Lei Wen said frankly: "This opportunity cannot be missed, and it will never come back."
"Now is the time when the Principality of Eivor is at its weakest. We must work hard to continue to expand our results without giving them any time to react or prepare."
"In two days, I will lead the army and set off."
"However, I still need more help from you, Count Tyrone, regarding the rear issues."
Tai Long felt slightly relaxed after hearing this.
It seems Raven was not too carried away by the victory.
Since Tai Lung came in person, of course he wanted to obtain benefits that matched his status as an earl. If Raven didn't speak up and took the initiative to ask him for "help," Tai Lung would naturally have a way.
But in that case, Anthony is likely to peek into the loophole and take advantage of it, and without Raven's cooperation, his next actions will be half the result with twice the effort.
"To say help is too much." Tyrone has completely regarded Raven as an equal to talk to:
"Your Excellency Raven has made such great contributions to the empire. Of course, we, the Slater family, must fully support him and contribute to the empire."
"Your noble personality deserves everyone's respect." Raven said with a smile:
"Then, next, in order to ensure the stability of my rear grain road and prevent it from being attacked from both sides, can Ximu County, South Gordon River County, and the western part of Bolan County be left to you to handle?"
Tai Lung's heart skipped a beat.
Ximu County and South Gordon River County are two counties adjacent to the west of Tiehua County. They have always been very wealthy; not to mention Bolan County, which has the famous Bolan Gold Mine in the west.
"No problem, I can guarantee that no Eivor soldier can pass through my defense zone from the west and harass Lord Raven's flanks."
Neither of them mentioned the distribution issue of several eastern counties, because they both knew tacitly that Anthony had not come yet.
Anthony must have a piece of this cake.
Of course, compared to the western counties, the eastern part is slightly barren, and the terrain is mountainous, making it more difficult to gnaw.
But who told Anthony not to come yet?
Raven smiled and raised his glass: "Then please leave it to Earl Tyrone."
"Besides that, I have a merciless request."
"Can you please Mr. Hyde to go north with me to fight?"
Tailong's eyes shone with light, and a smile appeared on his lips:
"Since Sir Lei Wen doesn't mind my useless son holding you back, of course there is no problem."
In fact, if the interests are maximized, Tai Lung should take over the work from Raven at this time and take charge of all matters of the Northern Expedition.
But he can't do that.
Not to mention, that would also bring in the hungry wolf Anthony.
The most fundamental reason is that the Slater family is an earl family, and it is an earl family on the edge of the empire, and has no chance of promotion.
No amount of merit can improve his title or substantially expand his territory.
Being too pushy will only make His Majesty the King jealous.
Therefore, by helping Raven and doing auxiliary work, he can not only fulfill his obligations as a member of the empire, but also bring some substantial benefits to the family.
The same principle applies to Anthony.
But now, Raven has taken the initiative to take Hyde on the journey. This credit can fall on Hyde himself, not the entire Slater family.
Having a strong branch is always a good thing for a big family.
The two had reached a tacit understanding, and Archbishop Thomas, who had always been silent, finally spoke: "Your Excellency Raven, in three consecutive wars, your soldiers must have suffered a lot, right?"
"As the bishop of the Diocese of Nord, it really breaks my heart to see the Lord's believers encounter such disasters."
"So, do you need some magicians to heal the wounds of your army?"
Now that Boser of Eivor Parish has broken the tacit understanding between the two of them, Thomas doesn't have to worry now.
Compared to Nord Province, the development of the Church of Light in the Principality of Eivor is actually not smooth.
Especially with the lessons learned from the Storm Dynasty and the current situation where the Church of the Kingdom of Lozeron dominates everything, small countries like Eivor are particularly on guard against the Church of Light.
Even the Keynes Empire's cabinet has church members, but it is evident from the fact that there is no trace of the church in the high-level meetings of the Principality of Eivor.
A more practical example is that the Principality of Eivor has a much larger economy and population than the Province of Nord, and its tithe amount is even less than 1/4 of that of the Province of Nord.
If Raven's march can popularize the Church of Light, then this will be another major achievement for Thomas.
In fact, after hearing about the atrocities committed by Palmer and Faraday in the Iron Birch Region, Thomas wished he could spread his wings and fly over.
This devastated environment is the most suitable soil for the growth of the Church of Light.
Raven knew what Thomas was thinking, and he also knew that getting too close to the Church of Light was not what His Majesty the King wanted to see.
But he wasn't prepared to say no.
In any case, with his own strength, he cannot fight against the endless supernatural beings emerging in the entire principality. It is of course the best to have the support of the Church of Light.
What's more, Anthony, a close minister of His Majesty the King, can seek help from the Church of Light. What can he do if he, a small baron, cooperates with the Church of Light for the sake of the empire?
"I see the mercy of the Lord of Light in you." Raven put his hand on his chest: "As his believer, of course I will not refuse your mercy."
Next, there are some details.
For example, how many soldiers will Hyde bring with him to go north with Raven, and how many clergymen will Thomas bring to join Raven's team?
The final result of the negotiation made everyone very satisfied.
The soldiers under Hyde's command expanded to as many as a legion, including 2,000 heavy armor.
The entire legion is made up of the elite private soldiers of the Slater family, and they are by no means comparable to ordinary serfs recruited.
Thomas, on the other hand, provided Raven with a dozen priests, a total of 12 people.
Among them, there are 3 level 3 magicians, 4 level 2 magicians, and 5 level 1 magicians.
Of course, Raven also wanted to reciprocate.
The interests of the Slater family have been divided. Thomas's side, in addition to priests, has also sent hundreds of grassroots priests and nuns to join the army in preparation for accompanying the army in preaching.
Two days later, Raven led the army to set off on time.
……
at the same time.
Hu Xia finally arrived at Blue Castle, the capital of the Principality of Eivor, under the escort of Hoyaz.
Walking in the Whirlpool Palace, Hu Xia finally felt what it means to be the wealth that power brings.
It's mid-September now, and although it's a bit chilly in the morning and evening, it's still very hot at noon.
But walking in the Whirlpool Palace, I couldn't feel any dryness at all.
And Hoyaz could clearly feel that the water element was flowing with the breeze in a certain regular way - that was obviously a trace of the operation of magic. An entire palace that could accommodate 100,000 people was actually shrouded in a temperature-control array.
I'm afraid hundreds of gold coins are consumed every day. Every year, just spending on this alone costs more than 100,000 gold coins.
After being led to the side of the main hall by the palace servants, Hu Xia swallowed slightly, feeling a little nervous.
Seeing the calm face of Hoyaz next to him, he took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.
But this doesn't work.
Soon, the chamberlain came out and led them inside.
The carpet is clean and flat, even dotted with various fine gemstones; the reliefs on the walls are outlined with gold and silver threads, which are not only full of artistic flavor, but if you look closely, you can also find wisps of magical light flowing in them.
It was more like a private meeting than a formal diplomatic occasion.
Because there were too few people in attendance.
Eivor VIII was sitting on a high-backed chair, with a calm expression, not angry or majestic, and somewhat carrying the majesty of a king of men and a landowner.
There was only one Prime Minister, Gattugen, sitting in front of him.
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Apart from this, there is no one else, even the chamberlain who led the way has retreated.
Eivor VIII put his chin on his hands and spoke slowly:
"Are you the envoys sent by Raven?"
Strange to say.
The surrounding environment and now the mission have brought huge pressure to Hu Xia.
But when he heard Eivor VIII's inquiry, Hu Xia's heart, which was beating wildly, suddenly calmed down.
He put his hand on his chest, bowed in salute, and looked directly at Grand Duke Eivor VIII without being humble or condescending.
Hu Xia knew why he was so calm.
As a lord, Lord Raven usually laughs and curses, and never deliberately keeps a straight face, but the victories he brings one after another have shaped his aura.
That kind of confidence, high spirits and majesty cannot be faked by deliberately pretending.
He can be as harmonious as the spring breeze, but when he frowns, no one can disobey him.
But the Grand Duke in front of him, although he was well maintained, at 42 years old, he didn't look much more mature than Lord Raven.
However, Hu Xia saw a hint of weakness and sternness in him.
Compared to Lord Raven, Eivor VIII is like a tiger being raised by others.
It just relied on its bones to show a decent appearance, but it didn't have the ferocity and power that a ferocious beast should have.
"I, Hu Xia, am Lord Raven's diplomatic envoy." Hu Xia calmly raised his left hand with four rings on it: "This is Hoyaz, and he is my bodyguard."
This calm attitude made Eivor VIII a little angry:
"Haha, I've seen Raven's rudeness!"
"You killed Count Wanda, you killed Count Tudor, and you killed Count Palmer a few days ago."
"Now, I let you two little guys who are not even knights appear in front of me."
"Aren't you two afraid of death!?"
The words were sinister and echoed in the hall, as if dozens or hundreds of people were shouting and cursing in unison!
But both Hu Xia and Hoyaz showed complete calmness.
"Since we are human, how can we not be afraid of death?" Hu Xia smiled slightly:
"But Your Highness, since we are Lord Raven's envoys, we were already prepared for the worst when we received the order."
"Moreover, you are a grand duke of a country and have a broad mind. How can you punish us just because we are disrespectful?"
Gatuggen's expression was a little complicated.
He had already seen it. After Hu Xia and Hoyaz walked into the hall, there was curiosity and excitement in their eyes, but there was no fear.
Raven is a little baron, and two of his subordinates have this kind of talent, but looking at the Principality of Eivor... Alas!
Gatuggen sighed silently.
Eivor VIII was indeed speechless. He coughed slightly and his expression became much softer:
"Sure enough, you have some courage."
"Since you call yourself messengers, why are you here this time?"
Hu Xia straightened his body: "We are here for peace."
"The war has continued so far and has caused huge losses to both your country and us. Now it is time to stop the war."
"So, this time, we bring a letter written by Lord Raven and a big gift for you."
Although he knew that what Hu Xia said was just for the occasion, Eivor VIII still felt a lot in his heart.
It seems that Raven has no losses either!
After coughing, an old palace attendant appeared from the shadows in the corner and walked up to Hoyaz carrying a tray.
The wooden box and letter were placed on the tray, and a magical light lit up, washing the two items.
After confirming that there was no magic mechanism, the old chamberlain brought the plate to Eivor VIII.
The Grand Duke picked up the letter and read it without hesitation.
To be honest, with the defeat of Palmer and Faraday, Eivor VIII had trouble sleeping and eating during this period, and could not sleep at night.
If the war can be stopped, that would be great!
The worst thing is to give them more money - it will come from the national treasury anyway.
"Tsk..."
Eivor VIII frowned, looking a little strange.
The handwriting of Raven is really ugly!
Eivor VIII’s exercises when he was 3 years old were better than this thing!
But thinking that Raven was from a pariah background and was just a "little bee", the Grand Duke generously let go of this section and continued reading.
It was all boring nonsense at the beginning, but the later it got, the more it became unsatisfactory.
Eivor VIII's hand gripped the letter paper harder and harder, and his knuckles became paler.
He seemed to see Raven's mean face that he had never seen before!
"Your Highness, I know you are not a strong person. Although I can penetrate your defenses and capture you alive, it would be too shameless for you, wouldn't it?"
"Moreover, if Eivor is really defeated, it will be a big diplomatic problem. It will be too troublesome for a little baron like me."
"So, please don't refuse the conditions I will propose next."
"But before you read on, please take a look at my gift - it perfectly expresses my sincerity."
Eivor VIII's body was shaking.
This is the first time in his life that someone has communicated with him in this tone!
But Raven's record was clearly in front of him, and he didn't want the peace talks to collapse if there was even the slightest chance.
Therefore, Eivor VIII had to reach out and want to see what Raven sent him.
Squeak.
The box was opened, and what appeared in front of him was a human head.
A bloody head!
That's the head of Marquis Faraday!
"Ah——"
Eivor VIII, who had been pampered since childhood, had never seen such a scene before. With a howl, he knocked the box away.
Faraday's round head swayed back and forth on the ground, and Gatuggen was stunned.
Eivor VIII's eyes returned to the letter uncontrollably.
"Surprise? Your Highness."
"Faraday has the same bloodline as you. If I kept him, I could establish another principality, but I still killed him."
"This shows my sincerity."
"So, I hope you can agree to my next proposal——"
"The 18 counties of the Principality of Eivor are, according to you, a 'region'."
"I need you to cede control of the seven regions in the southern part of the principality to me, including Aofuwan, South Gordon River, Ximu, Tiehua, Chaiqiao, Luoyeer, and Zhentowen."
"In addition, Bolan County is bounded by Bolan City, and the south is left to me to handle; the north..."
Eivor VIII could no longer stand the content below.
This was the first time in his life that he had been insulted like this!
Asking him to cede territory, does Lei Wen really think that he will be a king who will subjugate his country! ?
Boom——
Kicking over the plate in the hands of the palace servant, Eivor VIII stood up from the high-backed chair and roared:
"Howdareyou!!!"
"Gatugen, give me an order immediately and let Quentin lead the army and attack southward!"
"I don't care how much money he spends, or how many people he dies, bring me Raven's head, bring it back!!!"
Before Jatugen could speak, Hu Xia decided to speak:
"Please, His Highness the Grand Duke, think more about it and don't reject my Lord's sincerity like this."
"The next peace talks will not have such loose conditions."
Eivor's eyes were filled with bloodshot eyes, and he roared like a mad tiger:
"Conditions? Loose!?"
"Come on, come on! Drag them down and behead them! I will use their skulls to decorate my palace!"
Jatugen quietly winked at the guards who rushed in.
……
(End of chapter)