Chapter 356 Manor Banquet 1
Ferguson, the former knight of the Grayman family and the current owner of the manor, rode his horse slowly and leisurely on the country road. The fresh air made him feel relaxed and happy, thinking of I feel even happier now that I can have a big drink at the upcoming banquet.
Since the Arda family established a standing army, many of the new rules Paul established for the army made many old subordinates loyal to the Gleiman family very uncomfortable.
Especially those [Knights] who are used to living a free and leisurely life. They used to compete in martial arts, hunt, etc. when they had nothing to do. Life was so comfortable and comfortable.
Let them become officers in the new army. They must sign in at the military camp at the specified time every day, supervise the training of soldiers all day long, and they must not get drunk on weekdays... Oh my God! Boring and tasteless, is this still the way people live?
Therefore, in the six months after the formation of the new army, nearly one-third of the family knights gradually resigned from their positions in the army, but they swore to Paul that if the Grayman family was in danger, they would definitely come back to serve.
These knights all had manors passed down from generation to generation or given by the old count, so most of them moved away from the town in the middle of the lake, returned to their manors in the countryside, and lived a pastoral life.
Fergus is one of them. He is a close friend with Bryce, the former military director of the Gleyman family and now the second-in-command of the Arda army. The two often compete in drinking together. On the day of his death, Bryce personally sent him out of town.
Now Fergus supervises the work of the people in the manor every day, goes hunting with the nearby squires and landowners every now and then, and occasionally goes to Lake Town to meet up with friends in the army, living a good life. It's quite comfortable.
Thinking of drinking, Fergus thought of his friends in Huxin Town. Thinking of Huxin Town, Fergus felt filled with emotion. Every time he went back, he could see changes. It was not a new shop. There are newly built houses on the road, as if it is a large construction site that never stops. The market is becoming more and more prosperous, and there are more and more shops, bringing together goods from all over the world, even from places like Jiaowan, which for northwest people can be said to be the ends of the earth.
Under the governance of the little earl, Huxin Town finally looks like a city. I believe the ancestors of the Graiman family will be pleased.
However, the prosperity of the market has also brought about rising prices. Ferguson feels heartbroken every time he treats guests. Fortunately, he is a large manor owner, and a little money for food will not cause financial pressure.
Another thing that makes Ferguson feel uncomfortable is that there are too many outsiders in Lake Town with various accents, which makes him feel strange every time he goes there.
"Mr. Fergus, the Warren Manor is ahead."
Seeing that the owner walking in front fell into memories, two of Fergus's followers were born to remind him.
"Oh! It's almost here."
Fergus reacted and straightened his clothes. He came out this time to attend the birthday party of a squire. This squire's family name was Valen. He was very famous in the southwest of Arda. Everyone who met him called him "Master Valen".
Turning a corner, the magnificent manor of the Warren family suddenly appeared in front of us. Fergus whipped his horsewhip and led his entourage to the gate of the manor.
The two servants at the door came over immediately to greet him. Fergus dismounted and handed the reins to the servant.
“How many people are here at your house?”
"Honorable Lord Fergus, 13 people have arrived, all gathered in the living room."
"Well, take me there quickly."
Fergus's entourage mentioned Holding the gift, he simply followed the master's footsteps and entered the manor.
After arriving at the living room, the servant standing at the door loudly announced inside, and there was immediately a noise inside.
"Lord Fergus, you are here too."
"It's an honor to meet you today."
... As Fergus slowly walked into the living room, many people stood up and saluted him, and he responded with a smile one by one.
The reason why he received so much courtesy was because Fergus was a [Knight] of the Gleyman family before he retired, and Fergus still participated in the crusade against pirates. The hero of the war, even now, he maintains contact with many high-ranking officials in the lord's army.
“Welcome our hero—Lord Fergus! Your arrival really makes me feel honored.”
The owner of the manor, Mr. Warren, an elderly man, came over and took Fergus's arm affectionately, leading him to a seating arrangement next to the main seat.
As soon as he sat down, someone came over with a drink and wanted to clink glasses with him.
Pudgy figure, small green bean-like eyes... The muscles on Fergus's face twitched slightly.
Isn’t this the landowner Baden who caused the salt people’s riots? Mr. Warren also invited such people.
This Baden was severely punished after the riot was put down. Most of his family property was confiscated by Count Greiman. He was also deprived of his status as a tax collector. His status among the squires was reduced by a big margin. cut.
Fergus really didn't want to associate with such a person with a dark history - the other person was so bold that he forged orders from the Lord's Mansion, which eventually caused a riot.
However, due to the kindness of the host of the banquet, Fergus still picked up the wine glass and clinked it with Baden dryly.
The other party seemed to realize that he was not lovable in front of Fergus, and returned to his seat after saying a few simple polite words.
With the roll call, the guests at the birthday party arrived one after another, all of them prominent figures in the area.
Drinking large glasses of wine, eating large amounts of meat, and talking loudly, the banquet in the Northwest Bay is very rough, without the red tape of the wealthy people in the south. The whole living room is filled with noise, and the atmosphere of the banquet gradually reaches a climax.
"Gentlemen, thank you for coming to my birthday party!"
After the guests arrived, Warren, the owner of the manor, raised his wine glass, "First of all, I propose that let us celebrate the honorable Paul Gray together. Cheers, Lord Man!”
“Cheers!”
The guests raised their glasses and drank.
“Under the leadership of Lord Grayman, we Aldar people are finally proud in the Northwest Gulf! Last year’s Assault War was the final word for us Aldar people to destroy the conspiracy of the Assaulters!”
"Haha! In the past, the Emden people always looked down on us, but now they are under the rule of our lords. It is our turn to look down on them."
"Even the current Duke of Northwest has to rely on Our Alda support!”
The hall echoed with everyone’s admiration for Lord Paul Grayman.
Fergus listened with a smile. He was also very proud because Paul was his loyal master. Although the earl did not summon these [old ministers] during the Assumption War, it still made him feel a little regretful.
(End of this chapter)