Chapter 93: Extortion 3
TL: Etude
Emerson, filled with resentment, waited until the next afternoon.
After Paul bid farewell to Queller and his party and playfully teased his female advisor, Bernard sent someone to inform Emerson that he could meet with Count Grayman at 2 p.m. in the castles reception room.
At 2 P.M., Paul arrived at the reception room, but did not find the envoy there.
Well, Ill wait a bit then.
Paul opened a book and began reading in the reception room.
After finishing a chapter, he looked up at the grandfather clock in the room; 15 minutes had already passed.
Shaking his head and feeling slightly displeased, Paul thought about how, since assuming the lordship, he had never encountered anyone daring enough to stand him up.
He continued to wait, and by 2:30 p.m., Paul couldnt hold back any longer.
Bernard! he shouted.
His chief secretary immediately rushed in from his office, Whats the matter, Lord Grayman?
Eh? Has Sir Emerson left already? Bernard realized something was amiss.
Paul, dissatisfied, said, I should be asking you! You didnt get the time wrong, did you?
The chief secretary promptly replied, Impossible, Lord Grayman. I even sent someone to remind him again at 1:30 p.m.
Paul grew puzzled, Could something unexpected have happened? Send someone to look for him.
Yes, Lord Grayman. Bernard turned to leave.
Just then, a servant came in to report, Sir Emerson, the envoy from Emden, has arrived to meet with Count Grayman.
Paul became both angry and annoyed, Well, it seems Ive simply been stood up by someone.
The chief secretary, somewhat shocked, said, Oh! Thats outrageous.
Yesterday, the envoy had appeared somewhat arrogant, but since he was only a secretary, he hadnt thought much of it.
Now, it seemed the envoy was downright audacious, having made a count wait for half an hour. He decided to stay in the reception room to see how things would unfold.
The servant led Emerson in. Paul glanced at him; he had a decent appearance, but there was something slightly sinister in his eyes. Paul wondered if it was inherent or just a facade.
Emerson approached Paul and performed a proper noble salute.
Paul, not even wanting to stand up, let alone return the salute, simply pointed to the seat opposite him, indicating for the envoy to sit down.
Emerson, noticing Pauls demeanor, slightly smirked and sat down.
Then Paul asked, What brings you, Sir Envoy, all the way to Lakeheart Town?
Emerson, unhurried, replied, I dare not presume to instruct. I am here on the orders of Count Kent, specifically to inquire about Aldas unauthorized detention of Count Ganard.
What? Detention? Paul scoffed coldly.
Emerson nodded solemnly, Yes, Viscount Angelo Angelo, the chief steward of Baylding, has clearly informed the surrounding lords of the situation.
Paul, disdainfully, said, Hmph! Ive also sent out a notice, havent you seen it? Or do you just believe the words of those few traitors?
The other party shook his head: Lord Grayman, please dont distort the facts.
Paul turned to Bernard and instructed: Please ask Malron to come over.
He didnt want to waste time talking to Emerson and decided to bring in the main party involved to see what he would say.
The reception room fell silent. Paul, uninterested in dealing with the envoy who stood him up and accused him of twisting the truth, picked up his book to continue reading.
Emerson, meanwhile, remained silent and closed his eyes to rest, appearing calm and collected.
After a while, Malron arrived in the reception room, already briefed by Bernard about what had happened. He immediately said:
Mr. Envoy, everything Angelo and others have said is nonsense. Those traitors murdered my father, their lord, and later plotted against me. Fortunately, I overheard their conversation, wrote a secret letter to my blood-brother Paul Grayman, and escaped to Lakeheart Town before they realized their plot was exposed. Then Paul sent troops to defeat those traitors.
In short, please dont be misled by the words of traitors.
Emerson waited for Malron to finish, then smiled and said: Count Ganard, I know youre in a difficult position and have to say things against your will, but rest assured, Count Kent will surely seek justice for you.
Both Paul and Malron were speechless at his response, wondering what he was trying to do.
Malron countered: Im very well right now and completely free.
Emerson, shaking his head, said: If youre not under house arrest, and if Lord Grayman isnt trying to annex Baylding, how do you explain your current stay in Lakeheart Town instead of returning to Butuya? And how do you explain the orders within Baylding being issued from Lakeheart Town?
Malron explained: Because my subordinates are traitors, I currently lack loyal and capable assistants to help me govern Baylding, so I had to seek help from Lakeheart Town. Plus, just a few days ago, I returned to Butuya to gather the local merchants for a meeting, and stayed there for several days. You can go to Baylding and ask!
Emerson, ignoring this, insisted: Lord Ganard, I understand your predicament. Believe me, the surrounding lords will not ignore such a violation of natural order.
He then turned to Paul and said: Even if Bayldings vassals harbored rebellious intentions, it should be up to Duke Ferdinand of the Northwest to decide. Lord Grayman, you took over Baylding by force without consulting him, showing little regard for the Duke.
Paul retorted: Both the Ganard and Grayman families swear allegiance directly to the royal family. We can handle our affairs without consulting Duke Ferdinand.
Emerson suddenly stood up, scoffed, and said: The late king granted Duke Ferdinand the power to subdue rebels. All lords in the Northwest Bay are under his jurisdiction. Your actions without his consent are an affront to the Duke.
You Malron tried to argue back, but Paul stopped him.
Paul had realized that the envoy from the Kent family was determined to accuse him of detaining Malron and invoked Duke Ferdinand to pressure him, clearly looking for trouble. Reasoning with him was futile.
He wondered why he had offended the Kent family, except for capturing a few spies which was a justifiable act. He had kept quiet about it, not going to Emden to confront them, yet they seemed to be pushing their luck.
Wait, spies? Those spies seemed to have come to steal papermaking technology
Realizing the Kent familys likely motive for sending the envoy, Paul adjusted his attitude and smiled at Emerson, gesturing for him to sit.
He softly said: Mr. Envoy, please sit down. Many things can be discussed slowly.
Many things! He repeated, looking into Emersons eyes.
Emerson, observing Pauls smile, relaxed his expression.
He sat down, returned the smile, and said: Of course, Lord Grayman, many things can indeed be discussed slowly.
The young count finally seemed to be on the right track.
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