Chapter 292 292-The Alliance
Howard was visibly irked by the comment.
With a cold demeanor, he retorted to Edward, "That's none of your concern." Resarite, observing the exchange between Howard and Edward, interjected at just the right moment.
"Previously, I served as the military instructor for the Earl of Vancouver, taking on the role of a military commander on the battlefield. I led the forces of three earldoms to defeat the army of Duke William, elevating my then-lord, Vancouver, to the much-coveted position of a duke."
"However, after his triumph in that war, Vancouver betrayed me. He stripped me of my noble status under some pretense. Lord Howard has given me another opportunity to fight and demonstrate my abilities on the battlefield, for which I am deeply grateful." Howard smiled at Resarite, acknowledging his gratitude.
"I haven't forgotten the assistance you've provided me. When I acquire a better fief, I will surely reward you," he promised.
Resarite expressed his thanks in response.
Edward, curious about the state of the fortress, expressed a desire to inspect the walls for their strength, as well as to review the stock of weapons, bows, arrows, and shields.
Howard readily agreed and led Edward and Resarite to the ramparts of Fernsouth Castle.
Coincidentally, Vettel was also atop the wall, engaged in conversation with his disciple.
Edward inquired about Vettel's identity.
Howard explained, and then Edward turned to Vettel with a question: "Tell me, in the event of a siege, how long could this castle hold out? As the finance minister, I expect you to provide me with an answer from a financial perspective."
Vettel shared his thoughts with Edward, who neither nodded in agreement nor shook his head in disapproval, finding the answer rather mundane.
Following their discussion, Vettel and his disciple departed from the walls.
After leaving the ramparts, Vettel was consumed by a sense of unease.
He turned to his disciple, voicing his concern, "My response didn't seem to impress Earl Edward.
Perhaps my lack of military knowledge led to an unsatisfactory answer?"
The disciple, sensing the need to encourage his mentor, replied, "Master, do not fret. Your duty as the finance minister is to maintain the economy, not to discuss military strategies on the castle walls. Even if your words did not sway Earl Edward, the wise Lord Howard will surely not be disappointed in you."
Vettel nodded, his resolve bolstered yet tinged with a newfound sense of urgency, he redoubled his efforts in his work.
Meanwhile, atop the castle walls, Resarite was explaining to Earl Edward the formidable defenses of Fernsouth Castle.
Edward nodded continuously, expressing his admiration, "It's remarkable to stand upon these famous walls of Fernsouth Castle. I have heard of its defenses, far superior to those of ordinary fortresses. It even repelled the once-renowned Earl Jayden, who long coveted this fortress. Yet, standing here now, I find my emotions as still as an ancient well."
Resarite responded, "My lord, this is the true state of being unaffected by external matters, having a heart enriched from within. Those of us involved in warfare understand that the advantage of timing is less important than geographical convenience, and geographical convenience is less important than unity among people. The land is merely a support, an enhancement, but the true determinant of a war's outcome is each soldier who participates in the battle."
Edward, deeply moved, replied, "You speak with great wisdom."
Subsequently, Howard led Earl Edward and Resarite to the castle's armory, a direct supply hub for the ramparts' defenses.
The armory was abundantly stocked with bows, arrows, shields, and various weapons, showcasing its readiness.
Edward, knowledgeable in such matters, understood that the key to this armory wasn't the melee weapons but the bows and arrows.
Upon entering, he immediately picked up a standard bow to inspect it.
Gently drawing the bowstring, it emitted a muffled sound.
Turning to Howard, Edward remarked, "The quality of the bow seems fine. Judging by the feel and the sound when drawn, they're newly acquired, aren't they?"
Howard nodded in affirmation, "Yes, I had my finance and military ministers collaborate on this task."
Setting down the bow, Edward then picked up an arrow.
Its natural, uncolored state indicated it hadn't undergone any cosmetic treatment.
Arrows, being consumable items, were typically kept utilitarian without any coloration.
However, as Edward scrutinized the arrow, Howard internally hoped for his approval, seeking to gauge his fortress's strength through Edward's reactions.
In the end, Edward expressed his satisfaction.
He addressed Howard, "Impressive for a newly appointed Earl. Your financial resources seem quite ample. Both the bows and arrows are newly acquired, befitting the equipment of an Earl."
Howard remained silent, conscious that humility could be misconstrued as weakness by Edward.
He strived to maintain an air of expected competence, keeping Edward guessing about the true extent of his resources and capabilities.
Afterward, Edward briefly examined the shields and other equipment, offering a few noncommittal remarks.
Howard then led Edward and Resarite out of the armory, and the trio walked together across the castle grounds.
Edward spoke slowly, as if weighing each word carefully.
"Howard, having inspected your castle's strength, I believe you possess considerable capability. Your military commander is outstanding and efficient, which pleases me. The walls of your castle also seem adequate. Now, the remaining concern is your financial capacity. Howard, as an Earl, how much revenue do you generate each month?"
Howard provided Edward with the figures.
Edward's reaction was neutral; he himself possessed an earldom and knew that the income Howard disclosed was not far off from his own.
Edward said hesitantly, "It would be better if your financial resources were more substantial. I don't expect you to hire mercenaries for every battle, but robust military funding is the hope for turning the tides in war."
Howard understood that this was the crucial moment.
Convincing Edward of his economic stability would likely seal their alliance.
He summoned Vettel to discuss the economic aspects with Edward.
This was Edward's second encounter with Vettel.
His initial impression on the ramparts was unremarkable, to say the least.
But when Vettel began discussing the three special products Howard had developed, Edward's eyes seemed to light up with interest.
After Vettel finished his explanation, Edward asked Howard with exaggerated surprise, "You have a lot of pearls in your possession?" Howard nodded in confirmation. Eagerly, Edward expressed his desire to see the pearls.
Responding, Howard instructed Vettel to bring a few pearls for Edward to inspect.
After some time, Vettel arrived with a large chest, brimming with pearls.
Edward picked up one, holding it up to the sunlight.
A satisfied expression spread across his face as he complimented Howard, "These pearls are of excellent quality, large and among the finest!"
Howard confidently stated, "My finances are in good order."
Edward placed the pearl back into the chest and said to Howard, "Alright, let's discuss the details of our alliance. Once we're done and the paperwork is complete, we will be allies."
At five in the afternoon, Howard and Edward sat in the drawing room, discussing the specifics of their future alliance.
Edward's stance was clear: if Mibo did not declare war on Howard, there was no need for Howard to provoke Mibo, considering their ducal support.
"But what if Mibo initiates an attack on me?" Howard inquired.
Without hesitation, Edward replied, "Then I'll definitely support you."
Howard probed further, but it was evident that Edward had no intention of assisting Howard in any offensive against Mibo.
Edward added, "Be content with what we have agreed upon. It's not common to have an ally who clarifies what can and cannot be done before forming an alliance. Many seasoned and crafty nobles make grand promises when allying but find excuses to avoid sending troops when needed. My upfront clarity is actually a good thing for you."
By six in the afternoon, Howard and Edward shook hands, signing the documents to formalize their alliance.
Four days later, on a bright morning, Howard made a special trip to Anna's domain, Yami Village, to meet with her.
Coincidentally, he encountered the village chief sitting on a bench at the village entrance, basking in the sun.
Howard greeted the village chief, who was taken aback, hardly believing that a nobleman like Howard would greet him.
Howard chuckled, remarking, "Greeting someone is a simple matter, not a question of social hierarchy." The village chief then inquired about his daughter Boshni.
Howard updated him on Boshni's situation.
The village chief reflected, "Boshni has always been innocently cheerful since she was young. I've repeatedly told her how cruel the world can be, but she still views it as if it's a fairy tale."
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