Chapter 305 305-The Assassin
Resarite stood erect, like a soldier at attention.
Howard eventually agreed to his proposal, reclaiming Louva Village and Browndale Village from Resarite and granting him the barony of Gokasu.
However, Howard had a final command for Resarite: "I'm giving you three months to get rid of Mibo. I want him stripped of even his knightly title."
Resarite hesitated, "Isn't that a bit too harsh?"
Howard replied, "Mibo is treacherous and has lost all credibility with me."
Defiantly, Resarite countered, "Since you've granted me the baronial title, Mibo is no longer your direct vassal, but mine. How I treat my vassal is not for you to dictate." With these words, Resarite abruptly left the lord's hall, leaving Howard's vassals speechless and exchanging surprised glances.
Anna, with her mouth agape in a mocking gesture, remarked, "What a wise way to bestow a reward. No sooner is the title given than he dares to defy you."
Bosiden, slinging an arm around Vettel's shoulder, walked out of the hall without a word, their faces wearing exaggerated expressions.
Karlondo suggested to Howard, "Perhaps you should reconsider? The official ceremony for the baronial title hasn't even taken place; everything is still negotiable."
Howard pinched the bridge of his nose and said, "In my feudal territory, I cannot tolerate Mibo's presence. Karlondo, Anna, you two try to persuade Resarite."
Anna scoffed, "That's unlikely to be effective." Karlondo nodded, "I'll do my best to try."
Ten days later, Resarite had a change of heart.
He came to Howard to apologize and promised that once he was officially a baron, he would promptly strip Mibo of his knightly titles.
However, Resarite expressed concern about the sheer number of titles Mibo held, telling Howard, "He has so many knight titles. Even if I find a reason to declare war and win, I can only strip away one or two of his titles. He will still have others left, which won't achieve our goal."
Howard instructed, "Tell Mambaton to do everything he can to wage war against Mibo."
Resarite was puzzled, doubting Mambaton's ability to defeat Mibo.
But Howard continued, "You assign a few new vassals, and then have them declare war on Mibo together. The ultimate goal is to strip him of all his titles."
Resarite nodded in understanding.
A day later, Resarite's investiture ceremony as a baron was conducted smoothly.
Howard formally reclaimed the two villages from Resarite.
Three days after that, Howard knighted Portia, granting him Louva Village and officially appointing him as head of espionage.
Five days later, Flandre approached Howard, expressing her desire to return to Kaido's side and hoping for Howard's permission.
Howard then bestowed Browndale Village upon Kaido, fulfilling his earlier promise to Flandre.
Flandre returned to Kaido's side, this time bringing the official documents of the grant.
Kaido, overjoyed, lifted Flandre in a 360-degree spin, then joyfully carried her around the back garden, bringing her much delight.
Seven days later, the ceremony for Kaido's additional grant took place at Fernsouth Castle, with Kaido gaining another village under his lordship.
Duke Jiakai, known as Lyon, had grown increasingly impatient and frequently galloped wildly through the streets to vent his frustration.
One morning at breakfast, his wife, Matilda, addressed him with concern, "Why have you been recklessly riding through the streets lately? You could hurt someone, do you realize that?"
Lyon shared his worries, "My dear, I've been losing sleep over the Earl of Nok's affairs."
Matilda gently stroked Lyon's cheek, speaking soothingly, "He's getting married soon. Perhaps everything will settle down then."
Lyon sighed and confided, "Ever since I sent envoys to him, in just half a year, the Earl of Nok has stripped another disloyal vassal of his title. His ambition is too great; I can't keep up with him."
Matilda, surprised and feeling a sense of foreboding, suggested, "In that case, we must prepare on two fronts. Firstly, we should send another envoy to inquire in detail about when Howard is getting married and whether he plans to cease his aggressive actions post-marriage.Secondly, let's hire an assassin, even if it costs a fortune."
A maid carrying breakfast heard these words and, in shock, dropped the tray she was holding.
She was immediately scolded by an older maid and cowered on the floor, holding her head.
Lyon, with a piercing gaze, questioned, "Shouldn't we plan a conspiracy first? Hiring an assassin directly would be too expensive."
Matilda said coldly, "If we're going to do it, let's do it decisively. Organizing conspiracies is too easily exposed, and the conspiracy's execution is too slow; we can't wait." Lyon agreed.
...
Six days hence, as twilight descended, Howard fell victim to an assassin's ambush.
His only defense was a single-handed sword he carried; no shield, no two-handed sword adorned him, nor was he clad in sturdy armor.
Instead, he wore a simple red cotton jacket, fastened with yellow buttons across his chest.
The assassin was a silent predator, his deadly intent preceding any spoken word.
He lay in wait behind a wall, biding his time until Howard approached.
As Howard drew near, the assassin sprang from his hiding place, dagger in hand, aiming straight for Howard's heart.
Caught off guard, Howard instinctively moved to the right, but his left arm was grazed by the blade, drawing blood.
"Assassin!" Howard bellowed.
Around him, lights began to flicker to life - torches held by his security team, a testament to their vigilance.
Sensing the encroaching light and hearing the growing commotion, the assassin realized the stringency of Howard's protection.
He resolved to make one final, desperate attempt.
For the price of 250 gold coins, he had pledged to take Howard's life, and he was determined to try his utmost.
He had decided: should this attempt fail, he would scale the wall and escape, biding his time for another opportunity.
Howard, with his right hand gripping the single-handed sword, positioned the blade horizontally across his chest in defense.
The assassin, with a sudden burst of speed, charged at Howard.
He threw his black cloak towards Howard in a bid to obscure his vision, hoping to catch him unawares.
This was Howard's first encounter with an assassin's tactics of this nature.
Caught off guard, his vision was obscured by the black cloak thrown over his face.
Frantically trying to pull the cloak away, his mind raced with thoughts.
Howard realized the assassin's ploy had succeeded; he would either be killed while removing the cloak or be unable to see the assassin's dagger if he did not remove it, leading to the same fatal outcome.
Closing his eyes, Howard calmed himself and relied on his hearing.
Quickly, he swung his sword, clashing with the assassin's weapon, creating a resounding clang.
The assassin screamed in disbelief, "Impossible! No one can block my strike blindfolded!"
Margaret, leading the defense force, surrounded the assassin, who then scaled the wall and fled.
Howard, drenched in sweat, finally removed the black cloak from his face.
That evening, his dinner tasted bland, overshadowed by the events of the day.
Portia, the chief of spies, continuously apologized for her failure to protect him.
Howard inquired of Portia, "What do you make of this assassin?" Portia speculated, "Perhaps sent by Mibo, harboring deep resentment against you, my lord." Howard shook his head, "He couldn't afford it. I suspect it was the Duke of Jiakai who hired the assassin." Portia suggested, "Shall we hire our own assassin in retaliation?" Howard remained silent, and after a moment, dismissed her with a wave of his hand.
The night was restless for Howard, who saw the dawn's sun rise without a wink of sleep.
...
The envoy from Lyon had arrived, and he made an indelible impression on Howard. Dressed in opulent attire adorned with precious gems and riding a majestic steed, the envoy's grandeur was immediately evident as Howard personally greeted him outside the city walls.
Guiding the envoy toward the castle, Howard engaged in conversation, inquiring, "I recall the Duke's previous emissaries were not adorned in such splendor. May I inquire about your noble rank?"
With a diplomatic smile, the envoy replied, "I am a dual Count of Romagne and Ferrara, thus, I hold the title of Marquis."
Howard's understanding deepened. The extravagant attire now made sense – the envoy was indeed a Marquis. As their conversation continued, the envoy, named Rolf, leaned in and asked in a suggestive tone, "Would you like to know why I am so wealthy?"
Rolf then displayed his clothing, gesturing towards it for Howard to see, prompting Howard to exclaim, "Because you possess two Countships, you are a Marquis."
With an air of mystery, Rolf revealed that this was not the primary reason. Intrigued, Howard escorted Rolf into the inner chambers of the castle.
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