Count Naharog sent Wendall, the group of scholars and their family mbers on the next day together with all the loot requested by Ryntum.
To show his gratitude, the count added so precious tals and jewellery to the mountain of books.
In a way, this is him trying to please his only ally. He has yet to form any type of relationship with other kingdoms yet.
He doesn't forget to dispatch soldiers to safeguard the treasures called books. Moreover, the scholars were tied up as a precaution to ensure they were not trying to run away.
Due to the enormous amount of load, their speed is dreadfully slow. Fortunately, nothing eventful occurs along the way.
After five days, they arrive at Manfura. As per the count's order, they are to et with Ryntum forces to take over and handle these scholars. They also convince Michael to surrender.
Actually, it is not Naharog's task to do so but the count is just being generous. Perhaps he is happy because finally succeeded in achieving his dream of destroying Napuna.
Naharog army led by a man nad Frederick ets Levi who has waited for their arrival at Ryntum camp base.
They greeted each other and exchanged so courtesy words before Levi invited his ally into their camp. From the corner of Levi's eyes, he saw Frederick's eyes wandering all over the camp and observed it with great interest.
Since it is not a secret, he simply lets Fredrick be. Frederick on the other hand was continuously surprised by the design of their camp.
Although the camp is a temporary structure, Ryntum took it to another level. When he asks his ally counterpart about the reasons for building a camp with this level of complexity, all he receives is "We prepare for the worst. Better be safe than sorry."
Most of the talk between the two allies was done by Naharog's side. Ryntum simply listened to the story with great interest. Surely, this story was going to be reported to King Riz.
"I'll leave them in your care, Colonel Levi," said Frederick. He was referring to the scholars he brought.
"Rest assured, Commander Frederick and thank you for personally bringing them here. You could hand over this task to your subordinate instead."
Frederick humbly replies, "Hahaha, how could I do that? We're allies and I need to take care of this matter seriously. Are you going to return to Bideford?"
Levi shook his head repeatedly, "No, Ryntum is still left with one thing to do." Levi said so while taking his eyes off Frederick and staring at the Manfura city wall.
"Ahh!" Frederick ca to a realization, and then, he put forward his request. "If I may...Can I stay here until this matter is over?"
Levi instantly agrees, "Of course! Please, be my guest. You can take this chance to observe our camp. I can see you got a great interest in it the mont you step into our camp."
"I hate to admit it but our army camp was breached and attacked once. We suffered a lot of casualties and were caught unprepared by the enemy. I may learn a few things from Ryntum." Frederick embarrassedly said.
Levi was genuinely surprised, not knowing it was the work from their side. "Is that so? My condolences for your losses."
Afterwards, Levi sends an invitation to Michael.
Surprisingly, the viscount of Manfura ca only a few minutes later.
'Looks like he was expecting the call from .' Levi inwardly chuckled.
Also, he can see visible anxiety on Michael's face. He can easily guess what's going on in Michael's head. This one nobleman had been delaying the response he should give to Ryntum. Levi doesn't launch any attack yet because he was inford of Frederick's arrival.
"Colonel Levi..." Michael awkwardly greets him. His eyes darted to the left. There's another person he doesn't know about participating in their eting.
"Please take a seat, Mr Michael." Levi no longer addressed him as 'viscount'.
Michael promptly does so. Hurriedly, he asked Levi despite the fact that he probably knew it, "What does the Colonel call for?"
Levi speaks with a solemn expression, "Mr Michael, I believe I'd give you an ample amount of ti for you to make a decision. Sadly, you had delayed in giving us the response we needed. For that, I bring soone that could help you make your decision since I know you wouldn't believe it from my mouth. This is Commander Frederick, one of King Naharog's trusted n. He is here to give you a detailed explanation of Napuna."
Personally, Levi preferred to capture this city and drag the Manfura family with him but he held that thought. Such action might irk them. He was afraid they would later cause trouble to the kingdom. So, he chose to convince them through discussion and persuasion.
"Nice to et you, Mr Michael." Unlike Levi, Frederick politely greeted him.
"Nice to et you too..."
Without further ado, Frederick narrates the story of destruction of Napuna to Michael without batting an eye.
From ti to ti, changes occur on Michael's face. His body literally trembles as he tries his best to not cut down Frederick's head. He forced himself to continue listening to the story despite the barbaric conduct depicted by Naharog.
After Frederick said all his words, Michael was certainly convinced that it is not a made-up story. No one has so much ti to ticulously weave such a detailed story.
Furthermore, he now knows Bagyarosia is a lost cause. Even if he runs to King Niall's side, the new king might be on guard and suspicious of him. Secretly, he is an adherent supporter of his younger brother, Niel.
"What did the Manfura family get from Ryntum after relinquishing our power? You must know noble power is not a trifling issue. Manfura is a respected noble family with a long history." Michael said seriously.
Levi rely scoffs at his seriousness. Due to this kind of pride that the life of people doesn't change in hundreds of years. "I've no information on that but His Majesty seems to treasure your ability and wants to offer a high position for you in his governnt."
"Is this position hereditary?"
"Unfortunately, no. None of the governnt posts in the kingdom is hereditary." Levi can see the disappointnt in Michael's eyes. He couldn't help but ask, "Please enlighten , Mr Michael. Why are you so fixated on this noble authority? Even without those, Manfura still has their personal private land and wealth."
"Isn't it normal to ensure the next generation has a stable source of inco? By being noble, a constant stream of taxes will flow into your pocket." Michael replies.
Levi frowned and asked, "Why would you have to do that? It is not our job to do that. Whether our children have an inco or not depends on their ability to get it. Now, let's not go deeper into the philosophical level. What's your answer?"
"Hmm..." Michael entered a deep thought.
After considering pros and cons, he reluctantly agrees to hand over his viscounty and relinquish his authority to the Ryntum.
Both of them sign a territorial transfer agreent, stamped with an official seal from both sides. All to avoid any dispute that might co in the future.
Thus, Manfura officially entered Ryntum's sphere of authority and influence.
User Comments
0 comments from readers