Leaning closer to the bars of the cell, Howard softly said, “Speak, I’m all ears.”
Mibo laid out his proposal.
If Howard released his son Ivan, Mibo would call upon the support of his Ferret family to decisively defeat Hof.
If successful, they could even take Gokasu Castle, imprison Hof, and thus pave the way for Howard to make his move against Hof.
Howard was slightly taken aback, “The Ferret family’s reinforcements? If you truly had such support, why didn’t they come to your aid during our battle?”
Mibo explained, “In my youth, I had a falling out with them.
Despite being from the same family, we never helped each other in conflicts.”
Howard’s doubts lingered.
“Then why, in your current fight with Hof, are you so certain of their assistance?”
“When I fought against you, I lost too quickly. By the time I regretted my decision, I was already in your dungeon. But this time, foreseeing the petty Hof’s attack, I had the opportunity to mend fences with my relatives. This way, when Hof formally declares war, my relatives will surely come to my aid.” 𝘪𝑎.𝘤𝑜𝑚
Through this, Howard realized the deeply entrenched and complex nature of these great families.
It was a revelation of their formidable network – strike one, and a multitude responds.
Had it not been for Mibo’s strained relations with his kin, Howard’s previous victory would not have been so effortless.
“Are you so sure your relatives will let bygones be bygones and reconcile with you?” Howard inquired.
In Mibo’s aged eyes, there was a hint of sorrow as he spoke, “I’ve already lost my earldom; I cannot afford to lose my knighthood as well. In the past, I clung to my pride and stubbornness. But I’ve learned to read the times and circumstances. Life has forced me to lower my head.”
Understanding the situation, Howard agreed to Mibo’s terms and formed a verbal agreement with him.
Subsequently, Howard ordered the release of Mibo and Ivan.
Two days later, having rested, Mibo and Ivan set off for Seasalt Village.
Meanwhile, Bosiden, who had already returned to Fernsouth Castle, completed his report to Howard.
Everything was unfolding under Howard’s meticulous control.
All that remained was to wait for Hof to make his move against Mibo and then to seize Hof’s title.
However, Howard felt he was overlooking something.
After discussing it with Bosiden, it became clear that the crux of the issue was Mibo’s journey to reconcile with his relatives.
Bosiden informed Howard that Mibo’s relatives lived quite a distance away.
It was crucial to delay Hof’s schemes against Seasalt Village until Mibo could mend his familial ties.
Howard, with a firm gesture, clenched his left fist and struck it into his open right palm, producing a sharp sound.
He then asked Bosiden, “I have ministers for diplomacy, finance, and military affairs, but I lack a chief of espionage. What are your thoughts on this?”
Bosiden, craving more power but exhausted from his recent endeavors, responded, “My lord, we can manage without a chief of espionage. You can assign someone to handle it.”
Howard hesitated, “Without a chief of espionage, the people carrying out these tasks lack a leader, a coordinator. It’s challenging to achieve success in such conditions.”
Bosiden, not wanting the role for himself yet envious of others’ capabilities, still advocated to Howard the stance that a chief of espionage was unnecessary.
After Bosiden’s departure, Vettel arrived to report on his duties.
Howard listened and then instructed, “Select another pearl and send it to Catherine in my name. Despite the multitude of affairs I must attend to, the preparations for my marriage to Catherine must also be prioritized.”
Vettel nodded, agreeing to carry out the task.
Howard then commended Vettel for his recent achievements in managing the finances.
He praised Vettel for not only handling the special products of Kenfa Village and Pitz Village but also for efficiently managing the rapidly increasing tariffs, trade taxes, and stall fees at Fernsouth Castle.
Howard even mentioned the newly acquired Nok Castle, which had already begun generating tax revenue.
Vettel humbly responded that it was all part of his duties.
Howard, pleased with Vettel’s work, rewarded him with a gold coin and then brought up the matter of appointing a chief of espionage.
Vettel, who disapproved of the position, candidly said, “My lord, to speak frankly, we don’t really need a chief of espionage. Espionage isn’t an honorable practice. We are nobles of integrity; there is no need to engage in such underhanded activities.”
Taking Vettel’s opinion into consideration, Howard replied, “Hmm, I understand. I’m not particularly keen on delving into espionage matters either.”
After Vettel’s departure, at the behest of Nora, Resarite entered the room.
Howard shared his thoughts with Resarite, who also harbored reservations about the role of a chief of espionage.
However, he did express a certain fondness for Portia, the previous spy master under Mibo.
Initially, Resarite dismissed the effectiveness of conspiracies, showing disdain for nobles immersed in such schemes.
Yet, he quickly shifted his stance, suggesting that if someone were to be appointed to this controversial position, Portia might be a suitable candidate.
Resarite presented evidence of Portia’s competence.
He mentioned an incident where Bosiden’s attempt to fabricate a claim against Mibo was thwarted by Portia, proving his capability.
Subsequently, Howard shared the opinions of Bosiden and Vettel regarding the spy master role with Resarite.
Resarite chuckled and advised, “Then, my lord, perhaps you shouldn’t assign the ministerial position to Portia just yet. Let him work for you without the title for now. As for whether you need a chief of espionage, you can decide that later based on how things unfold.”
Howard agreed with this suggestion and asked Resarite to bring Portia to him.
The day after, Howard met with Portia.
After a series of formal pleasantries, Howard entrusted Portia with a task, which he accepted and promptly departed to execute.
Nora then entered, leading a procession of maids, each carrying plates adorned with cakes.
Howard began to indulge in the cake, which was exceptionally delicious, causing him to eat rather quickly.
Nora playfully chided him, “Slow down. You’re an Earl now; don’t eat as if you’ve never had cake before.”
Once Howard finished his cake, he prepared to visit Earl Terni.
This matter had been pending for too long and could not be delayed any further, as it might lead to complications.
Descending the staircase to the ground floor, Howard clapped his hands.
Three carriages, adorned with red velvet ribbons, slowly approached.
Each of these carriages had been newly crafted at Nora’s behest – new wood, new seats, new compartments, and even brand new wheels.
The carriages were a deep ebony color, exuding an air of luxury and depth, while the red velvet ribbons added a touch of festivity.
At the front of each carriage were white horses, carefully selected by Nora for their value and prestige.
These noble steeds stood majestically, their breaths forming misty vapors in the air as they stamped their hooves casually on the ground.
Howard looked on, thoroughly pleased with the sight.
The carriage drivers were all skilled soldiers from the army, specifically from the heavy cavalry.
Temporarily stepping down from their prestigious roles to serve as drivers for their lord, their muscular arms and either resolute or handsome faces added to the grandeur of the scene.
Howard nodded in approval at this fitting accompaniment to his entourage.
Howard approached the leading carriage, preparing to step aboard.
The driver pulled aside the red curtain, revealing beneath it four evenly spaced, gilded diamond-shaped metal ornaments that lent an air of luxury and prestige to the entire drapery.
Entering the carriage, Howard’s first breath was filled with a rich fragrance.
He recognized the scent as lavender.
Pulling aside the right curtain of the carriage, he shared this observation with Nora.
She explained that it was a strategy she and Vettel had decided upon, considering lavender a specialty of the Fernsouth region.
Utilizing this locally renowned lavender to perfume the carriage was deemed most appropriate.
Seated inside, Howard found the cushion neither too soft nor too hard, but just the right firmness.
The seat was draped with a white, openwork embroidered pattern, lending the interior a sense of cleanliness, order, and elegance.
For the second of the three carriages, Nora had instructed her people to load the dowry gifts.
After they were secured, the third carriage remained empty, serving as a spare and a display of Earl Nok’s wealth.
Nora’s thoughtfulness was evident in every detail.
Her insights and considerations were far from those of an inexperienced commoner; among the large group, she had the most aristocratic vision, approach, and familiarity with noble customs.
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