Chapter 149 - (4)

"Let's be clear on one thing, you will all lose your titles. This is something you can not help. Juhntt has a certain number of nobility; This will not change. But I offer you to keep your power over your territories. You declare allegiance to the house of Steinhouse and you pay certain amounts of royalties and work in my name." Walter said, his eyes looked bored and tired, as though he could not wait for them to leave so that he could get some sleep.

"Do you think we are stupid? We offer our selves to the king of Juhntt and he would let us keep out title and maybe give us another instead. You may be winning the war, but you need the people to submit to you. Only we can do that." an elderly man said. Walter was not sure of his title, so he asked.

"What are you called?"

"Luq Skeron, Viscount of Tomaine."

"I'll explain this as simply as possible. Your king stole the new queen of Juhntt's mother, also known as Lady Teel, head of the Teel family. The kingdom of Juhntt cares a lot about the Teel family and the new queen. The king has every intention of taking away all your power and title to redistribute to the nobility in kingdom." Walter said and the man paled.

"Is that the real reason for the war?" another asked.

"Yes. Now, I know who Lord Tomaine and Hunjur are, please introduce yourselves."

"Mairon Skeron, baron of Thrum."

"Xiu Drakar, Baron of Ansville."

"Viaka Asnor, Marquess of Hamitshire. Why?"

"Why what?" Walter asked back.

"If the king will redistribute the titles and land, yet you still choose before he does so, that means you have the ability to ask for any land you wish. I know you are married to his niece, so it's possible. So, why do you choose before time?" Lord Hamitshire asked.

"Did you not find it odd?" Walter asked commander Gallion who had since felt out of place and was waiting for an opportunity to stand. He could not be sitting while those lords were sitting. He was at first confused as to who they were, but now he feels more out of place. He stood the moment Walter asked him a question.

"Odd, my lord?" he was confused.

"When you delivered arms to Westforte, did you not find it odd? Their weapons were better, more sophisticated and well made." Walter said making commander Gallion frown. Yes, he had noticed so.

"Why would a small city like Flom have such a weapon? I don't think your cousin, the city mayor knows where it is from or much about it. Igar issued it. You are all on the boundary of Northern Lan and Igar." Walter said.

Hunjur sighed a relief when Walter did not suspect his cousin of anything.

"So you intend to use us to protect Juhntt from those suppliers, as we are the boundary between two kingdoms?" Lord Ansville asked.

"I have no such intention, I was just curious. Not only are your lands fertile and productive, you are in a position to help me fulfil my curiosity. I just intend that you watch and report. That is all." Walter said standing up.

"You will go to Juhntt under my name. I will give you a letter to hand to my wife. She will handle the rest. For now, rest. It's a long journey to the Juhntt capital." Walter said, walking away.