Chapter 503 The Assassin

Chapter 503 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. Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

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.

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.