Chapter 214 Extorting House Of Hagen Part II



"Wait here." said the guard. 

The butler nodded. He waited anxiously at the entrance.

After what seemed like an eternity, the guard emerged from the mansion, accompanied by a middle-aged man dressed in fine attire.

The guards nodded to his friend as a sign of approval. With a relieved sigh, the massive gate creaked open before him. The butler promptly approaches the middle-aged man. 

"I heard from the guard that you're a butler from Hagen's Vacation Island. So, why are you here and not at the island?" the man demanded, his voice sharp and authoritative. 

The butler took a deep breath, "Sir, it is true that I am from Hagen's Vacation Island." He recalls everything that happen to him in the past few hours. 

The middle-aged man's expression shifted from scepticism to one of realization on the gravity of the situation. The tension in the air was palpable as he processed the butler's words.

"I see," he finally spoke, his voice laced with concern. "If what you say is true, then we are facing a dire threat. Follow me."

The massive door was pushed open. The butler was overwhelmed by the luxury and elegance of the mansion's interior decoration. 

His footsteps echoed on the marble floors as he walked closely behind the middle-aged man through the foyer. The butler's eyes go all over the places, observing the ornate sculptures, luxurious furnishings and intricate tapestries that adorned the walls. They passed several rooms along the way. Each room is more grandiose than the last. 

The journey through the mansion felt like traversing a maze, its corridors stretching out in multiple directions.

As both of them get closer to their destination, the butler encountered more and more guards stationed. Their vigilant gazes followed his every move, ensuring the security of the estate. 

At last, the grand double doors finally came into view, adorned with intricate carvings and gilded accents. The butler straightened his attire, smoothed his hair, and mentally prepared himself for the audience with the lord that awaited beyond those doors.

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

The middle-aged man raised his hand and knocked. The sounds echoed through the quiet expanse of the mansion. "Lord Hugo, I have brought the said butler with me."

"Come in."

The doors swung open, revealing the opulent room, adorned with elegant furnishings, bookshelves lined with leather-bound tomes and exquisite artwork on the wall. On the desk, an assortment of quills, ink pots, and meticulously organized papers lay in perfect order.

As Lord Hugo sat behind his desk, his imposing figure exuded a sense of authority, while his piercing gaze held a hint of curiosity and concern.

"Explain yourself. What do you mean by your claim that many people will die?" He demanded, voice resonating with authority.

For the nth time, he explains everything that happens to the head of the House of Hagen. He described the arrival of Admiral Jareth and his fleet to Vacation Island, the capture of Erle Island, and their intent to expand their control over the region.

The urgency in his tone conveyed the gravity of the situation.

"My lord, you must meet their admiral immediately. Ryntum's forces have already begun surrounding the island as we speak. They are ready to attack at any given time." the butler implored.

Lord Hugo's eyes widened in surprise. The news of Erle's fall shook him to the core.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, he rose from his seat and instructed the middle-aged man. "Prepare the guards immediately. We must make haste to the port and meet with their admiral." 

The mansion was buzzed with activity as guards hurriedly assembled, donning their armour and gathering their weapons. Lord Hugo, accompanied by the butler made their way to the port.

....

Lord Hugo's gaze lifted to the towering ship before him, its size casting a shadow over the surrounding docks. Flags fluttered atop its masts, proudly displaying the colours of Ryntum.

Boarding the ship, Lord Hugo was greeted by the hive of activity on the deck. Sailors scurried about, performing their duties. The clatter of boots on wooden planks echoed in the air.

The admiral emerges among the sailors, making his way toward Hugo. 

The two leaders exchanged a nod. Their gazes locked in a silent confrontation as they grab each other hand. 

"I heard you wanted to meet me," Lord Hugo stated.

"Yes," replied Admiral Jareth. "I have a proposition for you."

Lord Hugo's expression hardened, "And what it will be?"

"Surrender all the rations and supplies that belong to Blande. I know the supplies from the north are accumulated here." Jareth confidently said. 

"What?! Do you want me to become a traitor by betraying my fellow countrymen!" Hugo raised his voice. 

Facing Hugo's outburst, Jareth maintained his composure, "Oh please," He rolled his eyes. "Stop being so patriotic and consider your own circumstances. As the war progress in Blande's favour, you'll lose your monopoly in the agriculture industry." 

Lord Hugo clenched his fists, hearing Jareth's words. He never thought the enemy knows about the discontent between Hagen and other families.

Nevertheless, Jareth's words held a grain of truth. Losing their wealth mean losing their strength. The other six families would definitely take the opportunity to weaken them further. 

Taking a deep breath, he reluctantly nodded in agreement. "Fine," Hugo said with frustration. "I will cooperate and surrender the supplies. But mark my words, this will be the first and the last."

Jareth's lips curled into a slight smirk, "While you at it, why don't you throw in some golds too."

"You thieving bastard!" Lord Hugo's face contorted with anger. "I don't really care about the supplies, but my family's wealth is off-limits!"

Jareth furrows his brows, reminding the man in front of him with a stern voice. "Lord Hugo, let's not forget the precarious position you and your family are in. If you choose to be stubborn and ignore our request, I assure you, we'll rush straight to your mansion and take everything instead. Do you want to endanger your life for a meagre amount of gold?"

Lord Hugo's anger wavered, his eyes darting around as he see the crew on the ship forming a circle around him. Begrudgingly, he conceded, "Very well. Take what you want."