After the little mage Andy rested in the castle of the Earl of Kent for a day, he followed the Earl to Center, the capital of the territory directly under the Duke of Northwest Ferdinand.
After arriving in Center, they first stayed at the Kent family's mansion in Center City. It was getting late at this time, and the Earl decided to visit the Duke's castle the next day.
However, before the breakfast started, an unexpected figure came - Duke Ferdinand's eldest brother, Viscount Henry Ferdinand.
The Earl of Kent settled the little mage and received Viscount Henry alone in the hall.
After the two talked politely for a while, the count asked, "What did Mr. Viscount do in Center City?"
Henry has his own fief in other places. He probably doesn't live in Center on weekdays.
"Oh, Earl of Kent, you know. My brother has not been in good health recently, so I moved to Center, so I can often visit and take care of him."
"You guys are really brothers. Whenever I encounter this kind of thing, I regret that I don't have a brother to take care of each other."
The Earl of Kent pretended to be moved. He knew very well in his heart why Duke Ferdinand was not in good health. It was all because of the 'visit' between himself and Barnett. When they used the brain worms to control the Duke's mind, they also greatly eroded his body. healthy.
If things go on like this, the Duke probably only has one year to live.
The Viscount had a reasonable expression on his face, "Of course, my elder brother treats me like my father. Ah... Count, when you entered the city, my servant happened to see you on the street, so I I'll come over right away and talk to you."
Maltz was secretly vigilant. Has Viscount Henry started to set up eyeliner in Center?
"Why did the Earl come to Center?"
Hearing the other party's question, Maltz showed a slightly embarrassed smile: "Uh... well. Naturally, I'm also doing it for the Duke's physical affairs."
Seeing the embarrassment on Maltz's face, Henry understood in his heart that the 'physical matters' mentioned by the other party naturally referred to the men's matters.
He shook his head, making a tsk-tsk sound.
"My big brother just doesn't want to obey God's arrangement. If you want me to say, this is fate. He is so old, what else does he want to change."
The "fate" that Viscount Henry referred to was the fact that Duke Ferdinand had no son.
The elder brother had no sons, so the title would naturally have to be passed on to one of the lucky ones among their brothers.
As the Duke's eldest brother, he is the most promising.
So when the elder brother's health was deteriorating day by day, he came to Center to make arrangements.
The Earl of Kent didn't answer, but just looked at the Viscount with a smile on his lips.
Although Maltz was famous as the Duke's hawk dog, he was used to deal with outsiders. As the Duke's younger brother, Viscount Henry was not afraid, and he had no scruples in speaking.
Of course, if he wants to win the position of Duke, he must win over the powerful Kent family. After all, this is a powerful family second only to Ferdinand in the northwest.
"The Earl of Kent! I want to give you a gift this time, and I hope you don't refuse it. Bring it up!"
Coming with him, the servant waiting outside immediately came in with an exquisite wooden box in his hand.
The Viscount took the wooden box, placed it on the table and carefully opened it.
For a moment, the count seemed to feel that the whole room was full of brilliance.
I saw a golden elk statue inside.
Henry lowered his voice and said, "This is a treasure handed down from the ancient Bella Empire, made of pure gold."
The earl's heart skipped a beat.
Maltz Kent still prefers this kind of thing. Aside from the fact that it is made of gold, this thing itself is a precious cultural relic, and placing it at home can improve your taste in the eyes of others.
However, some politeness is still necessary.
"This... is too precious, I can't accept it, but I accept your kindness."
"How can the count not accept it? As a vassal of our Ferdinand family, you have dedicated yourself to our family for so many years. It is not an exaggeration for me to give you a little gift on behalf of the family."
Henry puts emphasis on the word "vassal".
I am a vassal of your sick brother, not your boy, the anger in Maltz's heart flashed.
But he still had a sincere smile on his face: "That's what I should do, my obligation, how can I..."
"No, no, you must be subordinate."
…
The two went back and forth for a long time, and finally the Earl of Kent reluctantly accepted it.
Maltz invited Henry to stay and enjoy a sumptuous dinner. During this period, Henry himself was very interested and toasted frequently, as if the duke position was already at his fingertips.
After an unknown number of glasses, Henry got a little drunk and his face was flushed.
"Maltz! I didn't expect you to drink so much... hiccup! You weren't able to drink like this before!"
He directly called Maltz's name, but the title of the other party was higher than his own.
"Hey! You're over the top Maltz's face is indeed not drunk at all, and he is also very sober in spirit, although he has the same amount of wine as Viscount Henry.
Since he studied the health regimen taught by Barnett every day, alcohol has less and less effect on his body.
Even he doesn't know what's going on, the current him can be said to be drunk for a thousand cups, and not poured for ten thousand cups.
"When I become a duke..."
Alcoholic and courageous, Henry began to speak some rebellious words, although his mouth was not very sharp.
"I will definitely give you more wealth, hiccup!... more fiefdoms for you!"
Henry patted his chest hard.
"What my elder brother gave you, I will never give it to you again."
Kent sneered in his heart, but said: "Viscount, you are drunk."
"Huh? Drunk? Hiccup! I seem to be a little drunk. Okay... I won't bother you for now. Hiccup! First... let me take my leave."
Henry stood up shaking his head and said goodbye to the Earl of Kent.
The count immediately went up to support him himself, and walked slowly towards the door.
"Maltz, remember what I said today. I know that my stupid younger brothers will definitely come to you too...or they have already looked for you. But... hiccup... tell me what conditions they give you, tell me , I'll give you... more than those idiots."
"Haha, I wrote it down, I took it down."
The Earl of Kent helped him to the outside of the mansion and helped him into the carriage.
"We will move around more in the future!"
After leaving such a sentence, Viscount Henry left in the carriage.
Maltskent stood at the door and watched the carriage go away with a sarcastic smile on his face.
"Humph!"
After a sneer, he turned and returned to the mansion.