Chapter 93: Extortion 3

Chapter 93: Extortion 3

TL: Etude

Emerson, filled with resentment, waited until the next afternoon.

After Paul bid farewell to Queller and his party and playfully teased his female advisor, Bernard sent someone to inform Emerson that he could meet with Count Grayman at 2 p.m. in the castles reception room.

At 2 P.M., Paul arrived at the reception room, but did not find the envoy there.

Well, Ill wait a bit then.

Paul opened a book and began reading in the reception room.

After finishing a chapter, he looked up at the grandfather clock in the room; 15 minutes had already passed.

Shaking his head and feeling slightly displeased, Paul thought about how, since assuming the lordship, he had never encountered anyone daring enough to stand him up.

He continued to wait, and by 2:30 p.m., Paul couldnt hold back any longer.

Bernard! he shouted.

His chief secretary immediately rushed in from his office, Whats the matter, Lord Grayman?

Eh? Has Sir Emerson left already? Bernard realized something was amiss.

Paul, dissatisfied, said, I should be asking you! You didnt get the time wrong, did you?

The chief secretary promptly replied, Impossible, Lord Grayman. I even sent someone to remind him again at 1:30 p.m.

Paul grew puzzled, Could something unexpected have happened? Send someone to look for him.

Yes, Lord Grayman. Bernard turned to leave.

Just then, a servant came in to report, Sir Emerson, the envoy from Emden, has arrived to meet with Count Grayman.

Paul became both angry and annoyed, Well, it seems Ive simply been stood up by someone.

The chief secretary, somewhat shocked, said, Oh! Thats outrageous.

Emerson waited for Malron to finish, then smiled and said: Count Ganard, I know youre in a difficult position and have to say things against your will, but rest assured, Count Kent will surely seek justice for you.

Both Paul and Malron were speechless at his response, wondering what he was trying to do.

Malron countered: Im very well right now and completely free.

Emerson, shaking his head, said: If youre not under house arrest, and if Lord Grayman isnt trying to annex Baylding, how do you explain your current stay in Lakeheart Town instead of returning to Butuya? And how do you explain the orders within Baylding being issued from Lakeheart Town?

Malron explained: Because my subordinates are traitors, I currently lack loyal and capable assistants to help me govern Baylding, so I had to seek help from Lakeheart Town. Plus, just a few days ago, I returned to Butuya to gather the local merchants for a meeting, and stayed there for several days. You can go to Baylding and ask!

Emerson, ignoring this, insisted: Lord Ganard, I understand your predicament. Believe me, the surrounding lords will not ignore such a violation of natural order.

He then turned to Paul and said: Even if Bayldings vassals harbored rebellious intentions, it should be up to Duke Ferdinand of the Northwest to decide. Lord Grayman, you took over Baylding by force without consulting him, showing little regard for the Duke.

Paul retorted: Both the Ganard and Grayman families swear allegiance directly to the royal family. We can handle our affairs without consulting Duke Ferdinand.

Emerson suddenly stood up, scoffed, and said: The late king granted Duke Ferdinand the power to subdue rebels. All lords in the Northwest Bay are under his jurisdiction. Your actions without his consent are an affront to the Duke.

You Malron tried to argue back, but Paul stopped him.

Paul had realized that the envoy from the Kent family was determined to accuse him of detaining Malron and invoked Duke Ferdinand to pressure him, clearly looking for trouble. Reasoning with him was futile.

He wondered why he had offended the Kent family, except for capturing a few spies which was a justifiable act. He had kept quiet about it, not going to Emden to confront them, yet they seemed to be pushing their luck.

Wait, spies? Those spies seemed to have come to steal papermaking technology

Realizing the Kent familys likely motive for sending the envoy, Paul adjusted his attitude and smiled at Emerson, gesturing for him to sit.

He softly said: Mr. Envoy, please sit down. Many things can be discussed slowly.

Many things! He repeated, looking into Emersons eyes.

Emerson, observing Pauls smile, relaxed his expression.

He sat down, returned the smile, and said: Of course, Lord Grayman, many things can indeed be discussed slowly.

The young count finally seemed to be on the right track.