Chapter 220: Banquet Turmoil 2

Chapter 220: Banquet Turmoil 2

TL: Etude

Now, does anyone else have any objections?

The Duke spoke with an unpleasant expression, and several members of the Ferdinand family immediately withdrew in agreement.

The hall quickly fell into dead silence. It was clear that involving oneself in this matter would only bring misfortune.

After a few seconds, a man stood up. It was Marltz Kent, the Count whom the Duke had designated as his successor.

Duke, I am of limited ability and truly unfit for the position of Duke.

Marltz Kents voice was as sincere as it could be. Your Grace should find another more suitable candidate.

No!

The Duke waved his hand dismissively at him, I have decided. You will inherit the title of Duke, as long as your Kent family restores the Ferdinand surname.

This

Marltz Kent appeared hesitant.

The Duke, somewhat pleadingly, said: The current members of the Ferdinand family are utterly incompetent. I fear that after I am called by the Lord, the family will decline further.

Hearing this, those of the same lineage as the Duke felt deeply ashamed.

What about it, Marltz Kent? Our families share a common ancestor. Wont you contribute to the glory of our ancestors?

I

Marltz Kent was still hesitating.

Even Paul, who was watching, became impatient. Come on, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and hes still hesitating. Hes obviously just putting on an act.

Although Paul had issues with Marltz Kent, the prospect of such luck landing on Kent made Paul envious.

Why couldnt such fortune fall upon him?

Alright then! Marltz Kent seemed to have made up his mind.

If Your Grace does not disdain me, then I will boldly accept your arrangement. Duke, I will definitely develop and strengthen the Ferdinand family.

Hearing Count Kents acceptance, the Dukes face displayed a smile that was not quite a smile, continuously uttering, Good! Good! Good!

He seemed to instantly regain his previously frail appearance, shakily raising his glass the servants had swiftly cleaned the mess on the floor and rearranged the food and drinks.

Leonard still had his stern expression, but seeing an old acquaintance, he showed a rare smile.

They chatted casually. Paul narrated recent events in Alda, bringing more smiles to Leonards face.

When the conversation turned to the recent banquet, Leonard sharply criticized the luxury and debauchery of the nobles. He spoke so freely because he knew Paul led a relatively modest life compared to other nobles.

Speaking of which, there was an incident at the banquet just now.

Oh? What kind of incident?

The Duke Ferdinand announced his successor.

Finally, it seems the Duke has given up on having a son. Was it his younger brother, Viscount Henry?

The Dukes efforts to father a son were well-known.

No, youre mistaken. The successor is that guy Marltz Kent.

Hearing this, Bishop Leonards expression turned grave.

Marltz Kent? His family does have some connection with the Ferdinands, but its odd for the Duke to choose such a distant relative. I remember last year

Yes, last year he even threatened our Alda, although I dont know what changed his mind and made him spare us.

The old Dean sighed deeply, his expression growing more somber.

I fear trouble may ensue. Marltz Kent is not an easy person to deal with. Count, you must be careful. Once he holds the Dukes authority, there will be little to restrain him in the northwest.

Although Leonard was now a high-ranking Bishop, he was a stickler for rules, believing the Church should not intervene in secular lords affairs unless it involved church matters.

Thus, his warning to Paul was more of a personal caution.

Thank you for the warning, but Alda is no longer the pushover it used to be.

Paul spoke with confidence.

Leonard agreed with this. Through correspondence with his student, Father Anderson, he knew Alda was rapidly developing and was no longer the impoverished and weak countdom of before.

He had a deep affection for the place where he was born and had worked for so long. The changes over the past year pleased him, and he had come to respect Paul, who had facilitated these changes.

After spending nearly two hours at the church, Paul and Bryce bid farewell to Bishop Leonard and returned to their residence.

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