Chapter 306:

Chapter 306:

TL: Etude

Paul originally had no objections to Henry’s handling of the corpses of Marltz Kent and his son. Burying them according to the standards of commoners, which basically meant a hasty burial, seemed sufficient.

However, he was determined to acquire the lands of the former Kent family, including Emden and its surrounding territories. Marltz was, after all, a high-ranking noble. What if his remaining family members and those still loyal vassals, dissatisfied with such a casual burial, stirred up trouble?

Thus, Paul consulted with Henry, deciding to bury Marltz according to his previous title of Count.

It was only when they were discussing this that they realized they hadn’t personally confirmed Marltz Kent’s death. Hurriedly, they rushed to the chapel in the cemetery to open the coffin and verify that it was indeed Marltz inside.

Upon opening the coffin, Paul and Henry were taken aback. It was summer, yet the body had not decomposed. Instead, it appeared desiccated, as if all moisture had been drained from it. Nonetheless, the wrinkled face was unmistakably that of Marltz Kent.

Although the sight was unusual, Paul concluded from his knowledge that Marltz was certainly dead. For assurance, Henry bravely checked for breath at Marltz’s nostrils but found none.

Looking at the mummified Marltz Kent, a sense of déjà vu washed over Paul, a vivid image flashing in his mind: Marltz suddenly rising and yelling at them, “Vos—Loda—”.

“Alright, let’s bury him and leave this place,” Henry said, covering his nose in disgust as they left the chapel.

...

Later, the two visited the cathedral in the city to see Bishop Leonard. This poor old man had suffered a stroke after being imprisoned by Marltz Kent. Upon Alda’s forces taking over Center City, he was taken back to the cathedral, but he was completely paralyzed and often fell into unconsciousness.

His student, Anderson from the North Shore Monastery in Lakeheart Town, hurried over upon hearing the news and had been taking care of Leonard.

Anderson had planned to attend a conference at the Holy See to announce a series of ‘terrifying discoveries’, but his mentor’s illness delayed his plans.

Leonard, lying in bed, struggled to sit up when Paul and Henry arrived, but Paul quickly motioned Andrew to keep him down.

Paul expressed sympathy, “Old Dean, just lie there.”

Although Leonard was dogmatic and rigid, he had never caused any trouble for Paul with his religious status. During his tenure as the dean of the monastery, he even contributed to the educational efforts in Lakeheart Town.

Henry, looking like he was about to cry, said, “Now your soldiers guard the treasury’s door. What are you telling me this for?”

“I was actually hoping to ask for more!”

“Don’t do this. If you take more, I really won’t be able to become the duke. I’d be too ashamed to face my family.”

“Fine, I’ll have someone count every single coin in the treasury.”

“Vampire!”

...

On September 3, 1991, Count Malron Ganard of Baylding arrived at Center City.

On September 4, other lords of the coalition, such as Price Parker, Morley Malkan, Winifred Heller, and others, also arrived.

Accompanying them were a group of lords who had previously supported Marltz Kent. They came as defeated parties.

Paul, Malron, and Henry went out to welcome the lords. The Alda army, serving as an honor guard, left a strong impression with their neat formation, brisk steps, and gleaming bayonets, overshadowing the disorderly troops of the lords.

Upon reaching the duke’s residence, the sound of cannons booming from the direction of the city gates startled everyone.

Paul reassured them, “Don’t worry, it’s just a ‘salute’ to celebrate the end of this cruel war.”

After sixty rounds of ‘salute’, the lords sensed a warning in the stern ‘welcome ceremony’ and forced smiles as they exchanged pleasantries with Paul and others.

Only Count Derrick Heller looked enviously at the Alda army, wishing to command such a force.

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