Chapter 264 264-The Mayor’s Mind

Chapter 264 Chapter264-The Mayor's Mind

Howard pondered deeply.

Hof, true to his nickname "The Viper", was unguarded in his speech, even revealing the dishonorable act of sending an assassin to murder Mibo.

Such audacity was characteristic of a man with his reputation.

Reflecting on Hof's words, Howard realized something Mibo hadn't told him: before the assassination attempt, Mibo had first planned to unlawfully strip Hof of his title.

Weighing his words carefully, Howard addressed Hof, "Hof, we are nobles, and our actions must consider honor. Sending an assassin to kill Mibo is a dishonorable act. Where is your knightly spirit? Your noble integrity?"

Hof, draining his wine glass, his eyes turning fierce, retorted venomously, "Hmph, old Mibo wanted to take my territory, which is as good as wanting my life. He sought my life first, so I targeted his. How does this violate the spirit of knighthood?"

Howard shook his head.

"Hof, this is sophistry. Territory is territory, life is life. Even if Mibo had stripped you of your baronetcy, you would still have your fortune and life. But if your plot to assassinate Mibo had succeeded, he would have lost everything."

Hof's patience was wearing thin, his tone tinged with arrogance. Updated from n0velb(i)n.c(o)/m

"So, Howard, are you saying you're ready to become my enemy?"

Howard inhaled sharply, standing up defiantly, and said with an unwavering gaze, "Hof, consider your current situation carefully! If you don't align with me, do you think you can still sit securely in this position?"

Hof's expression turned grave upon hearing these words, pondering the underlying implications of Howard's statement.

But Howard, truly angered, did not wait for Hof's response and promptly left the lord's hall with Nora.

As Howard and Nora made their way to the entrance of Castle Gajasu, they engaged in sporadic conversation.

Nora remarked that Hof was extraordinary, brazenly admitting to the assassination of a noble.

Either Hof was recklessly bold, or he possessed some real capability.

Howard's eyes cooled slightly as he walked forward, saying to Nora, "No, Hof may appear to be a man of action, but in reality, he's an impulsive fool with no foresight."

After leaving Castle Gajasu, Howard and Nora set off for Wislot.

Wislot was a city within the Earldom of Nok, ruled by Count Mibo.

The earldom comprised four baronial territories.

One was directly controlled by Count Mibo, centered around Jackson Castle.

Another was the Gokasu Barony, under the rule of Baron Hof.

The third was Wislot City, governed by the Mayor of Portwan.

The fourth was the Fernsouth Barony, overseen by Howard.

Intriguingly, among these four territories, three were castles focused on military strategy.

Hearing this, Howard realized that Mayor Portwan was a man of schemes.

Although Howard's visit was ostensibly a friendly gesture to strengthen ties, Portwan seemed convinced that Howard had come to discuss serious matters.

Engaging in conversation with Mayor Portwan required caution.

However, having recently encountered several barons and even the Earl Mibo himself, Howard was no stranger to challenging situations and did not feel intimidated by Portwan's insight.

Nodding in acknowledgment, Howard said, "You indeed have a keen eye, Mayor, to see through my intentions so clearly."

Howard then broached the subject of Hof with Mayor Portwan.

Initially, Portwan vehemently denied any involvement in Count Mibo's conspiracy against Baron Hof.

It wasn't until Howard mentioned seeing Portwan's name on the document he had signed that the mayor finally conceded.

Portwan's stance was to assist Count Mibo in pressuring Baron Hof.

If Hof refused to comply, they planned to provoke a war against him and seize his title, displaying a particularly hardline attitude.

Howard feigned innocence and said to Portwan, "Ah, then I must extend my congratulations to you, Lord Portwan."

Portwan, puzzled, responded, "Congratulations? For what?"

With wide eyes, mirroring the innocence of a child, Howard explained, "Congratulations on acquiring the Gokasu Barony! Think about it, my lord. By staunchly supporting Earl Mibo, he will surely be pleased with you. If Earl Mibo is satisfied, wouldn't he reward you with Hof's territory once it's seized?"

Upon hearing this, Portwan's eyes narrowed as if a sudden realization struck him.

Then, with a tinge of nervousness, he said, "No, it won't be like that. I am not a noble. Even if I were to take over Castle Gajasu, I wouldn't be able to rule it. If I, a non-noble, were to forcefully govern the Gokasu Barony, it would lead to many negative consequences. I couldn't bear that. Besides, Earl Mibo, desiring the military strength and tribute of the Gokasu Barony, would certainly not entrust its management to me."

In this world, there are three statuses above that of a commoner: the royal nobility, the merchant mayor, and the clergy.

Each of these statuses is restricted to ruling their respective domains.

As per the standards of nobility, Portwan is a commoner and thus incapable of governing a castle, a structure reserved for nobles.

Even if Portwan were given Castle Gajasu, the castle would suffer a significant decline in power due to the onslaught of adverse effects that would inevitably follow.

No matter how dedicated Portwan might be in his service, it was impossible for him to receive the Gokasu Barony as a reward.

Previously, Portwan had overlooked this critical point.

Howard's reminder hit him like a bolt from the blue, sending cold sweat down his spine as he awoke from his delusion.

Suddenly feeling parched, Portwan quickly grabbed a cup from the table and took a sip of water.

Howard glanced back at Nora, who offered him a faint smile.

This issue was something they had discussed earlier, and revealing it to Portwan had indeed caused a significant emotional stir, disrupting his composure.

Regaining his posture, Portwan addressed Howard with due politeness, "I apologize, Lord Howard. I was blinded by greed and forgot about the crucial issue of status. You have caught me in a foolish moment."

Howard waved his hand dismissively, his demeanor as serene as a passing cloud, "It's of no consequence."