Chapter 289 289-Betrayal

Name：Talent Awakening: I, the Weakest Awakened, Start with Dragonfire Spell Author：
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Chapter 289 289-Betrayal

Updated from n0velbIn.(c)o/m

In a short while, Portia arrived and paid her respects to Howard.

Howard immediately inquired about the information he was eager to know.

Portia began, "My lord, this war, it can be described as a sweeping force, unforeseen by anyone. Who could have imagined that the Duke would muster such a vast army?"

"How many exactly?" Anna interjected.

Portia glanced at Anna, "I'm not certain of the exact numbers, but it exceeded five thousand."

"Alright, go on," Anna urged.

"The truth is, the war had an almost theatrical beginning, beyond anyone's imagination. Hof, whom we thought had gone bankrupt, had somehow managed to gather funds to hire mercenaries. And not just one group, but two," Portia revealed.

"What are the names of these mercenary groups?" Anna inquired.

"The Scalavich Brothers Squad and the Mambabers Stalwart Warriors Regiment," Portia replied.

A look of surprise crossed Anna's face.

"Those two mercenary groups are not to be underestimated."

"Indeed, Knight," Portia continued, "Though primarily consisting of light and heavy infantry, archers, and a few light cavalry, their valor in battle is well-known. The equipment of these mercenaries is always of the highest caliber, battle-tested and carefully selected."

"After each battle, they often upgrade to even better gear. Their frequent combats ensure both their skill and equipment are of superior quality."

"Moreover, they possess substantial wealth, enabling them to craft uniform, brand-new armor and weapons for their special warriors. Their profession is warfare, and their wealth is dedicated to the same cause, constantly enhancing their strength."

"Once their equipment needs are met, they expand their ranks. Currently, the Scalavich Brothers Squad numbers around 1200, while the Mambabers Stalwart Warriors Regiment boasts a force of 2100."

"To be honest, I had once considered hiring a mercenary group for Mibo, but the mere thought of their fees was enough to send shivers down my spine."

"How much does it cost?" Howard inquired.

Portia replied, "To initially hire the Scalavich Brothers Squad, it costs 150 gold coins, and for each month they fight for you, you must pay them 10 gold coins plus 50 silver coins."

"The Mambabers Stalwart Warriors Regiment is even more expensive. Their initial recruitment fee is 250 gold coins, and for each subsequent month of service, they require 20 gold coins and 70 silver coins."

Howard nodded, licking his lips, and commented, "That is indeed very expensive."

Margaret disagreed with her father's view, feeling that he was merely placating her.

Leaving her father's presence, she retreated to a room and confided in a trusted retainer, "My father is just humoring me. He doesn't care about Lord Howard's wellbeing; he's only concerned about himself. His words are merely to prevent me from acting rashly and losing my fief."

Her confidante, a woman, was a Knight Squire Margaret had acquired from another noble house.

The woman's family was an ordinary knightly family, not particularly distinguished within the noble hierarchy.

The woman advised Margaret, "Lady Margaret, let it be. Let Lord Howard worry about these matters. If he has come this far, he surely has a way to handle it."

Margaret viewed the situation with pessimism.

She sat on her bed, next to which a candle flickered on a bedside table, casting an uncertain light on the right side of her face.

She had intended to draw the dagger from her waist to fiddle with, but suddenly lost the inclination.

Her confidante said, "Lady Margaret, we come from ordinary knight families, while Lord Howard has already attained the status of an earl. Even if we wish to help Lord Howard, we simply don't possess sufficient power."

Margaret hung her head low, her twin braids forming a picture of sorrow.

Yet, she didn't concede defeat.

An idea struck her, "True, my family lacks the power, but Anna's family might just have it."

Her confidante hesitated, "My lady, it's hard to be sure about another family's affairs. With Anna's family, the Katerinas, one issue is whether they have the capability to help Lord Howard, and another is whether the head of their family would be willing to assist."

Margaret pondered for a moment, "I recall that Anna's family, the Katerinas, aren't particularly powerful either. Anna's father is the Knight Captain for Viscount Fernando, which means that the Katerina family, in essence, is just at a knight's level."

The confidante muttered, "Then they definitely lack the ability."

But hope glimmered in Margaret's eyes, "However, judging by Anna's usual demeanor, she feels pride and confidence about her family. I think this has something to do with the Valuva family. Though not powerful, the Katerinas are a branch of the Valuvas."

"Even though they are now separate families, should the Katerinas need assistance, the Valuvas might still lend a hand. I believe that's the source of Anna's usual confidence."

The aide was skeptical and shifted the conversation, "Even if the Katerina family could persuade the Valuva family, would they really be willing to help Lord Howard? Relationships between families are based on interests. Howard has no ties with the Katerina family; why would they bother to help?"

Margaret, brimming with confidence, declared that she would seek Anna's help the next day.

The aide refrained from rolling her eyes at Margaret, but inwardly she harbored doubts.

The following day, Margaret found Anna, who was clad in a deep yellow dress, strolling in the garden and admiring the plants. She looked every bit the princess.