Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 192: Please Support on Kofi!

TL: Etude

After a days rest in the castle of Count Kent, the young mage Andy accompanied the Count on a journey to the capital of the northwestern Duke Ferdinands direct territoryCenter.

Upon their arrival in Center, they first settled in the Kent familys residence within the city. As it was already late, the Count decided to visit the Dukes castle the next day.

However, before breakfast started, an unexpected guest arrivedHenry Ferdinand, Viscount and the second eldest brother of the Ferdinand family.

Count Kent arranged for the young mage Andy and met Viscount Henry alone in the hall.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the Count asked, What brings you to Center City, Viscount?

Henry had his own fief elsewhere and typically did not reside in Center. It seemed too coincidental that he would just happen to be there during their visit.

Oh, Count Kent, as you know, my brother has been in poor health lately. Ive moved to Center to be closer to him, to visit and take care of him more often.

You truly have a deep bond as brothers. Whenever I see such things, I regret not having a brother to care for, Count Kent remarked, feigning emotion. He was well aware of why Duke Ferdinands health was failingit was due to the visit he and Barnett had paid earlier. While they controlled the Dukes mind with a brain parasite, it severely eroded his physical health.

At this rate, the Duke likely had only about a year to live.

The Viscount showed a look of duty on his face, Naturally, my brother is like a father to me. Ah Count, when you entered the city, my servant happened to see you, so I hurried over to chat with you.

Malrtz grew wary internally. Was Viscount Henry starting to establish his spies in Center?

What brings you to Center, Count? the Viscount inquired.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Marltz replied, Well Im here, of course, for the Dukes health matters.

Henry understood the embarrassed look on Marltzs face. The health matters he referred to were likely related to male issues.

He shook his head, making a tsk-tsk sound, My older brother, he just refuses to accept Gods will. In my opinion, thats just fate. Hes of such an age, yet still trying to change something.

The fate Viscount Henry referred to was the Dukes lack of a son.

Without a son, the dukedom would naturally pass to one of the lucky brothers.

As the eldest among the Dukes younger brothers, he was the most hopeful.

So, with the Dukes health worsening, he came to Center to set his plans in motion.

Count Kent didnt respond, just smiled politely at the Viscount.

Although Marltz was famous as the Dukes henchman, he was used against outsiders. Viscount Henry, being the Dukes brother, was not afraid of him and spoke without reserve.n0ve(l)bi(n.)co/m

Of course, if he wanted to compete for the dukedom, he needed to win over the powerful Kent family, the second most powerful in the northwest after Ferdinand.

Count Kent! Ive come to present you with a gift, and I hope you wont refuse it. Bring it in!

The servants waiting outside, who had come with him, immediately walked in carrying an exquisitely crafted wooden box.

The Viscount took the box, placed it on the table, and opened it carefully.

For a moment, the Count felt as if the entire room was radiating with brilliance.

Inside the box was a dazzling golden elk statue.

Henry lowered his voice, This is a treasure passed down from the ancient Gubera Empire, crafted entirely from gold.

Count Kents heart raced at the sight.

Marltz Kent had a particular fondness for such items. Beyond being made of gold, this artifact was a valuable cultural relic, perfect for enhancing ones taste in the eyes of others.

However, it was necessary to be politely modest.

This is too precious, I cant accept it. But I appreciate your thought, the Count demurred.

How can you not accept it, Count? Henry pressed. As a vassal of our Ferdinand family, you have served loyally for many years. Its only right for me to present a small token on behalf of our family.

Henry emphasized the word vassal.

Malrtz bristled internally at the implication; he was a vassal to Henrys ailing brother, not to this upstart. However, he maintained a sincerely smiling face. Its my duty, I cant possibly

No, no, no, you must take it.

After a lengthy back-and-forth, Count Kent reluctantly accepted the gift.

Marltz invited Henry to stay for a lavish dinner. Henry was in high spirits, frequently raising his glass as if the ducal title was already within his grasp.

After countless drinks, Henry became flushed and slightly inebriated.

Marltz, I didnt expect you to be such a drinker hic! You werent this good before!

He addressed Marltz by name, disregarding the fact that the others title was higher than his own.

Heh, you flatter me.

Marltzs face showed no sign of drunkenness, and he remained exceptionally clear-headed, despite drinking as much as Viscount Henry.

Since studying the health techniques taught by Barnett daily, alcohols effects on him had diminished significantly.

He could now drink endlessly without getting drunk.

When I become Duke

Bolstered by alcohol, Henry began to speak recklessly, though his speech was slurred.

Ill grant you more wealth, hic! and more lands!

Henry emphatically thumped his chest.

Whatever my brother gave you, Ill give you again, not a bit less.

Kent internally sneered, responding, Viscount, youre drunk.

Hm? Drunk? Hic! I guess I am a bit. Alright I wont bother you any longer. Hic! I must take my leave.

Henry staggered to his feet to bid farewell to Count Kent.

The Count personally assisted him to the door.

Marltz, remember what I said today. I know my stupid brothers must also be seeking you out or maybe they already have. But hic whatever terms they offer, tell me. I assure you, Ill give you more than those fools.

Ha ha, Ill keep that in mind.

Count Kent helped him into the carriage outside the residence.

Lets keep in touch!

With those parting words, Viscount Henry left in his carriage.

Marltz Kent stood at the doorway, watching the carriage disappear, a mocking smile on his face.

Hmph!

With a cold laugh, he turned back into the residence.

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