Chapter 234 - 14: Relatives
Chapter 234: Chapter 14: Relatives
News of Robson’s arrival home spread quickly. The crowd of Odogin Family relatives who had been waiting for so long finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The accommodations were simply dreadful. It couldn’t be helped; the entire Odogin Gold Domain had been teeming with people for the past few days, making it impossible to properly host everyone.
After exchanging a few words with Lady Odogin, Valentino returned to Robson’s side.
Although Valentino didn’t have many connections here, her status as a Countess was more than enough to lend Robson some serious weight.
Baron Otto walked ahead of Robson, ready to introduce him to their kinsmen from his homeland.
His predecessor had been far too introverted, barely knowing anyone in the surrounding area. Besides, there was a difference between Robson meeting people on his own and being introduced by Baron Otto.
The latter added the weight of the family’s network, a legacy passed down through blood.
"Robson, this is Governor Donovan. He has been a great help to our family in the past.
And this is Viscount Ferno. He is a kinsman of our Odogin Family and the highest-ranking noble among us," Baron Otto explained as he led the way.
"This is my son, Robson, and beside him is Count Valentino."
"He *was* the highest-ranking. Now, that’s not so certain," Viscount Ferno said, looking at Robson and patting his shoulder with the gentle reassurance of an elder.
’I can’t tell if Viscount Ferno actually knows something or if he’s just testing me.’ After all, information traveled slowly in this era, and not just anyone could use a Magic Communication Tower.
But regardless of their intentions, it made no difference to Robson. He had returned this time to ask his family for aid, especially when it came to manpower.
Although Marquis Oscillate and the King were strong supporters of Robson, they couldn’t possibly provide for his every need.
Especially when it came to population, Robson preferred to seek it out himself.
’If they want to invest in me, there’s no need to be secretive about it. I should just be open and admit what I need.’
"Uncle Ferno, you flatter me. I’ve only just secured my domain; I have no foundation to speak of. Compared to all of you, I still have much to learn," Robson replied with a smile.
Hearing Robson’s reply, everyone smiled. Though they had long heard that the Otto Family had produced a remarkable young man, they were still quite surprised to hear it confirmed by the man himself.
"Ha! A foundation? That will come sooner or later. But right now, you possess an ability that many do not.
You’ve made it this far on your own, Robson. Your ability is unparalleled." Hearing Robson’s words, Viscount Ferno’s smile grew wider, and this time, it seemed a bit more sincere.
Amidst the light conversation and flattery, the group entered the parlor of Odogin Castle.
"I heard earlier that you encountered many difficulties out there, my dear nephew. What sort of troubles were they? Please, feel free to speak plainly.
Rest assured, nephew. We of the Odogin Family are united as one. You can tell us about any hardships you face," said Viscount Ferno.
’I have to say, compared to the elites fighting on the front lines, the quality of the nobles who stay behind has really dropped.’
’At least in my eyes, Viscount Ferno’s attempt to bring up this topic is far too clumsy.’
"It’s nothing too serious. It’s mainly that my new domain needs to be developed, so I’m short on manpower.
And I’ll need quite a few talented people for the Eastern Front..." Robson finished, then glanced at Viscount Ferno to gauge his reaction.
Viscount Ferno put on a thoughtful expression. It was obvious he hadn’t caught the implied benefits Robson was offering and thought Robson was just trying to get something for nothing.
Governor Donovan, on the other hand, lit up when he heard this.
"Sir Robson, how many talented individuals will you need for your trip to the Eastern Front?" Governor Donovan asked.
’So there is someone here who gets it,’ Robson realized.
For Governor Donovan to have reached his position, he naturally had connections in the Royal Capital.
He understood the historical situation on the Eastern Front. If this Sir Robson was truly as capable as the reports suggested, sweeping through the region would be no problem.
Even if problems did arise, the Kingdom wouldn’t just stand by and watch. And if Robson made a name for himself on the Eastern Front, he would surely become one of its commanders, which would make many things much easier to arrange.
For instance,
"I will need some talented young men to help me manage the subjects being transported to my domain," Robson said.
"Does Viscount Ferno know anyone? The Eastern Front will also need some warriors who can charge into battle. The Kingdom has its requirements for family assessments, after all. Having our own people in command would certainly be much safer."
Robson’s words were just short of spelling it out: send people to join his ranks, and they could earn military merits and help fulfill the Kingdom’s recruitment quotas.
They were kinsmen, after all. Robson still intended to help Viscount Ferno out and give him a hint.
Of course, if Viscount Ferno still didn’t get it, there was nothing more Robson could do. ’He couldn’t just come out and say, ’Stick with me, and I’ll cut you in on some of my achievements,’ could he?’
That was impossible. Even if Prince Noah wanted a piece of Robson’s military merits, it would require backroom deals, to say nothing of some small-fry from the countryside.
’Honestly, if I didn’t need more people, I wouldn’t bother with this kind of trouble.’
With things spelled out so clearly, Viscount Ferno finally seemed to be catching on.
"Talented young men? I understand, I understand," Viscount Ferno nodded.
Just then, the doors to the hall, which had been closed, were pushed open once again.
The bustling, crowded hall suddenly fell silent as all eyes turned in unison toward the entrance.
A magnificently dressed nobleman stood there, accompanied by a young Mage in a black Mage Robe.
"Earl Kifri! What brings you here?" Governor Donovan started in surprise upon seeing the newcomer. This Earl Kifri was Marquis Oscillate’s grandson-in-law and one of only two Earls from the southern faction who had remained to hold the fort. He had always acted as the second-in-command within the southern faction.
The Marquis’s power in the southern faction was ironclad.
Many people present didn’t recognize Earl Kifri, but they reacted upon hearing Governor Donovan’s words, each of them turning to greet the newcomer with a smile.
People were merely respectful toward Valentino, but they didn’t pay her much mind. After all, she was from far away; no matter how good their relationship became, it was unlikely to affect them.
As for the fact that Valentino was Marquis Oscillate’s granddaughter... not everyone was aware of this. The news had only recently begun to spread, and some even doubted its authenticity.
After all, Valentino’s domain was in the north.
In this era, information didn’t travel so quickly, especially for these minor nobles who didn’t even have a single Mage in their family, let alone access to Magic Communication.
But Earl Kifri was different. His domain was in the very next province. He was a local powerhouse.
Moreover, Earl Kifri was young and ambitious, known for his high-profile actions. A few of the Viscounts present had even attended his banquets.
Earl Kifri glanced at Governor Donovan, nodding in acknowledgment. He then looked around, as if searching for someone.