Chapter 249 - 22: Eastern Front Arrangements
Chapter 249: Chapter 22: Eastern Front Arrangements
The Fengman Clan had limited influence over Earl Uman and Count Sriphine, but among the minor and lesser nobility, their name was legendary.
Getting the minor and lesser nobles to openly oppose a behemoth like the Fengman Clan would depend on the faction leaders’ ability to rally them.
However, neither Earl Uman nor Count Sriphine had even had time to consolidate their own factions, let alone build a so-called united front.
"Quite a lively gathering..." said the middle-aged man beside Valentino.
"Uncle William, as you know, in a few days, we’ll all be marching off to war. The Eastern Front is no easy opponent these days—two of the Kingdom’s great Earl Clans have already met their end there. I’m not feeling very confident about it all, and I could really use your guidance," Valentino said with a smile.
Earl William was the current Minister of Finance, belonging to the royalist faction in the Outer Court. He had been as close as brothers with the previous Earl Fengman, and having come from the south himself, he also had significant ties to Marquis Oscillate.
"This era belongs to you young people. I recall Prince Noah once telling me that your fiancé is no simple character..."
"Here he is. Robson, this is Uncle William, from the Gutons Family."
Seeing Earl William speaking with Valentino, Robson excused himself from the group of nobles behind him and walked over.
When Valentino saw Robson approach, she immediately smiled and introduced them.
"Viscount Robertson, I’ve long heard of your reputation. You are as distinguished as they say," Earl William said with a warm laugh.
"Uncle William, I’ve also often heard Valentino speak of you, especially about your exploits in the Northern Territory with Count Marcel," Robson replied with a smile.
Count Marcel was the real name of the previous Earl Fengman, but of course, that was no longer important.
"The glory days... they always make one yearn for the past. It’s a pity Marcel is no longer with us. Of course, if he could see you now, I’m sure his spirit would find some comfort," Earl William said, patting Robson’s shoulder with a smile.
"Julian, have the guests cease what they are doing. Make the preparations; the banquet is about to begin," Valentino commanded Lady Julian, who was always in attendance by her side.
"As you command, My Lady."
Lady Julian was truly a veteran household manager with over a decade of experience. No sooner had Valentino given the order than maids swiftly brought out the prepared dishes and many precious wines from the south.
Guided by the servants, the nobles from all factions took their seats. Looking at the High-Tier Magical Beast Meat and various other rare delicacies on the tables, they couldn’t help but gasp in astonishment.
A banquet was the best time to display a family’s power. Although Valentino was usually quite frugal, she had chosen to be extravagant on this occasion.
The effect was remarkable. Even Earl Uman was a little stunned by the Fengman Clan’s extravagance, to say nothing of the other nobles present.
"Everyone, I trust you’ve been well. I believe many of you know me, or have at least heard my name through certain channels. Welcome to the Fengman Clan. I am Valentino. Beside me is Earl William from Shangri’an. The other is from the Kingdom’s Inner Court..."
Valentino continued to introduce the nobles behind her. Each time a name was mentioned, the person in question would rise, doff their hat, and show their respect to Valentino.
This was Valentino’s way of demonstrating the Fengman Clan’s powerful network of connections to the assembled nobility.
As for the effect? Only the few high-ranking nobles like the earls and counts could maintain their composure. The other minor and lesser nobles were practically dumbstruck, their hands clapping almost on instinct.
Robson couldn’t help but marvel. ’My fiancée really is something else.’
At noon, Valentino had told him she was going to invite a few respected ministers of the Kingdom to lend some gravity to the occasion.
Robson never expected that this one invitation would bring out half the kingdom’s political circle. From Earl William to the other earls and viscounts, they were all figures with real power in the Kingdom Government. Some were even heads of departments under the Kingdom Council—if not at the highest echelons of power, then just a step below.
Valentino’s timing could only be described as perfect.
Right now, Robson, Uman, and Sriphine had no time to consolidate their own factions.
The viscounts and barons present had mostly risen from the ranks of the minor and lesser nobility, and the vast majority were still considered lesser nobles themselves.
To them, never mind the Minister of Finance—even a member of the Kingdom Council was a major figure.
Earl Uman’s expression darkened. He had also noticed the crowd’s reaction—in truth, it was hard to miss.
Earl Uman didn’t know if Valentino had summoned these people to suppress him and Count Sriphine and bolster Robson’s standing, or for some other reason entirely.
But reason told Earl Uman that this was bad. The people on his side were visibly wavering. Though this hesitation might only be temporary, if an enemy were to seize this fleeting opportunity to make a move, the consequences could be fatal.
"And as for me, I am Valentino von Man. It is my great honor to be seated here with all of you.
I’m sure you have all heard that, while I am a person of little talent, His Majesty himself has decreed that I am to serve as commander-in-chief, responsible for the coming campaign to retake the four lost provinces in the kingdom’s northeast.
Since the nation has placed such high hopes in me, I cannot fail the Kingdom’s trust. And now, I invite His Majesty’s Inner Minister, Sir Declan..."