Chapter 253 - 24: A Show of Force (Part 2)
Chapter 253: Chapter 24: A Show of Force (Part 2)
"I’m asking you, what is your name?" Robson asked with a frown.
"My lord, you should state your own name before asking for another’s. I believe..."
"I’ll ask you one last time. What is your name?"
"Sir, your actions are unbecoming of a nobleman. The former Patriarch taught me..."
"Gah..."
Claude sheathed his Long Sword, looked at the man’s corpse, and spat.
"Damn it. I told him it was the last time, but he just had to keep spouting nonsense!"
Robson looked at the man’s body on the ground and sighed internally. But as for pity, he felt very little.
He was short on time. To help Valentino eliminate dissidents quickly, he had to use forceful methods.
’If he dared to rush out, he should have been prepared for the consequences.’
"Claude! Who told you to act!" Robson looked at Claude, feigning a furious expression.
"But, my lord, he..."
"Did I give the order?"
"My lord, Claude was just..."
As Robson made a show of wanting to punish Claude, Bo Yang stepped forward to mediate.
Valentino watched their performance. If she hadn’t known about the plan beforehand, she might have actually believed it.
’She had no idea where Robson had found so many fine actors.’
"Alright, Robson, this young Knight was only trying to protect you. Besides, who was that man? I’ve never seen him before. I assume he wasn’t an insider of the Fengman Clan," Valentino stepped forward at the right time, ending the performance.
"What do you think you’re doing? You dare point your spears at the Patriarch?" Knight Commander Elon said to the City Guards who were raising their long spears before him.
The City Guards clearly recognized Knight Commander Elon, and their movements faltered.
"But sir, that man just killed..."
"This is Viscount Robertson, the Patriarch’s fiancé. Where is Srivici? Tell him to come see me!"
Just as the guards were at a loss, a red carpet suddenly appeared at the city gate, rolling all the way to Robson and Valentino’s feet.
In this world, a red carpet also signified a welcome. Robson raised an eyebrow. ’It seems these old retainers of the Fengman Clan inside the city aren’t so foolish after all. They prepared two different plans in advance.’
Several middle-aged men and one old man walked out from the city.
The old man came before Valentino’s horse.
"Elvin was slow to greet you. I beg the Patriarch’s forgiveness," Elvin said with a bow.
"Rise. It’s my fault for not informing you in advance, isn’t it?" Valentino sneered.
"The fault is mine. The old Patriarch, in consideration of my age and frail health, excused me from personally coming here. I assumed the same would be true today. I beg the Patriarch’s forgiveness," Elvin said, remaining bowed.
"Oh? Just now, I saw a madman rush up to Valentino. I intended to negotiate, but the man was exceptionally rude. Do you know who he was?" Robson squinted, looking at Elvin.
After saying this, Robson used his Divine Sense as a Sixth-rank Mage to observe the expressions of the crowd before him.
A heavily bearded middle-aged man behind the old man had a noticeably strange expression. Although he tried his best to hide it, Robson still saw it.
"I... do not know him," Elvin said after a moment of silence.
"Don’t know him? But those City Guards just now seemed like they wanted to avenge him... Or can just any stranger command the Fengman Clan’s guards now?" Robson squinted at Elvin.
"My lord, as for these men, we will certainly..."
"No need. I’ll handle it myself. You must be Elvin? I’ve often heard Valentino speak of you. I hear you’re a noble and capable man. By the way, my name is Robson. Have you heard of me? I should have the authority to punish those Soldiers, shouldn’t I?" Robson said with a smile, looking at Elvin.
"Ah, so you are the Patriarch’s husband-to-be. In that case, of course there is no problem," Elvin said.
At this, Robson looked at Claude. Claude understood immediately and led several Tier Six Soldiers forward to seize the City Guards.
The City Guards initially tried to resist, but the few Tier Six Soldiers made short work of them, throwing them to the ground. This scene stunned the old retainers of the Fengman Clan standing behind Elvin.
"My lord, my lord, spare us! We were just..."
"Are you guards of the Fengman Clan or not?" Robson asked, his expression grave, as he looked at the guards.
"Yes, yes we are."
"Then why did you raise your weapons against your Patriarch?" Robson roared.
The guards stammered and mumbled, unable to get a single word out for a long moment. The swords of Robson’s personal guards were nearly piercing their throats.
Elvin seemed to sense that something was wrong and raised his head as if to speak.
"Normally, such a crime would be punishable by hanging. However, considering your past contributions to the clan, you will receive twenty lashes. This will not be taken as a precedent," Robson said.
Hearing this, the guards were overcome with relief, as if granted a great amnesty, and immediately kowtowed in thanks.
Watching the guards before him, Robson shook his head. ’The northeast’s terrain is already isolated, and the Fengman Clan is located behind the mountain passes. These soldiers probably haven’t seen a real battle in a long time. So much for their fighting spirit.’
After hearing Robson’s judgment, Elvin lowered his head even further.
Robson looked at Valentino. She dismounted and personally helped Elvin to his feet.
"Old sir, please rise. This is all my fault. I’ve been so busy with external affairs these past few months that I’ve allowed so many changes to occur within the clan. From now on, I will personally handle the clan’s internal matters."
"Mr. Elvin, the Soldiers behind me were brought by Robson. They will be setting out for the Eastern Battlefield in the future. Please help arrange for their accommodations," Valentino said.