Lord: I Grind EXP with Warband Panel

Chapter 320: Chapter 76: Valentino’s Recent Situation

Fengman City.

In recent days, an air of tension had settled over Fengman City.

When Robson first came to Fengman City to enforce the law in her stead, he had no ties holding him back.

If it had been Valentino herself, she might not have been able to act so ruthlessly against the uncles and elders from her childhood.

After all, the Fengman Clan had only one heir per generation. While these people were scoundrels now, they had helped the Fengman Clan immensely in the past. Many of them had been brought over from her in-laws’ families by the previous Earl Fengman. Lady Julian, for instance, had accompanied Valentino’s mother as part of her dowry and had a background in the Edward family.

Of course, most of them were sent over by the Fengman Clan’s vassals to gain experience, and they generally came from the various Viscount Clans in Novovich Province.

Robson didn’t need to—and didn’t want to—deal with the people planted by the southern faction. After all, he himself was, strictly speaking, a figure placed there by that very same faction.

The main targets of Robson’s purge were the forces of other nobles from Novovich Province within the Fengman Clan. These people had been loyal to the previous Earl Fengman, and with Valentino now in power, they had become obstacles in her path.

The noble families in Novovich Province had historically enjoyed friendly relations with the Fengman Clan. In fact, many of their patriarchs were sworn brothers with the previous Earl Fengman.

That was why a job like this had to be done by Robson.

After all, the other members of the southern faction lacked the authority, and those who did have the authority were related by blood or marriage, making it difficult for them to act.

In her study at dusk, Valentino finished her day’s work and opened the window, gazing in the direction of the lands beyond the pass.

’I wonder how Robson is doing...’

These past few days had brought one pleasant surprise after another from Robson’s front.

Ever since he marched out of Feiying Pass, a steady stream of victory reports had poured in. Sometimes, Valentino herself found them to be exaggerated.

But from the news she later received from the Griffin Knights, Valentino learned that Robson’s battle reports had actually been conservative.

The real situation at the front was even better.

With Elvin’s help, Valentino had recently taken almost full control over the administrative affairs of the Fengman Domain.

Before his departure, Robson had ordered his soldiers to sweep away a group of troublemakers in the city, so Fengman City had remained largely safe. It became even more stable after the Fengman Clan’s legions returned from their posts abroad.

Valentino was now arranging for her own people to take over the Fengman City Guard and other affairs. As the saying goes, "a new ruler brings new courtiers." She wanted to bring in another group of lower-ranking nobles from Novovich to make her rule easier.

She was just waiting for news from Robson. With the momentum from his military victory, Valentino could clean house with minimal cost, completing a political transition in a single month that would have otherwise taken a year.

Just as Valentino was lost in thought, a knock came at the study door.

Valentino turned around.

"Earl, it’s me."

It was the voice of Lady Julian.

Since Valentino took over the political affairs of the Fengman Clan, Lady Julian had also become much busier lately.

"Julian? Come in," Valentino said.

Hearing this, Lady Julian stepped into the study and bowed to Valentino.

"Is all this really necessary between us?" Valentino asked with a smile.

"Between master and servant, ruler and subject, certain formalities are essential," Lady Julian said. These were customs she had brought with her from the Edward family.

"Earl, there is new word from Viscount Robertson," Lady Julian said, handing over an envelope.

"Oh?"

Valentino took the letter, an unavoidable sense of nervousness rising in her heart.

For one, the consolidation of her political power within the Fengman Clan was in its final stages. Robson’s success beyond the pass was crucial for whether she could complete this final cleanup.

For another, the man currently stationed beyond the pass was, after all, her future husband.

"Valentino, how is it? Is there any good news from Viscount Robertson?" Lady Julian asked, looking at Valentino.

After observing the basic formalities, the two reverted to their usual familiarity. In a way, Lady Julian was like a second mother to Valentino.

"Good news... It couldn’t possibly be better." Valentino looked at the letter in her hand, almost unable to stop herself from laughing out loud.

Even now, Valentino felt as if she were in a dream.

’Come to think of it, it’s only been a little over ten days since Robson set out on his campaign, right?’

A war that should have dragged on for months had been brought to a complete victory in just over ten days!

"Incredible! Absolutely incredible!" Lady Julian exclaimed in admiration as she read the report.

How on earth did Marquis Oscillate discover such a monster?

Lady Julian had thought this more than once over the past few days.

With this, one could basically say that Robson’s future beyond the pass was set to take off.

"Since Robson has created this opportunity for us, it’s time we made our move."

"Next, spread this news throughout Novovich Province. We’ll use this chance to finally deal with those who’ve been running amok, relying on old favors," Valentino declared.