Chapter 568 - 38: Political Alliance
Chapter 568: Chapter 38: Political Alliance
"Marquis William is coming?"
Robson asked, his voice laced with surprise.
It was already afternoon by the time Robson and Valentino arrived in the Royal Capital.
’He said he’d visit tonight, but that really just means he’s coming over right now.’
’Does he really have to be in such a rush?’
’It seems the pressure Marquis George has been putting on Marquis William lately is no small thing.’
...
Visits among the high nobility took various forms.
Most of the time, they weren’t formal "visits" at all—just someone dropping by on a whim.
One like Marquis William’s, sent with a formal invitation, was a much more serious affair.
Fortunately, Robson and Valentino had received numerous nobles at Fengman Manor before, so handling such visits was hardly a challenge.
Evening arrived quickly.
Robson and Valentino waited at the entrance to the manor.
The Guterres Family carriage appeared before Fengman Manor.
To Robson and Valentino’s surprise, Marquis William stepped out of the carriage with a woman.
"Is that Marquis William’s wife?" Robson wondered aloud.
"No." Valentino shook her head.
She had met Marquis William’s wife as a child.
"Marquis William’s wife is a bit prettier than her," Valentino said.
’That’s a bit strange.’
’On a formal occasion for which he sent an invitation, Marquis William actually brought a female companion who wasn’t his wife.’
"Uncle William!"
"Long time no see."
Though he had his doubts, Robson wasn’t about to make a scene.
Marquis William was all smiles as well.
"Robson, Valentino. It really has been a long time.
"The Marquis certainly didn’t misjudge you. I never thought you’d be able to stir up such a storm on the plains," Marquis William said with a laugh.
"By the way, this is Lady Dai Li of the Freck Family.
"Dai Li, this is the very man, General Robson, who has been making such a name for himself lately." Marquis William made the introductions.
’The Freck Family?’
’Now that he mentioned it, Robson recalled they were an earl’s family from the south.’
’It was just that the family’s direct line had been wiped out. The father and his two sons had all died on the battlefield when everyone had to abandon the Western Front to ensure Prince Noah’s safe retreat, leaving only a single woman behind.’
’In Frank, the direct line’s right of succession supersedes gender, much like with the Fengman Clan. They actually have collateral branches that aren’t cursed, but the title has never been passed to them.’
’Thus, the title naturally fell to Dai Li.’
"Dai Li is a very capable woman, and the Freck Family’s merchant caravans are quite impressive. I’ve brought her along to act as a scribe," Marquis William said, offering a flimsy excuse.
’All this talk... In reality, Marquis William was probably about to take control of the Southern Faction and had no intention of staying with that shameless woman he had at home. He wanted someone new.’
’And as it happened, the male heirs of the Freck Family—the third most powerful family in the Southern Faction—were all dead.’
’By marrying Lady Dai Li, Marquis William could take control of the second and third most powerful families in the Southern Faction, which would greatly solidify his position.’
’Marquis William certainly acted fast. As expected of someone Marquis Oscillate considered a successor—the man had a few tricks up his sleeve.’
"Aunt Dai Li," Robson said with a smile.
’He, Lord Robson, was going to settle in the northeast; the affairs of the Southern Faction had little to do with him.’
’If he curried a little favor with Marquis William, perhaps the man would be more inclined to help him out with his business ventures?’
Countess Dai Li and Marquis William were both very satisfied with this form of address.
...
Amidst laughter, the group moved to the reception hall. After a round of small talk, once everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Marquis William was the first to broach the topic.
"Earl Robson, your heroic bearing at the city gates today was so impressive that it made an old uncle like me feel ashamed," Marquis William said.
Hearing Marquis William get to the point, Robson’s expression turned serious.
’Marquis William certainly knew how to put things nicely.’
’Felt ashamed, huh? You feel ashamed now, but where were you when Lord Robson was caught in his struggle with Marquis George? You didn’t even let out a peep.’
Still, since Marquis William had put it that way, Robson had no reason to press the issue.
"Uncle, if there’s something on your mind, you should just say it.
"The kingdom’s political situation is turbulent right now. I didn’t argue with Marquis George today. On the contrary, the Marquis, just like you, Uncle, seems to think I’m quite the hero," Robson said.
Marquis William was taken aback. He had been too hasty. Only now did he remember that the young man before him was someone Marquis Oscillate held in high esteem.
’This kid is no political novice. He’s not easy to fool.’
Seeing that this line of attack had failed, Marquis William switched to another question.
"That’s true. Marquis George is a fairly upright person.
"I came today, actually, to ask about the wedding between you two...
"The Marquis is currently unconscious, but he did say before that you two should marry in September.
"Your wedding is a major event for the Guterres Family. We must, of course, prepare for it in advance," Marquis William asked.
The significance of the marriage was immense, and that went without saying.
"Grandfather only mentioned it in passing. This is something Robson and I still need to decide on," Valentino said.
Robson didn’t answer. It wasn’t his place to interject on this topic.
Lady Dai Li hadn’t expected Valentino to speak up. In her mind, on an occasion like this, Valentino should have been taking her downstairs for tea.
’Should I say something?’
"Uncle, let’s not beat around the bush. There are no outsiders here."
"I believe you understand the current situation."
"Frankly, I was quite disappointed that none of you stood up for me when I was contending with Marquis George today," Robson said.
"Let’s be candid. My wedding with Valentino will most likely be early next year.
"You don’t need to say anything else. I have no fundamental conflict with Marquis George.
"If I were to go to the Wilmand family’s home and give Earl Harold a piece of my mind, I’m confident that Valentino and I would receive an invitation from Marquis George by tomorrow."
Robson’s every word was a gem, hitting the mark perfectly. He was completely unfazed by Marquis George’s attitude earlier that day.
Watching the couple, Marquis William leaned back in his chair, frowning and fiddling with the bowl in his hand.
’They’re not easy to fool...’
’The Marquis originally arranged for Robson and Valentino to marry because he believed Robson was skillful enough to dismantle the Northern Faction.’
’Who would have thought that Robson would now turn those skills on the Southern Faction?’
The atmosphere grew silent for a moment. Finally, Marquis William let out a sigh.
"I may have doubts about the Marquis’s other affairs, but his eye for people, I have never doubted.
"Robson, you have proven this point once again."
"I came today to help you establish a Northern Inland Faction.
"What I’m saying is, regardless of which of our sides Marquis George moves against first, the other cannot simply stand by and watch," Marquis William said.
In simpler terms, it was a proposal to form a political alliance.
Robson had guessed Marquis William’s intentions long ago.