Chapter 153.1: ?????????????????? ?????????? (2)


    The knights were frustrated at the administrative officialscent response, as rushing to make preparations now was impossible for them.


    With an astonished expression, Sir Padovesi looked around. Indeed, there seemed to be no preparation whatsoever. The harbor was the same as always, with merchant ships peacefully sailing up the river.


    The Earldom of Carquno, owned by the Emperors family and administered by the Viscount, was a fiefdom located at the southernmost tip of the penins.


    With mountain ranges curled around it above, it actually had more trade with the hundred kingdoms nearer to the sea.


    That isted geographic trait allowed it to stand firm even amidst the chaotic situation on the penins. . .


    !


    They should have somehow blocked or desperately prevented thoseing by sea fromnding.


    The knights were frustrated at the administrative officialscent response.


    We received orders from above to treat them as esteemed guests! Should we have told them to turn their ships around?


    The administrative officials had plenty to say as well. Though there were forceful orders from above, still. . .


    Even if they had blocked them, would that fleet have just stayed put?


    It would have immediately led to bloodshed.


    Why suchmotion on this fine day?


    Johan, having set all this in motion, breezily spoke as he walked over. The administrative officials quickly bowed their heads in courtesy.


    The soldiers behind Johan were why, as much as the orders from above.


    The voyage seems to have tired my soldiers. I would appreciate some food and drink.


    We will. . .prepare them shortly.


    Im grateful for your generous hospitality. And Sir Padovesi, dont be too harsh on your subordinates. It is because proper preparations were not made above.


    We. . .did not even hear that you would being. . .


    ??


    Hmm. Seems to be a mistake. Well, just show me the way. I dont want to keep standing here.


    Johan cut off the administrative officials words. After all, the most difficult part was solved. If he could justnd, the rest would be easy.


    He was lucky to have taken advantage of the opponents confusion.


    Mackald, why do you look so worried?


    We are not prepared enough to make siege weapons. Your Grace.


    . . .Didnt I say that I didnt intend to fight a siege this time?


    You never know what will happen in the future, do you? To those who prepare stone and wood. . .


    I know the dwarven proverb that says luck follows.


    When Johan remembered their proverb, Mackalds face brightened.


    If that happens, I will use all my means to bring you the necessary materials. I promise.


    Thank you, Your Excellency!


    As the dwarves withdrew, this time the captain sent by the republic approached Johan. Johans face brightened.


    The anchorage isplete. Your Excellency.


    Bishop Biagione worked hard to repay Johan in kind. As a result, Giada Zepol was newly elected to lead the ship.


    He was Bishop Biagiones cousin and one of the republics captains, and above all, he was greedy for his own greed.


    If Johan provided him with the appropriate benefits, he would be a person who would be more loyal to Johan than to the republic.


    It was a brilliant strategy. The nobles of the Emperor wont evene to their senses.


    What about the people of the republic?


    Well. . . nothing much has changed. Some are worried, and some say to shake hands. . .


    The republic had to cooperate with Johan because it had many other enemies, but Johans growth was too threatening. Within the republic, there was a steady stream of caution.


    Still, no one will hinder this matter. The republic needs Edene Sea, you know.


    Edene Sea, the sea in front of the republic, was like the republics lifeline. In order to safely travel through this ce, the republic also needed Johans cooperation.


    In order topletely dispel the misunderstanding that they had colluded with the Emperor, they had to persuade the viscount.


    The people of the republic were also putting their heart and soul into this matter as much as Johan.


    .


    Count Yeats is here to see you!


    They must have quickly sent word that an army hadnded, because envoys came rushing from a distance, kicking up clouds of dirt.


    Some who looked to be nobles hurriedly dismounted their horses and entered the encampment. Under normal circumstances, they would have acted more slowly and deliberately, conscious of keeping up appearances, but they seemed to have no time for that now.


    Your Excellency, upon hearing rumors that you led troops here, I rushed to greet you.


    A, the viscounts eldest daughter, spoke with propriety. Johan recalled what Jyanina had told him. Giada beside him smiled faintly.


    .        .


    .


    Indeed. We have been weed and are restingfortably.


    A nodded. She did not say things like,      , or    . She understood well enough that it would be useless.


    That alone warranted a decent evaluation.


    I havee to escort you. Please grant me the honor.


    If preparations areplete, there is no reason we shouldnt head out. Are the territories properly prepared?


    As eyebrows shot up. Johans words had wounded her noble pride.


    We are always prepared to receive guests, Your Excellency.