Chapter 154.2: ?????????????????? ?????????? (3)


    If its an insult to tell the truth, whose fault is that?


    Giada pressed the viscounts vassals as the captain of the republic. The situation was disadvantageous for the viscounts side.


    There was no backing from the surroundings, and Johans power was in full swing.


    Time was needed. Even the vassals most loyal to the Emperor did not refuse to make peace with Johan.


    The problem was that Johans side had no reason to ept it. If so, something had to be taken from the other party.


    Then what do you suggest?


    Send a high-ranking rtive of Your Excellency as a hostage. Youll have to do that much for us to believe you.


    !!


    At the same time, as an expression of your repentance for the past sacrileges, make offerings to the church.


    The vassals faces stiffened. Of course, they didnt think the other party would just ept it, but it came out stronger than they had anticipated.


    To send a high-ranking rtive of the viscount as a hostage and make offerings for what they had done to the church. Both were difficult conditions to easily ept.


    That. . . thats too much to ask.


    Right! To take your excellencys own flesh and blood as hostage. Isnt that absurd?


    Then lets just say there was no peace agreement! It doesnt seem like either side would regret it!


    Giada bluffed with confidence. As always, he could yell loudly from the advantageous side.


    The vassals sweated as they begged for time. It was too extreme a demand that they needed time to discuss.


    Do you think theyll ept it?


    They cantpletely reject it, but I think theyll ept it to some extent. How far are you willing to amodate them, Your Excellency?


    Giada asked, counting with his fingers.


    Sending a lower-ranking rtive among the kin and reducing the amount of the donation is eptable.


    Of course, the donation was to the church, not shared between the church and Johan.


    Perhaps the viscounts circumstances were dire now, so he would not be able to contribute it all at once, but would send it steadily over several years.


    At Johans cold remarks, Giada was honestly surprised. For a young count with a reputation around here, he was tooposed.


    If it had been his cousin the bishop or other knights, they would not have epted such apromise.


    As the situation was advantageous, they would have tried to get everything.


    However, Johan was showing restraint here. It was a rare virtue.


    Dont you feel tempted? You must be seeing them as an eyesore.


    This Carquno is a nice ce to defend, but not so nice toe out of, so its not much of a threat. If they swear not to attack by sacrificing their rtives as hostages, I can turn a blind eye.


    He would like to get this fief or gain the loyalty of the viscount, but world affairs cant always go as you want. Johan was prepared topromise.


    ,         .            .


    A siege, if it went wrong, could waste years for nothing. Johan, who had justpleted his territory, was not allowed such waste.


    Your Excellency is truly wise.


    Johan had one more expectation that he did not tell Giada.


    Would the Emperor stand still after the viscount makes peace with Johan?


    Of course, there was friendship between them, so the Emperor might understand.


    However, the viscount was old.


    After the viscount dies and his children inherit the position, will the Emperor still trust them?


    This hospitality and negotiation was a process of nting seeds. They may not know now, but these seeds will sproutter.


    Even if he cant capture it now,ter. . .


    !


    !


    While walking lost in thought, Johan felt something dart towards him and grabbed it with his hand.


    A well-made arrow was caught firmly in his palm.


    . . .?!


    !


    The situation was so sudden that even the soldiers escorting Johan couldnt react. They still hadnt realized something had flown towards their employer.


    . . .Fall down, Your Highness! Fall down!


    In this chaotic situation, Giada came up with an amazing idea next to him. Hearing Giadas whisper, Johan immediately understood his intention.


    Ugh!


    Johan bowed his body pretending he was hit by the arrow. The mercenaries screamedte. Giada shouted loudly.


    His Highness was hit by an arrow!! His Highness was hit by an arrow!!


    Your Highness! Your Highness!


    Im fine, calm down.


    The escorts were crying before they froze in surprise. Johans voice was perfectly fine.


    Huh?


    What are you doing?! Cry, Your Highness!


    Ah, I see. Sorry. Ill cry again.


    Uh. . .sob sob! Wah wah!


    Take His Highness to a safe ce!


    As the day was getting darker quickly, torches lit up everywhere in an instant. The mercenaries had screamed so loudly.


    Get out of the way! Get out of the way! His Highness has copsed!


    s.


    Emergency was dered in the Viscounts camp.


    Due to his old age, the Viscount couldnt move around vigorously like Johan and was resting his tired body inside the castle. The etiquette of hospitality had also worn him out.


    Even such a Viscount jumped up with a scream upon hearing the news.


    What kind of nonsense is that!


    Could it be. . .a lie?


    Sev. . .several ves who were there saw and confirmed it! They said an arrow really flew in!


    The retainers faces were ashen blue, unable to get any paler. If an arrow really flew towards the Count. . .


    The only ones who could have shot it were nobles under the Viscount. Outsiders couldnt enter wherever the Count went. Only nobles under the Viscount were possible.


    What lunatic did that!


    We must find and kill him!


    This is not the time for that! How are the Counts soldiers reacting?!


    A loyal army goes berserk several times more frighteningly when enraged. Upon hearing that their employer was hit by an arrow, the mercenaries must have been extremely furious.