What damn weather,
the baron, Jean Bate, muttered as he stared at the overcast sky by the window.
It’s raining again.
It rained a lot in the Sedimentation Bay, particularly in summer and fall. Unexpected storms visited this city often, so the city was equipped with a well-developed drainage system. Unlike the Broken Tooth Castle and Graystone City where roads instantly turned muddy after a heavy rain, the rain here would only affect the cargo transportation. The impact of the weather was indeed minimal to the urban area.
Jean was actually more frustrated about himself than the upcoming rain.
The sky would soon clear out after the shower, but his mood would remain gloomy.
Sir, have you figured out how to reply to them?
His clerk, Zum, asked gingerly.
Reply?
the baron sneered.
What would you say if you have to pick between being hanged and being burned?
Er…
The clerk fell silent.
You can’t make a choice either, right? So, let’s just keep them waiting.
But…
Zum broke off, trying to formulate a proper answer.
Jean Bate knew very well that playing for time was just a temporary solution. Like the prospective storm that would come no matter merchants liked it or not, he had to solve this problem regardless.
Everything started with the war against the church.
After the fall of the king’s city of the Kingdom of Wolfheart, dozens of lords, all of a sudden, claimed that they were the bastards of the King of Wolfheart. These alleged royal blood formed cliques and factions to fight for the throne. After numerous fierce battles, the kingdom was divided into three major territories, each dominated by the Token Family in the northwest, the
Redstone Gate
Family in the south, and the
Tusk
Family in the mountainous area in the east.
Since the Tokens were relatively far from the Sedimentation Bay, they had never come to bother Jean. However, both the Redstone Gate Family and the Tusk Family were trying strenuously to win him over to further expand their territories.
The baron had been taking a neutral position during the war. His disinterest in political gains soon brought huge profits to his city. Since the two dukes relied on the port to transport food and gold royals, and because they had been busy with conquering other surrounding cities and towns, the two families had not extended their power over the Sedimentation Bay as yet.
However, as the expansion progressed, the Tusk and Redstone Gate Families gradually became two of the most competitive candidates for the future sovereign. Since the Tokens suddenly extended a full reign over the Cage Mountain, the Tusk and Redstone thus again rested their eyes on the baron’s domain, the Sedimentation Bay.
Jean knew exactly what they aimed at.
They wanted to seize the Sedimentation Bay and banned commercial trades of their opponents as a way to outpower the other. To this end, both dukes sent their embassadors, along with dozens of knights and mercenaries, in an ostensible attempt to lobby him.
The port was only guarded by a patrol team and several of Jean’s own guards. Those guards could cope with savage pirates but definitely not fully-equipped knights. Jean Bate did not plan to resist. He would pledge alliance to whoever that ascended the throne, and he did not care whether this succeeder was the true blood of the late king.
Unfortunately, however, the Redstone Gate and the Tusk Families were powerful in equal measure.
Under such circumstances, he could join neither of them.
Whichever side he picked, he would suffer virulent vengeance from the other party. Losing the right to trade meant they would have to produce food and other military supplies by themselves while the other party would be entitled to a constant supply of resources. Neither of the two families would like to put themselves in such an unfavorable situation.
Therefore, a war would be inevitable.
There was no fortified city wall or deep moat protecting the city, which meant that Jean had to pick a side to defend against the invasion.
However, would the two families support him?
The baron could not take a chance.
Shrewd as the two dukes, they would probably sacrifice the subjects of the Sedimentation Bay to reduce the casualities of their knights and then cut the retreat once their enemy entered the city, for they cared only about the land not the people.
Perhaps, it would be better to abandon the Sedimentation Bay to the two families.
That was why Jean said this was a decision between being hanged and being burned.
Jean sent the two emissary delegations to the same campsite, hoping their acrimony against each other would earn him time to think over the matter. He rather hoped the two parties engaged in a physical altercation. To this end, Jean had even sent women and strong liquor to inveigle them into fighting, but other than a fierce verbal argument, neither of the two parties made the first move.
Tick, tick…
The rain finally pounded against the garden of his mansion, draping a misty curtain between Heaven and earth.
Watching flowers swaying gently in the rain, the baron lapsed into silence. He knew it was not wise to play for time, but he could not think of any other way to get out of this dilemma. His grandfather used to advise him that nobles tended to always waver between interests and power. As long as he took advantage of their indecisiveness, he would never lose. Perhaps, it was time for him to stop playing games but start to think deeper and more strategically.
Just then, a pattering of running footsteps interrupted his thought.
S-sir, bad news!
What’s the matter? Now, now, take it easy!
Jean Bate said as he shot the guard a glance.
What happened?
He stared at the guard’s quivering lips, hoping to hear words like
knights
or
campsite
that hinted a fight between the two families.
The fleet of the King, the King of Graycastle took the port. They not only took over the dock but also forbade anyone to approach that area!
The news was so shocking that for a moment, Jean stood rooted to the ground.
What did you say? Gray, Graycastle?
the baron stammered.
Do they want to sell anything here? Hang on… you said they blocked off the dock?
Yes!
the guard blustered frantically.
They drove away the boats around the trestle for their own ships. They say they’re going to borrow the port for a while and assure that order will soon be established. The patrol team attempted to stop them but was immediately disarmed. It’s reported that there are hundreds of Graycastle ships outside the harbor!
Jean Bate asked incredulously,
Are you sure it’s the fleet of the King of Graycastle, not any lord?
Yes, I saw them through my telescope,
the guard replied with some difficulties.
I confirm that the coat of arms on the flags does represent Graycastle. It has a tower and spears.
Jesus, did Graycastle intend to invade the Kingdom of Wolfheart?
Why did Wimbledon not pick his neighbor but him?
Even if the King of Graycastle desired to expand his territory, he did not necessarily have to launch an attack on the sea. Could the Token Family resist the army of Graycastle who had once defeated the church?
No, this did not make sense…
The baron dealt hurriedly with crowding thoughts.
Then his clerk Zum came up to him and whispered something in his ear.
The baron’s face lighted up.
Yes, this was what he was exactly waiting for!
The army of Graycastle definitely had the capability to break the deadlock between the two warring families. If this fleet did plan to wage a war here, they would need the help of local nobles no matter how invincible they were. With just a little guidance, they would be able to conquer the entire land. Jean did not have specific preference over any lord, but apparently, the King of Graycastle could offer him more than any of the nobles. Possibly in the near future, he would become a governor of some jurisdiction if he chose to pledge fealty to the King of Graycastle.
Even if Wimbledon failed his attempt, Jean would not lose anything.
Just at that moment, another guard burst in.
Sir, the Graycastle fleet sent an embassador on behalf of King Roland Wimbledon, who wishes to speak to you.
Jean Bate exchanged a look with the clerk before he said with a nod,
He’s our guest. Tell the embassador that I’ll come out to meet him.
