Chapter 396 - 272: I’ll Make a Simple Deployment (2)

Chapter 396: Chapter 272: I’ll Make a Simple Deployment (2)

"Viscount Deke Paraisos, Viscount Bertrand Jefferson, Viscount Remir Morris, Viscount Jay Cruz, and Viscount Vito Thompson, you will lead twenty Barons and forty-nine other Knights to besiege Makabe. Conduct a feint attack every two days and await my next command!"

"As you command!" the nobles replied loudly in unison after only a few seconds of thought.

The task wasn’t difficult, but it wasn’t simple, either.

The simple part was that there were no extra tactical objectives—just encircling Makabe and feigning attacks. They only needed to use freshly captured enemy serfs and their own to fill the lines.

The difficult part was that Makabe was a little too close to Amperela and Mizea.

If a full-scale rebellion broke out on the eastern steppes, it would undoubtedly rattle the Emperor. The Imperial Legions and Garrison Teams from Amperela, Mizea, and even Xilonia would likely be fully mobilized.

’That’s a bit dangerous...’

"Viscount Muwu Zetubu, Baron Edmund Kenway, Baron Calvin Ironshield, Baron Boras Yisuwu, Baron Carlos, Baron Boman Monet, and Baron Fass Dakos, you will attack Akakarat City with me."

"As you command, my lord Count."

Those whose names were called were visibly excited, their joy plain to see. The other nobles cast envious and jealous glances their way.

Anyone with eyes could see that these were the people "closest" to Henry, and their future achievements would be limitless.

’They don’t have the ability to replace these people, so their only option is to build good relationships with them.’

’This is how nobles maintain their web of relationships, layer by layer.’

"The meeting is over. You may all go about your business. There will be a banquet tonight, and I hope everyone has a good time... Count Bran, please stay behind."

The meeting went by quickly. Its main purpose was simply for the members of his faction to get to know one another. People had to meet face-to-face; it was the only way for relationships to develop.

After everyone else had left, Henry said to the middle-aged man before him, "As for you... Count Bran Avery, you should know your mission objective."

Bran nodded slightly. He knew the only reason he was able to join this "hunt" organized by Henry was because he had the ability to single-handedly tie down the Imperial Legion and all the nobles in the Baltahan region. This was the fundamental reason Henry valued him.

If he couldn’t do it, his end would likely be a miserable one.

Putting others aside, Henry himself would tear him apart. Because he had talked big, if his failure caused difficulties for Henry’s operation, his family would be truly finished.

Although his family had fallen, the knowledge and perspective passed down through generations remained.

Just from a day of simple observation, Bran had already surmised the state of Henry’s army and fief.

"I understand, Lord Count Henry." Bran’s voice was deep and powerful, his hands slightly clenched into fists, showing the importance he placed on the upcoming mission.

’It was impossible not to take it seriously.’

Henry gazed at Bran and nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ

"There’s no need to call me ’my lord,’ Count Bran."

Bran was the kind of man who could stand on his own. His ability, wisdom, and courage, as well as his inner hatred and rage, were more than enough for him to use this opportunity to stir up a storm in the Baltahan region.

The corners of Henry’s mouth tilted up slightly in a satisfied smile. "Bran, I trust you won’t disappoint me."

Bran bowed slightly and turned to leave.

As he walked out of the great hall, sunlight fell upon his shoulders. His shadow stretched long in the light before he finally disappeared at the end of the castle corridor.

Henry’s gaze returned to the map, his fingers tapping lightly on the tabletop.

"The banquet will proceed as scheduled. Tell them to depart tomorrow. The operation begins in ten days—everyone moves at once."

Bain nodded and replied, "Yes, Master."

Henry turned his head to look at Bain, who was grinning from ear to ear, and asked, "What happened that’s made you so happy? Did you propose to Orianna?"

Bain waved his hands repeatedly and explained, "I’m just happy that I get to eat in a lively atmosphere again tonight."

Henry smiled silently and dismissed Bain.

Night fell. The great hall of Odoche Castle was brilliantly lit, where over a hundred nobles had gathered. Laughter and cheerful chatter rose and fell.

Henry was grateful to the generations of Old Jo’s family who had built this castle, leaving it ready for him to use.

The long tables in the hall were laden with a dazzling array of delicacies and fine wines, their tantalizing aromas attracting the gazes of the Barons and Knights.

At the head of the long tables stood a row of massive silver candelabras. Countless flames flickered with a soft glow, reflected by the crystal chandeliers and illuminating the entire hall as if it were day.

Exquisite tapestries hung on the walls, depicting scenes of hunting and war, displaying the glory and majesty of the nobility.

The aroma of food filled the air. The skin of a roasted suckling pig was golden and crisp, emitting a rich, meaty fragrance. A roasted leg of lamb was carved into neat chunks, its juices quivering tantalizingly on the platter.

There was also wild game stewed with spices—tender, juicy, and exuding an enticing aroma.

Nearby, bakers were busy slicing freshly baked bread, served with honey and butter for the nobles to enjoy.

The selection of fine wines was even more dazzling. Vintages from all over the empire were served in exquisite goblets—the red like blood, the white like jade from the Far East.

Maidservants weaved through the crowd, keeping the nobles’ goblets full.

The wine swirled gently in the goblets, releasing a captivating fragrance that intoxicated the senses.

In the center of the hall, a Minstrel sat on a high platform, cradling a harp. With his magnetic voice, he sang of the ancient legends and heroic deeds of the steppes.

The song was at times stirring and at others somber, as if transporting everyone to an age of adventure and glory.

The wildness in the bones of the steppe people could never be erased. It might be hidden, but it would never disappear.

’Are the people of the steppes still people of the steppes without their wildness?’

As he sang, several singers who had been rounded up in the city joined in harmony. Their voices, like sounds from heaven, echoed throughout the great hall.

The singers were clearly more earnest than in their usual performances, terrified that any mistake would result in their heads rolling.

Dancers in light, long dresses began to dance gracefully to the rhythm of the music. Their movements were elegant and nimble, their skirts spinning and floating like blooming flowers.

Their waists were as supple as willows, their arms as light as butterflies, and every movement was filled with a captivating charm. The nobles were mesmerized by their dance, halting their conversations to follow the dancers’ steps with their eyes. ’Ah, beautiful women. Everyone loves beautiful women.’

Aside from Bain and Boman, perhaps only when one of them died would Henry’s banquets be free of this tedious eating contest.

As the rhythm of the music quickened, the dancers’ movements became more fervent and uninhibited.

Their skirts flew, like splendid, colorful clouds, decorating the entire hall and making it seem like a celestial wonderland.

The nobles, infected by the joyous atmosphere, rose one by one to join the dance.

’Damn, you Counts really live the good life, huh?’ the Viscounts thought, feeling a pang of jealousy, though not as much as the others.

’Based on our own income and expenditures, we could actually afford this lifestyle, but it would mean cutting back on construction and military spending. That’s absolutely out of the question.’

’No one here is a moron.’

’Who doesn’t know that the army is everything? Who doesn’t know that developing a fief is for the sake of supporting that army?’

’Ah, if that’s how it is, we might as well just ride Henry’s coattails and come over for free food and drinks from now on.’

’Hehe.’

The entire hall was immersed in a sea of laughter and merriment. The aromas of food and wine mingled, while the Minstrel’s song and the dancers’ movements complemented each other.

"Henry, everyone seems to be having a great time. The last time this many steppe nobles gathered together was at the victory banquet after defeating the Half-Beastmen."