Chapter 347 - 248: All for the Family
Just as some supported Henry, others naturally supported John. The people who had built their fortunes with John’s help were intrinsically tied to his sphere of influence.
These shopkeepers, major merchants, shady characters, and gang members used every channel available to them to publicize John’s "great victory" and rally morale.
To hear them tell it, you would think Count John had already crushed Henry’s army and was just waiting for the right moment to lead his troops out of the city, hunt Henry down, and take his head.
Amid this strange atmosphere, Count John brought his eldest son into his study.
John’s eldest son was named Alex. Seeing his father’s grim expression, he was filled with confusion and could not help but ask, "Father, did you summon me for something important?"
A decisive battle for their very survival was imminent, a moment that would pose the gravest challenge to their family’s fate and honor. He, meanwhile, was busy shoring up the city’s defenses.
John sighed, his eyes filled with anxiety and helplessness. He spoke slowly. "My son, I have something I must tell you. It concerns the future of our family."
Alex’s heart clenched. "Father, please, tell me," he said hastily. "I will do whatever it takes."
John fell silent for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. At last, he spoke. "My son, the situation is dire. I fear we cannot withstand the army of that man, Henry. I’m afraid... I’m afraid our family will not survive the coming war."
Hearing this, Alex’s expression turned grim. He clenched his fists and said resolutely, "Father, I will never allow anyone to harm our family! I will stand with you and defend our lands and our honor to the death!"
John shook his head, a bitter smile on his face. "My son, I understand your courage, but sometimes, courage is not enough. I’ve been thinking long and hard, and I believe we must secure a path of retreat for the family."
Alex asked, confused, "A path of retreat? Father, what do you mean?"
Sunlight streamed into the study. Alex stood in the light, while John remained in the shadows cast by the wall.
’Alex Hoyland. My son. My firstborn. So tall and straight, elegant and humble, and so handsome. Skilled with both the pen and the sword.’
’A truly perfect heir for the next generation of the Hoyland Clan. Unfortunately, I had him late in life. I’m too old, and my son is too young.’
’Born in the wrong era, only to face a monster like Henry.’
’No. My son absolutely cannot die here.’
John gazed at Alex, who stood there in the prime of his life, radiating vigor and confidence. He took a deep breath. "I want you to take a portion of our wealth and leave Odoche. Go to the great coastal city of Rovar."
"We have a relative there, a minor noble from a cadet branch of our family who holds the title of Independent Baron. For years, I have secretly been helping him through trade and other means. He owes me. When you arrive, he will see to it that you are well-settled."
Surprise flashed in Alex’s eyes, quickly followed by concern. "Father, what about you and Mother? And the rest of the family? How can I just abandon you all?"
John waved his hand dismissively. "You don’t understand. That fiend Henry is a brute who follows no rules. Even if your mother and I are spared, he’ll likely maim us—cut off an arm or a leg—and he will certainly plunder every last bit of our wealth."
’It’s easy to go from a simple life to a lavish one, but hard to go from lavish back to simple. What could we possibly do with just the few hundred thousand Dinars in our administrative offices? An exiled Count must still maintain the dignity of a Count!’
’What respectable noble keeps all their money in an office anyway? If the Emperor ever decided to come after you, he could just seize it all. You’d be ruined.’
John looked at his son and continued, "That’s why you must leave ahead of time with the family’s wealth."
’This isn’t running away; it’s a strategic repositioning! We must live to fight another day!’
Alex was silent for a long time, understanding his father’s difficult position.
’Father is a Count, and Mother, as a Countess, is also protected by the laws of the nobility. Even if Henry is brutal, even with his past record, he is a Count now. He wouldn’t dare to be too excessive.’
’But he was a different story. He wasn’t even a member of the Pioneer Nobility; he was merely the eldest son of a Count. An heir, not a nobleman in his own right.’
’If Henry was truly determined to kill him and extinguish any chance for the Hoyland Clan to rise again, it was entirely possible.’
Although Alex understood the reasoning, he was still reluctant. "Father," he asked, "how many men should I take with me? And how much of our wealth?"
John thought for a moment. "Just take your personal guard. They are loyal and dependable; they will be able to protect you."
"As for the wealth, I will select a collection of our most valuable jewels, Gold Coins, and so on—enough for our family to live a respectable life in Rovar. After all, the John Clan cannot lose face, even in exile."
John had already made his plans. He would buy a large tract of land, establish a manor, purchase a few hundred serfs, and then open a tavern, a theater, and a gallery in Rovar.
Worst case, they would transition from a military nobility to a commercial one. As long as he could build something for himself as a Wandering Count, it would be simple enough to petition the emperor and be re-enfeoffed as an Independent Baron.
Alex nodded, but then asked worriedly, "Father, what will happen to you, Mother, and the rest of the family? If I leave, who will look after you?"
John seemed momentarily surprised, then he clapped Alex on the shoulder. "Haha, you don’t need to worry about me. I have my own plans. I am a Count, after all. That brute Henry won’t find it so easy to kill me. I’m not such an easy target."