Chapter 193: Nerve-Wracking Visitors
Duane had originally planned to provide Simone with some Red Sun Soup, but he hadn’t expected the man to break through on his own so quickly.
With this, he had another Human Tier Warrior under his command—and one with a special bloodline, at that. His combat prowess was far greater than Gaius’s.
However, this also created the "gap" that Duane had anticipated.
Currently, Duane only had Basic Level, Middle Level, Human Tier, and Earth Tier Warriors. He didn’t have a single Advanced Warrior.
Without any outside Warriors joining, it would likely take a very long time to fill this gap purely by ’transfusing’ from Black Forest Island’s own population.
Duane looked at Simone, who stood before him. He had shaved off his thick beard, making him look a dozen years younger in an instant. Duane could already see the change in him.
He was pleased that Simone had been able to make this change, and he immediately moved on to business.
"Count Kais expects the people from the Akutas Kingdom to arrive at Silent Harbor in early February to begin negotiations between our two kingdoms."
Duane said, "Since you’ve recovered, you, Simone Gobel, will represent Black Forest Island and attend this negotiation on my behalf."
The clean-shaven Simone now looked like a young man of twenty-three.
However, his eyes held a maturity that was rare for someone his age.
"You won’t be attending the negotiations?"
he asked in surprise. "Generally, as the concerned party, you should be present for such a formal occasion."
"It’s too much of a waste of time. I’m planning to explore the Secret Realm in Thorn Valley with Kaelon in a few days."
Duane shook his head. "The main topic of these negotiations is the distribution of Viscount Freddy’s Secret Realm. It doesn’t have much to do with me."
"As for my portion of the compensation, that will certainly be a fundamental part of the talks. You just need to go there, be firm, and demand reparations with your eyes closed. Leave the rest to Count Kais and the others."
He wrote down the conditions he had proposed that day—
compensation of five thousand Gold Coins, forty thousand Slaves, three warships, and four thousand sets of standard-issue Armor and weapons.
Simone’s mouth twitched when he saw the contents of the note.
’No wonder the Baron said to demand reparations with my eyes closed.’ He was finally beginning to understand.
However, Simone was still hesitant and worried.
"Many members of the Kingdom’s Nobility will surely attend these negotiations. If I appear as a fugitive with an unofficially issued warrant from Viscount Raul, will it cause trouble for you?"
Duane had naturally considered this.
"Because of Viscount Freddy’s assassination attempt on me, Black Forest Island has become a place of great interest, and I’ve naturally become a figure of focus within the Kingdom."
"Even if Viscount Raul is present at the negotiations and recognizes you, you don’t need to worry about him causing trouble."
Simone nodded. Viscount Raul wasn’t a fool. Harassing him, the representative of Black Forest Island, at such an event would only bring shame upon the Pruck Kingdom.
"As your follower, even if he wants to arrest me, he’ll have to ask for your opinion first."
He knew Duane would definitely protect him.
It was just that in doing so, Duane would likely be questioned by Viscount Raul, which could lead to avoidable conflicts.
"If he really does come looking for me, I’ll have a good talk with him."
Duane smiled. "You have a noble background, which makes you perfectly suited to attend an occasion like this."
"Besides, I’m specifically sending you out to get the news that you’re still alive to Constance. That might improve her mood a little."
Hearing this, Simone was moved once again. He knelt on one knee and said gratefully,
"You are far too considerate of me!"
Duane helped him up.
In truth, Duane had another reason for having Simone attend such an important event.
The Gobel Clan had a certain reputation within the Kingdom.
Kais Gobel’s legendary experiences had even led many clans to study how to obtain special bloodlines.
Now, Kais Gobel’s grandson was following Duane, a fact that would undoubtedly spark speculation from the outside world.
Furthermore, Duane himself was the catalyst for these negotiations between the two kingdoms.
Therefore, some people would surely come to see following Duane as a profitable venture.
This would expand Duane’s influence into the circles of the Knight Clans.
It might even attract one or two "unperceptive" descendants of Knight Clans to join Black Forest Island.
"I estimate Baron Jick’s ship will arrive in the next day or two. When it does, you’ll go with him to Silent Harbor. In the meantime, you can spend some quality time with Vera."
"If you’re worried about Vera, you can bring her here. I’ll have Jasmine take good care of her."
Duane added a reminder, "Remember to have Vera keep her distance from Sarah and the others from the Medical Sanctuary."
Simone’s heart skipped a beat. He was already surprised by the sudden appearance of another faction on the island.
Now, hearing the Baron’s warning, his guard went up instinctively. "I understand."
Simone put the paper away. "My Lord, if it’s possible, could you please give me a detailed breakdown of the key relationships between the main parties on both sides of this negotiation?"
An occasion this grand would be his first public appearance since his rebirth, so naturally, he wanted to handle it with care.
"Not a problem."
Duane began to explain the roles Count Kais, King Eric, and others would play in the negotiations, as well as their respective interests and demands.
Just then, the sound of urgent footsteps approached. It was Jack, arriving outside the study.
"My Lord, this is bad!" he said, panting heavily.
Duane and Simone stopped their conversation. "What’s wrong?"
Jack was in charge of security for the areas outside of Broken Wave City.
So, both of them subconsciously assumed some sort of dispute had broken out.
"The sea! There are warships approaching on the sea!"
Jack said in a panic, "A dozen or so warships, flying two types of flags: a silver battle-ax and a Blazing Sword!"
Simone shot to his feet in shock. "Those are the flags of the Akutas Kingdom and the Yalvis Clan!"
He quickly looked at the Baron. "What are they doing here? Can they be planning to attack us?"
Duane was also extremely tense, his heart racing.
He hadn’t expected the warships of these two powers to appear off the coast of Black Forest Island.
’What are they planning?’
’Attack Black Forest Island?’
’That’s impossible!’
"My Lord, I advise you to leave the castle and head for the Hot Spring Mountain Range!"
Simone urged, "If they really attack, we will hold them off for a while. As long as you hide in the mountains, it will be very difficult for them to find you!"
How could a single Black Forest Island possibly stand against the combined fleet of a Kingdom and a Viscount?
Jack quickly added, "The commander and Camp Commander Raymond feel the same way!"
Duane thought for a moment, quickly calming himself.
"No, things might not be as bad as you think!"
He said in a low voice, "If the Akutas Kingdom and Viscount Freddy make such a conspicuous move against me at this time, it would absolutely trigger a much fiercer conflict between the two nations."
"If they truly came to start a war, they should have committed these forces to the land border between the two countries, or to the Flowing Silver Fjord opposite Fernando Province, not sent a dozen warships to besiege a small island like Black Forest Island."
As Simone listened to Duane’s analysis, his expression filled with both surprise and respect.
The Baron’s image in his mind rose once again.
He found it hard to imagine how someone could remain so calm and analytical at such a critical moment.
"What you’re saying makes perfect sense!"
Simone asked, puzzled, "But if they aren’t here to attack Black Forest Island, why would they take a detour to come here?"
"Could they be here specifically to apologize to you?" Jack blurted out.
Simone shook his head. While possible, that was highly unlikely.
"If we want to know their purpose, we just have to go to the docks and see."
As Duane spoke, he quickly took down his Big Ring Saber. "Owington, help me with my Armor!"
The Male Servant immediately bustled about.
But Simone tried to dissuade him, "My Lord, isn’t it too risky for you to go to the port yourself?"
Duane didn’t comment on that.
’There’s a risk, but it probably isn’t a big one.’
Besides, to abandon his subordinates and flee to the Hot Spring Mountain Range before the situation was even clear—that would be utterly cowardly.
If word got out, it would be difficult for him to use Simone’s loyalty as an example to attract the children of other Knight Clans.
Sometimes, facing an overwhelmingly powerful enemy was something a Lord had to do—something he was obligated to do.