Chapter 149: A Threat from the Count
Duane spent the entire day immersed in his experiments, drinking nearly every potion he had bought.
Through induction and summary, he came to a conclusion—
When he drank potions one tier below his own strength, only five different types of potions had any effect, and each type was effective a maximum of three times.
For example, at his Human Tier strength, when consuming potions suitable for Advanced Warriors like the High-Level Body Tempering Potion or Advanced Bull’s Strength, he would gain a maximum of 0.3 attribute points from each type.
Stacked together, the five different types of potions could yield a maximum of 1.5 attribute points.
Potions of the same tier, however, were effective up to five times—two more than the lower-tier ones.
This meant that each Human Tier Potion could grant him 0.5 attribute points.
As for how many different types would prove effective, he couldn’t yet determine due to a lack of data.
It was worth noting that even when a Human Tier Warrior consumed a bottle of Bear Heart Burning Blood Secret Medicine, which was meant for Earth Tier Warriors, the gain was only 0.1 attribute points; the higher cost didn’t yield a greater reward.
After finishing his experiments, Duane had gained another 1.8 attribute points, raising his Strength Attribute to 33.3. He could feel himself approaching a bottleneck.
Since he had only consumed two types of Human Tier Potions this time, Duane sent Michele and Benur to the trade district of Silent Shore to find various kinds of Human Tier Magic Potions.
The two of them just needed to select the three cheapest types of potions and buy five bottles of each.
Although potions for Human Tier Warriors were expensive, Duane couldn’t wait.
They would be ineffective if he consumed them after breaking through to the Earth Tier.
This was the rule he had deduced after spending a fortune—even taking potions required a scientific approach.
That afternoon, Eleanor arrived again with news that the Count had returned to Sea Cliff Castle and was hosting a banquet. She extended an invitation for Duane to attend.
Duane changed into a suitable formal suit and traveled by carriage to Sea Cliff Castle.
This invitation was exceptionally formal. Not only was a carriage escort sent to pick him up from his inn, but Natalia was also there to greet him at the main gate of Sea Cliff Castle.
Moreover, Natalia was no longer dressed as casually as she had been the last couple of days.
She wore a magnificent, deep blue robe embroidered with gold thread, inlaid with pearls and gems, and bearing the crest of the Kennedy Clan.
She wore a small, exquisite tiara, and a thin veil covered her face, making her appear both noble and mysterious.
This was the first time Duane had experienced such a formal occasion, and he couldn’t help feeling a bit out of his element. Fortunately, he managed to handle himself appropriately, and no embarrassing incidents occurred.
With Natalia’s introductions, Duane met many of the young nobles from the Earl’s Territory.
Although Duane had never heard their names, he recognized their parents’ names when they were mentioned.
For example, Derek’s father, Baron Cruz Gavin, who was a Celestial Tier Warrior;
And Miss Zelina’s father, Baron Jick Buchanan, an Earth Tier Peak Warrior, among others.
In total, the Kennedy Earl’s Territory had two Barons and thirteen Knights. Aside from the two Celestial Tier Warriors, the rest were essentially at the peak of the Earth Tier.
This showed that the overall strength of the leadership in the Kennedy Earl’s Territory was quite formidable.
Duane couldn’t help but feel that the Kennedy Clan was truly a noble house with a deep heritage; Black Forest Island was nothing in comparison.
After a brief period of socializing, Natalia led Duane to the Count’s study.
Once it was just the two of them, they both relaxed a little.
"You’re so formal today."
Duane said with a smile, "It’s quite intimidating."
Natalia clearly didn’t buy it. She retorted with a smile, "I don’t see any sign of pressure on you."
She fiddled with her skirt. "To be honest, I don’t like dressing this formally either. It’s exhausting."
"But you look beautiful in it!"
Duane’s eyes swept over her. ’The sash at her waist and the form-fitting bodice make her figure look even more elegant. It makes a man want to step forward and pull her close.’
Natalia’s face flushed slightly as she walked ahead. "Thank you for the compliment."
Before long, they arrived outside the Count’s study.
The door was ajar.
"Father, Baron Duane is here," Natalia announced from the doorway.
As soon as she spoke, a middle-aged man in a magnificent robe appeared at the door.
He was tall and well-built, with a chiseled face that at first glance appeared rather stern.
However, that sternness melted away as a smile spread across his face.
"Welcome, Duane!"
Duane placed a hand on his chest and bowed. "Greetings, Count!"
"Please, come in!"
Kais entered the study with Duane right behind him. Natalia closed the door but did not come in.
"Have a seat, Duane," Kais said, gesturing casually to a chair.
He began with pleasantries. "I met your father a few times, but we never had a chance to speak before his misfortune. It’s a true shame."
"My father once told me that the Kennedy Clan is the most storied of all the Kingdom’s Nobility, and that the current Count has led the Kennedy Clan to new heights. Ever since, I have hoped to one day visit Sea Cliff Castle."
Duane returned the pleasantries. "Having the honor of meeting you today, Count, has fulfilled a long-held wish of mine."
Count Kais laughed. ’This young Baron really is different. He doesn’t even blink when he lies.’
"Black Forest Island is in a precarious position."
He changed the subject. "Garrot was only recently knighted by Viscount Freddy. By capturing him, you’ve essentially called Viscount Freddy’s judgment into question and caused him to lose face."
Duane’s expression shifted. ’Is he trying to scare me?’
"The Pruck Kingdom and the Akutas Kingdom are currently observing a truce. Garrot attempted to assassinate me first; capturing him was merely self-defense. If Viscount Freddy still wants to move against me, isn’t he afraid of breaking the armistice and starting a war between the two kingdoms?"
Kais chuckled. "Viscount Freddy is extremely aggressive; there are some things he truly would dare to do. As for provoking a war between the two kingdoms..."
At this, Kais shook his head. "You give yourself and Black Forest Island far too much importance. Even if Viscount Freddy killed you, it would be months, if not longer, before news reached the Kingdom."
He watched the young Baron intently, hoping to see a flicker of panic on his face.
Kais continued, "The Brian Clan’s foundation is too shallow, and its network of connections is too weak. In fact, you have almost no connections in the Kingdom whatsoever."
"At that point, no one will speak for you. Without pursuing the truth, the Kingdom will only need to confirm that your land hasn’t been occupied by another nation. That will be enough."
He sighed. "As for your death, it would probably be pinned on some pirates, and the matter would simply be dropped."
"Of course, certain nobles might use this as an opportunity to extort some hush money from Viscount Freddy. Just as they once schemed to carve up the Lakefront Secret Realm."
Kais finished, yet he felt a twinge of disappointment. He hadn’t seen a single trace of panic on Duane’s face.
’This kid is remarkably composed,’ he thought.
Duane gave a slight sneer. "So, you’re saying my best option is to abandon my Territory and flee back into the Kingdom?"
"Hmm..."
Kais nodded. "That is indeed a viable option."
Duane shook his head. "I know that His Majesty the King holds a grudge against the Akutas Kingdom."
"The previous king, His Majesty Joseph, was a powerful Silver Moon Warrior. His death came at the hands of His Majesty Tyron, the King of Akutas."
Kais remained noncommittal. "The Royal Family does indeed have a feud with Akutas, but that is a feud between royals. Your conflict is with a viscount. You are not royalty, and this issue doesn’t rise to the level of the Kingdom."
"I refuse to believe His Majesty Eric would stand idly by while one of his nobles is invaded and targeted for assassination by Foreign Nobility."
Duane said gravely, "It would shake the very foundation of his rule!"
Kais countered aggressively, "You should be well aware that without sufficient incentive, no one will come to your defense."
’Would the King truly do nothing?’
’The answer had to be no. Just as Duane said, the matter touched upon the very foundation of the King’s rule.’
The King had an obligation to protect his vassals.
Kais, of course, knew this.
The only reason he repeatedly refuted Duane’s points was to gain the upper hand in this negotiation and control the situation.