Chapter 176
Currently, Ministers who were on good terms with Draco smiled as they felt that they finally had an opportunity to attack .
One of the Mayor of the 3 biggest cities in Bluesea domain spoke, "Isn't it suspicious that Miss Diana who usually doesn't stay at one place for a long time is currently staying at a run-down place on the outskirts of the Aelius Kingdom which is expected to be run down by Aelius family and other dukes . I hope this doesn't end up like Prince Lukavv and Apophis . I hope everyone here knows about the king's role in Apophis's death"
The minister's name was Brooklyn . Currently, he was vying for the position for the Mayor of Oztron City which was the biggest and the capital city in their domain . Many were trying for this position as it was going to be vacated soon by the retiring Mayor . As he wasn't promoted for a long time, he had currently decided to ally with Draco after a big offer from him . He was currently the Mayor of Xazron city
Duke Friedreich furrowed his brows as he heard the attacks left and right from all the ministers however he could only keep quiet as he heard the reply of an Elder from the Upper seats .
Elder Ryan, the head of Elders from Bluesea family spoke, "Yes, this is truly troublesome . I too find that this is very disturbing and Brooklyn advice should be heeded, We need to get the princess out of that warzone . The Fire-abyss prince has already moved the Royal family against us and that Vlad . . . He dares to disobey our orders even when we are in trouble because he wishes to honor his conflicting promise to a nobody Count . "
After hearing rebuke from the Elder, nobody dared to refute . It was in total silence .
At this time, the Mayor of Awl city, Crimson spoke in a dignified tone to everyone present, "However, haven't we earned a fortune because of our trade with that Count? This time we are in good profit, unlike the deficits we faced previously because of our high funding in defense and anti-spying activities . Or do you think the Fire-abyss family won't move against us if we didn't do anything? You guys should be glad that we have a good relation with count or I am sure the Fire-abyss demons would have already contacted that count since he is at odds with Aelius Family . "
Crimson continued with a grave tone, "The Sole Soap and paper trade is enough to cover all our bills not to mention other items we import from them . Meanwhile, those Ballistas have increased the morale of our army and reduced our costs on arming a castle, the morale of the army is always important, this was refreshing for our knights as they always felt they were sieged on all sides . As for prince Diana, do you think anyone of you can convince her when she has made up her mind to stay there? And what if she likes that count? It would be better for our family since he is quite intelligent and knows how to tackle his problems . Remember this, we are in the same as that count in Fire-abyss kingdom . However, currently we are perceived as strong and hence no one tries to openly wage a war with us . While that Count has achieved all of this within a year . This is no less of a feat and shows his capability to lead his men . I don't think he is a nobody with such feats . Lord Vlad must have a reason as he has decided to stay behind . "
Everyone in the Palace was stunned with Mayor Crimson's speech which refuted Elder Ryan publicly which included the smiling Duke Friedreich . Duke always hated the elders for poking their their nose on all the matters .
Duke smiled and thought as he heard Crimson, 'Yeah, so what if she likes him? If that man is her wish then so be it . Today, the look on all these Old geezers is quite refreshing, take that all you bit*hes . I made the right choice when I listened to Vlad and appointed Crimson as the Mayor of Awl City, he will be a pain in the ass for all of you geezers just like you have been to me . He has always been charismatic, good with speeches and understands politics rather than personal interests, overall a good recommendation from Vlad . '
Elder Ryan had a face as if he was slapped tightly just now after hearing Crimson's speech, Elder Ryan refuted after hearing him out, "However, that guy is still naive as he easily believed the Royal family and offered them the Ballistas so easily . If he had a little bit of brain then he would have monopolized those weapons unlike distributing them . In my eyes, he is not different than a guy who thinks he is all-important since he can invent things . Capability and him? Hmph . The very weapon he created will kill him, such is his naivety and this is also one of the reasons why I want to stay away from this lunatic count . That guy has already started a tirade against the royal family because of the sanctions put on them by the King . He doesn't have the tolerance and ability to lead like a Lord . "
Hearing this, everyone in the hall nodded as they heard the reasons, why he was against this Count .
Crimson nodded and replied, "I don't know about that count, but I do know for sure that Lord Vlad would never keep Princess Diana in a dangerous place, He isn't someone who takes his job lightly . You might already know that when he is angry then even Princess Diana would follow her without making any ruckus as it concerns her safety . And the thing to prove is his 100% record on all of his previous operations . I hope everyone is clear and knows about this?"
Crimson thought, 'If that count was naive then he would have already sold the formula of that Cement or Printing press before preparing himself . Even I would have opposed him if he was that dumb . That guy is clearing baiting everyone else . Even I was surprised at first but only understood after Lord Vlad had decided to stay there . '
Draco smashed his hand as he heard Crimson, he thought, 'This guy has always been a tough opponent, bribe, lust, assassination, divide and conquer, what have I not tried on this man? hmph, this time a lot of things will change whether anyone likes it or not . If I can't have this throne then nobody else can have this throne . '
All the other Elders in the palace were rendered speechless after hearing out Crimson . The Elders were usually neutral but their perspective was narrow and hence their stubbornness which was well known by Duke .
Duke Friedreich this time stood up with a smile and spoke with an incredible aura which terrified everyone in the palace, "I hope everyone got their answer? As for those Ballistas, we will be ordering more of them from that count, I don't want to ruin my relationship with that count, if worse comes to worst we will give them refuge if the situation is dire . We can't be seen as pushovers on our borders . Is everyone clear?"
Duke thought as he gave the speech, 'It would be more better if I can have such a good inventor in my hands . '
Hearing no one murmuring nor replying, Duke dismissed everyone with a roar, "Dismissed . "
Nobody in the palace opposed him after hearing his order and went on to their work without making a ruckus .
Draco gnashed his teeth as he left the room with a saddened face .
Duke thought a lot after listening to the accusations of other ministers and elders who were worried about Diana, 'It seems I need to ask Vlad about Diana's feelings about that Count . The ministers are not wrong since this behavior is quite unusual by her . If my baby wishes to make him her husband I will make sure he becomes my son in law by hook or crook, nobody can stop this father to fulfill her daughter's wishes . And If this is true then I need to find a way to bring my Son-in-law home . Yeah, Vlad can help me kidnap him . Nah, since he is Vlad's student I will order Vlad to come with him . My son-in-law will have no choice but to marry her, huhuhu . '
One of his ministers shivered after watching such a laugh from his lord . he thought, 'who is the unlucky guy to interest Milord . '
Meanwhile, at the same time, John almost had a shiver behind his back as he was reading the reports . He looked nearby and didn't find any sign of danger . He thought, 'I guess this war is getting on my nerves even after such a good deal with elves . '
Duke spoke to Crimson only now after everyone was dismissed, "You did well Crimson . "
Crimson shook head and spoke, "I am only thinking the best for our domain . If that count was incapable then I too would have naturally opposed that guy . While a lot of ministers in the courtroom give out a foul stench to me these days . "
Duke was amused and asked him, "What type of stench exactly?"
Crimson spoke with hatred in his eyes, "Corruption and greed for more power . I am sure you know this type of stench Milord . "
Duke sighed as he too knew about them but was only waiting for an opportunity to get rid of them .
He spoke, "You don't have to worry about them . You can leave for now . "
Crimson nodded and left to do his official duties .
One of the officials spoke after leaving the meeting, "Phew, I thought I would die just standing in front of that aura of Duke Friedreich . "
Another guy smiled and spoke, "Well, he isn't the duke for no reason . He is the strongest warrior in our domain, at least in the Bluesea family . Sometimes he is so forceful that he even disregards the orders by the elders . "
The official nodded as he remembered a certain incident, "Yeah, I know about that, that time it saved the lives of countless family members of Bluesea family when he followed Lord Vlad's advice . Lord Vlad has been lying low for quite a while . "
Another Minister roared as he spotted him gossiping about the last meeting, "Come, lets go, we need to incorporate those ballistas in our border armies . don't waste any time . "
