For the nobles of Eiffta, the ultimate purpose of this banquet was obviously to resolve the conflict between them and Angmar.
In fact, for any territory of a Duke, there would always be internal "conflicts". But for the other Duke of the kingdom, it was difficult for the nobles under their rule to unite and rebel.
But the situation in Eiffta was a little special. Angmar had almost lost his sense of self for five consecutive years, and Francis was just a mediocre person. There was almost no improvement in the construction of the territory. Instead, because of his small actions, he lost more. So much so that most of the lords in the territory gradually lost confidence in the Lucifron Family.
And after Francis died, Angmar, who had regained power, ignored the fact that the territory's finances were weak and forcefully launched a war preparation order. This was almost the last straw that broke their confidence, causing most of the nobles to stand on the opposite side of Duke.
The reason was very simple: Duke's actions caused the entire Eiffta's finances to be in crisis, and the troops that were sent everywhere also made most of the nobles feel a sense of crisis. So they only had one choice left: to unite and force Angmar to stop these actions that they saw as "crossing the line."
"So … you can ignore the enemies at the border and join forces to force me to compromise?"
Angmar's old face did not show much expression. He held a black cane and stood straight in front of the three lords — Mursa, Bogli, and Gruul. Other than Viscount Juan, these three were the biggest nobles who clearly opposed Angmar. And just now, they finally had a real "confrontation" with Angmar.
"This is not coercion. We just want you to see the situation clearly."
"Angmar, you're already old. Look at the decisions you've made. Do you want to watch Eiffta disintegrate?"
"The matters at the border only need the local lords to solve. Didn't we solve the things that happened at the beginning of the year?"
These words said at the banquet were basically equivalent to directly slapping Angmar in the face. Perhaps in the eyes of outsiders, what they said was right: something happened at the border, and these nobles went to the border under Duke's summon for support. Then the problem was solved, and everyone was happy.
But in reality? Only Angmar and Roddy's troops could solve the problem and face the enemy!
From the beginning to the end, this group of nobles had only led their farmers and soldiers on a show. They hadn't done anything at all, yet they were bragging to the outside world that all the credit was theirs.
The Dukes Of Angmar originally wanted to say something, but after scanning the surroundings, he smiled helplessly … He knew that his decision would be met with great resistance, but he didn't expect that it would turn into such a storm.
The truth was right in front of their eyes. The Orc Wolf Riders had repeatedly invaded, and the undead Magda, Ansadin, and Belorme were not easy to deal with. If it wasn't for Roddy, half of these nobles would have suffered unimaginable losses.
But Roddy had done too "well". Because he had dealt with the enemy time and time again, he had blocked the crisis time and time again. These nobles didn't even realize what kind of enemy they were facing, and only thought that everything was just a small fight.
And because of that … Roddy's efforts didn't get him the nobles' respect, but their selective neglect and ingratitude …
Angmar sighed in his heart. He had overestimated the nobles' awareness and underestimated their selfishness.
Looking at the only five lords who were willing to stand firmly by his side, this old man who had experienced the prosperity and development of the Kingdom of Karen felt a little desolate. The faith of the nobles when the kingdom was unified had almost disappeared after just 70 years … The glory, dedication, and sacrifice of the past were now almost all left with selfishness.
"Angmar, take a step back. We are all easy to talk to. This stalemate is not a good thing for anyone."
If you really have the slightest awareness of danger, why would you still be here talking nonsense?
Facing the collective censure of these lords, Angmar sighed and slowly said, "To have made this decision today, I think you have already made your choice. You chose to believe in Juan's promise, but you are not willing to think about the reason why I did it, is that right?"
Angmar did not lose his composure in anger. He only asked calmly.
"This is a choice that every one of us will make. It has nothing to do with Juan. Angmar, when you were young, you would not have made such a decision. "
The lords were obviously unwilling to admit the fact that Viscount Juan had allied with them, but Angmar had no intention to pursue the matter. He only nodded expressionlessly and continued to ask, "I want to know, why did you bring so many private soldiers to attend my banquet? Are you prepared for the worst?"
At this point, the lords had already sensed that something was amiss. The current situation was very clear. Angmar was alone, and there were only five lords who were willing to support him. If a conflict really broke out, Angmar would not have any chance of winning.
But the old man in front of them did not look like he was in a weak position …
At this moment, the hall had quietened down. Only the band was still playing their tunes, and there were very few people on the dance floor. Although the lords around them were whispering to each other, trying their best to hide the fact that they were eavesdropping, their gazes from time to time betrayed their nervousness and apprehension.
It was time for a showdown.
The seemingly casual conversation was silenced by Angmar's question. The three lords did not answer, and Angmar closed his eyes as if he was waiting for something …
Soon, heavy footsteps could be heard from outside the quiet venue.
The nobles at the venue turned their gaze and instantly burst into an uproar. Two knights that were nearly two meters tall were walking into the venue in the back garden … And behind them, there were church members wearing black robes.
"Clang … Clang … Clang …"
There was a lot of noise in the venue at first, but when the two knights approached, the noise seemed to be suppressed. The surroundings gradually became quiet, and even the band stopped playing …
The oppressive feeling of the metal armor was amplified by the gorgeous noble clothes. The iconic figure of Titus and Knight Wellington allowed them to be recognized immediately. This scene made the originally relaxed nobles suddenly tense up.
The remaining two armies of the Dukes Of Angmar suddenly broke into the venue in full armor. The people seemed to have smelled something bloody …
"Angmar, what are you trying to do?!"
The expressions of the lords were obviously not as relaxed as before. They stared at the motionless old Duke in front of them. Unknowingly, they no longer had the aggressive aura from before.
"Don't worry, I am not the kind of person who will act without any evidence. You should be very clear about this."
Duke slowly opened his eyes. Although he was old and weak, the sharpness in his eyes was as if it was real. His words obviously had a hidden meaning, causing the three lords' expressions to turn cold at the same time …
Perhaps the young people did not know, but they knew that the Angmar of the past was definitely not the one who would let others bully him without fighting back. Fourteen years ago, when the nobles in the southwest of the territory collectively rebelled, what did Angmar do?
The only thing they could recall was the word "bloody".
It was because of the trace of fear that remained in their hearts that they chose to "force" instead of "using swords and knives".
Duke's decline and his old appearance had made too many people forget his former sharpness. But at this time, with just a simple sentence, the chill in it made the few lords' eyes twitch a little …
The two knights Wellington and Titus did not wear heavy plate armor, nor did they carry any weapons on their waists. They just carried a box casually and came to the center of the venue. After silently saluting, they placed the wooden square box on the side of the table …
"I know that you have been wondering about the movements of Wellington and Titus recently, so now I can briefly tell you what they have been doing these days."
Angmar did not look at the box, but stared at the three lords in front of him who did not look too good. He continued, "The attack at the border at the beginning of the year was not only caused by the Orcs, but also by the Undead. These days, I have been tracking down the traitors in the territory who have colluded with the Undead. You should know about what happened in Gigg Town. Captain Roddy helped me get rid of a lot of scum that needed to be cleaned up, but obviously … this is far from enough."
It sounded like these topics had nothing to do with the nobles in front of them, but when the name "Roddy" was mentioned, many people slightly narrowed their eyes. Quentin and the others who were already near them held their breath slightly.
"It doesn't matter what you do in your own territory, I will not interfere, because you are still a noble under my rule. But if you collude with the Undead or the Orcs, or become the lackey of the infidels … or secretly plot a rebellion, then you can only be my enemy. "
The few lords frowned — all of them thought of a not very optimistic possibility …
"If you and I only have a problem of interests, then we can still sit at the negotiating table and discuss, just like now. There will be differences, but they can all be put on the table to solve. " Angmar tapped his cane lightly, strode to the front of the table, and stretched out his hand to hold the handle of the wooden box. "But if you become my enemy, then I am afraid … I have nothing to say."
He casually opened the wooden box, letting the smell of blood suddenly spread out …
In an instant, the entire venue seemed to be covered with a lid. At first, there was an extremely oppressive silence, as if even breathing was held. Then there was a uniform gasp, followed by … the uncontrollable screams of the noblewomen and young ladies!
What was placed in the wooden box was the bloody head of Viscount Juan.
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