In Laing's territory, where the Angerande clan lived.
It was a small hill, where the statues of the three main dwarven gods stood. The long stone road was firm and smooth, and there was a lot of traffic on the road. Many serfs were laughing and preparing for the Winter Veil Festival. Every house was decorated with lanterns and banners. Many serfs went home with wine and meat, talking loudly about the count's victory. It seemed that as long as Laing led the army to battle, victory was assured. What everyone wanted to do was to celebrate.
"Laing has done great things in the past few years. I stay in Culona all year round, and I hear his name all the time," Duke Hagan said to Harlan. Duke Hagan said to Count Jean Harlan, "Look at his town. I think my castle looks like the countryside."
"To some extent, Count Laing took advantage of the situation. But that's a reflection of his personal strength and charm. Only the ladies know why the wood elves are willing to trade with him." Count Harlan shook his head. "But that's not the point. The point is … we have to seize this opportunity. The rebellion and food shortage in the duchy are serious. If we don't solve the problem, my duke, our honor will be tarnished."
Count Harlan's words touched the deepest worry in Duke Hagan's heart. It was very disgraceful for him to not protect and govern the land and people given to him by the goddess. However, the duke had never been good at dealing with internal affairs. He had to ask subconsciously, "It's a good thing that the dwarves are building a trading post and planning to develop the wasteland. But how do you think we should negotiate? Can we ask for the exclusive rights to the dwarven weapons? And ask the dwarves to submit? I don't want them to pay tribute. At least verbally, they should submit. "
"Ah …" Count Harlan was speechless. He thought that it would be easier to ask the dwarves to pay tribute. Asking the dwarves to submit? Are you going to talk about cooperation or a declaration of war?
But there was no other way. Duke Hagan was not good at internal affairs. He had always been known for his personal virtue and bravery. Usually, he did not care about internal affairs. Instead, he left it all to his cousin, Count Harlan. In the past few decades, Count Harlan had been busy managing the duchy, while Duke Hagan was relaxed.
Behind the two of them, a group of attendants looked at the dwarven settlement from afar. Count Jean Harren could only earnestly advise, "My Duke, those are the dwarves. Although this is a cooperation, we now have a favor to ask of them. This is the time to make concessions and restore production as soon as possible. Eliminating the rebellion is the most important thing. We can recoup the other losses from the taxes of the trading post in the future."
"Yes, you're right." Duke Hagan did not understand the idea, but he was willing to give up. "So how should we negotiate with the dwarves? Do we play rock-paper-scissors? Or do we have to wrestle with the dwarves? I am not good at that … "
Duke Hagan's words almost made him want to hit his head on a sign on the roadside.
In the settlement, Bellegar was drinking with Brock Northstar, the chief engineer Dugan Ironhand, the chief engineer Harhafer, and his chief runemaster Stroud Sincere. They were discussing how to concentrate their forces and how to build Blackstone Stronghold first. Then, they would think about how to conquer Eight Peaks Mountain.
After several failures, Bellegar's mind was clearer. He said that they had to make enough preparations. At the very least, they had to mass produce weapons and cannons. They also had to stockpile enough food.
However, the attention of the chiefs, craftsmen, and engineers was not on this. "A brewery! A brewery that produces dwarven beer! And a tavern that is big enough to seat at least eight hundred dwarves! Yes, the dwarves need this. Only enough beer can reinvigorate our clan! "
"Yes! I think this is our top priority. A brewery! "
"Yes! We can put everything else aside for now. We think that our top priority is two. First, enough gold reserves. Second, a brewery and a tavern! "
The dwarves chattered endlessly. Bellegar also felt a headache coming. The King of Eight Peaks Mountain was somewhat relieved. Now that they had a stronghold, his clan was full of vitality again. Currently, more than four thousand dwarves had settled down in Blackstone Stronghold, building statues and butcher churches to expel the corruption of the vampires. There were still about two thousand dwarves left in Laing's territory. Bellegar planned to leave a thousand dwarves in Laing's territory to continue living in the settlement and serve Laing as a reward.
The dwarves were noisy and the atmosphere was hot. Barrels of beer were brought in. The idea of the brewery had already been concretely implemented, but Bellegar was still concerned about the gun workshop. This made the King of Eight Peaks Mountain a little unhappy. He slammed his hand on the table, but his wife, Kermanic, signaled him not to be impulsive. In the dwarven clans, the craftsmen and chiefs had always held great power.
"Since they want to build it, then let them build it," Kermanic whispered. "My husband, you must learn to compromise."
Before the queen could finish her words, the door of the big house suddenly opened. Several Brittany nobles came in under the guidance of the Hammer Warrior. The strong smell of beer, tobacco, and sweat made them feel a little uncomfortable, but they endured it and walked slowly to ensure that they did not overtake the slow pace of the Hammer Warrior who led them.
Behind the noble, four humans were carrying a wooden box. The box was engraved with the family coat of arms of the Duke of Gisoleiox — a white stag's head on a red and black coat of arms.
Dozens of pairs of dwarven eyes stared at the newcomer, which made him feel a little pressured. He made a standard salute. "Your Majesty, King Bellegar of Eight Peaks Mountain, I bring greetings from Duke Hagan of Gisoleiox. May your body be as strong as steel."
The dwarves looked at each other and moved aside. Bellegar sat behind the table. The King of Angrend was a little embarrassed because he had to look up at the newcomer.
Did these humans not know the rules at all?!
"Who are you?" Bellegar's tone was not very pleasant.
"I am Jean Harlan, Count of North Gisoleiox, Duke Hagan's cousin."
"Oh!" Bellegar's expression became a little better. Dwarves were very particular about blood relations, especially since there were very few females. Cousins were like brothers, and nephews and nieces were like children.
From the dwarf's point of view, sending his cousin meant that Duke Hagan took this matter seriously. Bellegar then asked, "So you agree to our proposal of building a trading post? Also, why didn't Duke Hagan himself come? "
"The Duke himself doesn't understand the dwarven way of speaking. It's easy to cause misunderstandings. We agree to your proposal of building a trading post, but we have a small … request," Count Jean Harlan said carefully.
"Oh ~ So that means you need the help of the dwarves?" Belle said without any hesitation, "What kind of help? Let's hear it! What do you want the dwarves to do for you? "
Count Jean Harlan's expression changed again and again. Even though he was mentally prepared, he was still shocked by the dwarf's straightforwardness. If someone in the palace spoke like this, the nobles would kick them out.
"There is a rebellion in the duchy, King Bellegar. We need your help. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to establish a stable trade route and develop the wasteland," Count Jean Harlan said straightforwardly.
"Help? Then you should go find your king, or ride your horse to kill the enemy. What does this have to do with the dwarves? Why should the dwarves pay the price to help you fight? "Bellegar's attitude was still not good.
Count Jean Harlan thought that it was fortunate that Duke Hagan didn't come in. Otherwise, the two sides would definitely turn hostile.
It was time to negotiate, so Count Jean Harlan signaled his men to open the wooden box.
Inside the wooden box were several pieces of dwarven pledge gold, a few stacked gold bars, and a large number of crowns and shiny silver coins. The large box full of gold and silver made a sound that dwarves were infatuated with. Gold and silver light reflected in the room.
Bellegar and his people were instantly fascinated by the gold and silver in the box. "This … is for us?"
"The duke is generous, King Bellegar. We won't let the dwarves pay for our trouble. Please do help us!" Count Jean Harlan used his tone carefully. He was a little proud. The dwarves' addiction and desire for gold and silver were engraved in their genes.
"Very well, I'll take it!" Just as Count Jean Harlan expected, Bellegar was satisfied with the money and agreed. The King of Eight Peak Mountain signaled his men to take the box and suddenly asked, "So … what do you plan to do with the rebels? Execute them all? "
"Ah? This … "Bellegar's question was very unexpected.
"I have a proposal … The dwarves need manpower …" Bellegar began to bargain according to the plan he had discussed with Laing.
… …
At night, in the winery.
The fireplace in the room crackled, and the cold wind outside was blocked by the window. Inside the room, the Tyrell carpet covered the entire floor. Laing sat behind the cherry wood desk and read some documents. The little maid, Emilia, sat beside Laing and intimately leaned against him, enjoying the time they spent together.
After this year, Emilia would return to Nur next spring to become the Duchess and Kurfürst.
Unlike before, when she liked to comb her long blonde hair, Emilia now had her hair tied up, which meant that she was no longer a young girl.
After reading the documents for a while, Laing suddenly said, "Emilia?"
"What's wrong, Laing?" Emilia looked at Laing with a reluctant face. "What do you want to say to me?"
"What kind of Winter Veil Festival do you want?" Laing asked casually. "I'll try my best to satisfy you."
"Huh?!" Amelia, who had been daydreaming, immediately blushed. The little maid thought for a moment, and said in confusion, "Leon, you really are … You're too much! Your head is full of that kind of thing! "
"Huh?!" Laing thought to himself. Were we talking about the same thing?
At this time, Suria pushed the door open and came in. The Countess was holding a plate of desserts. With a smile on her face, she said, "Laing, Emilia, you've worked hard. Take a rest!"
The desserts were some pastries and three cups of warm milk. Laing didn't refuse. The three of them sat down and tasted the desserts. Laing put the delicate desserts into his mouth and smiled at Suria. "I'm thinking, will Duke Hagan agree to Belega's condition?"
"Duke Hagan won't agree, but Count Jean Harlan will persuade him. Don't worry, Laing." Suria's sea blue eyes had a hint of blame. She knew that her husband was asking her on purpose. "You know the answer in your heart, but you still want me to say it."
"We are husband and wife, and I have to ask for your opinion on some things." Laing smiled mischievously. "After hearing it from you, I always feel more at ease."
"Duke Hagan has no reason to refuse. This is a mutually beneficial cooperation." Suria put down her teacup. The female knight changed her sitting position with her long black stockings and said, "However, the temper of King Belega, or the temper of the dwarves, can easily change the cooperation. Laing, I suggest you send a team to work with King Belega."
"Yes, you are right." Laing nodded in agreement.
After chatting for a while, it was already very late. Amelia kissed Ryan on the lips, feeling wronged. Then, she went back to the room next door to rest, leaving the rest to Sulia. The female knight had already arranged for the servants to make the bed. The husband and wife got under the covers. Ryan held his wife's slender waist with some infatuation. "How's the territory these days? How's it going?"
"Nothing. The biggest problem is that Ms. Teresa encountered some problems when she was building her wizard tower. But it's been solved now." Suria leaned into her husband's arms, her long blonde hair cascading down like a waterfall. She said with great interest, "It's just that she wanted to build it too well, but she didn't have enough budget. Also, the Garland Council sent a team of ice magic apprentices. They obviously couldn't adapt to the relatively warm and humid climate in Brittany. They were a little unaccustomed to the climate here, so they were sent to the hospital together."
The thick curtains blocked out all the light. Only the floor lamp emitted a dim yellow light. There was a whistling sound outside the window. Laing's expression changed when he heard this. He hugged Suria tightly and whispered, "To be honest, I don't agree with Teresa building a wizard tower here. First of all, as you said, she couldn't adapt to the climate. Secondly, she could have inherited her mother's wizard tower. Building another one is too expensive and expensive."
"But you have no reason to refuse. My husband is so outstanding." Suria turned around and stared at Laing's face. "You respect her choice, so you don't stop her. You feel pity for her, but you also feel guilty, so you accept her."
"I'm a man, after all." Laing blushed. He was a little embarrassed by Suria's teasing gaze.
"I see. Why don't … we have a banquet during the Winter Veil Festival?" Suria's eyes suddenly lit up. She continued, "How about we gather Ms. Veronica, Ms. Teresa, Emilia, Her Highness Morgiana, and Olica together and enjoy a turkey feast?"
"WTF?" Laing's jaw dropped.
Something even more shocking came.
Suddenly, a dazzling light shone in the bedroom. A soft and delicate body fell from the light. The fragrance of iris flowers filled the room. The newcomer hugged Laing's neck and crawled under the covers to lie on top of Laing.
"Good idea! I want to join too!"
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