Conditions at the Dinner

Victor and Viscount Ferry spent a day browsing around the Golden Sunflower Territory, and the two finally finalized the entire order for this arms purchase.

The total value of this order is gold. The two parties agreed that Ironvine would pay one-third of the gold, one-third of the grain, and the remaining one-third would be paid with the special products of several territories.

Before arriving, Viscount Ferry had obtained authorization from Count Lloyd and signed an agreement directly with Victor. Immediately after signing, Viscount Ferry bid farewell to Victor.

Victor was somewhat surprised; it was already past three in the afternoon. "Viscount Ferry, you could simply rest for the night in my territory and leave tomorrow. After all, you've looked like you've been working very hard lately."

"Viscount Victor, thank you for your consideration. I still have to go to Count Black's place to coordinate the affairs of the transport caravan. I have a heavy responsibility on my shoulders and cannot rest."

Viscount Ferry said apologetically to Victor that Victor had accompanied him on a tour of Golden Sunflower Territory all day, but he was indeed very worried about the situation in Cornwall County and needed to send the purchased weapons back as soon as possible.

"There's nothing I can do about it. After all, Count Lloyd could make a move at any time. In that case, let me see you off!"

Victor personally escorted Viscount Ferry to the border and even changed the horses for Viscount Ferry and his dozen or so Cavalry.

"Lord Victor, I'll leave you here. I'll come back again after I've settled things with Count Black regarding the transport caravan."

"I'll be waiting for you anytime. Have a safe journey."

Viscount Ferry bid farewell to Victor and led his men directly toward the punitive expeditionary camp.

When Victor returned to the territory, it was already evening. Just then, Viscount Isold and Viscount Leo also returned to the manor, and the three of them decided to have dinner together.

Oberon and Tira have left Golden Sunflower Territory to raise the ransom for the two viscounts, while the negotiation work has been handed over to others who have just arrived from Olive Territory and White Asparagus Territory.

"Viscount Victor, thank you for taking care of us during this time. We will be leaving once Oberon and the others return!"

Inside the restaurant, Viscount Isold raised a glass of red wine to Victor as he spoke, while Viscount Leo nodded in agreement as usual.

"In that case, we must eat more tonight. Besides my army, what I am most proud of is the food of our Golden Sunflower Territory!"

"That's it! That's it!"

This statement was met with strong agreement from the two viscounts. In the words of Viscount Leo, the food at Golden Sunflower Manor was even better than the state banquets they had tasted at the Maple Leaf Palace.

With their appetites whetted, the conversation flowed freely. The three of them enjoyed the food while chatting, and Victor had a candid discussion with the two viscounts about the current situation in the duchy.

"I am ashamed to say that Count Colt has a truly discerning eye, able to discover a talent like you. We were so blind to have thought that you and your troops were so weak!"

"The Northern Frontier nobles are indeed much stronger than those in the interior. At least several major noble families have been fighting against the Barbarians for many years. If they are not strong enough, they cannot survive!"

Viscount Isold seemed to sense the hidden meaning in Victor's words, and turned to signal Viscount Leo, who was enjoying his meal, to be quiet. Viscount Leo understood, picked up a piece of cream cake from the table, and began to savor it slowly with a small fork.

"Viscount Victor, to be honest, neither of us is entirely clear about the current situation in the Duchy. We'd like to seek your advice during this time. Do you have any suggestions?"

Victor felt once again that talking to intelligent people was easy. "Viscount Isold, I have a small suggestion. Next spring, I will lead an army south again. Our military strength will be far superior to what it is now!"

I anticipate that the Duchy will issue another summons, demanding that all independent nobles participate in the Allied Army. However, after spending time together, I really don't want to fight you two again. How about we make a pact?

Isolde frowned upon hearing this. He hadn't expected Victor to be so blunt. Originally, after returning this time, the two families would have reorganized their military. Even if Viscount Golden Sunflower was powerful, could he really make the two families turn against each other with just words?

However, when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. At worst, you can agree first and then go back on your word next year.

Isolde readily agreed, "Viscount Victor, just be direct. What do you think we can do?"

"It's very simple. The call to arms takes time. I ask you two to slow down and not participate in the gathering immediately. Give me five days. After five days, you two can decide which side to stand on!"

"If you two are willing to join our side then, Count Colt will certainly welcome you!"

Isolde was taken aback. This condition was not what he had expected. He thought Victor intended to recruit them directly, but he did not expect to be offered such generous terms.

He spoke cautiously and carefully, then said, "Viscount Victor, with nearly forty noble families in the three eastern counties and the Fifth Legion of Sextus County, are you really that confident?"

"It's hard to say, it's hard to say!"

Victor didn't continue speaking, but instead confidently swirled the wine glass in his hand.

When Viscount Isold tried to probe again with words, Viscount Leo pulled him back, and he understood and quickly shut his mouth.

The three then changed the subject and the dinner quickly came to an end.

Victor left the restaurant first, while Viscount Isold and Viscount Leo stayed behind.

Viscount Isold looked at Viscount Leo and sighed, "Thanks to you, I was a little confused just now!"

Viscount Isold was grateful to Viscount Leo for reminding him in time; if they had gotten the answer from Victor, they would have had to choose sides ahead of time.

Viscount Leo wasn't so anxious. He took another piece of cream bread from the table, and this time, instead of using a fork, he stuffed it directly into his mouth, stuffing his mouth full, and said, "Anyway, Viscount Victor gave this lenient condition on behalf of Count Colt. We can decide after we see the results. It's just a matter of delaying for five days!"