A Pleasant Collaboration

"Since it's a long story, there's no need to tell me. Our time is precious, and it's better not to waste it!"

Geshilton had intended to keep him in suspense, but to his surprise, Gaita remained unmoved, leaving him speechless for a moment.

However, Geshilton, being the branch president of the Chamber of Commerce, was very good at communication. "Alright, Mr. Gaita, then let's get on with your business first. My relationship with Viscount Yorich is indeed not important."

Gaita breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Geshilton didn't bother him. Ever since he arrived at this bar, he had felt that something was wrong with everything. The soldiers who were obviously from the city's garrison were not afraid of his identity at all, and even took the initiative to confront him with weapons.

But that's nothing, after all, those soldiers always lose their memory when they're drunk, and if they're in the middle of something exciting, they won't care who you are if they're disturbed.

But what unsettled Gaita most was that he vaguely sensed that the soldiers seemed to know the identity of this Geshilton, especially the officer's disdainful smile.

The fact that Geshilton, a mere branch president of a chamber of commerce, could command so many soldiers and officers defending the city was a mystery that Gaita was unwilling to delve into.

Gaita now only wanted to deliver the letter entrusted to him by the governor to Geshilton as soon as possible so that he could leave this troublesome place.

Gaita handed the letter directly to Geshilton, who then checked the envelope for any damage before asking, "When can it be sent out of the city? It must be done as soon as possible!"

"You can rest assured about that. Our channels are convenient and secure, and it will be delivered to Viscount Victor outside the city tonight!"

After hearing the confirmation, Gaita prepared to leave, but just as he was about to stand up, Geshilton suddenly called out to him.

"Mr. Gaita, you are Viscount Krick's secretary, you must have been involved in a lot of his affairs!"

"Now that even this matter is entrusted to you, it seems that Viscount Krick truly trusts you!"

Geshilton's tone was exaggerated, as if he were praising him, which made Gaita somewhat uncomfortable.

Gaita couldn't control his impulse and replied directly, "Yes, the Governor trusts me greatly, and I am loyal to the Governor. Is there a problem with that?"

How could this be?

I'm just curious, if you trust me so much, why did Viscount Krick send so many of the Governor's Guard soldiers to monitor you?

Gaita laughed in exasperation, "Are you blind? Those Governor's Guard's guards are here to protect me, not to monitor me."

"Do I, alone, need to send a dozen soldiers to monitor us?"

"No, no, no, there are more than a dozen people!"

My men just told me that, in addition to those around you, there are five soldiers from the Governor's Guard following you not far behind."

These words silenced Gaita. If sending a dozen soldiers as guards was one thing, why send another group to follow him?

Gaita also understood that too much had happened during this period, and Viscount Krick also knew that his position as governor probably wouldn't last long. As his secretary, he had been deeply involved in many of the governor's dirty deeds. If Viscount Krick wanted to bury these things completely, the first person he would have to deal with was him.

Gaita hadn't expected Viscount Krick to act so quickly. He had originally planned to take advantage of the chaos after Blackwater City fell to escape, but judging from Viscount Krick's behavior, he figured he wouldn't be able to wait that long.

Just as Gaita was deep in thought, Geshilton continued, "Actually, Viscount Victor wrote to me a while ago. In his letter, he said that I should try to do some subversive work and cooperate with him to take over Blackwater City as soon as possible."

He offered many conditions, including not pursuing Viscount Krick's misdeeds during his tenure as governor, and even allowing him to continue in charge for a period of time if the city could be captured at a low cost, as long as a new governor was sent by the Northern Alliance Army for the handover.

Viscount Victor will then report his achievements to Count Colt as the commander of the Northern Alliance Army. Viscount Krick, as the highest-ranking official of the Grand Duchy who voluntarily surrendered, can be set up as a model and might even be directly granted the title of Baron. Of course, this refers to an independent noble title, and there are other conditions...

When Gaita heard about the independent noble title, he was completely enraged. He couldn't bear to hear the rest of the conditions; jealousy filled his heart.

Independent baron—it sounds far less prestigious than the current Viscount Krick, but an independent baron is one with a fiefdom, at least a hundred or two hundred square kilometers.

As Viscount Krick's secretary, Gaita knew all too well what Viscount Krick's wealth was like. As a court viscount, in addition to enjoying a noble annuity, Viscount Krick also had a small fiefdom accumulated by his ancestors, but it was just an estate with a total area of no more than 4 square kilometers and a population of no more than 500.

If it weren't for his status as a member of a collateral branch of the Ducal House, the large sum of money he spent, and his pledge of allegiance to the former Governor, Baron Pelei, the title of Governor of Wright County would never have gone to Viscount Krick.

Gaita was also of Court Noble birth; his father was a viscount, but he was only the second son and could not inherit the family title. His father went to great lengths to arrange for him to work as a secretary under Viscount Krick, and from then on, he could no longer obtain any help from the family.

There were many Court Noble like Viscount Krick and Gaita's father, whose families owned one or two small estates, which was almost equivalent to a life knighthood. They were no match for those legitimate independent nobles. If they could exchange their court viscount title for an independent baron title, it would be something they would be extremely happy to do.

Gaita was surprised that Viscount Krick's surrender was treated so well, giving him the opportunity to become an independent noble baron, which made him very resentful.

It should be noted that since Viscount Krick became governor, he has done almost all the work himself; Viscount Krick only needed to stamp the documents.

As a result, the rebels attacked and besieged Blackwater City, but Viscount Krick was able to remain unaffected, continuing to enjoy high office and generous salary, and even had the opportunity to achieve a leap in status.

But he was at risk of being abandoned or even silenced by Viscount Krick at any moment, and at this thought, Gaita's eyes turned completely red.

Seeing the change in Gaita's expression, Geshilton, sitting opposite Gaita, knew that his provocation had completely worked.

In fact, what he told Gaita was only half true. Victor did offer some terms for surrender, including allowing Viscount Krick and others to retain their property, not to pursue their past mistakes, and to remain in their posts for a period of time. However, it was impossible for him to offer the reward of an independent noble title.

This last condition was just something Geshilton mentioned casually. He knew all too well what these Court Noble were thinking. Although they held various titles, if given the chance to become independent nobles, these guys would absolutely pay any price for it.

"Mr. Gaita, I've spent so much time with you and Viscount Krick, I understand your talent and admire your abilities. If you want to leave Viscount Krick and escape Blackwater City, I can help you."

Are you telling the truth?

"Of course, I can definitely help you get out of here and ensure your safety!"

"No, I meant that as long as we help Viscount Victor conquer Blackwater City, we'll have a chance to be made a baron!"

Upon hearing this, Geshilton was taken aback, then laughed and said, "Of course not. Viscount Victor only said that if the city could be captured at a minimal cost, he would report Viscount Krick for credit. He didn't guarantee it would actually happen. Besides, this condition only applies to the Governor of Wright County."

Is that so?

If I can help Viscount Victor take Blackwater City at minimal cost, could I have the opportunity to work under him? Actually, I've been handling Krick's work all along, and I guarantee I can manage Blackwater City and Wright County very well!

I don't need to become an independent nobleman; I just need a chance to prove my talent to Viscount Victor!

Gaita was hesitant at first, but his tone became more and more firm, and finally very earnest.

Gaita understood very well that his status was too low. Even if he helped the city fall and made contributions, he could not rise to prominence overnight. But Viscount Victor outside the city was different. He was a renowned member of the Northern Frontier Rebels.

Since joining the Civil War, Viscount Victor has fought in the north and south and made great contributions. If the Northern Frontier Rebels win and Count Colt successfully overthrows the Grand Duchy, Victor will at least be a Count and have the power to confer titles on nobles.

With such a young Count by his side, and the achievement of capturing Blackwater City, Gaita believed that as long as he worked hard and continued to make contributions, he had a good chance of being ennobled under Victor.

However, this was only Gaita's inner thought; he wouldn't tell Geshilton. He knew Geshilton wasn't trying to help him, but only to sow discord between him and Krick.

Geshilton's goal was to overthrow Krick and claim all the credit for capturing Blackwater City, but Gaita decided to cooperate with him. After making up his mind, he now felt that it was best for Krick to be dead!

Geshilton looked at Gaita, extended his hand, and said with a smile, "Then we've reached an agreement: we'll fully cooperate with Viscount Victor to take Blackwater City and deal with Viscount Krick along the way."

It's a pleasure to work with you!

Gaita shook hands with him. "Pleasure doing business with you!"