The atmosphere in the living room finally calmed down.
Paul smiled and asked, "I wonder what I can do for Earl Kent?"
Let's all open the skylights and speak frankly.
Amerson was slightly surprised by Paul's straightforwardness, but since the other party had already spoken so, he couldn't go around any longer.
Amerson took out a roll of paper and handed it to Paul.
Paul took it and unfolded the paper roll, and Mellon also put his head over to look at it.
At first glance, both of them were shaking with anger.
The conditions for the Kent Family are listed on paper: 1. One-fifth of the current income from paper and porcelain production in Alarda Territory must be given to the Kent Family, and another one-fifth should be given to Duke Ferdinand; 2. Bairdin is "co-managed" by Emden and Arda.
Mellon was so angry that he wanted to stand up and argue with Amerson, but was stopped by Paul.
He said awkwardly, "Sir Emosen, these conditions you have brought are somewhat unacceptable to us."
Amerson's expression began to stiffen again. "Lord Greiman, these conditions have been carefully considered by Earl Kent. If you can't recognize the reality clearly anymore, I'm afraid Earl Kent will take some measures that you don't want to see."
Threat! A naked threat! Paul resisted the urge to get angry, and maintained a stiff smile on his face and said, "Let's discuss and make a decision, please come and send Mr. Messenger back to Guest House to rest."
"Hmph! Lord Greiman It's better to make a decision early. I don't care, but Kent-sama doesn't have much patience."
Amerson showed a smile that seemed very weak to Paul. After saying this, he followed the servant out.
Mellon turned to look at Paul and asked anxiously, "What should we do now?"
In Northwest Bay, Earl Kent is simply a smaller version of Giles. Whenever he sets his sights on a target, he will never stop until he bites off a piece of flesh from the target. Moreover, as a direct vassal of Northwest Duke Ferdinand, this guy has a very good relationship with the lord. After receiving any benefits, he will never forget to pay tribute to the Duke. Duke Ferdinand would also like to see his loyal dog grow fat and strong, so that he can let it out and bite someone when he is unhappy with someone.
On the one hand, Bairdin is now threatened by the Kent Family. On the other hand, a lot of the Garnard Family's money was used to invest in Paul's factory. It is difficult for Mellon, both publicly and privately, to accept the conditions offered by the other party.
Paul patted Mellon on the shoulder and comforted, "I have heard a saying - there must be a road for cars to reach the mountain, and for ships to reach the bridge. Let's discuss it with everyone, and we will definitely find a way."
Soon, Government Affairs Council and the top military officials were summoned to the Lord's Manor.
After Paul explained to everyone that Kent Family had sent a messenger and made many excessive demands, everyone was shocked at first, and then had mixed reactions.
The administrative officials all had frowns on their faces. They were all worried about the Kent Family's strength. You must know that the other party was a powerful family that claimed to be able to pull out hundreds of knights at will.
The people in the army were filled with righteous indignation and clamored to assemble the army and fight to Emden now.
"Lord Greiman, this is clearly extortion and extortion. It is simply an insult to you and us. Let's go to war with the Kent Family!"
"We now have three musket companies, with 10 Artillerys. One round of Salvo Fires can scatter those farmers who have just put down their hoes."
"As for the knights, you saw it last time under Butuya City. They were just a pile of rotten meat under the firepower of the cannon."
The loud Bryce stood up and expressed his opinions on behalf of the military. The other officers nodded in agreement. The last battle under Butuya City made them more confident.
Chief Steward Ford immediately refuted them. "How can you use force lightly? Do you think everything can be solved by force?"
This group of warriors got carried away after just two victories.
"So what if we defeat one Kent Family? Behind him stands Northwest Duke Ferdinand - the largest vassal in the northwest of the kingdom. The territory and population are more than ten times ours! No matter how powerful our army is, can we make up for such a large numerical gap?"
"Once Kent Family pulls Duke Ferdinand into the water, it is very possible. Don't forget that in the eyes of outsiders, Kent Family has always been the Duke's loyal dog. They don't need to send troops to attack us. Duke Ferdinand only needs to prohibit its vassals from trading with us, and then block our trade route south. Our income will shrink until the beginning of spring this year."
"At that time, where will the money come from to pay the salaries of Soldierss, and where will the money come from to buy raw materials for making weapons?"
"This..." Bryce was stumped.
Hansel also frowned and advised, "Sometimes, it is necessary to take a step back and properly assess the situation."
The army Chief of Staff Schroeder is in a dilemma, not knowing which side to support.
Chief Steward Ford's words shocked Paul. He had only considered the opponent's large territory and large population before. However, with the social system of this feudal era, these two advantages could not be effectively transformed into military strength, and he might not be unable to fight against him.
But the words after Chief Steward Ford were something he had never thought of. How sad. Arda and Bairdin are both in the northernmost part of Northwest Bay. What if his trade route to the south is really cut off?
Whether it is paper or porcelain, you have to sell it in exchange for money. Before the sea route is opened, once it is blocked by the surrounding lords, all the work you have done in the past six months will be in vain.
Paul tapped the table and listened to the argument between the civil and military groups without saying a word.
Some of the officers were dissatisfied and proposed to concentrate their forces and fight several beautiful battles of annihilation to force the other side to sue for peace.
But Paul didn't quite agree with this suggestion. During World War II, the military headquarters also had wishful thinking that although the United States had an absolute advantage in comprehensive national strength, after it severely hurt the opponent at Pearl Harbor, the bullies would come to sue for peace. As a result, they were severely slapped in the face by reality.
War will not develop solely according to the will of one party.
After hesitating for a long time, he finally made a difficult decision, patted the table, and everyone in the argument fell silent.
"Everyone, I have decided to compromise with the Kent Family for the time being."
He gave Mellon sitting next to him a reassuring look.
"But Bairdin will never agree to co-manage with them. I would rather give up an extra portion of the profits."
No one objected to Paul's decision. The officers' argument was just that they couldn't swallow this breath. Of course they knew that the strength of the enemy and ourselves was very different. Now that the lord had made a decision, they could only accept the reality.
Humiliation, anger, unwillingness, and all kinds of negative emotions linger in everyone's hearts.
"Berna." Paul called out his own Chief Secretary.
Chief Secretary immediately responded, "Lord Greiman."
"Arrange for that Amerson to come to the castle tomorrow, and I'll talk to him again."
"I obey your instructions."
Paul added, "Chief Steward Ford, Hansel, Cecil, Schroeder, Bryce come together."
"Yes, Lord Earl." Those whose names were called responded one after another.