Chapter 113

"I understand, thank you for reminding me, Lord Hainuo."

Supernatural Being are adaptable to the power of Faith Path. Ryan also signed a pact with the Old Emperor, but he didn't feel any impact whatsoever.

Haino chuckled, "It's all for that child, Caslathdi... I'm sure you won't let her down, will you?"

"Absolutely!" Ryan said earnestly, his heart turned towards the sun, "Your Her Highness the Princess is worthy of my lifelong devotion!"

"A very sincere attitude... hehe~a good kid."

Haino smiled and turned to leave.

For some reason, even though his smile was quite gentle, Ryan felt a chill.

So, what was this woman's character design like in the game again? Damn it, Ryan, you didn't do the story well, Ryan you didn't progress the shooting either, what have you been doing!

Snap

After Haino left, Jonathan came over.

He lit a cigarette and said with some confusion, "I really don't understand, how come you're so popular with women? First it was Miss Lin Qi, and now it's Shally, what's going on?"

Jonathan stared intently at Ryan's face. He had been stunned when he received the news that Ryan was getting engaged to 'Shally', and after smoking a pack of cigarettes, he still couldn't figure out what was wrong.

We're all just ordinary people, how come you've suddenly become so successful?

"Maybe it's because I'm handsome," Ryan said honestly, touching his face.

Jonathan felt something was off about that statement, and after touching his face, he became even more convinced.

Looking up at the sky at a 45-degree angle, the old leader was filled with emotion. It had been so long since his little soldier, a mere Security Officer, had grown up and was now engaged to Imperial Viscount.

"Here you go. I didn't prepare any gift, so this will be enough for now. I'll prepare something nicer when you get married."

As Jonathan spoke, he pulled a bottle of medicine from his pocket.

Ryan took it and asked in confusion, "What is this?"

Jonathan's lips curled into a smile, "A man's masculinity!"

Ryan was bewildered.

What does that mean?

"With this, even if Shally is incredibly powerful, you can conquer her, understand?"

"???"

Ryan was stunned for a moment, then cursed, "Jonathan, what kind of shit is in your head!"

"Tsk~ You've really grown up, kid. I'm your superior, how dare you insult me!"

"So what if I curse you? Who told you to give me this thing? Do you have any more? Give me more!"

"What's wrong with this thing? If you don't want it, just give it back... Huh?" Jonathan was stunned, then after holding back for a while, he cursed and turned to leave, "Damn it, this is the first time I've seen someone more shameless than me, you win!"

"Hey! Do you have any more? Give me more!"

Watching Jonathan walk away, Ryan lowered his head to study the potion, thinking he'd try to replicate it later. This thing shouldn't be at the level of alchemy, right?

"If I could replicate it and sell it... tsk tsk~isn't this just like a blue pill from another world?"

Does this thing actually work?

It's worth trying.

It doesn't mean anything by it; it's mainly about making money.

About half an hour later, people finally began to arrive outside the castle.

However, there were not many people. The engagement banquet was scheduled to start at 7 p. m., but it was 6:30 p. m. and only a dozen or so people had arrived, which was far less than expected.

Even though these people came, they didn't seem very enthusiastic. They just nodded politely to Ryan and didn't even bring any gifts.

There's a problem.

The old leader frowned. "We sent out more than fifty invitations to so many nobles, big and small, but only a few barons came. There were hardly any viscounts. Is the Princess's reputation really that bad?"

Ryan calmly said, "Don't rush, let the bullets fly for a while."

"You're quite patient. This plan of yours is a huge gamble; it's either success or death."

Jonathan knew about the plan. Although he had mixed feelings as a loyal subject of the empire, he understood the current situation of the empire, especially in the Southern Territory. Moreover, the Old Emperor had secretly contacted Ryan, and he even suspected that this was the Old Emperor's mission.

Therefore, Jonathan did not stop Ryan. If things had gone smoothly, the Southern Territory would at least have been stable.

After all, considering the situation in Berman City, the residents are living in peace and contentment, adults are successful in their careers, children are making progress in their studies, and the elderly are living long and healthy lives. Isn't this a hundred times better than before?

Jonathan isn't just all talk about the Empire; he's a man of action. So he actually supports Ryan, even if it means using some less-than-honorable methods... well, he's used those methods himself quite often.

As seven o'clock approached, a total of twenty-two people had arrived in the banquet hall, including eight barons, fourteen viscounts, and not a single earl.

Among the invitations sent out by Ryan, there were two counts, more than thirty viscounts, and the remaining barons were relatively powerful. As for those Little Camilla, there was not much point in bringing them over.

This represents roughly half of the noble forces in the entire Southern Territory.

The area north of Silver Peak City of Count Lanster, is much more prosperous, and most nobles of earl rank and above reside there.

At this moment, Caslathdi appeared.

When the nobles saw her, they became more enthusiastic and went over to greet her.

"Your Her Highness the Princess."

"Your Highness, good evening."

Caslathdi smiled and nodded, greeted them for a while, and then walked over to Ryan's side.

"There are too few people." She frowned. "Does this mean they know what we're going to do?"

"It's not that bad," Ryan shook his head. "If they knew, there probably wouldn't be even this many people. Didn't you see that very few of them even brought gifts? They're still undecided."

"Sway? What does that mean?"

"The Count Lanster's castle has been inviting the surrounding nobles to his banquet since yesterday. It is said that Lanster has specially brought out his treasured female and male slaves and plans to hold a three-day, three-night event. I reckon that all the names on our invitations have gone to the Earl's castle to have fun."

"Lanster." Caslathdi's face turned cold. "My fourth brother really did hire a good subordinate. That guy's reputation is already ruined in the Southern Territory. Isn't he afraid of ruining his own reputation as well?"

Ryan shrugged. "Maybe he'll like it."

"So what now? These people alone are far from meeting our requirements."

"Don't be hasty, Your Highness. Do you think that since I knew about this, I wouldn't have made preparations in advance?"

"Oh? What did you do?"

"You'll find out later. Now we should go and greet the guests and thank them for taking the time out of their busy schedules to come."

Seeing the smile on Ryan's face, Caslathdi felt that this round should be a sure thing.

Good evening, everyone.

In the banquet hall, about twenty people were gathered together, and when Ryan walked over, they were still talking in hushed tones.

"Mayor Ryan," a viscount said with a smile, raising his glass, "Congratulations."

"Viscount Herman, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Herman, the lord of Romagnil, initially sent a thousand men to support Berman City, but he was forced to send troops along with 'Vainay'.

"Why haven't we seen Shally Shirley?" Herman asked with a smile. "Does the fact that the guests aren't coming mean the hosts aren't going to show up either?"

"Herman, are you implying that I am not the master of this place?" Caslathdi walked over, her voice indifferent.

"Ah, of course not, Your Her Highness the Princess, please forgive my intrusion. But since this is an engagement banquet, shouldn't there be a hostess present?" Herman spread his hands. "Besides, I just feel that the banquet Your Her Highness the Princess is concerned about seems a bit too quiet."

The nobles behind Herman were whispering amongst themselves.

He didn't seem to have much respect for the Her Highness the Princess.

Ryan knew perfectly well that some people's absence indicated their stance, and even if some people came, it didn't mean they were there to give him face.

Normally, a viscount wouldn't dare speak to Princess like that, but if he has someone backing him up, and given that this is a border region, it's a different story.

"It seems Viscount Herman is a man who enjoys excitement. Don't worry, your time to make it lively will come soon." Ryan glanced at him, looked at the others, and sighed, "I am very happy that you all came, but I am very unhappy that none of you brought gifts."

Herman was taken aback. "You've got some nerve, thinking about gifts at a time like this?"

In fact, anyone with a discerning eye can see that this is a banquet to show which side the Southern Territory forces are vying for power. Caslathdi is holding an engagement party, while Lanster is throwing a party, which is clearly a targeted move.

He has come, but his arrival does not mean he will side with Caslathdi; these are two different things.

"I brought a gift."

At that moment, a voice rang out.

Within the crowd, the noble procession parted, and 'Vainay' walked over.

She held a necklace in her hand; the chain was silver-white, with a blood-red octagonal gemstone hanging in the center, and it looked extremely beautiful.

This is a Tier 2 Excellent Necklace, which 'Shally' obtained in the Inner World, and then Ryan gave it to 'Vainay' as an engagement gift to 'Shally'... Perfect!

"Viscount Vainay?" Herman paused for a moment, then whispered as Vainay walked past him, "I advise you not to rush into taking sides. There's no future in following Her Highness the Princess. I can recommend you to the Fourth Prince."

"The Fourth Prince?!" 'Vainay' raised her voice, shouting loudly, "You're actually one of the Fourth Prince's people? Yet you've come to attend the Her Highness the Princess's engagement banquet. What are your intentions?"

Herman was shocked.

"Viscount Vainay, what... what did you say? How dare you make such false accusations! Who is the Fourth Prince's man? I am not one of the Fourth Prince's men!"

"Vainay" said disdainfully, "A spineless man who dares to do something but not admit it."

"You!"

Herman was furious. He had kindly reminded the other party, but the other party didn't appreciate it and even cursed at him.

He wanted to see what would happen if he sided with the Princess!

It's shameful that a bottom-ranking candidate for the crown prince has fallen so low as to appoint a commoner as a lord!

It must be said that Caslathdi's appointment of Ryan to manage Berman City did indeed cause a great deal of controversy within the aristocratic circles.

The common sense among nobles is that they are superior to commoners. Now that Caslathdi has broken this rule, the nobles present, though they did not say anything, must have had their own thoughts.

However, 'Vainay's' actions really confused Herman, and the other nobles around were also a bit confused. Most of them were just there to see what was going on, and they didn't take sides.

Although they didn't think Caslathdi had any advantages, they also didn't think the Fourth Prince was any good. Why were they in such a hurry? Their territory was far from the Imperial Capital. The emperor was far away, so it wouldn't matter who was Imperial Capital.

Unless they successfully choose a side, they might be able to gain some benefits, but they are not confident of that. In the current situation, who do you think can become emperor?

"Thank you, Vainay," Ryan said with a smile as he accepted the necklace.

"Vainay," Caslathdi smiled warmly, "It's so good to have you here."

"It's my pleasure."

'Vainay' bowed slightly to Caslathdi, then walked to the side.

Besides delivering the necklace, she had other tasks to do today.

"And you? Do you have any gifts to bring?" Ryan looked at the others. "I've given you a chance. Who comes to an engagement party without bringing a gift? Right?"

The group exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what Ryan meant.

After hesitating for a while, several barons came over and presented gifts.

Although it wasn't particularly valuable, it was still a token of my appreciation.

Ryan accepted them all.

"Hmm, very good... Now let's talk about another matter." Ryan said with a smile, "Actually, there's another important matter we've discussed with everyone here today. As we all know, Her Highness the Princess is Princess Royal and has the qualifications to compete for the crown prince position. I would like everyone here to support her power in the Southern Territory and also to support me. What do you all think?"

"Ryan, aren't you being too naive?" Herman sneered. "The competition for the crown prince position is based on individual strength. Why should we, the minor nobles from remote areas, get involved? And who are you to expect our support?"

"Yes, I was indeed a bit naive." Ryan waved his hand. "Then let's stop with all this nonsense. Everyone can express their opinion. Who agrees and who disagrees? Those who agree, come over here. Those who disagree, stay where you are."

The nobles exchanged glances, suddenly feeling that this scene looked familiar, as if they had seen it somewhere before.

After a while, apart from the few barons who brought gifts, no one else moved.

Although they were in Berman City, they weren't worried at all. Imperial law provides absolute protection for nobles. Even Princess cannot kill a noble at will; otherwise, she will be sent to the Tribunal.

"Your Her Highness the Princess, I don't want to get involved in these matters."

"Me too, Your Highness, I don't want to get involved either."

I don't support either of them.