The Spoils Are Theirs to Keep

Nalant did not presume upon the Earl's favor and move closer to the long table. Instead, he went with Boris to sit casually on the wooden chairs several rows back.

Seeing Nalant's action, Bernard nodded in satisfaction. Clearly, he was praising Nalant for his good sense.

Though no one would likely dare say anything if Nalant sat at the long table, it would surely leave some of the old-established nobles displeased. After all, those seated there were veteran nobles like Andrew.

Stella had actually been watching Nalant from the corner of her eye as well. Though she still looked as aloof as ever on the surface, she was mildly surprised by his actions. This fellow was actually so steady?

"I summoned you here today because the ranger force suffered considerable casualties last night..." Bernard did not waste words. Once all the vassals had settled into their seats, he immediately got to the point.

And just as Boris had guessed, it was because of the rangers' losses last night that they were preparing to send the vassals into battle.

When the nobles heard that the Northern Principality had been so underhanded as to dispatch Title Knights at night to slaughter the Onyx Principality's rangers, all of them were somewhat indignant.

"My Lord Earl, what do you intend for us to do?" Nalant's bargain-bin father, Andrew, was the first to speak up and ask.

His old man was rough and straightforward, not particularly skilled at either making money or raising children.

But when it came to fighting, he was unquestionably fierce. That was why Bernard valued Andrew, this blunt yet valiant vassal, above all others—even refusing to favor his own younger brother.

"This time, His Majesty's intention is for you vassals not to move, but to send out your heirs instead." Bernard