Chapter 133: The Neighbors' Invitation!

Because the deadline for the conscription order's assembly is tomorrow, the nobles have nothing to do today.

And after such a long journey over many days, the subordinates certainly need to rest properly.

After setting up camp, everyone except the sentry soldiers, including Gervas himself, entered the tents to rest.

This sleep lasted until dusk, and Gervas felt refreshed and clear-headed.

Meanwhile, the subordinates had already started digging pits and cooking.

Seeing that the time was about right, Gervas simply took several knights to the shore of Lake Karl to collect the five gold coins.

This time, Gervas naturally brought Zhuiyue along as well.

However, because Zhuiyue was far too conspicuous, he and the Demon Swift Eagle hid in a dense forest several miles away.

During this campaign, Gervas would basically ride the Fiery Horse into battle.

Only on special occasions would he summon Zhuiyue.

After all, there are only two of these in the entire kingdom; one is in the King's hands, and the other is in his own.

That is far too conspicuous!

Of course, the Fiery Horse is not exactly low-key either, so it has also been disguised.

A tailor made a cover using colorful linen cloth that could cover most of the Fiery Horse's body.

This way, others might guess it is a fine warhorse, but it would not be so glaring.

"Eh, Baron Gervas?"

Just as Gervas had taken the five gold coins from the shore of Lake Karl and was preparing to return to camp, a surprised exclamation came from beside him.

Looking toward the sound, Gervas found the person somewhat familiar, though he did not know him.

"Lord Gervas, I am Baron Kane, the lord of Baron Kane's territory, and your neighbor!"

"This is Baron Mil! The lord of Baron Mien's territory!"

"Baron Kane? Baron Mil?"

Gervas immediately remembered these two neighbors; the reason they looked familiar was that he had met them briefly at Viscount Beckett's auction that day.

"Lord Gervas, congratulations on winning the bid for Viscount Beckett's iron mine."

"After the auction that day, we originally wanted to greet you, our neighbor Baron Gervas, but you left too hastily, and we missed this opportunity!"

"Your Excellencies are too polite; it should have been I who came to pay my respects and greet you two, but unfortunately, the development of Storm Territory has been so busy that I have had no free time!"

One does not strike a smiling face; since the two were so polite, Gervas naturally responded warmly.

"Lord Gervas, we all know the situation in Storm Territory; you must be busy for a while after your arrival!"

"Also, during the locust plague last time, you sold ducks back to us at a low price, and we have not yet thanked you. Lord Gervas, why don't we go have a drink now?"

"Have a drink?" Gervas hesitated slightly.

"Lord Gervas, tonight it is not just us; there are several other baron lords from near Storm Territory, whom you should have all seen at Viscount Beckett's banquet that day!"

"Very well, you two; since you are so hospitable, I will not stand on ceremony!"

Thinking that a distant relative is not as good as a near neighbor, Gervas no longer refused.

Moreover, this was the first invitation; he had to give them face, otherwise he might be isolated.

After riding slowly for over twenty minutes, Gervas followed Barons Kane and Mil to the caravan district.

Coincidentally, the Brave Tavern was less than a minute's ride from Gervas's own camp.

Truly a good location!

One could finish drinking and go straight back to sleep; ordinary minor nobles could not envy such a thing.

"Lord Gervas, these are the camps of the great nobles; I truly envy those fellows who can go straight back to sleep after drinking!"

"If I were stationed here, I would even come to drink a few cups in the morning!"

Seeing Gervas frequently looking toward the great noble camp, Kane and the other misunderstood and immediately began introducing it to him.

Gervas forced himself to suppress his unnatural expression and nodded.

And the caravan district at night was dozens of times more lively than during the day.

Fortunately, the open space was large enough; with just a tarp and a wooden table, the noble knights could drink freely.

Gervas and Kane and the others took their seats, and the other agreed-upon nobles arrived one after another; there were seven in total, all baron lords.

As for the viscount lords, they probably had their own social circles.

Because many of the border nobles were new nobles, the gaps between them were very large, unlike the hinterland, where things had been stable for decades or even a hundred years, and families had established solid foundations.

These nobles were also very polite upon seeing Gervas.

Although Storm Territory was very poor, the fact that Gervas had spent seven hundred gold coins in one go at Viscount Beckett's territory that day made these nobles dare not look down on him.

In fact, these nobles were deliberately inviting him to drink because of that day's events.

Otherwise, Gervas had been in his territory for over two months, and no one had come to visit him.

After three rounds of wine, the atmosphere was still harmonious, when at that moment, a bright figure walked in from the Brave Tavern.

"Look quickly, that is the current heir of the Violet family!"

"Eh, it really is; this Viscount Violet is simply too beautiful; whoever marries him would gain both wealth and beauty!"

Kane and the others immediately noticed that figure, after all, the tavern was basically full of male nobles.

And female nobles, especially such beautiful female nobles, were basically non-existent.

Catherine's arrival today had been mentioned in the intelligence, but seeing her in the tavern was somewhat surprising to Gervas.

After all, based on his impression of Catherine, she should not be such a casual person.

"Didn't they say this Viscount Violet was very arrogant? Why is he appearing in this tavern today?"

"I don't know, but I heard the Violet family has not been having a good time recently; first, this young Viscount Violet was kidnapped!"

"Later, although he was fortunately rescued, it dealt a huge blow to the Violet family's authority and reputation!"

"Moreover, I heard that recently many nobles and merchant houses in Iron Wolf City have been suppressing the Violet Family!"

"Is that so? But that's normal. The Violet Family has only this Baroness as a blood heir, yet holds the title of one of the wealthiest families on the border; it's sure to have aroused the covetousness of many!"

"Exactly. Unless the Violet Viscount can find a backer, or even just marry into an equal family, the situation cannot change!"

"Tsk tsk, I wonder which lucky bastard got the better end of the deal; it's truly enviable!"

"Whoever it is, it certainly won't be us Barons; at the very least, it must be a Viscount family!"

Hearing the analysis and exclamations of wonder from the few minor nobles around, Gervas did not interject.

He could also predict some of the Violet Family's recent circumstances.

However, the relationship between the two sides was limited to that small debt of gratitude; although Gervas felt sympathy, he could not possibly intervene to help.

Nor did he currently have the capacity to help.

At that moment, Gervas was slightly tipsy and prepared to rise and take his leave.

After all, the main army would reach its departure deadline tomorrow; returning early to rest and gather one's spirit was necessary for preparing for battle.

Coincidentally, Catherine, who had just sat down less than two minutes ago, also happened to rise at this moment, her face still bearing a touch of frost.

"Look quickly, why does the Violet Viscount look so furious? It seems someone has angered her!"

"I don't know, but whoever it is, I am very happy, haha; what we cannot get, they shall not get either!"

Gervas heard the hearty laughter of Kane and the others nearby.

"Look quickly, she is coming over to our side!"

"Eh! It really seems so!"

Just then, Kane and the others shifted the topic of their conversation.

Because Catherine's gaze had cast in this direction, and she was actually walking toward them!