Chapter 254

The minor nobles, seeing Gervas lost in thought, did not press him.

After a moment of contemplation, Gervas suddenly looked up. "My lords, before making a decision, I'd like to ask you: Parker had to be threatened just to join!"

"But why did you all voluntarily propose my inclusion—and even bring so many gifts? Aren't you afraid I might become just as tyrannical?"

"Uh…"

Mil and the others all wore strange expressions.

"Lord Gervas, if we cannot trust you, then we have no noble at all we can trust!"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Gervas's confusion deepened.

After all, his interactions with these minor nobles had been shallow.

Why did they speak as if they held his character in such high regard?

Seeing Gervas still hesitated, Mil blurted out: "Lord Gervas, we all know you are different from Lord Parker."

"The Parker family's tyranny is well known—even going back decades to the iron mine dispute, ah… which is now your own iron mine!"

"Second, although Lord Parker is among the strongest in the southeastern border, he is shameless: when he faces danger, he calls upon all allied nobles to help him resist!"

"But when we face danger, he delays and evades—like during the recent royal conscription, when my Lord Kain and I were assigned to the left flank army!"

"We actually went to Lord Parker then, asking him to smooth things over with Count Fario."

"Because his status is higher—he can speak to Count Fario!"

"But he simply refused, claiming he hadn't even met Count Fario."

"Of course, he's done this more than once—so Lord Parker is a selfish, self-serving man!"

"But Lord Gervas, though we've only met a few times, you once saved me during the kingdom's war—and indirectly saved other nobles too."

"Also, do you still remember when the locusts came? I told my steward to buy back those chickens and ducks at triple the price!"

"I even prepared for the possibility you'd demand even more—but imagine my shock when my steward returned and you charged only double!"

"From that, I saw you are a noble of principle and noble character!"

"And it is precisely such nobles of noble character that we, the nobles, need to lead us!"

"Moreover, Lord Gervas, you've defeated Lord Parker twice—upholding principle while possessing great strength."

"That is why we have unanimously decided to request your joining our alliance—and to become its leader."

Good heavens! Gervas silently exclaimed.

He never imagined the arrow he shot months ago would now strike the bullseye.

And in these nobles' eyes, he was held in such high esteem!

Am I really that noble?

Why didn't I know this myself?!

Seeing the eager, hopeful gazes of the minor nobles, Gervas finally made his decision.

He would accept their request and join the alliance.

After all, compared to the troubles these minor nobles might attract, Gervas felt his own troubles were greater.

Not to mention, his magic electric fan and telescope would surely draw countless envious eyes.

So now, it seemed the minor nobles were clinging to him.

But perhaps later, he'd need their numbers to bluff his way through.

Of course, even if only as a last resort, sticking together before he grew stronger was the right move.

Gervas then signed the alliance pact with the nobles.

Nobles always operate this way—they demand more than empty words; they require pacts.

This was, after all, a lesson learned from countless past noble blunders.

Though it was merely an ordinary sheepskin parchment—not even a magical contract.

But if someone later broke it, he could stand on the moral high ground to condemn the violator.

Then, the violator's reputation would be ruined.

And the consequence of a ruined reputation? The Parker family was the perfect example!

After swindling the iron mine and losing their reputation, no noble wanted to associate with him.

Had it not been for his military threat, he'd have had no friends left.

So nobles often guard their reputations fiercely.

After all, just like the martial world of his past life.

If you have a good reputation and great fame,

People everywhere welcome you with open arms, treat you to fine food and drink.

But if your reputation is ruined, everyone avoids you.

After signing the defensive alliance pact, Gervas officially joined the nobles' circle.

At once, Mil and the others beamed—they had achieved their goal.

"Lord Gervas, with your joining, I believe our southeastern border will only grow better!"

"My lords, does our alliance have a formal name yet?"

"Name? No, it doesn't!" Mil and the nobles shook their heads.

"If you've formed an alliance, how can you not have a name?" Gervas asked, surprised.

"How about this—I'll name it: the Border Alliance Society. What do you think?"

Naturally, no one objected.

Thus, the alliance—composed of eight minor nobles and led by Gervas—received its official name.

Gervas also accepted the gifts they brought without hesitation.

After seeing Gervas accept the gifts, the minor nobles prepared to take their leave.

"Leaving now? Do you have urgent business?" Gervas asked, puzzled.

The nobles had no urgent business—they had planned this from the start.

They had thought Stormhold was barren and didn't want to burden Gervas with expenses.

Of course, they hadn't known of Gervas's hidden resources before.

But since they'd already agreed, they'd stick to the plan.

After all, they'd glanced at the empty hall.

Lord Gervas's military strength was formidable—likely all his wealth had been poured into it.

Thus, the hall was as bare as if unadorned—not even a single decoration.

Of course, to the nobles, this was perfectly normal.

Otherwise, if Gervas had strong troops and lived lavishly, it would defy reason.

"Lord Gervas, we have no urgent business—only that our sudden visit was already an intrusion. Staying longer would be too impolite."

"My lords, that's not impolite! You've traveled far—how could you leave without even a meal?"

"Others would think I, Gervas, am stingy!"

"Besides, I'm now the leader of the Border Alliance Society!"

"So unless you find my castle's lunch too meager, stay—eat the banquet, no matter what!"

The nobles exchanged glances and could no longer refuse.

"Lord Gervas, then we won't be so formal!"