Chapter 254: Why Don't I Even Know This Myself!

The group of minor nobles saw Gervas thinking and did not urge him.

After pondering for a moment, Gervas suddenly raised his head. "My lords, before making a decision, I wish to ask you: previously, Lord Pa Ke needed threats to join!"

"And I, why did you proactively propose this, and even give so many gifts? Do you not fear that I might be equally domineering when the time comes?"

"Uh..."

Mil and the others all had strange expressions on their faces.

"Viscount Gervas, if even you cannot be trusted, then I fear no noble is trustworthy!"

"Hmm? What does this mean?" Gervas's confusion grew even more intense.

After all, his interactions with these minor nobles did not seem very deep.

Why did it sound as if everyone highly approved of his character?

Seeing that Gervas still did not accept, Mil simply said: "Viscount Gervas, we all know that you and Viscount Pa Ke are different."

"The Pa Ke family's domineering nature is obvious to all, even tracing back to the iron ore dispute decades ago, um... which is the iron ore mine that is yours now!"

"Secondly, although Viscount Pa Ke's strength is among the strongest in the southeastern border region, he is somewhat shameless. For instance, when he encounters danger, he gathers all of us allied nobles to help resist!"

"But when we encounter danger later, he makes excuses and delays. For example, during the previous kingdom conscription, Baron Kane and I were assigned to the left-wing army!"

"Actually, we went to find Viscount Pa Ke at that time, asking him to smooth things over with Count Fario."

"Because his status is higher than ours, he could speak up with Count Fario!"

"But unexpectedly, that fellow directly made excuses, claiming he had not seen Count Fario."

"Of course, that fellow has done such things more than once, so Viscount Pa Ke is simply a selfish fellow!"

"And Lord Gervas, although we have only met a few times, previously Lord Gervas saved me during the kingdom war, and indirectly saved other nobles as well."

"Additionally, I do not know if Viscount Gervas still remembers the locust invasion. At that time, I instructed my steward to repurchase those chickens and ducks at a price at least three times higher!"

"In fact, I had originally planned that Lord Gervas would demand an even higher price! But I never expected that when my steward returned, you only charged double the price!"

"From this, I can see that Viscount Gervas is a noble of principle and high character!"

"And we, the group of nobles, precisely need a noble of such high character to lead us!"

"Beyond that, Viscount Gervas, you have defeated Viscount Pa Ke twice; you have principles and also possess formidable strength."

"Therefore, we have unanimously decided to request Lord Gervas to join us and become the leader of our alliance."

Good heavens! Gervas exclaimed, "Good heavens!"

He never expected that the arrow he shot several months ago would hit the bullseye today.

And in the minds of these nobles, he actually had such a good reputation!

Am I, Gervas, really so noble?

Why do I not even know this myself?!

Seeing the expectant and eager gazes of the group of minor nobles, Gervas finally made his decision.

That was to agree to the nobles' request and join the alliance.

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

Setting aside other matters, in the future, his magic electric fan and telescope would surely attract many envious eyes.

So, now it seems like the group of minor nobles are clinging to his thigh.

Perhaps later, he would have to rely on the sheer numbers of the crowd to bluff his way through.

Of course, taking ten thousand steps back, huddling together for warmth before growing strong is also very correct.

Immediately, Gervas and the group of nobles signed the alliance contract.

Nobles conduct business this way; they insist that empty words are no proof, so contracts are all required.

Of course, this was also summarized by countless predecessors of nobles after stepping into pitfalls.

Although it was just a piece of ordinary parchment, not even a magical contract.

But if someone truly breached the contract later, it would allow him to stand on the moral high ground to accuse the contract-breaker.

Then, the other party's reputation would be ruined.

And the consequence of a ruined reputation, the Pa Ke family is the best example!

Because previously, after swindling the iron ore mine and having their reputation ruined, the nobles all disliked playing with them.

If not for the intimidation of military threats, they probably would have had no friends long ago.

So, many times, nobles still very much cherish their own wings.

After all, just like the martial artists of the previous life.

If you have a good reputation, and your fame is very great.

Then wherever you go, people welcome you along the road, treating you to good food and drink.

But if your reputation is ruined, then everyone who sees you will avoid you from afar.

After signing the Gongshoutong Alliance contract, Gervas officially joined the nobles' small circle.

At that moment, Mil and the others were all beaming with joy, because their goal had been achieved.

"Viscount Gervas, with your joining, I believe our southeastern border region will get better and better!"

"My lords, then does this alliance have a formal name?"

"Name? No!" Mil and the other nobles shook their heads.

"Since an alliance has been established, how can there be no name?" Gervas asked in surprise.

"How about this, I will name it; from now on, we will call it the Border Alliance, how about that?"

The crowd naturally would not object.

Just like that, this alliance composed of eight minor nobles, with Gervas at its head, officially established its name.

And the gifts they brought, Gervas accepted without hesitation.

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

"Leaving now? Do you all have some urgent matter?" Gervas asked, surprised.

The nobles certainly had no urgent matter—they had agreed beforehand.

Back then, they thought the Stormhold was barren and didn't want to burden Gervas with expenses.

Of course, none of them had known Gervas possessed such depth of resources.

But since they had already agreed, they might as well stick to the plan.

After all, they had glanced at the empty parlor.

Lord Gervas's military strength was formidable; he must have poured all his wealth into it.

Thus, this parlor was practically unadorned, not even a single decorative item to be seen.

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

Otherwise, if Gervas had both strong military power and a lavish lifestyle, it would be utterly unreasonable.

"Lord Gervas, we have no urgent matter—only that our sudden visit has already been an imposition, so to remain longer would be a grave offense."

"Gentlemen, that is no offense. You have traveled far—how could you leave without even a single meal?"

"Others would think me stingy if you went away hungry!"

"Besides, I am now the leader of the Border Alliance!"

"So, as long as you don't find my castle's noon meal insufficient, stay—eat the banquet, no matter what!"

The nobles exchanged glances and could no longer refuse.

"Lord Gervas, then we shall not be so formal!"