King
Chapter 154 - 154 110 Double Standards_1

154: Chapter 110, Double Standards_1 154: Chapter 110, Double Standards_1 Gathering troops from the three nearby smaller lords, a troop of five hundred set out from the Mountain Domain, heading straight for Dardiel City.

From the sight of a surging killing intent, one could tell that they were not there for trade, but more like causing trouble.

No choice, the matter at hand was bound to provoke hostility.

If they didn’t bring enough protection, they could easily be ambushed.

As they journeyed and converged, by the time the troops reached Dardiel City, the total number had already broken through the two thousand mark.

All the native nobles on the way had gathered.

Though they weren’t particularly strong or robust, they did demonstrate strength in numbers.

To talk of defeating Baron West was laughable, but a show of force was indeed happening.

Thanks to Hudson’s efforts, the military strength of the native nobles in the two counties had experienced a surge in a short period of time.

Although it was uncertain how much their combat power had increased, the number of troops definitely had.

If previous conflicts were to occur again, at the very least they could inflict greater casualties on the nobles of the North.

Right now was the agricultural off-season, except for the busy domain people under the lord who was working on de-weeding, everyone else had some downtime.

Selecting the fittest serfs, arming them with the best weaponry, executing an armed march to bolster courage, and inspiring the morale of the native nobles was also one of the main objectives of this action.

“Welcome, esteemed guests from afar, my lord has prepared a banquet.

Please follow me to your table.

Attendants, please follow the guidance of the soldiers to the southern camp.

Dinner is served there too, please enjoy.”

From the old man’s trembling brows, it was clear that although he knew that many people would be coming this time, he apparently hadn’t expected so many native nobles to accompany them.

Wasn’t it said that the southern aristocracy focused more on appearances?

Even if they were going to cause trouble, they should at least keep it bottled up, why are they not playing by the rules this time?

No time to think, at the moment of stopping at the city gate, a few more teams rushed from behind as if they had set the time in advance.

Without a doubt, everyone brought a big group of people, as if bringing fewer would make them appear less presentable.

Upon repeating the previous words, before he could get everyone to leave, one team after another arrived.

There’s no doubt now, the old man was sure, these native nobles had agreed on a time to arrive together.

As much as he knew, they were invited to participate in the event, and he couldn’t possibly refuse them at the door, could he?

Being a commercial center requires immense inclusivity.

If guests are turned away without reason, it would damage one’s reputation.

The scattered nobles, greeting each other, ignored the old man’s words, treating him as if he was thin air.

The old man was fuming, but his rationality kept him calm.

“Where is your Baron West?

We have come from afar, shouldn’t he, as the host, come out to meet us?”

The atmosphere was shattered by Hudson’s voice.

To be frank, Hudson had always deemed petty provocations as beneath him.

But, everyone has no control in this world.

Although the native nobles at the scene seemed to hide behind laughter, if they were to oppose Baron West face-to-face, not many of them would dare to.

The fact that Hudson effortlessly became the leader of the group made it clear where everyone stood.

Following along, cheering, in favorable circumstances it wasn’t a problem to support each other.

To ask them to confront Baron West head-on was too much to ask.

Even if they had pride in their hearts, it had been mostly eradicated in the previous conflicts.

One could say that the intimidation by the Northern aristocracy had been quite successful.

The current disturbance was actually a facade, at the same time bolstering their own courage.

“Baron Hudson, you are as impetuous as always!

Just because I was a bit late didn’t mean I was disrespectful.

The guests today were numerous, I genuinely got caught up, that’s why I was late, I hope everyone can forgive me.

Now, I invite our esteemed guests to join me in taking our seats!”

Baron West threw in some harsh words, making the situation increasingly awkward.

One could see that this Baron West was not one to swallow an insult.

Even in his own court, he hadn’t given much face to his “guests”.

All the native nobles paused, waiting for Hudson’s reaction, almost as if they were preparing to advance or withdraw together.

“I knew Baron West would be generous, he wouldn’t disrespect us over such minor details.

Since Baron West is prepared, we should not be courteous, go with the host!”

In the midst of speaking, a massive team suddenly appeared in the sky.

A myriad of Orcs appeared, instantly attracting everyone’s attention.

Fortunately, this was the Southeastern Province, if this happened in the Northland, everyone would’ve assumed it was the Orc Army attacking the city.

“Baron West, am I not late?

To support your event, I brought only the finest slaves, hoping to sell them for a good price on your esteemed land.”

The words of Baron Katelai instantly set off everyone’s laughter.

Seeing Ratmen, Pigg, Goblins…

and other such rubbish slaves, he daringly claimed them to be “the finest”.

Because he sells slaves, this unremarkable baron had recently “risen to fame” among the native nobles.

However, it was not a positive fame, but rather he was labeled as “the most foolish slave trader”.

As much as they despised him, it didn’t stop them from enjoying the show.