King
Chapter 167 - 167 114 Foe or Friend in an Instant_1

167: Chapter 114, Foe or Friend in an Instant_1 167: Chapter 114, Foe or Friend in an Instant_1 No one knew where the news had leaked from, but the news of Baron Caryo’s return quickly spread among the noble circles of the two counties.

The time to test political wisdom has come.

How to position oneself without offence, neither humble nor haughty, and without alienating anyone, had become a problem facing the local nobles.

Just as everyone was grappling with this, a clever individual who did not wish to disclose their name suggested: we can deflect the tension.

This proposal immediately gained the support of the nobles who had previously suffered major losses in disputes with the Northland nobles, and quickly turned into a rally for revenge against them.

Although the number of local nobles involved in the discussion wasn’t large, everyone was one hundred percent in support of the final decision.

Whoever can lead us to overpower the Northland nobles and drive those irritating apparitions away, we will support them as our leader.

Undoubtedly, this was nearly an impossible mission.

Though the gap in strength between the two sides has narrowed considerably, the battle-hardened Northland nobles still hold a military advantage over all the local nobles.

Of course, this was only taking into account the power that everyone was putting on display, without considering the families supporting them from behind.

For many, the more grand and difficult the target is, the better it is if it cannot be achieved.

No one wants an extra ancestor controlling them.

It’s best for the two powerful forces to restrain each other and maintain a balance.

One family holding complete dominance will only encroach upon everyone’s interests.

Everyone knew that “Driving out the Northland nobles” was just a slogan, whoever takes it seriously will be the loser.

Regardless of strength disparities, what’s more important is the massive power game involving the kingdom, not something that pawns below can decide.

…

Bera City, the Governor’s Mansion.

After catching up, Earl Piers’s demeanor became serious.

“Caryo, you should have a rough understanding of the complex situation in the counties of Layton and Wharton.

So, where are you planning to start?”

The situation in the two counties is not just complex, it’s an utter mess.

In the small territories of the two counties, a group of cunning people has flocked, more than twenty of whom have caught Caryo’s attention.

And there are more than ten people who make him feel apprehensive.

These individuals are either out front, behind the scenes, or temporarily defeated in the competition, but without exception, all have an edge.

“Uncle, why should I take action?

The matter of my return from the capital can’t be kept a secret.

No matter what choice I make, it might be a trap set by others, just waiting for me to fall into it.

Instead of rushing to achieve something, it’s better to observe and learn first.

Seeing the past actions of the noble lords in the two counties has been quite an eye-opener for me.

Those guys from the North are one thing.

They come from the battlefield, so it’s normal for them to have some means.

But a few born among the local nobles, truly took me by surprise.

Knight Sosa, who planned to economically blockade the Northland nobles.

This man’s way of thinking is unusual.

His vision is not only limited to the battlefield, but also extends beyond it.

The most crucial thing is that he’s very good at keeping a low profile.

Despite doing such a big thing, he doesn’t even have the thought of showing his head.

Such a character born in a small noble family is indeed a miracle.

Knight Pirella, who hoarded supplies and made a fortune.

At first glance, he seems like a merchant, but his control over timing is impeccable.

Not only does he consider economic factors, but he has also taken into account political ones.

If it weren’t for his status, this man would probably do quite well in the capital.

Knight Adrian, who plays a mediocre hand deceptively well.

Making a fool out of the Northland nobles isn’t much, the key is that he is utterly shameless and is able to stop at the right moment.

A noble who can put aside his dignity, and knows when to advance or retreat, won’t have it too bad, no matter where he is.

Baron Ezekiel, the loser.

He organized the local nobles to confront the Northland nobles, and it ended in a crushing defeat.

Everyone thinks he lost, but I don’t think so.

From obscurity, he rapidly rose to become a renowned figure among the local nobles.

His fame is his greatest gain.

Moreover, being able to organize over twenty nobles with different interests under an absolutely disadvantageous situation, is itself an impressive achievement.

…

The most surprising is that Mountain Baron who seems like a child of destiny.

Not only does he possess an astonishing archery talent, but he also encountered the Earth Bear to recognize him as its master right when he left home.

He idled and watched the show on the battlefield, and his military exploits came naturally.

He chose a remote territory, which not only allowed him to luckily avoid the initial intense noble confrontations, but also made him a fortune in war.

The speed of development of his territory is beyond everyone’s expectation.

It seems that he didn’t do much, and bargains just keep coming his way.

Although his political performance is immature, that unbeatable luck of his is enough to cover all his deficiencies.

If possible, when encountering such an opponent, avoid confronting him directly before his luck runs out.

With so many outstanding people clashing against each other, I cannot guarantee that I can end the dispute according to my will if I rashly stir up trouble.”

Baron Caryo calmly analyzed.

It’s not that he’s playing dead, but there are just too many cunning people in the counties of Layton and Wharton.

As a latecomer, he has lost the advantage of striking first.

His noble origin is an advantage, but this advantage also comes at a cost.

If he messes it up too badly, those ambitious people are likely to join forces to kick him out first.

Although he can analyze it all now, after all, it’s nothing more than armchair strategizing based on the results achieved.