306: Chapter 9, The Great Deceiver_2 306: Chapter 9, The Great Deceiver_2 Having the cover of a turtle shell is certainly an advantage when fighting.
Yet, when it comes to fleeing, these turtle-like magical beasts can’t outrun a strong human.
It’s not hard for a strongman to escape, but if he wants to take someone with him, that depends on luck.
If the enemy’s strongman intercepts, well, you’re totally out of luck.
In terms of speed, Belsden is in a class of his own.
Even the airborne Gryphon Cavalry can’t catch up to him.
Even if he were to carry several people, his speed would not be affected.
If there’s a chance to take someone with him, there’s no reason for not taking his father-in-law.
No one needs to say this out loud, everyone knows it in their hearts.
As for joining forces against the Dalton Family, that’s a matter for after the fight.
If the balance is not broken, everyone will be in peace.
If one side suffers heavy losses, then trading some benefits for a more relaxed developmental space, within the game rules, is also a matter of course.
Despite the obvious antagonism between the first and second families in the province, they are in fact both in-laws, and have intermarried multiple times.
Everything boils down to interests.
Within, they are competitors; outside, they become allies.
In the world of the nobility, everything comes down to feuds amongst relatives.
This applies to the top, middle and bottom-level members alike.
…
“Master, Miss Isabel is here.
This time she has brought a mysterious old man who seems quite difficult to handle.”
Hudson rolled his eyes at the steward’s subtle hints, realizing that clearing up the misunderstanding was futile.
If it weren’t for the fact that this old man’s ancestors had merged their interests with his family’s and that he had raised him from childhood, Hudson would have replaced him a long time ago.
The problem is there’s a talent shortage, and the younger generation is still under training.
They wouldn’t suit the very important role of steward until their temperament is completely smooth.
Hudson can only comfort himself: a steward needn’t be overly clever, what’s important is the highest level of loyalty and good management of house affairs.
“Bring them in!”
Hudson said indifferently.
The smile at the corner of his mouth already exposed his thinking.
The opportunity we’d been waiting for had come, not to be missed.
As he spoke, Hudson casually picked up the sleeping young bear cub, caressing its shrunken head and said: “Honoured Belsden, could you please confirm the strength of the visitors.”
He addressed Belsden with respect, however, the actual way Hudson treated Belsden was never respectful.
To deal with a mercurial bear eager for recognition, Hudson didn’t mind trading some flattery for some actual effort.
Belsden’s eyes flicked open, yawned and nonchalantly said, “Just those few strangers, no need to check; they’re all garbage!
Of course, if they were to deal with someone like you, they could probably kill you with one slap.”
Don’t get angry!
There’s no use getting angry at a bear.
Only because I disturbed his dream, he had to take revenge like this?
Even going as far as to insult the great Master Hudson with implications of being worse than garbage.
Vaguely, Hudson suddenly realized something was wrong.
Those sent over by the Mysterious organization to make a deal can’t be weak.
With just one slap, not even a silver knight could kill Hudson who could at least resist for a couple rounds.
This means the visitors were at least golden knights to start with, or perhaps even Earth Knights.
Referring to people like this as garbage, vaguely Hudson gained an initial concept of Belsden’s actual strength.
To understand further, Hudson pretended to be angry and asked: “Since they’re all garbage, can our Mr Belsden slap them all to death with one paw?”
The cub bear who had escaped from Hudson’s hand gave its paw a dismissive flap and said, “Except for that old guy who’s approaching, everyone else can be dealt with in just one slap.
But for that guy, it would take at most three claws.
Oh, at most five claws….”
Looking at Belsden being embarrassed, Hudson smiled slightly.
If they could be taken care of, then the problem wasn’t that big.
Hudson wasn’t concerned about how many claws exactly it would take.
This being the Mountain Domain, as long as his safety was guaranteed, no matter how powerful the visitors were, they would have to behave themselves.
…
“Beautiful Miss Isabel, it’s been a while and you seem to have lost weight.
Could it be that you’ve been having sleepless nights thinking of me?”
After teasing Isabel, Hudson didn’t give her the chance to respond and abruptly changed the subject, “May I know how to address you, sir?”
Such words that clearly didn’t match his character immediately disoriented both of them.
After coming back to her senses, Isabel glared at him fiercely but still consciously gave the opportunity to speak first to the old man.
“I am Kevin, greetings Viscount Hudson!”
Although his mouth was polite, his body was incredibly honest.
He sat in his seat without any intention to move, let alone offer a bow.
An instinct told Hudson that this man definitely held a high position.
No matter how much he tried to hide his identity, the aura emitted by his body could not be concealed.
“Mr.
Kevin, since you have come here in person.
We should certainly be able to get down to business.
Here is the list my friend asked for, you just need to meet the requirements mentioned on it.
Attached is a Magic Contract, in which the obligations of each are outlined.
Once the trade is completed, the matter ends, after that, it will be each to their own way.”
Hudson said, keeping his face expressionless.