Chapter 115: Ivan's Instruction

The upper house members of Marlinburg were mentally prepared for the possible demands of the Empire and had secretly discussed the price. Their greatest hope was simply to spend a large sum of money to settle the matter, since, over time, this money would gradually flow back into their pockets.

However, the conditions set by the Duke of Griffon caught them off guard. Could this even be considered a negotiation? If they agreed to these conditions, what difference would there be between Marlinburg and losing its autonomy?

They would all become servants of the Empire!

Nonetheless, Schultz was someone who could keep his composure. After looking at the treaty for a while, he laughed heartily, "Your Excellency Ferdinand, among the conditions you've proposed, we might only partially agree with the fourth and fully agree with the fifth."

It was certain that Marlinburg would bear all the military expenses of the Empire's army; this was the foundation of everything. As for the fifty thousand gold marks... although it was a bit much, considering the first three conditions, this was somewhat acceptable and negotiable.

"Is that so? Mr. Schultz, to me, our main conditions are the first three. As for the fifth, which you find acceptable, I think it shouldn't just be demands on you; we should also commit to doing some things. That would make for a fair contract," Ivan said with a smile. "If the first four conditions are truly met, we will, of course, fulfill the fifth."

"Moreover, this must be an open, fair, and just contract, subject to the supervision of all citizens of the Empire, not allowing anyone to engage in favoritism or sabotage."

Ryan watched the negotiation, thinking that it was doomed from the start.

The Duke of Griffon was not the main person responsible for the negotiation. The Emperor had sent a diplomat specifically for the talks, and most of the time, he just sat there, sipping tea and enjoying snacks.

But his mere presence was a significant deterrent. With him and his Griffon Knights present, the Empire's diplomat spoke boldly and forcefully, while Marlinburg's representatives seemed somewhat less imposing.

This is the status of a Sanctuary-level powerhouse.

Thus, the first day of negotiations lasted only two hours, with some consensus reached in certain areas. Both parties established a communication mechanism, preparing for future exchanges.

In simple terms, the negotiations broke down, ending on a sour note.

In the evening, the city hall hosted another banquet, where Marlinburg's nobility displayed stiff smiles, welcoming the arrival of the Griffon Knights.

The grand city hall was filled with various delicacies, including staples, meats, vegetables, beverages, fruits, etc., rich in variety and appealing in taste and aroma. Honey, jam, cream, cheese, butter, and other condiments were presented in exquisitely small boxes the size of matchboxes.

Beverages included coffee, tea, various juices, and milk. The main course consisted of various breads, accompanied by butter, cheese, and jam, along with sausages and ham.

Unquestionably, the Duke of Griffon was the star of the banquet.

His notable achievements in recent years undoubtedly included his campaign against the Red Horn Beastmen Tribe in the Dragon Forest.

Years ago, before the current Emperor, Carl-Franz-Frederick ascended the throne, the reigning Emperor was Leopold-Frederick, a ruler who merely maintained the status quo. In his final years, beset by illness, he was unable to effectively manage the Empire.

The famous First Battle of the Dragon Forest occurred during this time. The Elector of Brescia, "The Sleeper" Andrea-Bernardino, could no longer tolerate his lands being repeatedly raided by the Red Horn Beastmen Tribe. Deciding to lead a large army into the Dragon Forest, he aimed to annihilate the Beastmen Tribe completely.

However, like his nickname, "The Sleeper" Andrea was not adept at warfare but excelled in domestic affairs. Venturing into the Dragon Forest unprepared, his opponent was the cunning Beastmen Champion "Deceiver" Angul. This sly beast king managed to gather tens of thousands of Beastmen from dozens of clans. By luring the Elector's army deep into the forest and repeatedly attacking their supply lines, Angul decimated the Elector's forces within three weeks, leading to the Elector's death in battle and the complete collapse of his army. The sacred sword "Fire of the West" and the Elector's only legitimate daughter disappeared in this war, marking the end of the Bernardino family's direct lineage.

Currently, the Electorate of Brescia is temporarily led by Andrea's nephew, Giani-Bernardino, a mere child. Many are searching for Andrea's daughter, hoping to claim the strong claim to Brescia.

The Duke of Griffon, facing a crisis, led the Griffon Knights and the Empire's reinforcements in the Second Battle of the Dragon Forest. During the battle, Ivan capitalized on the Beastmen army's disarray and infighting after their initial victory, abandoning a few spoils of war to incite internal strife among the Beastmen clans, and then led the Empire's forces to utterly defeat the Beastmen army.

The Beast King "Deceiver" Angul was personally killed by Ivan. Although Angul was resurrected once due to Gork's blessing, the Duke of Griffon remained unphased, calmly drawing his Griffon True Silver Holy Sword again to decapitate Angul.

His formidable reputation was earned through battle.

Ivan always brought his son Anton and his foster son Ryan with him. He picked up a large steak and devoured it in a few bites, then turned to Ryan and commented, "The beef is a bit tough."

"I'll make you a grilled steak myself later," Ryan understood the underlying message from his foster father and swallowed a piece of pork, responding helplessly.

Ryan had a talent for cooking, and Ivan enjoyed his meat dishes. Hearing that Ryan would cook, Anton's eyes lit up, and Ryan found it amusing, "Alright, alright! You can join too, but you'll need to bring your own beef."

"Hahaha, you cheeky boy! Still the same as before." Ivan laughed heartily, patting Ryan on the head, who didn't dare retaliate, dodging around while Anton smiled silently.

The Duke of Griffon, his son, and Ryan huddled in a corner, enjoying their meal.

"Oh! Honorable Duke of Griffon, on behalf of His Highness Phoenix King Finubar, I extend sincere greetings to the Duke of Griffon!" High Elf Ambassador Tamarth-den-Caben appeared, showing rare respect, "I didn't expect you to lead the troops to Marlinburg this time."

"It's Ambassador Tamarth. I've received the greetings from the Phoenix King. May I ask what brings you here?" Ivan, seeing the pointy ears, did not show much enthusiasm.

"I wish to inquire whether the human Empire's Emperor intends to respect the status of Ithilmar in Marlinburg and the previous trade agreements?" the High Elf Ambassador asked his most pressing question.

"The rights of the High Elves will be protected, rest assured, Ambassador Tamarth," Ivan whispered.

"This is most reassuring. The friendship between High Elves and humans is long-standing, and we hope to continue this friendship," Tamarth, satisfied with the answer, nodded repeatedly and then left with his chin raised, holding a glass of red wine.

After the High Elf walked away, the Duke of Griffon disdainfully said, "The pointy ears are always like this, only concerned with their own interests. As long as their benefits are not touched, they couldn't care less about anything else."

"Yes, I bet if the Greenskins respected the trade agreements and their rule over Ithilmar, these pointy ears wouldn't mind if Greenskins became the masters of Marlinburg," Ryan said, raising his wine glass with a sly smile, "Unfortunately, Greenskins won't do that."

"Hahahaha!" The Duke of Griffon and his son laughed together.

After several rounds of drinks and a variety of dishes, Ivan signaled that it was time for them to leave. Marlinburg had arranged accommodations for the Duke of Griffon and his son on Amber Road.

Walking on the chilly streets, the lamplight cast their shadows, and cold winds blew through their clothes.

"So, Ryan, why did you turn to the Lady of the Lake?" Ivan eventually asked, with Anton looking curiously at Ryan.

Ryan began to recount his journey lightly, starting with the mission from the Church of Justice to hunt down the fallen hunter, Beltrame. Ivan listened attentively, nodding seriously from time to time, while Anton expressed amazement at Ryan's numerous dangerous encounters.

When Ivan heard about the divine command from Ulric for Ryan to eliminate a Doom Bull and especially when Ryan recounted the evolution of the Doom Bull into a four-armed Minotaur, Ivan couldn't help but interrupt, "The Lord of the White Wolf is still so demanding of his followers, almost sending them on a suicide mission. This isn't the first time."

Ryan just sighed and continued his story, omitting the part about the ancient sacred altar. When he mentioned the betrayal that led to the collapse of the city gates, leaving Myrmidia undefended, and how he had to duel the barbarian chieftain but was at a disadvantage, he was at his wit's end when the Lady of the Lake extended her hand to him.

"At that moment, I had only two choices: either hope for the unlikely help of the Lord of the White Wolf or accept the olive branch extended by the Lady. Ivan, Anton, you both understand, I had no other choice at that time," Ryan looked utterly helpless, "I couldn't think too much at that moment; my body was at its limit, and my stamina was nearly exhausted. I had to grasp at this lifeline."

Finally, Ryan shared his arrival in Marlinburg and the defeat of the fallen hunter, Beltrame. After hearing this, the Duke and his son fell silent, walking together for a long stretch in silence.

"The Lady of the Lake must have seen your potential. You're only twenty-five, defeating a four-armed Minotaur, killing a Champion of Chaos, then another Champion of Terror, destroying the Cult of the Beautiful, your future is limitless. The knightly virtues you've displayed throughout must have caught the Lady of the Lake's attention, hence she chose you as her Champion of the Grail," Ivan took a while before continuing, "Clearly, all this was the Lady of the Lake's plan. She seized the moment of your greatest peril to offer you a hand. In life-and-death situations, people will cling to any hope for survival, and since the Lady of the Lake is also an enemy of Chaos, your conversion isn't surprising."

"Yes, sometimes life is just so helpless," Ryan's tone was full of resignation, then he gently opened his tunic.

A golden Grail emblem shone brightly on his chest.

"Is that the Grail insignia! Has the Lady of the Lake acknowledged you as a Grail Knight?" Anton exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, if all goes well, I will head to Bretonnia to serve as a lord after the Festival of the Grail," Ryan shared his future with his foster father, then, with a hint of shame, added, "Ivan, I... I'm sorry, I failed your teachings, but I had no choice."

The Duke of Griffon looked at his foster son, then burst into laughter, slapping Ryan on the shoulder, "Ha! You sly boy, I know your calculations. The Lady of the Lake's high regard for you and your focus on practical benefits make your choice to convert understandable, especially considering the better prospects under her. You've passed my test, becoming a Grail Knight is a very honorable thing, certainly better than being a White Wolf Knight in Norsca."

Ryan breathed a sigh of relief, having passed his foster father's scrutiny.

The Duke of Griffon held the Knightly Virtues in high regard and had represented the Empire on visits to Bretonnia, forging deep friendships with many Grail Knights. He just disapproved of the knightly kingdom's serfdom system and the recklessness and arrogance of many young knights.

The Duke began his instruction, "But Ryan, you must understand, Bretonnia is not like the Empire. This kingdom has fallen into decline hundreds of years after its founding. Since the reign of King Taillefer, the subsequent kings, John I and John II, have been tyrants. It was under their rule that Bretonnian freeholders massively bankrupted into serfdom, and the nobility's once steadfast knightly spirit gradually faded, with their past efforts for justice and virtue now aimed at extracting more profits from serfs."

Ryan listened respectfully, with Anton also quietly absorbing his father's words.

Ivan continued, "After John II was overthrown by the Lake Witch and the dukes, the current King, 'The Lion' Richard, can only be considered a good person and a decent general. Under his rule, Bretonnia might maintain a stable governance, but the chances of regaining its prosperity are almost nil, especially since Richard is getting on in years and lacks ambition."

"If you become a noble in Bretonnia, you might face many challenges. Have you really thought this through? My foster son?"

"My foster father, perhaps we should see it from both sides. A kingdom in gradual decline and corruption certainly poses many challenges, but it also contains opportunities for renewal," Ryan spoke calmly, "When the flames of war spread throughout the kingdom, the immense crisis will also breed significant change and opportunities..."

"And that's what you want!" Ivan's eyes widened slightly, the Duke of Griffon's lips curled up, understanding Ryan's ambitions, "Such grand ambition, worthy of being my foster son, Ivan-Ferdinand!"

As they spoke, the Duke of Griffon reached for his Griffon True Silver Holy Sword at his waist. The large one-handed sword chimed pleasantly in the cold air, with the Griffon pattern and angel wings on the hilt glowing with a golden light, and the blade adorned with various runes, golden flames flickering along its edge.

"Draw your sword, Ryan!"

"Let me see if you have the capability to support your vast ambitions!" Holding the Griffon True Silver Holy Sword, Ivan's expression turned stern, his aura as a Sanctuary-level powerhouse fully unleashed, pushing the two young men back.

"If you can't withstand this sword strike, then take your ambitions with you to the grave!"

Ryan nodded, reaching behind for his Goddess of Vengeance. His eyes also ignited with a robust will to fight.

"As you wish, my foster father."

"I also want you to see, my growth."

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