Chapter 88 – Negotiation
Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales
Within Sordar City, as Chen Heng's banquet unfolded, the city became incredibly lively.
Many Knights walked into the Sordar City under the invitation of Count Nardo, partic.i.p.ating in this banquet.
It went without saying that this banquet attracted much attention.
At the banquet, Chen Heng sat in the main seat and looked downwards.
Around him, there were many different-looking people; there were ten or so in total.
They were all northern rulers, and they were the most prestigious group of people in the north.
These people essentially formed the majority of the northern side's strength.
Ordinarily, these people would remain in their own territories, and they would almost never all gather together.
However, under Chen Heng's invitation, they had all come here to partic.i.p.ate in this banquet.
This demonstrated just how great Chen Heng's strength and reputation were.
"Count Nardo, are you preparing to send out your army to fight for Her Majesty?"
Below, an elder could not help but ask as he looked at Chen Heng.
After his voice sounded out, apart from Krudo and the others who knew about this, everyone else glanced at Chen Heng.
Sensing everyone's gazes, Chen Heng smiled as he said, "Indeed. In the end, Her Majesty is our Queen, and since she has given the order, we should obey. I'm sure that it's not just me but that everyone present has received news from Her Majesty?" Chen Heng scanned his gaze across everyone as he smiled and asked.
Hearing his words, the others' expressions did not change.
Just like Chen Heng, they had naturally also received word from Olivia's messengers.
However, their reactions were all the same: They all ignored Olivia's commands and chose to sit by and watch.
In the Kutu Princ.i.p.ality, the northern rulers were quite an independent group. Not only were they ostracised by the other n.o.bles, but they also naturally formed their own circle.
They never really cared about Olivia, and they did not even trust that she could manage to survive this crisis.
However, they had never thought that despite choosing to ignore Olivia's command, Chen Heng would gather them because of this.
Could it be that he really wanted to follow Olivia's orders and fight with the rebel army?
How would this benefit him?
"I don't want to lie to everyone."
Sitting at the main seat, Chen Heng smiled before saying, "I have already decided to send 5,000 soldiers to support Queen Olivia.
"I gathered everyone because I hope that you will also send your forces with me."
Hearing these words, everyone else looked at each other.
Not only was Chen Heng sending his own army, but he also wanted to drag them down with him…
What
If it wasn't for the fact that sitting in front of them was Chen Heng, the strongest person in the northern side, they might have directly left.
"Count Nardo…" after a brief moment of silence, someone finally spoke up.
"Supporting Her Majesty is indeed good."
He frowned as he looked at Chen Heng, "But we need to protect our territories, so…"
"Defending our territories is important, but given the current situation, taking out some soldiers temporarily will not change much," Chen Heng said calmly, "Moreover, for us, supporting Her Majesty has its benefits."
"Benefits?"
The people below were surprised, "What benefits are there?"
"Territory, slaves, fortune…" Chen Heng said, "As long as we can defeat the rebel army, we can take all of those things from them.
"I am sure Her Majesty will not be stingy either and will generously give the traitors' territory to us, making it so that we do not suffer any losses."
Territory, slaves, fortune…
Hearing this, everyone came to a realization.
So this was what Chen Heng was thinking of.
He did not truly want to support Olivia; rather, he wanted the traitors' territory.
After realizing this, they inwardly let out sighs of relief.
Chen Heng's wife was Olivia's little sister, so his relations.h.i.+p with the royal family was very close.
They were afraid that Chen Heng was moving out because of this and even wanted to rope them in as well.
With Chen Heng's position in the northern side, if he asked the other rulers to move out with him, it would be difficult for them to refuse.
Of course, they could choose to refuse now, but who knew if Chen Heng would take revenge in the future.
In the past, there had been rulers who had opposed Chen Heng.
However, those people all had pitiful endings, and the rulers of those territories were changed to people close to Chen Heng.
Living in the northern side, everyone present was clear about Chen Heng's power.
As such, they were able to let out sighs of relief.
If Chen Heng was not acting out of emotion, that would be for the best.
"The traitors' territory?"
Thinking of what Chen Heng had said, the northern rulers felt immense desire.
Living in the north, there was not anyone who did not want territory in the south.
Compared to the north, the southern side was peaceful, had a good climate, and a large population. It was a much more prosperous area.
If they could obtain territory in the southern side, that would be very tempting.
Thinking to there, flames of desire burned in their hearts, and their hearts began to become shaken.
It was just that at that moment, someone raised a question.
"If it's just fighting with the rebel army, there is naturally no problem," that person frowned as he continued, "But what about the logistics along the way?"
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Indeed…
Hearing this, everyone came to their senses.
If there were sufficient rewards, fighting with the rebel army would not be a big deal.
After all, the northern rulers were used to fighting all the time.
It was just that logistics were a big issue.
People had to eat, and if there were not many people, it would be fine. However, for an army of thousands, or ten thousand people, just feeding them all would be a great logistical problem.
Moreover, the rebel army was very far away from the northern side.
Given such a long journey, if they had to provide their own resources, it was not very realistic.
When that time came, they might use up much of their foundation before having fought for long.
Fortunately, this was not a big problem.
"What are you so afraid for?"
Someone else gave a cold laugh, "Worst comes to worst, we can just pillage. After all, we're helping Her Majesty fight; who would complain if we took some food and crops?"
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