Chapter 364 - 240: Showing Goodwill (Part 2)

"If Viscount Keton weren’t still needed as the first line of defense against the Balenzuo Duchy, given Count Quentin’s petty nature, he probably would have made trouble for the Viscount long ago."

"And even now, within the Quentin Territory, Viscount Keton is only given the dirty, thankless jobs. Whenever there are benefits to be had, Viscount Keton’s Territory is always passed over."

Fang Zhen nodded slightly.

He was forming a preliminary impression of Viscount Keton, and from the sounds of it, the man was quite remarkable.

’He’s very capable, and his character sounds principled and upright.’

Fang Zhen didn’t think Viscount Keton was ignorant of the unspoken rules of aristocratic circles. Keton had to know that Count Quentin was mediocre and loved to be flattered.

’It’s just that Keton is a man of integrity, too proud to stoop to such things.’

’He’s a bit like some of the unyielding figures and scholars of true moral integrity from the history of Xia Country.’

Of course, Fang Zhen knew this was just speculation and couldn’t be used as a firm basis for judgment.

But to be capable, knowledgeable, upright, and decent to the common folk—all while being a noble—was a rare combination in this world.

Fang Zhen decided to pay more attention to Viscount Keton.

Fang Zhen had plenty of low and mid-level commanders in his army. But after some observation, he concluded that whether it was Finn or Tahar, they could manage a few hundred men, but their command ability didn’t extend to over a thousand. Their capabilities were limited.

Agatha was much the same. Besides, she was a woman and an Order Knight.

Fang Zhen had never led troops before, but from the looks of it, the Augustus Army was performing quite well under his command.

After all, his understanding of military theory surpassed that of most people of this era, including the military generals of the Zambein Kingdom, because he was standing on the shoulders of giants.

Fang Zhen had a complete set of methodologies and had no problem leading an army of several thousand. He only needed to guide the overall strategy, while specific matters were handled by Knights directly under his command who were familiar with the army, like Tahar and the others.

But he couldn’t stay in the Zambein Kingdom forever.

Fang Zhen lacked a truly capable general.

His attention was now on Viscount Keton, and he decided to observe him for a while longer.

If Keton had no other glaring weaknesses, and especially if his loyalty could be secured, Fang Zhen wouldn’t mind using a few methods to bring the man under his command.

At this point, Count Quentin and his vassals had finished dividing the spoils.

Fang Zhen also returned to the negotiating table.

Count Quentin still insisted on his previous distribution plan: he would personally take seventy percent of the benefits, with the remaining thirty percent divided among his men.

Viscount Keton, once again, was the one who received the smallest share.

Keton stood with his arms crossed, his expression betraying no emotion. He seemed unsurprised by the outcome, giving off the air of a detached observer.

"My Lord, this is our final proposal," Quentin said.

Fang Zhen nodded slightly. "Very well. My legal counsel will draft the documents with the specific details. In the very near future, I promise to provide you with silver bars worth more than three thousand Gold Ropes. Additional benefits will be available for redemption later."

Hearing this, Quentin, whose face was usually held in a deliberately stern expression, couldn’t help but break into a wide, joyous smile.

Quentin just didn’t know how much wealth Fang Zhen stood to gain from this deal.

If he ever found out, Count Quentin would likely be too jealous to sleep at night.

"But we have another important issue to address." Fang Zhen’s expression turned serious. "I believe Duke Balenzuo will provoke a new border conflict. He might invade Viscount Keton’s Territory."

"What?" Quentin was instantly alarmed, a look of terror on his face.

The other nobles couldn’t help but turn their gazes to Keton’s face.

Viscount Keton himself, however, remained relatively calm.

"It’s not surprising," Keton said, opening the eyes he had closed to rest as everyone looked at him. "Duke Balenzuo has always wanted to open a way into Count Quentin’s territory, and my domain is the key breakthrough point."

"And now, with the major change of Lords in the former Tarrenno Duchy, it’s impossible for Duke Balenzuo not to know. It will take some time for the news to reach him, but once it does, it’s highly likely he will lead an army here."

A mix of shock and anger washed over Count Quentin. He glared at Viscount Keton and demanded, "If you saw this coming, why didn’t you tell me?"

"And if I had told you, what good would it have done?" Viscount Keton retorted with a cold, slightly mocking sneer. "Were you planning to single-handedly stop the Duke Balenzuo Army?"

"You!" Quentin was choked by the retort and left speechless for a moment, glaring daggers at Keton.

Keton remained unmoved.

Fang Zhen watched the drama from the side, thoroughly enjoying the show.

’Viscount Keton and Count Quentin are really something,’ he thought. ’Their conflict is almost out in the open. It’s a classic case of a lord not acting like a lord and a vassal not acting like a vassal. The resentment that’s built up clearly didn’t happen overnight. Their relationship is incredibly tense.’

’If the rules of the game in the Zambein Kingdom didn’t forbid subordinates from assassinating their superiors—and if anyone who challenged those rules wasn’t targeted by all the other nobles—Viscount Keton would have probably gotten rid of Quentin by now.’

"Alright, that’s enough bickering." Fang Zhen stepped in to stop the conflict from escalating. "My army needs to prepare in advance to intercept the Duke Balenzuo Army’s invasion. I will need you to provide assistance."

"Well..." Upon hearing this, Quentin’s face soured. He began to complain, "My Lord, my army is already exhausted. We’re short on food and supplies. It would be... quite difficult to follow you to resist Duke Balenzuo’s army. Besides, my other military supplies are also insufficient..."

Before Count Quentin could finish, Fang Zhen raised a hand, signaling him to stop.

"I’m not planning to have your army join the battle. However, I need someone who is familiar with the terrain and the Balenzuo forces to coordinate with me. I also need guides and locals to provide me with intelligence."