Imperial Crown

At noon the next day after Montreal reprimanded Gul'dan, Raven left the villa of the Silver Hand Brotherhood and returned to the camp.

When walking towards his camp, Raven found something wrong. The nobles coming and going all looked at him secretly and greeted him strangely.

What happened?

Puzzled, Raven returned to his tent and then understood why it all happened.

At this moment, Gul'dan was standing straight at the door of his tent, motionless.

He was as obedient as a guard dog.

Now Gul'dan could be said to understand Raven's situation yesterday.

He came here early in the morning and waited at the door for a long time, much longer than Raven waited yesterday.

For him, this humiliation was too strong. The heir of the Earl's family had to wait at the door of a baron!

He even suspected that Raven was deliberately taking revenge on him.

But Gul'dan guessed wrong about this. Raven didn't know he would come. If he knew, he would definitely not show up now, at least until the evening.

But since he was back, there was no reason to turn around and leave. Raven greeted him:

"Mr. Gul'dan, why are you here?"

Gul'dan turned around and knew that Raven was asking knowingly, but he still showed an impeccable aristocratic smile, as if a mask was welded on his face: "Baron Raven, my father ordered me to send an invitation, inviting you to the garrison to discuss some matters."

"The Governor actually invited me personally, this is really an honor for me." Raven also responded with an aristocratic exaggerated tone: "Then please lead the way, Mr. Gul'dan, I can't wait."

Both of them tacitly did not mention what happened yesterday, as if nothing had happened.

Gul'dan did not want to humiliate himself again, but Raven had other ideas.

Maybe using a little trick can disgust Gul'dan, but this will also cause dissatisfaction among the Fox family.

If you don't kill the snake, you will suffer from it. If you can't kill it with one blow and teach the Fox family a profound lesson, then there is no need to do small tricks.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Raven followed Gul'dan to the former government hall, which was now the temporary residence of the Fox family.

The rumors about the Fox family's arrogance and rudeness that had just blown up last night had also subsided a lot.

Raven did not stay for too long and left after about two hours.

For a while, the nobles speculated what Raven had discussed with the Count of Montreal.

However, the Fox family did not leak a word, and Raven did not return to the camp at all, leaving no one to ask.

The attention of the nobles was quickly diverted, because with the re-edited war report sent up, a meeting involving all nobles was held on May 5.

Discuss military merits and share the fruits of war.

All the participants sat at a long table made up of square tables, with hundreds of people and a table length of nearly 30 meters.

Fortunately, the scale of the Slater family castle meeting room was large enough, otherwise it would not be able to accommodate such a large table.

Everyone sat according to their rank, with the higher rank close to the main seat and the lower rank in the back row.

The only exception was Raven, who was only a baron, but because he had the first-class medal of bravery, he was ranked in the viscount team, and was only second to the several people who served as the commanders of the four temporary legions.

When the nobles were all seated and were about to start talking, Earl Tyrone and Earl Montreal came together.

Everyone stood up and saluted.

"You don't have to be polite." Tyrone looked around the audience and said: "Today I can sit here, all relying on the selfless help of all the gentlemen. Without you, Mon'en City would not be safe, and the turmoil that swept the Nord Province would not be so easily quelled."

After speaking, he paused and looked at Montreal: "Of course, this also requires the help of the Governor."

These two sentences set the tone for the entire meeting.

It is necessary to satisfy most of the nobles, and also to give part of the credit to the Fox family faction.

The nobles present put their hearts back in their stomachs.

After the speech, the verification and distribution of military merits began. Of course, the small ones were given first. Knight titles were given out one after another, and there were even more than a dozen baron titles.

The empire was very strict about granting titles, and it was rare for such a large number of titles to be given out.

However, many nobles lost their land or their entire families died in this war. The three counties around Mon'en City were swept away, leaving a large area of ​​fiefdom.

These fiefdoms could not be concentrated in the hands of a few people, because this was not in the interests of the empire and the two earl families. It was inevitable that they would be divided up piecemeal.

Most families expressed satisfaction. Although barons also had the right to grant knights, the territory was so large that if they gave a little to others, they would have less. This time, the fiefdom followed the title.

Each military merit was jointly finalized by Tyrone and Montreal. With the two of them as a guarantee, the effectiveness could be basically guaranteed.

As the military merits were implemented one by one, the atmosphere of the meeting became more and more lively. Even if someone was dissatisfied with their gains during the meeting, they did not dare to jump up and make trouble in such a harmonious atmosphere.

Time passed by little by little.

While verifying Viscount John's military achievements, Tyrone said: "Viscount John, you have earned another baron title for your family this time. It is really enviable that you have expanded your family."

All the nobles present cheered up.

This sentence is okay to say, but it is a real nonsense.

Now that the war achievements have been distributed, which family is not spreading its branches? There is something in Earl Tyrone's words.

Viscount John said modestly: "The children in the family are not living up to expectations. As the head of the family, of course I have to fight harder."

"That's a good thing to say!" Earl Tyrone sighed: "The situation in your family is pretty good. You only have one child, but I am different. Except for Minsk, I don't need to worry about it. I have to worry about the future of the other children." Think more, too.”

"Just like my youngest son Hyde, originally I just wanted him to be an idler who only knows how to eat, drink and have fun. The Slater family can afford to support him."

"But the kid was disobedient. Not only did he sneak away to the third legion to fight against the enemy, but after the battle outside the city ended, he also fought back and annihilated a fourth-level necromancer regardless of hardships!"

"So, I intend to fight for the title of Viscount for Hyde."

"It sounds like this is a bit selfish on the part of the parents, but if you don't do this, you would be sorry for his efforts." "Do you have any opinions?"

Of course the nobles have opinions - this is so shameless!

Went to the Third Army and wanted to go into battle to kill the enemy? Isn’t it just to gain military exploits? I haven’t gained much yet!

And this "annihilation of the fourth-level necromancers", with so many pairs of eyes watching, who doesn't know that Hyde is only at the first level. Even if he is a knight of light, the holy light is naturally capable of restraining the undead, but it will not exceed the third level. ah!

But there are opinions, but no one speaks up.

Whether the nobles present support Slater or Fox, they have already received their own merits. There is no need to offend Tyrone at this time.

He can say whatever he wants, as long as our credit is there, even if it is said that Hyde commanded the bone dragon to spray the bone spire, he still pinches his nose and admits it!

However, the Earl of Montreal suddenly spoke:

"We all understand that Earl Tyrone loves his son so much, but if you do this, I'm afraid it will chill the hearts of the nobles who are fighting bravely for the province of Nord."

This sentence was like a silencing magic, making the originally lively venue quiet down.

Some people would like to say "not chilling", but the Slater family cannot be offended, and the Fox family cannot be offended either!

Tyrone did not expect that Montreal would attack at this time, but he was not panicked. He asked instead: "Does the Governor have other candidates? Don't worry, since I have recommended Hyde, I will have no objection to whoever you recommend."

Montreal smiled and said lightly:

"I recommend it, Lord Raven."

This sentence immediately triggered a burst of discussion. For a moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Raven, with surprise and surprise in their eyes.

It turns out that this was what Raven and Montreal were discussing yesterday!

This move also exceeded Earl Tyrone's expectations. He originally thought that the Fox family had paid a price, and wanted Raven to give up his achievements and hand them over to their relatives in exchange for more benefits.

Therefore, Tyrone never verified Raven's military exploits, just wanting to wait for Montreal to mention it himself.

Unexpectedly, Montreal would support Raven!

This is not the way of the Fox family.

Tyrone seemed to see Thomas' figure appear behind Montreal.

His eyes fell on Raven: "Baron Raven, what do you mean?"

His fifth-level strength, his status as an earl, and his seemingly casual but intrusive tone are enough to make most people tremble.

However, Raven withstood the pressure. He stood up and said: "Earl Tyrone, although he has a close personal relationship with Mr. Hyde, it is also for the Nord Province and the Cairns Empire. I feel that I have fulfilled my duty."

"I hope to become a viscount!"

Doing so was tantamount to breaking up with the Slater family, but Raven didn't want to retreat, and he wouldn't retreat.

Benefits will not come to you for nothing, they need to be fought for!

If he doesn't have this kind of mentality and awareness, then why should the Fox family support him just because he is handsome?

Talon looked at Raven. This was the first time he had observed the baron so carefully.

He is tall and straight, but not too tall, showing a handsome posture; his young face has clear lines like a marble sculpture, and the short beard under his chin makes up for the childishness of his appearance, and his eyes are even more expressive. The determination to never retreat.

Raven was also observing Tai Lung. This Earl was tall and tall, but his slender face gave people the impression of being thin. Although he was beardless, it did not make people feel sinister. Instead, he had a high-spirited and majestic aura.

Their eyes met, and neither of them gave an inch.

It was Tai Lung who thought this was disrespectful and took the lead to look away: "I am also aware of Baron Raven's military exploits. They are indeed very impressive."

"However, Baron Raven's spirit is commendable, but as far as I know, he only has more than thirty people under his command."

Montreal slapped the table: "Count Tyrone is right, it is doubtful that such a small number of people can achieve so much."

"However, this battle merit was reported by the Fourth Legion itself. It must have been publicly discussed. If Baron Raven's battle merit is fraudulent, then the Fourth Legion..."

Montreal didn't finish his sentence, but his words were profound.

"This is indeed an oversight on my part." Viscount John suddenly spoke and gave an assist: "I am already old, insensitive to numbers, and unable to do what I do when counting. If you, Count Tyrone, have doubts, then I can lead The Fourth Corps re-checked the numbers.”

"After all, no one else can produce so many emblems in the hands of Baron Raven!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Earl Tyrone's face suddenly darkened, and the entire Fourth Army began to waver.

They all know that the numbers of military exploits are only blown up. If it is re-examined and Raven's military exploits are devalued, they are not as good as Raven's, and the military exploits that have already fallen into their pockets will shrink even more!

A noble from the Fourth Legion stood up: "Baron Raven has more than twenty emblems of the Order of the Hand of Death in his hands. His military exploits cannot be fake!"

"What's more, Baron Raven has also won the first-class Medal of Valor. If he is cheating, doesn't that mean that our coalition forces are also cheating?"

"If you want me to say, re-checking is okay, then the four temporary legions will be re-checked together!"

Raven looked at the noble and smiled kindly.

This man's name is Hamp, a baron who was once saved by Raven on the battlefield, and now he has returned his favor.

With the foreshadowing of Montreal and Viscount John, Hamp's words immediately pulled all four temporary legions into the water.

This can involve two-thirds of the nobles present!

No one wanted their achievements to be diminished, and no one wanted to check again. For a moment, the entire conference room was filled with voices supporting the authenticity of Raven's achievements.

And there are already calls for a re-examination of Hyde's military exploits.

When the situation got to this point, even someone as powerful as Earl Tyrone had to compromise.

The Slater family's ability to confront Fox depends not only on the army, but also on popularity. If this quarrel continues, even if Hyde's military exploits can be forcibly determined, it will not be worth the loss.

"Everyone, listen to me."

"I didn't doubt Baron Raven's intentions. I just said the wrong thing for a moment. I would like to apologize to Baron Raven."

With that said, Talon began to bow to Raven.

Raven's pupils shrank, and he quickly stepped away from his position, moving away from the direction facing Count Tyrone.

He is here to get benefits, not to mess with the Slater family.

If he really accepted this bow, even if Earl Tyrone didn't want to, everyone in the Slater family would fight him to the death!

At the same time, Raven also had to sigh with emotion at how cunning and cunning Tai Lung was, and he stabilized the situation with just such a light move.

"Earl Tyrone, your words are too serious." Raven returned the courtesy: "The fact that you are so cautious about my military exploits further illustrates your serious and responsible attitude."

Every move of these two people blinded everyone else present.

Is this a reconciliation? Tyrone really wants to give up the title of Viscount to Raven?

It's not impossible.

After all, although Raven's military exploits are watery, they are not watery in comparison, and the first-class medal of bravery is real.

If anyone could be promoted to Viscount, Raven would be the most reasonable one.

"It's a bit late today. Let's take a rest first." Tai Lung looked around the audience and said, "Don't worry about the battle achievements. What has been decided will definitely not be changed."

"As for the follow-up arrangements, we will continue tomorrow."

The nobles present could see that the place was about to be cleared to talk privately and negotiate terms.

Since their military achievements cannot be touched, no matter how much they talk about it, it has nothing to do with them, so no one has any objections and all leave.

Soon, only Raven and the two earls were left in the Nuoda venue.

"It's getting late, how about we enjoy dinner together?" Tai Lung suggested.

"Okay, I miss the food in Meng City very much." Montreal said.

"Thank you for your kindness." Raven agreed with a smile.

The dining location is not in the restaurant, but in Count Tyrone's reception room.

The Earl's family has a rich heritage, and the meals are unique and exquisite. The first appetizer is a dessert made from the eggs of the second-level magic beast "Hippogryph", called "Amber Hibiscus". It is crystal clear, has excellent elasticity, and is extremely rich in the mouth. The smell of egg.

By the way, the Slater family originally had a hundred-man air force, the main force of which were hippogryphs. However, in the early stages of the war, they were all wiped out at the hands of Gregory.

The food was exquisite, but the attention of the three people present was not on the food.

Tai Lung observed Raven and raised his eyebrows when he saw his elegant posture: "There is a hero like Baron Raven in Meng'en City. As the city lord, I don't know anything about it. I am really ignorant."

This is obviously a hint that the Slater family has conducted a comprehensive investigation on Raven, which does not surprise Raven: "I was young at that time, I didn't know the importance of things, and I didn't know right from wrong, which made the earl laugh."

"It's good to be young." Montreal said: "Young, energetic, and dare to fight, otherwise you won't become a baron or a candidate for viscount."

At this point, the topic has entered the main topic. Tai Long put a piece of pudding into his mouth: "This dish is called 'Amber Hibiscus'. It is actually a pudding. It is only made from the eggs of second-level magic beasts. Such a fancy name.”

"On the other hand, if it's just an ordinary pudding, no matter how fancy the name is, it doesn't make sense."

This is a hint that if Raven insists on fighting for it, even if he obtains the title of viscount, he will not be able to obtain substantial benefits.

"But if it's called 'Amber Hibiscus', even if it's just an ordinary pudding, it can be sold at a higher price." Raven said, "In this way, the store can save some money until the eggs of the horned eagle are purchased and it lives up to the name."

Raven was saying that he wanted to get the title of Viscount first, and then he could slowly strive for specific benefits.

"Yeah, that makes sense." Tyrone nodded, and suddenly pushed the plate in front of him to Montreal: "Count Montreal, you seem to like this dish very much, why don't I give it to you?"

Montreal thought Tyrone was starting to give in, and smiled and said, "Okay."

Count Tyrone said, "Then in exchange, the next main course will be mine."

The meaning couldn't be clearer. Tyrone could give up the Viscount, but the price was to fight with the Fox family and take away Montreal's title of Governor.

Montreal pushed the plate back to Tyrone: "Forget it, I can't eat without the main course, but..."

His eyes fell on Raven: "This appetizer has been served to others, you can't let me snatch it away, right?"

Montreal said that he didn't have to let Raven be the viscount, but the words were out. If Raven didn't benefit at all, where would he put his face?

"Since the dish is served, just eat it with peace of mind." Tyrone said: "Just think of it as a pudding."

The benefits of the viscount can be given to you, but don't think about the title.

Montreal can accept this result.

But Raven did something that was unexpected by the two at this time.

He suddenly took off the first-class bravery medal on his chest and put it on the table: "It's really not easy to live in Mon'en City. A medal can only be exchanged for an appetizer."

Raven was not satisfied.

Tyrone looked at Raven deeply, his eyes fell on the medal.

If it was just a small baron, Raven would not be worthy of making conditions with him, but the problem lies in this medal.

As the only medal issued in the entire war, it concerns the reputation of the Slater family. If Raven makes a fuss about it, it will be a huge blow to the reputation of the Slater family.

This will not be a good thing for Raven, but it is nothing compared to the loss of the Slater family.

Tyrone looked at Raven. He admired the ambition and courage of this baron more and more. He asked meaningfully: "I wonder what else Baron Raven would like to eat?"

"What to eat is not important, what is important is where to eat." Raven smiled and offered a condition: "I grew up in the Lower Town and have a lot of feelings for it."

"If I can settle down in the Lower Town and eat a pudding like this, it would be great!"

"Maybe, the pudding you eat at that time will all be made from the ingredients I provided?"

Tyrone's pupils suddenly contracted: "Baron Raven, aren't you afraid of getting an upset stomach?"

Raven seemed to have seen nothing: "Don't worry, I came from the Lower Town, so I have a good stomach."

Tyrone: "..."

The atmosphere was silent for a while.

Until someone came up, removed the plates in front of everyone, and served the next dish. Just as Raven was about to use his knife and fork, he heard Tyrone say, "Since Baron Raven wants, take the plates back to the lower city."

Raven smiled and stood up: "Thank you, Earl Tyrone."

First, he saluted the two earls, then walked out of the door with the plates, and found a trash can outside the door to dump the things in.

Then his conversation with Earl Tyrone was not about the title, he wanted something else - the title of President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Lower City of Mon'en City!

Although it is called the Lower City, it only occupies two districts of the port area and the old city among the five districts of Mon'en City, but the actual area exceeds half of Mon'en City, and the population has reached two-thirds of Mon'en City.

This is also where most of the low- and medium-end industries in the entire Mon'en City gather.

As the economic center of the entire Nord Province, whoever holds the position of President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Lower City of Mon'en City will also hold the commercial lifeline of most of the Nord Province.

Walking out of the castle with a smile, Eric, who was waiting at the door, immediately came up to him: "Baron, are you okay?"

"It's not like we're going to slay a dragon, what can happen? The earls are still very civilized." Raven said.

Seeing that Raven was in a good mood, Eric carefully asked: "Then... what did you gain?"

"You'll know tomorrow!"

The next day, not only Eric, but all the nobles knew what Raven had gained.

The title of Viscount was still given to Hyde, but Raven had the power to choose the fiefdom first.

Raven did not hesitate and hammered the wooden nail with his name on it into a piece of land on the map -

an entire Viscount territory.

The largest Viscount territory!

The area of ​​a Viscount territory is at least five times that of a Baron territory, and the one Raven chose is more than a thousand square kilometers!

This made everyone look envious.

You know, the territory is the real confidence of a noble. Between false name and reality, most nobles will choose reality.

From then on, the Griffith family was only one title away from becoming a viscount!

In fact, the size of their territory was larger than that of most viscounts!

The Slater family was efficient enough. They selected the fiefdom during the day, and someone delivered the deed documents at night.

As soon as the messenger left, another person came.

This time, it was Viscount John.

Compared to his previous haggard appearance, Viscount John looked much more energetic, and his whole body was radiant with vitality from the inside out.

"Congratulations Baron Raven, the Griffith family has really started to take off in your hands!"

Raven said modestly: "Don't praise me. If it weren't for your help, I think it wouldn't be so easy to get this territory."

Viscount John was invited to take a seat, and Raven poured him Angel's Tears.

Strangely, after Viscount John sat down, he began to feel a little cramped, talking a lot, but there was no point.

"Viscount John, what exactly did you come to see me about today?" Raven asked, "You can't just come to congratulate me, right?"

"This..." Viscount John was a little embarrassed: "I came here this time to make a request."

Raven smiled and said, "If you have something to say, just say it. If you hadn't set me free before, I wouldn't have gotten so many military merits."

"Do you have a distant relative who wants to be placed under my command?"

It's okay to be stingy with just a baronial territory, but with a viscount territory, it's imperative to enfeoff knights, otherwise you can't manage it yourself.

It's not uncommon for nobles to ask the viscount for a knight territory as a favor.

But Viscount John's own Xuefeng territory is only slightly larger than Raven's newly acquired territory, so he shouldn't have such troubles.

"Not really." Viscount John pursed his lips: "Baron Raven, I've said this, even if you don't agree, don't drive me out."

Raven became more curious: "You tell me, as long as our ancestral tomb is not dug up, I shouldn't be so angry."

"Then I'll tell you." Viscount John swallowed his saliva:

"I want to exchange territory with you..."

...