Chapter 189 A little thing about the return trip
The death of Marquis Asters Zieg caused chaos in the front-line army, but Feinberg was unable to seize this last opportunity to fight back desperately, so he still lost. When the news of the capture of the city of Nahir broke, the nobles of Feinberg were busy asking if their relatives had been captured, whether they could be replaced, and in what position it would be better to surrender. As for the country, it was neither people's nor king's, but a number of nobles united to form an alliance to rule. There was no cohesion in the first place, and it is not surprising that it fell apart.
However, not all of them failed to grasp the chaos on the front lines. As soon as Feige heard of the death of the Marquis, he immediately decided to set off and quickly retreated with Andrew to a safe place. Although he had agreed with the Grand Duke that Andrew would stay on the front line as an observer, who would care about him now? Even if the Grand Duke stood in front of Fei Qi to stop him, Fei Qi would not say anything to him, at most give him a middle finger to show respect, and then go or go.
However, Andrew didn't know why he suddenly became kind, and said to Feige: "These people want to go back with me, their home is gone, and the bishop's delegation is going to go with me, and follow me back to the lighthouse." β
A full 200-strong civilian army would be a burden on the march, but nothing could be done from a military point of view. Feige refused at first, but on second thought, such an action might still be beneficial. "Andrew, they're going to slow down, it's not a good idea. Unless ......"
"Unless what?"
"Unless you can settle your case with the bishop, you have three goals in entering the city of Nahir this time: to save the temple that may be looted by the butcher Lauder, to protect the innocent faithful, and to help the bishop's mission evacuate the affected people. With these three reasons, it will not be easy for the cardinal to punish you, at least not a serious punishment. β
"I'm here purely for ......"
"I know, to get me a pardon. Feiqi waved his hand: "But you also have to think about it, does the pardon order require you to enter the city of Nehir? You entered this city because of the duty of the paladin, so there is nothing wrong with what I said? You just do what I say, and only in this way can you give these retreating civilians a status to seek refuge in the church, otherwise what reason do you use to take them through the area where the Arian army is stationed, and then return to the lighthouse territory? What if others say that you are abducting people and looting materials? So, for their sake, you have to settle your arguments with the Bishop. β
"How can you do that...... Okay, I'll go now. Let these people take action, you can organize, they will be more convinced of your record. β
"I'll organize? That's fine, you don't care. Feige shook his hand vigorously and sent the paladin to "talk to the bishop", stood on a high place, and coughed vigorously: "Listen, listen! We're about to leave Nehir and head to the safe Beacon Territory." I'm afraid you won't be able to come back anytime soon, at least it's too dangerous until the situation here ceases completely. So, think about your own life. β
Just when everyone's faces were embarrassed, Feige pointed outside: "There was a cavalry team before, they robbed your city, they came here with the most valuable booty, and then they were wiped out by the giants! I don't know who owns it, but I do know that it belongs to you citizens of Nahir. My request is that you have fifteen minutes to hurry up and get your things back and gather them together for the expenses you need to start your life in the Lighthouse. Remember, don't keep it private, give it to someone you can all trust. If you can't get through the difficulties together, you are very likely to betray and betray you in the future, so everyone keeps your eyes open and supervises each other, you are a collective ......"
Feige didn't know exactly what he was talking about, only that he wanted to give these people a hope, and a viable path to hope. In addition, he had already seen the gold coins, jewels, and all kinds of valuable things scattered on the ground by the Hofss horses, but he was unable to pick them up himself because of his status as a priest. As a professional engineer who cracks other people's games and programs all day long, it is a regular routine to fight monsters and pick up treasures, and it is definitely more acceptable to let "teammates" pick it up than "not to pick it up".
Twenty minutes later, the team departed, and the "refugees" spontaneously chose their leader. It was a middle-aged woman with a dirty face and an equally dirty little boy. Feige could tell by the fire of his soul that the boy was dressed as a woman, and by Hawkeye, he wanted to know that she was also pretty, but it was understandable that he would change his appearance in such a chaotic situation. Just now, two people wanted to pick up the treasure on the ground and run away, but they were immediately subdued by everyone, tied up, gagged, and taken away together. Well, the execution is quite high, so it won't take too much effort to manage. Fitch planned for Andrew for a while, and when the team left, he was back in his hands-off state, resting and pondering spells.
Earth Elemental Binding is a powerful control spell that will work well on all kinds of ground creatures, and is in line with Feige's long-standing spell philosophy of "controlling the opponent first, protecting yourself first, and killing last". Therefore, the foundation of this spell is good, and the details still need to be polished, especially in terms of mana cost. In this battle, if it weren't for the fact that the Pit Divine Sword suddenly helped Fei Qi recover part of his state, if it wasn't for the fact that he happened to be fighting in front of the temple, then Fei Qi would no longer be able to attack after casting the Earth Elemental Bondage.
"Luck is a big part of it, but it's also important to play my on-the-spot creation spells!"
A good magician needs this optimism in order to stay in shape and progress through the tough, constant mental exercises.
The two-hundred-strong team continued to advance in the direction of the Lighthouse Lord, and with Feige's ultra-long range and global vision, they were able to avoid Aria's army in advance, especially those led by the Grand Duke himself. Because the Marquis had been assassinated, the Grand Duke set out for Nahir in advance to stabilize the situation, and he was confident that there would be no obstacles along the way, so he walked quickly and hurriedly. The high-speed march stretched the line very long, leaving enough room to hide and dodge. It should be said that Grand Duke Aria III should be glad that Feiqi and they were just bent on leaving, and did not think of hitting them in an ambush or something.
There was a reason why Archduke Aria III was so anxious, and the identity of the Assassin was quickly discovered, and he had been working by the Marquis's side for five years! During these five years, he had been conscientious, and had always been able to complete the tasks of the herald and the daily chores well, and there had never been a problem. No one could have imagined that such a man would be an Assassin! Five years of ambush and his own life were just for that sudden blow? What kind of guy must be a guy who can command such an Assassin?
From the Assassins, they found a hidden tattoo that had been around for a long time, and was the crest of a small family of Feinberg. The family that owns this badge has long since been destroyed in the war between the two countries, and no one knows if its members survived. So, fundamentally speaking, this must indeed be regarded as the revenge of the Feinbergs, but without the help of "someone" on Aria's side, he would not have been able to get the opportunity to hide his name and endure revenge. There was no need for other evidence, the Grand Duke had already decided that Count Hall had done this, but what could he do? With Marquis Asters Zieg beside him, there was such an assassin who had been in ambush for five years, so what about himself?
There is no need to answer this question at all, the key is "who"! Grand Duke Aria looked at everyone around him, no one looked like anybody, and therefore everyone was like. He also knew that such suspicion would do no good, but he couldn't restrain this emotion from slowly fermenting. Not everyone has a pet, let alone sign a devil's contract at any time to temporarily store some of their emotions on the pet. After all, it is an absolute luxury to keep humanity alive forever.
The sane man was lucky enough to return to the lighthouse collar, and it was time to separate. "Trust your family, don't trust the king", Archduke Aria III taught Andrew a good lesson, and when he returned to the Lighthouse Territory, he immediately announced the opening of the borders, allowing the residents of Feinberg to enter the Model Territory and accept asylum here - it was not Feige's idea.
For ordinary peasants and artisans, there was not much difference between Feinberg, Aria and the Patriarchy, but the rulers were different. At this stage, the most in need of "asylum" are actually the nobles, who are worried about the reckoning of the Grand Duke of Aria. Moreover, the outcome of the war is decided, and the victor must reward his men, so where will the reward come from? Feinberg's old aristocratic domains, castles, and assets are good targets.
This process is likely to be accompanied by another round of bloodshed, and the only certainty is that there will be various tragedies. Therefore, before the tragedy happens, it is better to leave with your belongings while you are still able to move. If it was Feige, he would have preferred to get the peasants and artisans than these speculative aristocrats. However, the Lighthouse Territory is not his territory, and Andrew just didn't maximize the gains, and he didn't lose anything, so Feige didn't care.
He also has Minas Ihir-related matters to deal with, such as meeting with the long-stranded owners of the Chamber of Commerce, calming their emotions, and then seeing what happens to the previous contract. Originally, it was all Eddie's business, but Feige was right in front of him, and he must be embarrassed to drag Eddie from so far away. Now that you've encountered it, let's deal with it.
Most of them were reasonable and satisfied that the Territory's Chief Advisor had personally arrived at the Lighthouse Territory to deal with and resolve the blockade. In their conversation, Feige knew that the men had already sold a lot of goods while the Duchy of Aria army was passing by, and that they might be able to make some more money when the army returned with the booty. At the same time, Feinberg changed owners, and there were many business opportunities, especially when it was sold to the model leaders who were just starting out.
However, there are also people who are very awkward and insist that Minas Ihir "compensate" him for his losses, and Feige finally encounters such one. He was going to go to Minas Ishil with the money to buy dry rations for the potato march, most likely to be sold to both sides of the front line at once. The quick end of the battle made him unhappy, so he took advantage of Feige's presence to run over and complain.
"You definitely don't want to sign a new contract with me, then you will lose a lot. Feige's attitude was particularly sincere, although the chubby guy sitting next to him did not quite understand: "If you are accommodating, exclude the effects of the war from the terms of reparations, and we continue to follow the original contract, then the result will be beneficial to both of us." β
"That's not the way I define what is favorable, Your Excellency Chief Advisor. The chubby merchant fiddled with the turquoise ring on his finger and said in a kind tone: "The original delivery date was two weeks ago, and although I was able to get on my way today, it was still delayed for at least half a month." My payment is also borrowed, and this part of the interest is a loss for me. My lord, I also have to support my family!"
"The delay caused by the war is a pity for all, and I understand your feelings, but Minas Ihir is unlikely to compensate you for the loss of interest. Feige thought for a moment and asked, "Did you bring any goods to Minas Ihir?"
"It doesn't matter if I bring the goods or not, the important thing is that you did delay the delivery. The merchant took a piece of paper and said, "Look, this is Lord Didrite's announcement, apologizing to the merchants who were blocked from the lighthouse and promising that efforts are being made to resolve the matter. β
"So what?" Feige sat up straight, his eyebrows gathered in the middle.
"This shows that Minas Ihir is the responsibility of the delay. β
Feige rubbed his temples and thought to himself why he wanted to see this person, what a waste of his life. "Well, since the two of us have too different opinions, let's do it. I am writing you a letter to prove that you have indeed suffered losses as a result of the blockade caused by the war, and you can use this letter to seek compensation from both sides of the war. I can assure you that you will meet Archduke Aria III, who has never refused my envoy. β
"You're perfunctory!"
"No, please listen to me. Feiqi's brows furrowed again: "You and I both know that it is impossible to get the Grand Duke to pay this money, no, it won't." As long as the Grand Duke confirms that this matter has indeed caused you to suffer losses, then you come back with what he has signed and confirmed, and Minas Ishil will compensate you for the loss of interest for two weeks. Of course, you will have to provide proof of the loan and interest, as well as proof that the loan was actually used for the purchase of goods. At the same time, from now on, every minute you use will be regarded as your delay in receiving the goods, and the interest will be deducted downward. It's just a pity that you didn't pay a deposit for this batch of goods, that is, there is no deposit to deduct, in fact, if you don't show up again, we can't ask you to collect money, which is a bit of a pity......"
"My lord, it is completely difficult for you to do this, no one can ask the Grand Duke to sign it so quickly. β
"Yes, I know very well, no one can do it!" Feiqi nodded vigorously: "When the blockade happened, I tried to run to lift the blockade, at least now the trade route has been reopened ahead of schedule." I believe that if you work hard, you can do these things ahead of time. And don't forget, the deduction will always be calculated, and you will have to pay it someday. β
"Is this how Minas Ihir treats the Cooperative Chamber of Commerce, with such an aggressive, forceful attitude?"
Feige didn't talk nonsense, asked Xia Ni for a pen and paper, and quickly wrote out a "certificate and contract", signed his name on it, and then handed it to the merchant: "Sign it, and then take it." I've never been worried about fulfillment. β
"That's the only one, you're so arrogant, Chief Advisor. The merchant signed it angrily, then grabbed it and left. Feiqi grabbed his right hand in the air, and a copy of the contract (in fact, the original) appeared out of thin air, which made the merchant stunned for a moment.
He was pushed out of the room by Bennie, feeling dizzy and busy opening the contract text in his hand to check it. "Although this thing is of no use, I will never enter the place of Minas Ihir again, what can you do? As long as I show this thing to the other merchants, Minas Ihir's reputation will be over, and you will not have to redeem it obediently when the time comes?"
When the merchant looked at the contract, he did not pay attention to the road ahead. When he accidentally bumped into someone else's shoulder, he blurted out angrily: "Who, standing in my way, don't have a long eye...... I'm sorry, Marquise!"
The woman standing in front of the merchant was one of the refugees, and everyone trusted her to give them all the belongings they had collected to their mother and daughter. After coming to the lighthouse, the treasure cannot be eaten directly, and must be sold and exchanged for food and production tools.
"MestrΓ³, you're connected to Minas Ishir, oh, I now know why you have elven ornaments. The woman put her finger to her lips: "Please don't reveal my identity, when the war is over, you can come to my house in Feinberg, and I will reward you." β
"Of course, of course the Marquise, I didn't see any. The merchant was about to raise his hand to wipe his sweat, but found that he was not holding a handkerchief, but the contract. The sharp-eyed woman immediately saw the name Feige Hall, and the Archduke Aria III in the contract was highlighted in bold letters. She looked at the front and back, there were only the two of them in the hallway, and there was no one in the room to let them in, so she held out her hand, "Can you show me?"
"Of course, no problem. β
The woman looked at it and sighed vigorously: "I don't know what you think, but I know that if you really appear in front of the Grand Duke of Aria with this contract, you will definitely be beheaded." Feige Hall's problems with the Aria family are no secret...... Oh, I see, you're playing with something else. Well...... For the sake of the beautiful ornaments you have provided me with for many years, I remind you: this man definitely has the ability to fulfill the contract. β
"Really, madam, please don't scare me. β
"You know who I am, I never do that. The best thing to do is for him to take back the contract, and you can settle it quickly. Where, besides Minas Ihir, where else can you find elven objects? Aria is about to become a kingdom, and there are not many good places to do business. β
"Yes, ma'am, you are always kind. I can give you this contract, can you say a few nice words for me? I'll wait here. The merchant blinked, "I can provide you with other conveniences, I can always help." β
"Okay, leave it to me. She took the contract from Maistru, then walked to the door at the end of the hallway, knocking lightly on it.
"Please come in. While Feige was scratching her head, the woman entered. Feige had recognized her before, and immediately began to wonder what she was coming for. Wait, isn't this a bad habit of contract demons?Fei Qi patted his head, then pointed to the chair in front of him, "Uh...... You may be seated. β
"Thank you, my lord, for defeating the giant and saving us. The woman said, "I'm sorry, I didn't pray with all my heart at that time, but from the time the butcher came after me, I hid near the gate and secretly saw and heard something." I know you're Fege Hall. To prove that I have no ill will, I will tell you that I am the Marquise Caitlyn Famas, the only wife of the Marquis of Soran Famas. My husband was one of the triumvirate in the inner circle of Feinberg's aristocratic council and had great influence in Feinberg. I think our family should be on the wanted warrant of Archduke Aria III by now. β
"I'm still on his list......" Feige rolled his eyes, and with a flick of his finger, the chair flew behind the Marquise, just in time for her to sit down. "Well, Marquise, I now understand why people are willing to leave things to you for safekeeping, and why not let anyone escape from the ranks. Before I get into that, I'd like to ask you clearly: Did Andrew intentionally or unintentionally take you away from the city of Nehir?"
"Unintentionally. I didn't reveal his identity, he was just kind like all paladins. β
"If so, then I will say, Marquise, you took advantage of his kindness. Feige tapped his finger lightly on the table, and then said, "I understand the method you chose to escape, but I must also point out that taking a character like you out of Nehil City is much riskier than bringing ordinary people." It's better not to repeat something like this, so I'm curious, what are you doing with that contract?"
As a contract demon, Feige can recognize his contract just by looking at it from a distance, and he doesn't need to take it over and look at it carefully.
"That's right. Max used to have some friendship with me, so I asked for this contract to take a look. Mr. Feige, there is something wrong with this contract, can I point it out to you?"
"Did you really decide to discuss this?" Feige shook his head, "Please don't waste my time." β
"Mr. Feige, it's no waste of time. From this contract, it can be seen that those merchants are only interested in taking advantage of them, and they do not take into account the prestige of your territory at all. The Marquise said, "If it were in my house, it would be impossible for such a merchant to walk away from the gate!, Mr. Feich, you need someone more prestigious to manage the merchants, or you will waste too much unnecessary time and cost on them." β
"Well, I thought you were talking to that guy......" Feige licked his lips and shook his head, "I didn't expect you to come to find yourself a job." β
"Mr. Feige, Feinberg may have failed, but the nobles will still be nobles. The Famas's enormous influence will only weaken, but it will not disappear. We hope to enter Minas Ihir and choose a stronger asylum. The Lighthouse Leader is good, but it's close to Ariasia, and it's the one who made way for the army, leading to the defeat of Feinberg, and we're not at ease here. β
"As I said before, sheltering you is risky. β
"There will also be revenue. The Marquise said, "Mr. Feige, there is a saying that the nobles who have been captured in the war have been redeemed, and they should be rewarded accordingly by accepting asylum. In view of your deep personal vendetta with Archduke Aria III, Mr. Feige, we consider you to be a safe asyor. Generally speaking, this kind of thing is to collect 20% of the property of the sheltered noble, what do you think?"
Twenty percent? That's a good deal. Feiqi thought for a moment and said, "In principle, it's okay, but I still have to report to Lord Didlet. Since she is an elf, this matter can have its ups and downs. So I have to put some restrictions on top of the general rules. β
"Speak. β
"Those who come in should not leave Minas Ihir for five years, and those who come in should not leave the model collar for ten years. I don't want you to start a conflict with Aria. You can be honest, farming, running a shop, learning magic, being a priest and a knight, so that everything can be safe. Don't bargain for this, it's a prerequisite for asylum. "Beyond that," said Feiqi, "you must be able to support yourselves, and I don't like nobles who sit on empty seats." You'd better bring your former peasants and artisans with you, and each nobleman should have at least five adult commoners, the more the better. There will be a lot of elves coming to Minas Ihir, and I need humans to go too, understand?"
"There is no problem with the first one, I have to think about how to achieve the latter, but in principle there is no problem, we also need servants. The Marquise said, "If it is possible, shall we go at once?"
Feiqi squinted at her, then shook his head: "I said, I have to report to Lord Didrite first, and arrange your living area." You're definitely going to be staying here for a while, and you can get in touch with someone to take north. β
"You're so cautious. The Marquise smiled slightly, and then said, "Since we are going to stay for a while, can we sell the treasures, Lord Feige?" β
"You don't need to ask me, just handle it yourself. Oh, the money is from the city of Nahir, don't include me and Andrew in the name of the spoils of war, we're not there for the war, especially be careful. β
"Got it, I'll get everyone's attention. And the other thing is this contract?"
"Does it have anything to do with you?" Feige waved his hand: "Whether it is the Lighthouse Leader or Minas Ihir, there is no noble union and council, only obey the lord, take care of your own affairs, and don't represent others casually, unless you are willing to share the responsibility." I'm a reasonable person and hate talking nonsense, especially with intermediaries and not parties. β
"Lord Feige, I'm not an intermediary, please don't get me wrong. The Marquise immediately put away the deed and never spoke of it again.