ps: Fix typos. ≧ I'm in a bit of a hurry today, so it's too late to separate.

From the chair behind the Viscount of the "Golden Thorn Bird" stood up a middle-aged man with a full heaven and slightly bulging temples. The gentleman's pale yellow head was still very rich, and if it weren't for Barrett's good eyes, there would not be a hint of whiteness mixed in them. The two long, well-proportioned eyebrows can be seen to be deliberately groomed, which makes the melancholy eyes with blue whites appear deep and gentle.

When he got up, he was quite tall, but slightly obese. And the high, broad shoulders made him look a little bent. With dark gray woolen clothes, it gives people the feeling of a standard wealthy businessman. Under the intersection, the first impression of the Viscount of "Golden Thorn Bird" is obviously not as profound as the one in front of him.

'How does it feel? Seems to be a high-charm bard or a warlock? Barrett was immediately wary of the new rebirth of Mr. Esmonk, the envoy of the Battle League.

On top of this big 6, it is not uncommon for warlocks who are determined to manipulate the ability of the mind. And they often choose to be attached to some large organizations, and while they are ordinary employees on the surface, they often carry out some shady things behind the scenes.

The bard is a professional envoy, and those who use this professional ability often serve as diplomats, coordinators, messengers, scouts, spies, and so on.

These guys, who use the magic of 'art' to persuade, manipulate and motivate others, often inadvertently influence the minds of others – they are more common at the negotiating table than warlocks, and they are often more threatening to others.

"A couple of young people. Imagine you don't know me. However, the reputation of the Esmungers is not very good. But the gentleman in the Boreham family must have heard of it more or less. After saying this, the middle-aged man opened his palm. In the palm of the hand is a small heraldic shield.

Bulls, wine glasses and violet vines are delicately matched on a red and yellow background. After a little identification, Barrett was basically sure that the other party should be a member of the Essinger family.

As for the situation of intentional impersonation by others, although it cannot be said that there is no zài, the possibility is still relatively small. After all, the temple of the Church of the Lord of Justice is only a few steps away from this town hall, and it would be a big problem if it was exposed.

Barrett, whose eyes were dripping, deliberately expressed some embarrassment: "What about this Mr. Esmunger? Are you now representing the Esmunger family? Or on behalf of the Battle League? ”

The Esmungers are a new family within the Republic of Tutkel. It belongs to the "tyrants" who use the east wind of intensive large workshops to obtain high returns after borrowing and investing.

However, in the Republic of Tutkel, one of the six largest commercial republics in the West. Such a new family will not only not be rejected by the old forces, but will be widely spread as a kind of deeds that dare to fight and dare to break through.

After successfully entering the local high society. This young family, which has only been on the rise for less than a hundred years, continues to run its own basic market. He also began to participate in the freight trade - a large number of children with a talent for negotiation began to join the Battellan League, which was very powerful in the Republic of Tutkel.

Some of them stand out from the competition with their talents and the support of their families. Gradually, he gained some important positions in the management organization of the Battle League.

Although no one has yet succeeded in entering the Battle Council, the Boreham family, who have close ties with the Battle Alliance, have a special archive for them.

It is precisely because Barrett is more or less aware of the family's style of doing things that he asks the kind just now—which is the organization behind the other party's appearance here, which will greatly affect the attitude of Barrett and others.

If it is the Battle Alliance, the Mr. Esmunger in front of him naturally has strong capital. But if it's just the Esmungers, Barrett probably could have said sorry in advance.

Mr. Esmunger put the badge back in his pocket and accentuated his tone: "I am now the representative of the Battle League. Appointed by the Council of Battle, he came to negotiate with Lord Christol, Viscount of the "Golden Thorn Bird", about Walter Harbor joining the Battle League. ”

The Battle League is an organization governed by the Battle Council, which is made up of representatives from all sides. They will meet regularly. It mainly includes the examination of applications submitted by organizations that do not attend the meeting; Discuss the establishment of committee offices in various locations of the University of Western China; protection of 6 land and sea roads; adjudicating currency exchange and weights and measures between different countries; handling of unsalable goods; Solve the financial lending problems of some relevant members; Hear complaints from businessmen affiliated with the organization about the treatment they have received.

And, of course, most importantly, to warn and exhort cities and organizations that do not abide by the covenant, as well as to the merchants under their names. It can be said that its influence in the West University 6 is even greater than that of the royal families of some weakened countries.

Claudia who heard this. Auditore's eyes immediately widened: "Port Volta wants to join the Battle League?" ”

"Lord Viscount! I'd like to ask. Is the noble council of the Kingdom of Ethasia unaware that Port Volta is going to join the Battelle League? Barrett himself was more concerned about the possible chain effects of this move of the "Golden Thorn Bird".

As an economic-political-military alliance, the impact of Port Walter's participation in Battle can be said to be very far-reaching. It's not just a matter of its own for a careful port city.

If Barrett's speculation is true, the political situation in the Kingdom of Etasia will probably be like a puddle of water dripping into boiling oil because of its impact, and it will definitely be a pot of porridge in a chaotic city in a short period of time.

At the same time, Repulse City, which is close to Walter Harbour, must also change its previous exchange policy as soon as possible. For this backward little brother, Repulse City, which is already a big brother in the Battle Alliance, is also intriguing in what role it played in the process of joining the alliance!

"This is an internal affair of our territory. Is it necessary to inform the muddy guys in Craigi? The Viscount of "Golden Thorn Bird" who said this was obviously quite dissatisfied with his feudal lord and the court nobles in the national capital.

"Indeed, this is your own right. But I don't think the Majesty who stayed in Craigie would think so. It is even possible that the Kingdom of Eetasia will become unstable because of this. Barrett paused slightly. Then he immediately accentuated his tone. "Then Viscount Christol, are you ready to deal with the king's rebuke? I think that in order to assert his authority, the Majesty of Craigie may even start a war because of it. ”

Although Barrett did not invest in his negotiation skills in this mission. But with the clever words of the manipulator, it still had a certain effect.

The Viscount of the "Golden Thorn Bird" in front of him frowned immediately after hearing this, and then slowed down his tone and said, "Our Kristol family is not afraid of war. And in a few months it will not be Port of Walter, but it will be back to its original name, Port Christol. ”

"Of course I know that you and your family are not afraid of war." After first appeasing the other party's feelings, Barrett immediately changed his voice, "But are you sure that you are really ready for war?" I'm not very clear about the military deployment within the Kingdom of Etacia, though. But at least I know. The vigilante force you have secretly assembled is no match for the regular army. ”

"Don't worry too much, the Council of Battle has already given me an answer in this regard." As he spoke, Viscount Viscount turned his gaze to Mr. Esmonk.

After the latter nodded as if to indicate that there was nothing wrong with it, Viscount "Golden Thorn Bird" continued: "As long as the accession agreement is signed, the Battle League will provide military protection to my territory. ”

"But even so, how much can the Battle Alliance help?" Speaking of this, Barrett turned his gaze to Mr. Esmunger, "My next words are not intended to offend the Battle League. But how much capital is the council prepared to invest in the port of Volta? And how long do you plan to recoup your investment? ”

Immediately before the two of them spoke, Barrett asked rhetorically: "At the same time, after receiving such a large amount of assistance, how sure can you guarantee your independence?" Are you sure that the end result will be better than the current situation? ”

The Battle League has always been known to be unprofitable. Although their arrival often means that there will be a lot of business opportunities to follow. But this can't be said to be a completely good thing - whether you can take advantage of such an opportunity to make a lot of money, or be swallowed by these capitals. It will be a test of the wisdom and capital of the coping person.

Barrett's words just now were not intended to drive a wedge between Viscount "Golden Thorn Bird" and the Battle Alliance. It's just that after the other party has scruples, he can postpone the pace of the same action. That way, Barrett and his party had enough time to get out of this trouble.

As if he had long expected Barrett's question, Viscount "Golden Thorn Bird" chuckled and said, "There are not a few lords in Etasia who are dissatisfied with the royal family. Even if our majesty wants to use force. He couldn't afford to get the local nobility to do so. Therefore, in the event of a war, the royal family will not be able to obtain reinforcements from other nobles. I'm afraid that a large part of my army needs to be stationed in the fortress to prevent other lords from taking advantage of the opportunity! I'm afraid there aren't many people who can really be sent to me. ”

Centralization and local partition were problems that all feudal countries had to face. From the perspective of the royal family, of course, they hope to establish a centralized state, which is conducive to their own rule.

However, in the eyes of the local aristocracy, this behavior was a blatant violation of the oath made by both sides at the time of the founding of the country. For the sake of their respective interests, the contradiction between the two is almost irreconcilable.

Of course, a wise monarch is often able to find a suitable balance between centralization and local rule. Cooperate with some means to reduce the resentment of the local lords, so as to ensure the political stability of the country.

However, judging from the words of the Viscount of the "Golden Thorn Bird", it seems that the Eetasia royal family has not done a good job in this regard. If it was really as he said, no one responded when the nobles (not overt treason) sent troops to attack. Then the royal family should really think about their own behavior over the years.

"That's why the other party will try his best to deprive the Viscount of your military power?" Barrett asked, not quite convinced.

"If you have to say it. The royal family's deprivation of our Kristol family's military power is the fuse of the contradictions between them and the local nobles. The expression on Viscount Golden's face was extremely complicated. If it weren't for the royal family's secrecy in the first place, it was good enough. Plus things happen suddenly. Otherwise. We, the Kristol family, are entirely capable of uniting other local nobles to organize the actions of the royal family. ”

Since the royal family can deprive a local lord of military power. Then it will naturally arouse the vigilance of the local lords. No one knows that a similar fate will not fall on their heads in the coming days.

Military, administrative, and financial independence were the most important powers of the local lords. At the same time, it is also the troika for them to ensure their own interests and maintain their rule. All of a sudden, you are given a three-way street, and no one can obediently accept such a change.

It is no wonder that the Viscount of the "Golden Thorn Bird" wants to break this shackle imposed by the royal family on their family. In fact, in this case, Viscount "Golden Thorn Bird" did not choose to defect to another country, but joined an organization like the Battle League. If the royal family wants to send troops, it can't take the name of righteousness at all. Perhaps this is the biggest advantage of the Viscount of "Golden Thorn Bird" at present!

The resolute look of Viscount "Golden Thorn Bird" and Mr. Esmunger looked full of confidence. All of you are reminded that their purpose cannot be influenced by the words of your people.

Barrett, who didn't have much hope for his previous actions, can now be said to be completely resigned to his fate. He immediately turned around and talked to his companions behind him, "Miss Auditore and Miss Bote. If the Battle League really asks for your assistance in an official letter. You have no right to refuse. ”

"In the form of an official document, I don't think I have one." Claymatis. Bot shook his head, and then turned his gaze to his friend: "But Claudia, she is now in a state of exile in disguise, let alone the official of Repulse City, even Auditore is not very binding on her." ”

"That's right, in my current situation. Unless I wanted to, their orders weren't coercive enough. "Claymatis. Bot nodded, then glanced at Barrett, "Now it's only your situation left, Captain." ”

"The Boreham family has a relatively high level of control over us side branches, though. However, the influence of the Battle Alliance on the family side is not as great as that of Rewaterwater. After all, the Bolham Collar and the Battle Alliance are still only a relatively balanced partnership, not an internal member. Barrett touched his chin as he said this, "If that counts." I'm not in a better position than Miss Auditore, but I'm much better off than Miss Bot. ”

The three of them looked at each other and immediately fell silent. Then it was Barrett who was the first to speak: "How? Do you leave quickly with the punishment of our character's background, or choose to accept the task at hand. However, I would like to warn you both of you that if the other party tells us what we are going to do, I am afraid that we will lose the ability to refuse at that time. ”

"Three, if the other party is willing to give benefits, what can't we do." Rieli licked her lips as she suddenly interjected, "And Claudia and Clematis, aren't you two entering the game just to enjoy the thrill of the experience?" What could be more exciting than being directly involved in a war. ”

"But what about the original plan?" Barrett still reminded.

After Rieli's words stopped, Claudia. Auditore also became a little eager to try: "If it drags on soon, I think it should be fine." After all, since those things haven't been seen for a long time, I think it should be okay to be a little later. ”

"If the clue you get is a confrontation mission, I think you'll definitely regret it when the time comes." Barrett really didn't know what expression to make except for a wry smile and shaking his head.

Claymatis. At this time, Bot actually sent Barrett a reassurance: "Even if the plan in that area fails, we will still pay the money." You don't have to worry about that. ”

"In that case, what else can I say!" Shrugging his shoulders, Barrett turned to face Viscount "Golden Thorn" again.

And the Viscount of the "Golden Thorn Bird" who saw this, naturally asked: "It seems that you have completed the negotiation, so what is the result?" ”

"I wonder what we passing adventurers can do for you! And what do you pay us? Barrett unpretentiously raised his own questions.

"To tell you the truth, if you're a little stronger, I might temporarily hire you as a high-end defense force for Port Volter." Viscount Twin touched his chin, "Of course, if that dwarf gentleman agrees to my employment, it would be fitting for you to be his assistant. But for now, I can only give you a contact mission. ”

"Liaison mission? You mean sending letters? Barrett was stunned for a moment, and then his expression became a little weird, "I think you should have enough people to do something like this!" ”

Viscount "Golden Thorn Bird" shook his head: "It's not just about sending a letter!" You'll also need to get a reply from the few lords I chose to contact. More importantly, how long do you think my plan will be hidden? Walter Harbor has already been infiltrated into a sieve by the bastards from the royal capital. ”

"Are you saying that if we go on that mission, we'll run into targeted attacks along the way?" Barrett's eyebrows contorted suddenly, and then he directly refused, "Mr. Viscount, can you give us another mission?" My teammates weren't very good at horseback riding, so it was clearly not a good task for us. ”

"Not good at horseback riding?" The Viscount of the "Golden Thorn Bird" stared at the players behind Barrett in surprise. Then he asked in disbelief: "You who came out to travel are not good at horseback riding?" ”

Barrett reluctantly spread his hands: "Most of us travel by boat along the way." They should be more suitable for carriages than me. ”

"In that case, do you have any experience with those ground rats?" "Golden Thorn Bird," Viscount asked with a frown.

"You mean let's go and clean up the thieves in the city? There's a good wanderer among my companions," Barrett raised an eyebrow, "and from what I've gotten, they're not a small number. Do you think it's possible to wipe them all out with our manpower? ”

"Golden Thorn Bird" Viscount waved his hand and said, "Don't worry! Someone will cooperate with you! I just hope you can be a dagger against them, and someone else will be responsible for the fishing nets outside. ”

"In that case, it would be too ignorant for us to refuse. We will take this task for the time being, Lord Viscount. Barrett knew that if he refused, he might be in trouble even if he got out of here today.

"Okay! Then please go down and wait for the news! As for the quest rewards, I think the 2ooo Gold Ticket should be able to satisfy you. The Viscount of the "Golden Thorn Bird" raised his hand to see off the guests.

But just as Barrett and his party were leaving, a voice came from inside the door: "The establishment of the trading station must be fast. This is the condition given by the parliament......"

'Build a trading station? "I don't know if the behavior of the Viscount of the Golden Thorn Bird is a conspiracy with the tiger! Barrett thought to himself as he left.

The trading station of the Battelle Business Alliance feels more like a concession, no! It is more like an embassy, and these trading posts are a combination of markets, merchants' residences and offices, arbitration offices, workshops, workshops, and storehouses, and are fortified and guarded day and night in case they are attacked. They were often surrounded by high walls, and at the same time leased or even purchased docks from local lords on long terms, or even outright, under their own control.

Of course, from another point of view, this kind of trading post is already a country within a country in the territory. For a strong lord, this is definitely one of the unacceptable bottom lines. However, in the "Golden Thorn Bird" Viscount does look like a price to pay. (To be continued!)

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