Marshal Loren was promoted, not just in rank, but also in knighthood.

The title of Baron Frederick, which he inherited from his mother, was promoted to the rank of count by King Louis, but there was no fief.

It's not that the king isn't generous enough, it's just that Marshal Loren has half dwarven blood in him, and while the king trusts the marshal's loyalty, giving a half-blood fief can easily cause some unnecessary ripples in the next generation.

What's more, the Silver Dwarves already have their own large ancestral lands in the Kingdom of Sealand.

Although Marshal Loren hated his irresponsible dwarven father, as the grandson of the Silver Dwarf Grand Duke, he had a much richer "hereditary domain" in the mountains near Silver Fort than the average human county.

And once he married His Highness Livrosa Silverheart, the granddaughter of the current High Lord of the Silver Dwarves and his cousin, His Highness Livrosa Silverheart, he would have eleven peaks in the vast region from Bourbon to Anjou as his domain.

Its size is already comparable to that of the whole of Translasia, and if it had been more than a hundred years ago, it would have been a principality.

Therefore, the marshal did not need these external things at all.

It's just this marriage.

How to put it, it's not so easy to knot.

Although his cousin was only three years younger than him, and was 68 years old this year, Miss Livrosa was clearly still a minor in terms of the long life of a dwarf.

Marshal Loren really can't do that.

He grew up in human society, and although he also received the traditional education of dwarves, certain human morals constrained him to resist this marriage that he didn't actually hate.

Another reason is that although Marshal Loren has accepted his bloodline and relied on his glorious resume to be regarded as the pride of the Silver Dwarven clan from a deviant "evil seed", he does not have a good relationship with his grandfather, who is the supreme lord of Silver Castle.

When he was young, the marshal always felt that his grandfather was responsible for his mother's eventual tragic death, and it was he who exiled his father, who had no responsibility, that allowed his poor mother to die alone in sincere thoughts.

As he grew older, especially after following King Louis to fight in the north and south and occupy a high position, the marshal gradually understood his grandfather's hardships back then.

He knew that many of the decisions made by those in power were not made by personal will.

But the dwarves are all stubborn and stubborn, and it is not so easy to get him to really bow his head. And at the same time that the marshal was unhappy, this bad mood seemed to have crossed time and space, and was transmitted to another unlucky person who was trying to climb up.

"What?"

In the office of the Vulture Corridor, Murphy, who was planning with Maxim how to open the liquidation of the many gnolls and bandits in the land of Translasia, raised his head and looked in amazement at the scarlet archon who had come to report in person.

He said to the panting Miriam:

"Again, who's going to talk to me remotely?"

"Loren' Field Marshal Frederick of Steelheart, commander of the Pioneer Corps, commander of the Eastern Front of the Plantagenet Kingdom, was a general the last time we heard of him. ”

Miriam was also confused.

But she understood the importance of this matter, so she said in a serious tone:

"Major Fraser, who pioneered the fortress, has just sent an urgent message to the communication band of my Arithmetic Orb, explaining that Marshal Loren is going to speak to the lord of the Translancia region.

It is said that it was to discuss the defense of the Black Plague, and to send some soldiers from the Plantagenet Kingdom to southern Transylasia to help form a defensive line. ”

"Is that the half-dwarven butcher who ordered the destruction of Cadman City?"

Maxim asked with a strong emotion:

"Did the bastard come out to provoke?"

"That's an act of war! Although I also reserve my attitude towards this matter, I must emphasize that the nature of this matter is very serious, and it is directly related to the authority and rule of the lord. ”

Miriam pulled out a chair and sat at the table covered with the map, explaining to her lord and colleagues:

"Before I came, I spoke at length with Professor Malcolm, and he decided that it was not enough for Lord Murphy to be given the title of 'Governor-General' appointed by the Queen of the Kingdom of Nordtoff! In the current circumstances, the governor of Translancia must be recognized by the Plantagenet Kingdom in order to establish the neutrality of Translasia between the two countries.

And the two governorship appointments are enough for Lord Murphy to gain an indisputable and strong claim in the Transnesia region! No one can legally argue with Lord Murphy's dominion over the land.

This is important for the future development of our territory.

It is only with sufficient legitimacy and claims that the decrees and laws you make will be able to stand up and be obeyed by the inhabitants of the other two countries, and to put it more seriously, it may be a matter of 'national character'. ”

Miriam said a lot, picked up the water glass and took a sip, and then said to Murphy in a tactful tone:

"So our suggestion is that although the other party has demolished your hometown, we also hope that the lord can restrain the anger and emotions in his heart and complete the remote meeting with Marshal Loren tomorrow. The opposing psionist will be responsible for setting up a special psionic communication duct, and our psionist only needs to cooperate with the spell. ”

Miriam himself felt that Murphy must have emotions for Marshal Loren, after all, Cadman City was destroyed by the order of the other party.

But in reality, Murphy had no special affection for a city that had not welcomed him.

As for the destruction of Cadman City, although it is humanitarianly mournful, and there is also a concern for the innocent dead Murphy, the attitude towards Marshal Loren is not only hatred, but even a little guilty.

After all, the Orbs of Arithmetic that he had stolen from the Smuggler's Woodland were the "personal property" of the marshal.

Doesn't this mean that the bitter master takes the initiative to talk to the robbers? And with the current importance of the Orb in the Scarlet Keep system, Marshal Loren is basically Murphy's "angel investor" when rounded up.

How embarrassing it would be if the other party came up and asked where his orb was.

But I think that with the position of Marshal Loren, he should not talk about such a disgraceful thing in a formal "diplomatic occasion", right?

Murphy's mind was in a hurry, and he coughed a few times and said:

"I don't have a problem, just about the conversation itself, it shouldn't be so easy to get the Plantagenet Kingdom to commit to the existence of the Governorship, the Plantagenet Kingdom is not Nordutov. The country's ongoing reforms made it like a hungry wolf, ambitious enough and hungry enough to eat Transancia.

If it weren't for the impending black disaster, I don't think peace between the two sides would have lasted for a few years.

So, do you and your adjutant have any advice for me at the political level? ”

"Yes!"

Miriam pulled out a manuscript and handed it to Murphy, explaining:

This is Professor Malcolm's advice and his understanding and description of the Plantagenet Kingdom at all levels, which he thinks will give you a clearer picture of the country and its institutions.

As for strategies for tomorrow's conversations, the professor advises you not to dwell on the details.

Marshal Loren was a very military man, and he probably preferred a straight confrontation, even if it was a verbal one.

According to Major Fraser, Marshal Loren has been appointed by King Louis as the commander of the Eastern Front of the Kingdom and the Plague, so he is fully qualified to determine whether you can be appointed governor of Transencia and provide him with a political advice.

According to some gossip circulating in the Plantagenet Kingdom, Marshal Loren was King Louis's most trusted member of the military, so his attitude can basically be equated with King Louis's attitude on this matter. ”

Maxim didn't understand the meaning of Miriam's words, but Murphy did.

He raised his eyebrows and asked rhetorically with a straight face:

"So, my Scarlet Archon gave me advice to try to please the marshal of the enemy nation?"

"Hmm."

Miriam nodded seriously and said:

"It's a strategy that works, and from my experience with history and administration, it's often very effective."

"It's not going to work!"

The faithful Maxim immediately vetoed:

"How can the lord please the enemy? If this is known by the people, it will definitely cause unnecessary waves, and our people currently hate the Plantagenet Kingdom, especially the Pioneer Legion. Miriam!

When making suggestions, take into account the attitudes of our own people, and not always think of yourself as someone outside the land.

This is your hometown too! ”

"Well, don't let them know?"

Miriam sighed and said:

"It sounds bad, but cover-up is one of the essences of politics. The lord is to lead the people, not be coerced by the opinions of the people, Mark, you actually know that there is no harm in Trancia to have a good relationship with the Plantagenet Kingdom at this stage, right? ”

Maxim kept a straight face and did not speak, but this silence was a clear enough answer in itself.

"I'm not going to please him!"

Murphy shook his head and said:

"Not to mention what this matter really thinks in my heart, just to say my other identity, as a person who has been recognized and granted the position of acting governor by Her Majesty the Wolf Maiden of the Nordtov Kingdom, if I bow down to the border marshal of the Plantagenet Kingdom on such an occasion, it means that the support of the North Yankees that I have won so hard will also be in vain.

I have to finish the conversation with Marshal Loren on an equal footing, but it's actually an opportunity too! ”

Murphy narrowed his eyes and said to Miriam, who was listening intently:

"The letter of appointment of the Werewolf Maiden is already in my hands, and the King's Stamp belonging to the Winter Palace on it is a 'weapon' that I can use, Marshal Loren and his King Louis can not care about the attitude of the townspeople of Transnesia, but they cannot ignore the majesty of the Borean Castle.

Miriam, you're right, it's a matter of national character.

But not our national character

Believe me, you now reveal this appointment to your senior, I believe that tomorrow, that dwarf marshal will not be too presumptuous! ”

"That's right!"

Maxim immediately rejoiced.

He clapped his fists and said:

"Master Murphy can use his strength to fight, it's like finding a delicate balance in a sword fight, and use the kingship of the wolf girl to suppress that damn marshal."

"And the Plantagenet Kingdom needs us too!"

Miriam's eyes lit up, and she thought and said:

"Just as the Northerners of the Kingdom of Nordtov need us to be on the front lines of the Black Plague to die in place of their soldiers, the nobles of the Kingdom of Plantagenet will not be willing to send their children to the front line of danger.

So, if the most optimistic scenario arises, the marshal will even take the initiative to woo and appease us!

Ah, who would have thought that the terrible Black Plague could become a talisman for Transncia in this difficult time? ”

"Hey, you young people, if you had read more of the chronicles of the Portian Confederacy, you would not have realized this at this time."

Tracey's voice rang out from the doorway.

Having just finished touching the fish and happily drinking a bottle of fine ice and fire wine, the Bloody Vulture Grand Duke, who was coming out to eat and walk, leaned against the door of Murphy's office very indecently.

She played with the ends of her mischievous hair and said:

"From the moment the first city of the Portia Confederacy was founded, it was the foundation of the nation to take advantage of the threat of the Plague and the Gnolls to extract benefits from the Nords, Sealands, and Kates!

Murphy's previous report to the Wolf Maiden had a very good remark, that war itself was the most lucrative business, and that the human aristocracy of the Portia Confederacy had taken this to the extreme for hundreds of years.

Every black plague will cause the Portia Confederacy to suffer heavy losses, but after each black plague, the country's strength will usher in a wave of explosive growth! It is said that if you want to live comfortably in the ghost place of Translasia, you must learn to use the threat of those fierce gnolls.

They were indeed formidable enemies, but that did not prevent the Portian Confederacy from using them as a means of making money.

The unique location of this place is the biggest killer weapon when we ask for all kinds of assistance from other forces. ”

The Grand Duke of the Blood Vulture smiled a little disgusted but generally satisfied, stepped forward and touched Miriam's little head, and said softly:

"Murphy thinks of you for a reason, you've learned the rules of life for the land's stewards on your own, but that's just the beginning, Miriam. As a Crimson Archon, there's a lot to learn and explore in this area. ”

Miriam's impression of Lady Triss was excellent.

She had always believed that if the vampires were all like Lady Trissy, then humans and vampires might be able to coexist peacefully.

But it wasn't until today that she first realized the cunning and learned soul that Lady Triss had hidden beneath the ruin king's exterior.

She realized that the ancient, who had lived in Transcia for 400 years, had watched firsthand the establishment, rise and fall of the Portian Confederacy.

Her life story itself is a treasure trove for those who govern.

Miriam also seems to have really figured out the reason why her lord, Lord Murphy, is so young and so cunning and black-bellied, presumably because Miss Triss taught her well?

"Can I invite you to be my political advisor? Ms. Tracey. ”

Miriam got up and said seriously:

"I and the land need your wisdom very much, ma'am."

"Huh? Do you want to give me another job? Are you going to exhaust me? ”

Tracey rolled her eyes and said:

"No need to talk! I'm almost annoyed to death by dealing with some family affairs, and it's not a difficult job, you just need to learn to jump sideways and sideways. When the Northerners went crazy, they introduced the power of the Sealands, and the Sealands planned to turn the table and move closer to the Northerners.

It's a pity that the kingdom of Isha has been annexed by the Sealanders, otherwise the cunning island kingdom that has been playing the 'continental balance' strategy overseas will become your most loyal ally.

Your predecessors danced on three eggs, and when it's your turn, you'll only have two eggs left, which is enough to test your political wit and keen nose.

You do need helpers and advisors, but not me. ”

The Grand Duke of the Blood Vulture glanced at her little Murphy with affection as he maintained the handsome man's smile, and pouted and said to Miriam:

"Little Murphy has said that vampires will not be the rulers of this land in the future, and we are just one of the creatures raised by this land. So go to your fellow citizens and learn from them.

Can you leave for a while?

I'm going to talk to Murphy about something. ”

Miriam's eyes immediately gossiped, she and Maxim looked at each other, and obediently exited the office, and after they left, Tracey shook her shoulders and shook her slender neck and said to Murphy:

"Phimes is coming back, she just sent a message and brought back the instructions of Lord Pa Ying."

"I don't care about another woman right now."

"Be serious! The two little ones are eavesdropping outside the door. Well, now, they're running away. ”

(End of chapter)