Chapter 508: 506 Departure_1
 

“Count, might you prefer to wash up and eat first? I can come back later,”

Count Nicoll, standing by the table, only then realized his unchecked enthusiasm.

However, it was inevitable for Count Nicoll to have lost some measure of control, seeing as he had just obtained great power. Now, heavy dark circles lay under his eyes, a clear sign he hadn’t gotten any sleep the night before. But his eyes sparkled and he seemed to be particularly high-spirited.

This was the bewitching charm of power, far more impactful than coffee or stimulants.

“No need.” Robed in his sleepwear, Colin seated himself at the table and poured himself a cup of coffee, “Have you concluded your discussion?”

“Yes, Count. Here is a battle plan we drafted overnight for your review.”

With that, Count Nicoll handed over a thick scroll.

Colin took a sip of bitter coffee, took the scroll casually, and began to read carefully.

At that moment, light footsteps echoed within the room.

Upon lifting his head, Count Nicoll saw the Marchioness emerge in a thin, a body-hugging nightgown.

“Good morning, Count Nicoll,” the Marchioness greeted lazily.

Her sleek and exquisite feet stepped on the thick cashmere rug, while her slender and fair legs left a teasing impression through the gaps of the gown.

“Good morning, Marchioness.” Count Nicoll quickly lowered his head in order to avoid wandering eyes and at the same time conceal his expression.

The Marchioness lightly pecked Colin’s cheek, speaking softly, “Shall I have breakfast brought here?”

“Alright,” Colin casually nodded, his gaze still fixed on Count Nicoll’s plan.

He knew the Marchioness had deliberately come out to broadcast her relationship with Count Nicoll—

She was Count Angler’s lover.

This status would allow the Marchioness to regain her inviolable position at White Dew Fortress and would have a significant impact on the political ecology of the east territory.

At least for now, Count Nicoll had ceased to regard the Marchioness as he used to.

Similarly, he needed to reconsider how to handle his relationship with Lord Eckert…

The room fell silent, only punctuated by the rustling of Colin flipping through the sheepskin scroll and the crackling of the fire in the fireplace.

Shortly after, the maids brought in a sumptuous breakfast under the Marchioness’s direction.

The Marchioness personally poured Colin a glass of milk, with a gentle demeanor like a wife serving her husband.

Colin lifted his head from the scroll and addressed Count Nicoll:

“The plan is well done; I’m pleased that you managed to reach a consensus among the eastern lords in such a short time. I also like your idea of allowing each Lord to collect church taxes from their own territories. This way, it will be clear who would rather bleed heavily than dare to provoke the Church. Make a list of these names for me.”

“Yes,” replied Count Nicoll, extending a silent lament to those extremely loyal to the Church.

Colin took a sip of his milk and added, “However, the portion about the Howell family is problematic…”

Upon hearing the name of the Howell family, Count Nicoll couldn’t help but glance at the Marchioness. She appeared complete unperturbed as if the mentioned family had nothing to do with her.

“Count, perhaps I didn’t make it clear, but I understand that the Howell family’s army is predominantly a navy and therefore unsuitable for this expedition. So, in the plan, I only listed the financial, grain, and labor contributions required from the Howell family, and didn’t call on them to send troops…”

“No,” Colin slowly shook his head, “I mean, the Howell family should not appear in this plan.”

Count Nicoll looked at Colin with a puzzled expression, assuming he wanted to relieve the Howells of their responsibilities and consequently felt somewhat anxious.

However, before he could persuade Colin otherwise, he heard Colin continue:

“The Howell family is imminently relocating to the North Territory, so their portion will be added to the North Territory’s obligations.”

Upon hearing this, the tranquility of the Marchioness finally faltered. As she cut her steak, the knife accidentally nicked her skin. However, she immediately put her finger in her mouth, forcing herself not to scream out loud.

Count Nicoll bowed his head further, not daring to harbor any extraneous thoughts.

The relocation of the Howell family to the North Territory indicated that the Angry River could no longer serve as the shield of the East Territory. As long as Colin was willing, he could lead the Northern Army to march over at any moment.

“Yes, Count, I will revise the plan and show it to you later.”

“Alright.”

After Count Nicoll excused himself, the Marchioness placed the cut steak in front of Colin and turned to cut an orange.

However, she did not question Colin about the relocation of the entire Howell Family to the North Territory, which he had just mentioned.

“Are your hands okay?”

“It’s okay, just a minor injury.”

Colin observed the Marchioness serving him, nodding inwardly.

She was an intelligent woman, knowing her boundaries, but he could also see that she had a weak heart. She had no great ambition, nor desire for power, only to rely on the strong.

If it were not for the desperate situation of the direct bloodline of the St. Prowse Family in the White Dew Fortress, she might not have sought him out.

Such a woman should be easy to control, saving Colin from a lot of trouble.

“The new territory for the Howell Family in the North Territory has been arranged. Once they settle down there, you can visit.”

“Thank you!”

“Additionally, I plan to lead my troops back to the Northern Territory tomorrow. The members of the Howell Family in White Dew City will leave with my Army. You can say your goodbyes as soon as you can.”

“So soon…” The Marchioness paused with her dining knife, her eyes conveying surprise and worry.

“Hmm, the North Territory also needs to respond to His Majesty’s War Order. I must return this morning to prepare.” Colin patted the Marchioness’s hand and reassured, “Don’t worry. With me around, nobody dares to harm you and your son in the Eastern Territory.”

“Hmm.” The Marchioness brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, composed herself and said, “Should I get Eckert to meet you?”

“Yes, bring him to me.”

“Alright.” The Marchioness gave a graceful smile, leaned in to give Colin a tender kiss, and went to instruct her maid to bring Eckert.

By the time Colin had finished breakfast, Eckert entered the room.

“Mother!” It seemed he missed the Marchioness as his tone carried a hint of cry.

The Marchioness became serious and said:

“Eckert, come and pay respects to your teacher, Count Angler!”

Eckert, who was about to rush into his mother’s arms, hesitated, shifted his gaze to Colin and then turned back to look at his mother for help.

Seeing the Marchioness nodding quietly, Eckert hastily paid his respect to Colin, saying, “Teacher!”

Colin nodded and asked with a smile, “Eckert, how old are you?”

“Three years old.”

“Do you have any wishes? Your teacher can help deliver them.” Colin asked casually.

Eckert puffed up his cheeks and said in a shaky voice, “Teacher, I want to avenge my father!”

Colin stiffened, “Do you know who the enemy who killed your father is?”

Eckert shook his head in a bit of a sulk.

Colin gave a slight smile and said:

“Well, remember this. The enemy who killed your father is Mr. Ji, a remnant of the St Sean Family!”

“Hmm, teacher, I’ll remember!”

Eckert clenched his fist and nodded fiercely.

“Teacher will help you take revenge in the future!” Colin said with a smile.

Suddenly, he felt as if he were the big villain in a novel.

(End of the fourth volume)