That's not how you use a witch!

Chapter 55 Attending the Banquet

Scarlett described the "Thornhold Deception" circulating in the surrounding territories in a stammering, indistinct, and hesitant voice:

The rebels had no intention of marching into the western border; it was all a charade orchestrated by the Thorn Lord! He spent his days harassing Dragon Valley, building fortifications and sending witches to cast all sorts of bizarre sorcery, all to intimidate his neighbors and force them to submit out of fear…

Scarlett tried to find the source of the rumors, but the person was clearly a professionally trained assassin who, realizing the situation was dire, committed suicide by biting poison.

Only territories like Mountain Territory and White Sand Territory, which are closely related to Thorn Territory, are in a slightly better situation.

Firstly, the lords themselves have a relatively clear stance and will not sit idly by while public opinion in their territories gets out of control; secondly, their territories are relatively small and the population movement is relatively closed, so a few strange people are no different from conspicuous bags.

In many earls' or marquises' territories, thousands of people come and go every day, making it impossible to check everyone. In such places, news spreads the fastest.

"Hehe, our friends in the north know they can't win with force, so they're going to try a more diplomatic approach with us."

"Exactly, all that empty talk. If you ask me, you should just yell back!"

"No need to waste your breath. Rumors will eventually be put to rest by the truth."

Ronan smiled and broke off a piece of bread for Scarlett. "These rumors are less for me and more for the Duke and the Church. The rebels want to use this tactic to divide us and then attack when we are at our weakest."

"What should we do then?"

"Just let it be. Relax, victory will surely be ours."

"Alright, as long as you understand."

Scarlett stretched against the candlestick, then sprang to her feet with a jerk. "When are you going to give me the feast you promised?!"

"Give it to me now."

Ronan placed a corner of breakfast bread in front of Scarlett; as if he felt it was a bit too simple, he poured a puddle of milk and added a tenth of a fried egg.

"Eat up, suck on it."

"I told you I'm not a pigeon!"

In a fit of anger, Scarlett transformed back into her blonde beauty. Seeing the surging waves, Madonna frowned slightly and immediately stepped forward to stand between the two.

"Miss Scarlett, Ronan is too busy, so he often forgets things. You can tell me what you'd like to eat, and I'll pass it on to the head chef."

She said in a gentle voice.

"uh-huh!"

Scarlett leaned on the girl's shoulder and scolded Ronan: "Look how sensible little Mel is! And look at you!"

"Ronan, the new machine you asked me to build is almost finished."

Maidel then reported to Ronan on the operation of the steam engine and the industrial machine: while the militia were fighting the rebels at the front, these two machines were also operating in the rear. They were not difficult to operate; Maidel only needed to devote a little effort to remotely controlling the levers.

Currently, the machines needed by the Mountain Territory for processing armor, shields, arrows, and spearheads have been assembled. Once completed and put into use, the military reserves of both the Thorn Territory and the Mountain Territory will be significantly enhanced.

"very good!"

A smile crept into Ronan's eyes. "We could consider establishing a 'Mechanic Class.' Madale, would you be interested in being their teacher?"

"Me?"

The girl pointed at herself, somewhat bewildered.

"Because this is a mechanical miracle you created with your own hands. No one understands them better than you."

Ronan joked, "Putting all that aside, you're still the most popular person in Thorn Territory. With you as their representative, I'm sure people will flock to sign up. I'm worried that there will be too many people vying for classes, and we'll have to send people to maintain order."

Seeing the girl standing there hesitant and looking a bit socially awkward, he stepped forward and patted her head. "Don't worry, I'll be there to listen to the lectures, and I'll give you feedback if you have any questions."

"Uh-huh!"

Meidel nodded as if she was satisfied.

Upon hearing about these trivial matters, Scarlett casually left the room and went to find the chef that Madonna had mentioned to recite the menu.

Watching her leave, Meidel couldn't help but gesture with her hands in front of her chest, comparing it to her own repeated gestures, revealing a puzzled and solemn expression.

At that moment, Bart rushed into the office in a flurry of activity.

"My lord, the Duke has replied!"

The chief knight hurriedly handed the envelope to Ronan—he had also hurriedly delivered news of the approaching rebels to the fast messenger before receiving the news.

However, no reinforcements were available at the time.

If the rebels are determined to fight to the death, it remains to be seen whether Fulong Valley can be defended.

After defeating the rebels, Ronan sent a second letter to the Duke, reporting the results of the battle while warning that the main force of the rebels had not yet been damaged and that they would most likely continue to look for a breakthrough to attack the western border.

Judging by the time, the letter must have arrived in the early hours of last night. The fact that the Duke has now replied means that Henry also had a sleepless night and wrote this reply immediately after reading it.

The content of this letter is also quite brief:

Come to Frost. I'd like to talk to you.

"My lord, I think you should decline!"

Bart thought that his boss's reply to this message was probably not good, so he might as well pretend he didn't see it. Anyway, Thorn Territory was busy fighting the rebels, so it was reasonable for him not to go.

Howard, however, offered a different perspective: Public opinion unfavorable to Thornlands was brewing, and although it was obvious to everyone that the rebels were behind it, no amount of effort could wake someone who was pretending to be asleep. Ultimately, they didn't care about the rebels far away; they only cared whether someone in their own little corner of the West was being too difficult.

Refusing to attend the banquet would not only embarrass the Duke and damage the political tacit understanding between the two sides, but more importantly, it would confirm the rumors about Thorn Territory, and the public and practical pressure would only increase further.

If it attracts the attention of the church, it will only make things worse.

"I agree with Howard's point of view. Not going is a predicament, going is the only chance to break the deadlock. We really don't have a choice."

Ronan finished his breakfast, put on his coat, and said, "Medale, you're coming with me. Howard, have Fermi prepare so their group can come with me. Bart, while I'm gone, is there anything you need to do in Thorn Territory?"

"clear!"

·

At dusk that day, Ronan and Meryl arrived at Frost's territory.

The journey was surprisingly smooth. We didn't encounter any evil beasts along the way, and even the carriage only bounced very slightly, making it somewhat uneventful.

However, for Fermi and the other militiamen, the tall and prosperous Frosthold was something they could only dream of.

Stepping through the city gate, the bustling streets and the clamor of the crowds immediately greeted me, a sight that was both delightful and overwhelming.

Upon arriving at the manor gate, before Ronan could even take out the envelope and invitation, the guard responsible for protecting the banquet hall spoke up: "Are you Lord Ronan? Please come in."

"His Highness the Duke specifically instructed that you and your entourage may enter together." He then glanced at Madale and added respectfully.

The girl blinked, unsure whether she was included in the attendant's list.

Before she could even ask, Ronan gathered a few stray strands of her hair and tucked the scarf inside.

"Let's go, you missed out on a meal last time, let's have a good one this time."

"good!"

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