Chapter 282: The Empire Might Be the Biggest Loser (2/2)

A plain footman stood outside the door.

He bowed when Basil showed his face, gestured invitingly before turning around.

Hesitating for a moment again and realizing that the footman was not going to wait for him, the old man quickly followed.

Soon, he arrived at the reception room, where Corinth Atherton, the mayor of Lancaster was waiting

However, Basil was stunned that any other person was inside the room.

He appeared to be your typical standard-issue young noble who was barely older than fifteen, was dressed for the occasion and appeared to have been conversing with the mayor before Basil arrived.

“It’s been some time, Basil.” Mayor Corinth smiled mildly in greeting when Basil entered. “The last time we’ve met was the emperor’s banquet, was it?”

Younger, less important nobles would have been immediately disarmed by that greeting, even developing a good opinion of Corinth in turn.

However, Basil was absolutely aware that he wasn’t some kindly senior, but an elder who had lived through two dynasties. His mild expression was probably the same business look he would aim at subordinates or juniors, which was why Basil wouldn’t be moved so simply.

Moreover, Basil also felt a mysterious pressure at the sight of the smile, and so went with the flow, yielding and flattering the mayor.

“Yes, and you look the same as always.”

“Likewise. By the way, may I ask what is the purpose of his imperial majesty in sending you, his envoy here Lancaster?” Corinth asked, maintaining his smile. “Be rest assured, I may assist you if there is trouble—my word still holds some authority within Lancaster.”

‘Why don’t you open your storehouses for me to take stock of your food reserves and weapons then?’ Basil retorted inwardly, knowing that he was going to be sent back whence he came if he said it.

As Corinth exerted more pressure, Basil, who hadn’t thought of any good excuses broke out a few drops of cold sweat over his forehead. He knew that the mayor now had the initiative, that he himself was within his grasp.

Even so, Basil must keep the conversation going-stiffening himself and acting as if he misunderstood Corinth, he turned towards the composed youth. “And you are, young man?”

Corinth kept his eyes locked on Basil, however, making the envoy’s lips twitch.

Still, the mayor smiled mildly again just as Basil thought that he had bought the farm.“Oh, where are my manners. Allow me to make the introductions.” Corinth said, gesturing at the young man. “This young lad is Angora Faust, hailing from Tunaya.”

Basil was left stumped. He had presumed the youth to be the scion of a branch family in the Atherton lineage whom Corinth had brought along to groom, since Corinth’s own son was dead, leaving no other male heir in the main family. With Corinth’s granddaughter Gwendolyn being no older than a toddler, there was every chance that the mayor’s position could be handed to another kin too.

Nonetheless, Basil’s eyes were bulging when he realized who the youth was.

“Tunaya? Could your father be… Faust?!”

Wasn’t the Silver Eagle Castle in Tunaya?! And wasn’t Angora Faust the Silver Eagle Duke?!

The droplets of cold sweat over old Basil’s head increased.

Was Lancaster already in league with the Silver Eagle Duchy? This meant that the imperial family was going to be the biggest loser!

“Please pay me no mind. I’m only here to discuss holding a tourney called the Twin City Cup with Mayor Atherton.” The youth grinned when he saw the look on old Basil’s face and rose to his feet. “After having made the long journey, you should enjoy the festivities too… by the way, your escort may participate as well, although you should prepare them mentally, since the tourney might prove challenging.”