The meeting was far more boring than Dongfang Jiang had imagined.
Prime Minister Odrich opened with a lengthy report, its content nothing more than bandit troubles on the kingdom’s borders, a proposal to raise mining taxes in the Northern Border, and territorial disputes among several nobles.
Duke Lester and Duke Caster argued about the mining tax ratio for half an hour, back and forth, but at the end of the day, it was still a matter of interests.
Duke Moulton was the oldest among those present.
He sat in the middle dozing off, occasionally being nudged by Duke Eldridge beside him, opening his eyes and mumbling, “I second that,” or skillfully adding, “Everyone is right,” then going back to sleep.
Duke Wenster barely spoke the entire time, only occasionally lifting his eyes to look at Ignatius, his gaze hiding something indescribable.
Dongfang Jiang stood behind Ignatius, listening to these unfamiliar terms and names swirling around his ears, like sitting through a calculus class he couldn’t understand.
‘No, even a calculus class at least lets me understand an X, but faced with this situation, I’m completely at a loss.’
He sneaked a glance at Pandana beside him and saw that her eyelids were already drooping.
Yisela, on the other hand, listened very seriously, occasionally leaning over to whisper a few explanations in Dongfang Jiang’s ear.
“What they’re discussing now is the distribution plan for the Northern Border mining tax. Father previously proposed increasing the southern share. The Caster family has mines in the south, so they support it; the Lester family has industries in the north, so they oppose it.”
“I see… By the way, when does this meeting usually end?”
“Almost. This kind of meeting usually lasts all morning.”
Dongfang Jiang sighed and turned his gaze to the window.
Under the gray sky, the palace towers stood silently in the wind.
A crow flew past the spire and landed on a rusted weather vane.
What truly perked Dongfang Jiang up was the conversation between Grand General Vard and Ignatius, which was laced with hidden barbs.
“Speaking of which, Badan.”
Vard leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs, his tone as if he were making small talk.
“I heard that a young man came to your mansion yesterday. Even the holder of the Valen Ring was defeated by him? Truly a hero emerges from youth.”
The atmosphere in the council chamber instantly became delicate.
The gazes of several dukes all fell on Ignatius.
Even the dozing Duke Moulton opened his eyes.
Ignatius’s expression didn’t change.
He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said slowly.
“General Vard is well-informed.”
Vard’s mansion was right next to the Badan family mansion, so Dongfang Jiang’s battle with Kaxiu yesterday naturally couldn’t escape the eyes of this warrior.
“Not at all, not at all. The Royal Capital is this small; who doesn’t know about any hint of activity?”
Vard grinned, his gaze crossing over Ignatius to land on Dongfang Jiang.
“Is this the young hero? Let me see… Tsk, truly an extraordinary appearance.”
Dongfang Jiang felt that gaze scrape across his body like a knife.
He sensed a hint of jealousy in Vard’s eyes.
He looked back with neither servility nor arrogance and gave a slight nod as a greeting.
Vard raised an eyebrow, satisfied, and withdrew his gaze, then looked back at Ignatius.
“Badan, you should treasure talent like this. Don’t let someone snatch him away.”
“No need for the General to worry.”
Ignatius put down his teacup and replied indifferently.
“People of my Badan family will naturally be taken care of by ourselves.”
“That’s good then.”
Vard laughed heartily, his laughter echoing in the council chamber, impossible to tell if it was sincere or fake.
After the meeting ended, everyone left one after another.
Ignatius walked over to Dongfang Jiang and said in a low voice.
“His Majesty wants to see me. The three of you wait outside first. Don’t wander off; there are many rules in this palace.”
“Understood.”
Dongfang Jiang nodded.
Yisela gently tugged at Dongfang Jiang’s sleeve, and the three of them left the council chamber through a side door and walked out along the corridor.
The palace corridor was long and quiet.
Footsteps echoed on the stone slabs like the beat of a dull drum.
“What did the General mean by that? He seems very interested in Mister Dongfang?”
Pandana couldn’t help asking.
Compared to Dongfang Jiang, who had at least a bit of political acumen, Pandana was completely clueless—she was totally lost.
“No, he’s interested in my father.”
Yisela’s expression was somewhat somber.
She explained to Pandana.
“Vard and Father have been at odds for many years. He’s always looking for a chance to suppress us. Now that Father suddenly has people like you by his side, he must be getting restless.”
“What do we do?”
“We’ll take it one step at a time. In the palace, he wouldn’t dare act recklessly.”
As soon as the words fell, footsteps came from the end of the corridor.
A tall figure in a deep red military uniform turned the corner, followed by two adjutants.
It was Vard.
“Yo, what a coincidence.”
Vard saw the three and grinned.
Without stopping, he walked straight toward them.
“Little Yisela, where’s your father?”
“His Majesty summoned him, so Father went to pay an audience.”
Yisela was wary of Vard’s return.
The King’s summoning of Ignatius had been decided during the meeting.
“Oh, what a coincidence indeed.”
Vard stopped in front of Dongfang Jiang, looking him up and down as if appraising a commodity for sale.
“You’re Dongfang Jiang?”
“Yes.”
“I heard you can use several types of energy simultaneously?”
“A mere trifle, not worth mentioning.”
As for the fact that he could proficiently use several types of energy, Dongfang Jiang decided not to conceal it.
“Modest.”
Vard patted Dongfang Jiang on the shoulder, his strength like slapping a brick.
“Humility is a good thing for a young man, but excessive humility is hypocrisy. You defeated the holder of the Valen Ring, which means your strength is at least A-rank and above in the Adventurer’s Guild. Such a strong person is rare in the kingdom.”
Dongfang Jiang didn’t respond, just calmly looked at Vard.
An adjutant beside Vard sensed the general’s intention and leaned in to say in a low voice.
“General, haven’t you been wanting to find a sparring partner for the newly promoted General Qin? This Mister Dongfang looks quite suitable.”
“Makes sense.”
Vard’s eyes lit up, and the arc of his smile grew wider.
“Mister Dongfang, it’s like this. The Royal Capital recently received a female general, a citizen of the Kingdom of Dust. She’s young but has outstanding military achievements and is extremely strong. I’d like to find an opponent of comparable strength for her to spar with. I wonder if you’re interested?”
“Not interested.”
Dongfang Jiang answered flatly.
For such a random matter, he chose to refuse.
“Don’t rush to refuse.”
Vard shook his head with a smile, as if he had expected that response.
“After it’s done, I’ll give you an A-rank quality ring. How about that?”
“…Ahaha, fine.”
For the sake of the money, Dongfang Jiang ultimately agreed.
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