237: Chapter 138, turbulent situation_1 237: Chapter 138, turbulent situation_1 With the spring breeze ushering in a profusion of flowers, the Mountain Domain wrapped in wildflowers seemed exceptionally enchanting and vibrant.

Combined with colorful decorations and lights, it was like a paradise on earth.

The Manor House, the main architecture, was just beginning to reveal its grandeur, as if narrating the birth of a legend.

The atmosphere was lively with guests arriving amidst laughter and chatter, pushing the mood of the event to its climax.

“Viscount Orlan has arrived!”

“Viscount Nicolas has arrived!”

“Count Simich has arrived!”

“Sir Longwell has arrived”

…

Every arrival of a VIP caused an uproar.

The early arriving nobles were alright, and even if there wasn’t a chance to befriend them, they were at least familiar faces.

The arrivals of the strongmen who came later were different.

These cultivation fanatics, although seldom seen, are always hot popular topics in the noble circles.

It is human nature to worship the strong.

Faced with these top strongmen, even nobles must address them as “Sir” to show respect.

Of course, these people won’t lack noble titles.

In order to win over these strongmen, honorary noble titles are arranged in advance.

Viscount is just the start; with a few more contributions made to the kingdom, it’s not unusual to get the title of Earl or Marquis.

If they are willing to exhaust their lives for the kingdom, it would not be surprising for them to obtain the title of Grand Duke.

If there is a hint of royal blood, the title of prince is well-deserved.

The title of honorary noble is not expensive, especially when trying to win over strongmen, the kingdom never stingy with the titles.

Perhaps because there is no need to grant a salary, the countries of the continent, when trying to win over the strongmen, love to give an array of hollow titles.

The arrival of these strongmen from the Southeastern Province suddenly raised the standard of the banquet, leaving the guests on the scene speechless.

Compared to the previous two banquets that received much attention, this banquet completely distinguished itself.

Hudson’s intimidating network of connections forced the minor nobles to reconsider their allegiances.

Especially for the nobles of Layton County, who had initially planned to align with Viscount West, they quickly sobered up.

Having a father who is a Grand Duke is indeed impressive, but this is the Southeastern Province.

What determines everyone’s life and death are the local powers.

Although it’s unclear how much support they have for the Mountain Domain, they have shown their attitude.

This means that the power behind Viscount West trying to exert political pressure here would not work.

The Five Great Houses of Northland are indeed powerful, but being just one of them and wanting the various powerful sects of the Southeastern Province to bow down is simply a dream.

If it touches the core interests, even if the five families are added together, no one would give in.

Fundamentally, the North Border Region has a serious dependency on Southern Provinces.

Although the Southeastern Province is slightly weaker compared to North, the large amount of money and grains offered annually give them quite a voice.

The desired effect of deterring people’s hearts can be seen from the guests’ reactions; it was clearly achieved.

It would be one thing if the Northern aristocrats who came to make up the numbers.

The birthplace determined their standing.

Attending parties is just a polite congratulation.

The native nobles of the county were seriously scared.

Many were secretly glad that they had not hurried to accept Viscount West’s courtship.

Those who had rushed over to sidled up to Viscount West, hoping for an opportunistic boost, are now in great urgency to sever ties with Viscount West.

Harsh reality tells them, birth determines where one should stand!

Thinking of switching sides and playing both ends against the middle, they should be asking if the big shots of their homeland would agree.

The survival-of-the-fittest challenge in Layton County is just entering its midgame.

It’s far from time to decide the victor.

The position of the Prefectural Governor only represents who has the stronger voice in the Capital.

Now, various powers within the province are expressing their stances.

True or false, nothing is what it seems.

Information asymmetry allows the minor nobles to conclude directly, based on what they see: All local powers are “all” supporting Hudson.

Even if someone tells them that this banquet does not represent anything other than mutual flattery, no one would believe it.

How can the Koslow Family and the Dalton Family be compared when it comes to prestige?

Viscount Caryo’s celebration banquet was of much lower status.

Not to mention strongmen, even many intermediate aristocrats just prepared a gift, but they didn’t show up at all.

The two banquets taking place at the same time caused those not on either side to naturally abstain from both in order not to offend anyone.

What originally was just the aftermath of clashing banquet schedules was now exaggeratedly interpreted as political expression of various forces.

This misunderstanding is exactly what Hudson wants to see.

He never turns down the opportunity to act big, even if his brothers all have different agendas.

When it comes to bluffing, Hudson is an experienced hand.

Many things that seem accidental are also inevitable.

The grand banquet this time was no exception.

The reason so many people could come was because social connections are reciprocal.

Today, people come and support Hudson, and if one day they need help, Hudson will have to go and show support.

The power of a noble’s network is frightening, essentially a drama where everyone flatters each other.

The drama can continue only because the actors are so invested that they believe it to be reality.