CHAPTER 356: CHAPTER 315: FIRESIDE CHAT_1

News of the events that occurred within the Nuta City embassy in Thunderous Swamp had spread through various channels. After the last rebellion, everyone knew that the powers within Nuta City were intricate and complex. Count Theodore was far from being able to control the whole situation. Even after the rebellion, the power of the Lord’s Mansion was greatly weakened, whereas Yan Xing’s Eternal Domain became the biggest beneficiary. It could now be said that without the supplies and funds provided by the Eternal Domain, the Lord’s Mansion would be unable to facilitate a smooth reconstruction of the city. Recently, Yan Xing had introduced airplanes and cars, further binding his interests with the nobles in Nuta City, which infuriated Marquis Anderson immensely.

Yet, this anger could not be directed at Count Theodore. Besides their family relations, no one else could firmly hold their position in the Nuta City Lord’s Mansion.

The charcoals in the fireplace crackled and popped.

After a long pause, Marquis Anderson said to the old Earl, "You should understand the rise and fall of our family better than I do. It’s often determined by the ability to discard all distractions and make the right decision at the crucial moment. Yan Xing has had contact with the duchy for a long time. Previously, he sheltered Elves in Thunderous Swamp, and now he has acknowledged kinship with Lady Karol. I don’t know why you still can’t make up your mind to break away from him. It will be too late when he puts a knife to your neck."

Count Theodore, stroking the velvet blanket over his legs, accepted a beverage from his butler.

After gulping down the drink, Count Theodore said to Anderson, "This tonic was given to me by Yan Xing. Since I’ve started drinking it daily, I feel my health has been improving. And as you’ve seen, the Eternal Domain keeps revealing new things. What kind of force do you think... you are making an enemy of? Actually, from the moment I saw the watch and the flying goggles Yan Xing brought, I knew... Within Thunderous Swamp, there was a presence I should never provoke. Now, I’m even more convinced of my initial judgment."

Marquis Anderson glanced at the now-empty cup and continued, "I admit that the Alchemy of Thunderous Swamp is incredibly powerful, but now I have the support of Cloud Tower. Cloud Tower already perceives Thunderous Swamp as a threat. Fate has chosen me! As long as we defeat Yan Xing, we’ll possess Alchemy and Alchemical Weapons powerful enough to secure our safety. You don’t have to join the attack on the Eternal Domain. I just need you to immediately seal off all of Yan Xing’s businesses in Nuta City and forbid him from transporting any wealth out of here. Leave the rest to me!"

Count Theodore, however, shook his head. "You’ve been blinded by your lust for power. Anderson, I know you well. The events that occurred in Storm City have unleashed the shackles that bound you. Even if you defeat Yan Xing, you will not stop. Your ambition will only grow, and the pursuit of more territories and power will push you down an irreversible path. You’ve accepted weapons from Cloud Tower, breaking the conventional rules of worldly conflicts. Once Pandora’s Box is opened, the first to be devoured will be the one who opened it. I advise you to immediately terminate all agreements with Cloud Tower and let Cloud Tower directly confront Thunderous Swamp. We should recognize our position and not delude ourselves into aspiring to higher realms of the world."

Anderson looked at Theodore and laughed. "So you’ve seen through it as well. The Alchemy Technology mastered by Thunderous Swamp has disrupted the world’s original balance, drawing the lofty and reclusive Cloud Tower into this worldly strife.

"Whether you like it or not, the world’s great changes have become inevitable.

"Even if I refuse Cloud Tower, they will find the Orcs, the Elves, and all those willing to give their lives for the Alchemy Technology of Cloud Tower.

"Someone will be the one to open Pandora’s Box, so why should I let others do it?

"I might die, but I’ve faced death at every moment since setting foot on the Wildwind Highlands. I am willing to take a chance for what lies ahead.

"Theodore... our fates are intertwined, our interests aligned. As long as you are willing to help me, I’ll have a better chance of winning!

"The Theodore Family and the Anderson Family will become the greatest families in this world!"

Anderson’s words plunged the old Earl into deep thought.

However, under Anderson’s expectant gaze, Theodore let out a long sigh and replied, "If I were twenty years younger, I would have followed your every decision.

"But I am old now, and more cowardly. I no longer have the boldness of my youth. I only wish to see my family safe and sound."

Marquis Anderson had not expected such a response after personally pleading with him. He wanted to persuade further, but Count Theodore had already closed his eyes, apparently asleep.

Butler Atreli whispered to Anderson, "My Lord... since the last city riot, after my master experienced battle, his health hasn’t been very good. Now that my master is asleep, if your matter is not urgent, please wait until he wakes to continue the discussion."

Anderson could not tell whether Theodore was genuinely asleep or feigning it. Regardless, he’s made his stance clear, Anderson thought. He definitely won’t take my side in this struggle. Without being able to use Nuta City, it’s impossible to create a pincer movement against the Eternal Domain from the west and south. This will greatly limit tactical execution.

Marquis Anderson nodded. Not wishing to disturb the old Earl further, he quietly stood up and left the room.

After seeing Marquis Anderson out, Atreli returned to Count Theodore’s side. He then whispered in his ear, "Master, the Marquis has left."

Count Theodore opened his eyes, showing no trace of tiredness. He sat facing the fire in the fireplace.

After a while, he said to Atreli, "If something happens to me, Hibel will inherit my title and become the next Count Theodore. Your duty is to ensure she can succeed to the earldom smoothly."

With that, Count Theodore took the ring from his index finger and handed it to Atreli.

Startled, Atreli knelt on the ground, speaking in a fluster, "Master! You... You suspect the Marquis will harm you? Although Marquis Anderson’s political views differ from yours, he has always trusted and respected you. He would never hurt you, would he?"

Count Theodore’s gaze, sharp as a sword, fixed on Atreli as he reprimanded, "What nonsense are you speculating about! Did I say anything? As a butler, there are things you shouldn’t ponder and things you shouldn’t say. Your only task is to deliver this ring to Hibel and keep her safe!"

With trembling hands, Atreli took the ring that represented the highest authority of the Theodore Family, crying, "Yes, Master... I will definitely protect Miss Hibel, and I will definitely keep you safe too."

The old Earl’s expression softened again. He affectionately patted his loyal servant’s head, saying, "Don’t overthink it. Perhaps things won’t turn out so badly. Who knows? I might even live to see Hibel married off."