Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World
Chapter 192: Please Support on Kofi!

TL: Etude

After a day’s rest in the castle of Count Kent, the young mage Andy accompanied the Count on a journey to the capital of the northwestern Duke Ferdinand’s direct territory—Center.

Upon their arrival in Center, they first settled in the Kent family’s residence within the city. As it was already late, the Count decided to visit the Duke’s castle the next day.

However, before breakfast started, an unexpected guest arrived—Henry Ferdinand, Viscount and the second eldest brother of the Ferdinand family.

Count Kent arranged for the young mage Andy and met Viscount Henry alone in the hall.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the Count asked, “What brings you to Center City, Viscount?”

Henry had his own fief elsewhere and typically did not reside in Center. It seemed too coincidental that he would just happen to be there during their visit.

“Oh, Count Kent, as you know, my brother has been in poor health lately. I’ve moved to Center to be closer to him, to visit and take care of him more often.”

“You truly have a deep bond as brothers. Whenever I see such things, I regret not having a brother to care for,” Count Kent remarked, feigning emotion. He was well aware of why Duke Ferdinand’s health was failing—it was due to the “visit” he and Barnett had paid earlier. While they controlled the Duke’s mind with a brain parasite, it severely eroded his physical health.

At this rate, the Duke likely had only about a year to live.

The Viscount showed a look of duty on his face, “Naturally, my brother is like a father to me. Ah… Count, when you entered the city, my servant happened to see you, so I hurried over to chat with you.”

Malrtz grew wary internally. Was Viscount Henry starting to establish his spies in Center?

“What brings you to Center, Count?” the Viscount inquired.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Marltz replied, “Well… I’m here, of course, for the Duke’s health matters.”

Henry understood the embarrassed look on Marltz’s face. The “health matters” he referred to were likely related to male issues.

He shook his head, making a tsk-tsk sound, “My older brother, he just refuses to accept God’s will. In my opinion, that’s just fate. He’s of such an age, yet still trying to change something.”

The “fate” Viscount Henry referred to was the Duke’s lack of a son.

Without a son, the dukedom would naturally pass to one of the lucky brothers.

As the eldest among the Duke’s younger brothers, he was the most hopeful.

So, with the Duke’s health worsening, he came to Center to set his plans in motion.

Count Kent didn’t respond, just smiled politely at the Viscount.

Although Marltz was famous as the Duke’s henchman, he was used against outsiders. Viscount Henry, being the Duke’s brother, was not afraid of him and spoke without reserve.

Of course, if he wanted to compete for the dukedom, he needed to win over the powerful Kent family, the second most powerful in the northwest after Ferdinand.

“Count Kent! I’ve come to present you with a gift, and I hope you won’t refuse it. Bring it in!”

The servants waiting outside, who had come with him, immediately walked in carrying an exquisitely crafted wooden box.

The Viscount took the box, placed it on the table, and opened it carefully.

For a moment, the Count felt as if the entire room was radiating with brilliance.

Inside the box was a dazzling golden elk statue.

Henry lowered his voice, “This is a treasure passed down from the ancient Gubera Empire, crafted entirely from gold.”

Count Kent’s heart raced at the sight.

Marltz Kent had a particular fondness for such items. Beyond being made of gold, this artifact was a valuable cultural relic, perfect for enhancing one’s taste in the eyes of others.

However, it was necessary to be politely modest.

“This… is too precious, I can’t accept it. But I appreciate your thought,” the Count demurred.

“How can you not accept it, Count?” Henry pressed. “As a vassal of our Ferdinand family, you have served loyally for many years. It’s only right for me to present a small token on behalf of our family.”

Henry emphasized the word ‘vassal’.

Malrtz bristled internally at the implication; he was a vassal to Henry’s ailing brother, not to this upstart. However, he maintained a sincerely smiling face. “It’s my duty, I can’t possibly…” S~ᴇaʀᴄh the NøᴠᴇlFire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

“No, no, no, you must take it.”

…

After a lengthy back-and-forth, Count Kent reluctantly accepted the gift.

Marltz invited Henry to stay for a lavish dinner. Henry was in high spirits, frequently raising his glass as if the ducal title was already within his grasp.

After countless drinks, Henry became flushed and slightly inebriated.

“Marltz, I didn’t expect you to be such a drinker… hic! You weren’t this good before!”

He addressed Marltz by name, disregarding the fact that the other’s title was higher than his own.

“Heh, you flatter me.”

Marltz’s face showed no sign of drunkenness, and he remained exceptionally clear-headed, despite drinking as much as Viscount Henry.

Since studying the health techniques taught by Barnett daily, alcohol’s effects on him had diminished significantly.

He could now drink endlessly without getting drunk.

“When I become Duke…”

Bolstered by alcohol, Henry began to speak recklessly, though his speech was slurred.

“I’ll grant you more wealth, hic!… and more lands!”

Henry emphatically thumped his chest.

“Whatever my brother gave you, I’ll give you again, not a bit less.”

Kent internally sneered, responding, “Viscount, you’re drunk.”

“Hm? Drunk? Hic! I guess I am a bit. Alright… I won’t bother you any longer. Hic! I must… take my leave.”

Henry staggered to his feet to bid farewell to Count Kent.

The Count personally assisted him to the door.

“Marltz, remember what I said today. I know my stupid brothers must also be seeking you out… or maybe they already have. But… hic… whatever terms they offer, tell me. I assure you, I’ll give you more than those fools.”

“Ha ha, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Count Kent helped him into the carriage outside the residence.

“Let’s keep in touch!”

With those parting words, Viscount Henry left in his carriage.

Marltz Kent stood at the doorway, watching the carriage disappear, a mocking smile on his face.

“Hmph!”

With a cold laugh, he turned back into the residence.

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