Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World
Chapter 226:

TL: Etude

“The deepest room of the dungeon serves as one of the entrances to a secret underground passage that leads directly outside of Center City. It was dug by the Ferdinand family as a precaution. I escaped through that tunnel.”

In Count Parker’s castle, Viscount Henry detailed his escape.

Paul scrutinized a paper filled with tiny script, which, according to Viscount Henry, was a personal letter from his brother. The handwriting was somewhat sloppy, as if penned in haste.

Underground passages were not uncommon; every lord instinctively prepared alternate escape routes. Even the castle at Lakeheart Town had a hidden tunnel unknown to outsiders.

The contents of the letter described a dire situation: Count Marltz Kent was controlling Duke Ferdinand—the letter writer himself. Under duress, the Duke was forced to publicly pass his title to him. Marltz Kent was plotting to betray the Kingdom of Ordo, planning to declare independence in the northwest while the royal army was engaged in the south against the rebel forces of Jars.

The methods of control described in the letter made Paul’s skin crawl.

“Disgusting worms,” “magic,” “witchcraft”…

The Duke used terms that might sound like babbling to outsiders, but Paul, having encountered wizards up close, believed it could be true.

“Henry, I’ve briefly regained control of my mind to write this letter. I’m done for; his vile sorcery has drained all my strength. I hope you can avenge me and save our family. Marltz has secretly surveilled every member of our family. I’ll try to help you escape his watch…”

The letter concluded thus, leaving Paul deep in thought. He pondered the mysterious wizards’ group, the Arcane Society, and their possible connection to Marltz Kent’s conspiracy.

“Though it’s a bit rushed, this letter is indeed in the Duke’s handwriting. I recognize it.”

Seeing Paul lost in thought, Count Parker thought he doubted the letter’s authenticity.

“I stake my honor and my family’s reputation, this letter is genuine, and so is everything I’ve said.”

Viscount Henry also swore earnestly.

Paul looked up and asked, “What do you two plan to do? What can we do?”

“Of course, we must immediately raise an army to defeat that scoundrel…”

Viscount Henry was about to speak when Count Parker interrupted him.

“This matter requires careful planning. We can’t act rashly. The Kent family is powerful, and the Duke is under their control. Of course, a direct confrontation is inevitable; Marltz Kent isn’t someone who will comply just because we issue a declaration.”

Although skeptical about the “witchcraft” mentioned in the letter, there was no doubt that the Duke was under Kent’s control.

Count Parker suspected something was amiss when the Duke named Kent as his heir at the birthday banquet. Normally, the title wouldn’t fall to the Kent family. Even if the main branch was incompetent, there were closer side branches than the Kents.

Price Parker was ready to confront Marltz Kent, as his family had a covert feud with the Kents.

Paul pondered and then said, “Well… I think…”

“Count Grayman!”

Count Parker’s face turned serious as he spoke, “You’re not harboring any hopes for that Kent fellow, are you? Have you forgotten the conflict between your families last year? I don’t need to guess to know that he must have made many excessive demands on you, and not just you, many lords of the Northwest Bay have suffered at his hands.”

Last year, there was significant tension between the Grayman and Kent families, almost leading to conflict. Though the reasons were not publicly declared, the lords had a rough idea: Alda had made a substantial profit, which had likely aroused the envy of Count Kent. After all, that was just the kind of person he was.

Count Parker continued, “Humph! Once he becomes a duke, do you think we’ll fare well? What’s worse is his plans for rebellion. We are all subjects of His Majesty the King. Can we just let him cause such chaos?”

“To be frank, we’ve already spoken to several lords, all of whom deeply despise the traitor Marltz Kent. We’re preparing to unite against him.”

The elder count’s eyes glinted as he asked Paul, “What do you and Count Ganard think, Grayman?”

Paul inwardly groaned, realizing he had to pick a side now. With these two factions neighboring his territory, remaining neutral was impossible.

“What’s your plan?” he quietly asked Malron beside him.

“Of course, we’re going to join Count Parker and the others against Marltz Kent. Have you forgotten last year’s extortion by the Kent family?”

“Yes, I was thinking the same, but…”

Paul turned to Price Parker, asking loudly, “Lord Parker, how many lords have you assembled?”

Count Parker smiled slightly, sensing Paul’s concerns.

“Paul, we have considerable strength. But I understand your worries. Let’s do this: I’ll invite everyone over in a few days to discuss this matter. You can return home now and come back then. Of course, you’re welcome to stay here for a few days until everyone arrives.”

It seemed Count Parker was quite confident.

“Then we’ll come back in a few days. Malron and I despise Marltz Kent as well. If you truly gather a strong force, I’ll definitely participate.”

“Good, it’s settled then. I’ll notify you.”

With the business discussion concluded, everyone started to enjoy dinner. After the meal, Paul and Malron excused themselves to their guest room for rest.

Viscount Henry stayed behind, cautiously asking Count Parker, “My lord, how much can these two contribute to our cause? I’ve heard the Grayman family has always been weak, and the Ganard family just faced a near-total rebellion from their vassals last year.”

“Heh,” chuckled Count Parker, stroking his beard.

“Henry, you can’t always rely on old perspectives. Setting Baylding aside, Alda is no longer what it used to be. The pirates of the Northwest Bay were eradicated by the Grayman family. Though they took advantage of the pirate leader Edward’s disappearance and the leaderless pirates, it’s not something any count can easily achieve. Moreover, the Baylding rebellion was quelled with the Grayman family’s help. Remember, those rebels had quite a few knights under their command.”

“I believe involving them in our plan will be greatly beneficial.”

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