Chapter 438: Charlot Was Merely a Writer Famous for Literature

The four noblemen standing between Charlot Mecklenburg and Sesath convened a military council.

During the meeting, Baron Exon gave an impassioned speech, declaring Charlot had ten weaknesses while their coalition of four noble families held ten advantages.

"Viscount Constantine is a hero of our Black Phoenix Dynasty; it is impossible for him to defect to the Fars Empire!"

"He is lying, slandering, and trying to undermine our resolve to resist."

"Although Charlot is well-known, he is merely a writer famous for his literature. I've heard that in the Fars Empire, he serves as nothing more than a civil servant handling paperwork. His current position was only achieved because he married Princess Annie. All of his military achievements are fabricated! Can you seriously believe that one person can write, race carriages, compose operas, and fight on the battlefield? Preposterous! Utterly preposterous."

"The Fars Empire, the Ingrima Empire, the Byron vampires, and the Lionheart Empire each have their own agendas. It is impossible for them to work together sincerely. Moreover, they are far from home, so their alliance cannot last."

"Counts, are you truly willing to believe such absurd rumors...?"

At that moment, a clerk barged in and handed a document to his master, Count Norbingham. The count glanced at the paper, showed no reaction, and passed it to Count Barnett. Count Barnett's expression turned to shock after reading the document, but instead of sharing it with Viscount Angelo, he shredded it on the spot.

Baron Exon was about to inquire further when another clerk entered, this time delivering a letter to Count Barnett. After reading it, Count Barnett passed it to Viscount Angelo.

The viscount read it, his expression turning dark and complicated.

Moments later, two more clerks entered, each delivering documents to their respective masters.

Baron Exon caught sight of the first line on one of the papers: "Viscount Constantine has committed treason."

The baron's vision darkened momentarily, and he was overcome with dread. Charlot had sent letters to the three nobles, and Counts Norbingham, Barnett, and Viscount Angelo had openly shared these with him to demonstrate their resolve and sincerity. The content blatantly encouraged the three to capture their sole dissenting voice and use him as leverage to negotiate with the Fars Empire.

Looking toward the three nobles, a wave of panic swept over Baron Exon. Fearing for his life, he suddenly cried out, "Sworn allegiance to Count Mecklenburg!"

"Count Norbingham, Count Barnett, Viscount Angelo! Let us discuss how to welcome Count Mecklenburg on his inspection of loyal Sesath!"

Count Norbingham smiled faintly and replied, "As Baron Exon wishes."

Counts Barnett and Angelo echoed simultaneously, "Baron Exon speaks sensibly."

Baron Exon wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. He dreaded that if he had reacted even a moment later, the three might have turned on him, taken his head, and presented it as a gift to Charlot.

He deeply regretted killing Charlot's messenger.

Baron Exon could hardly believe that even Viscount Constantine and his son had defected. Nor could Charlot have imagined that his "threats" would prove so effective. Not only did the original three nobles yield, but even Baron Exon, who had killed Charlot's envoy, offered his submission and pledged himself as a vassal to the Mecklenburg family.

...

On the Old Continent, nations differed from modern Earth. Each was comprised of territories directly governed by the emperor and lands held by nobles. Noble territories, whether nominally or practically, were private property, and nobles were only obligated to pay taxes and fulfill certain duties. The crown could not seize their lands under any pretense.

Even the Fars Empire, despite its desire to annex the southern territories of Nanselav and Behemoth, begrudgingly acknowledged Grand Duke Joseph after Ferdinand's death.

Counts Norbingham, Barnett, Viscount Angelo, and Baron Exon surrendered their territories and became subjects of the Emperor of Bretagne. This merely entailed swearing fealty to a new ruler while retaining their noble status.

However, should Baron Exon swear allegiance to Charlot Mecklenburg, it would take on a different implication.

It would signify his fealty not to the Emperor of Bretagne but directly to Count Mecklenburg! As an old European saying goes: "The vassal of my vassal is not my vassal."

Charlot pondered briefly before gladly accepting the surrender of the four nobles and Baron Exon's allegiance. He immediately mobilized his forces and entered the territories of the four noble families. Seeing Andreas alongside Charlot dispelled any doubts they had about Viscount Constantine's defection.

After all, how could a son join without his father, or a father without his son?

Being nobles of a remote region of the Black Phoenix Dynasty, they lacked reliable intelligence and were completely deceived by Charlot's bluff.

This marked Charlot's first time accepting noble surrender. He found it novel to preside over their oaths of fealty to Emperor Alfred Guillaume and to himself. Representing the emperor, Charlot declared that their titles, wealth, and territories were inviolable, while subtly taking control of their private knightly orders.

This action, though unconventional, went unchallenged. The nobles, awed by Andreas and the presence of nine Saint-rank powerhouses—including Cresto, a legendary name in the Fars Empire and even the Black Phoenix Dynasty—did not dare object. As the former Grand Captain of the Fars Empire's Royal Knight Order, Cresto’s renown as the Light of the Holy Mountain was unrivaled except by Viscount Constantine.

With such a formidable army and a coalition of Saints, Charlot could have seized not only their military power but also committed more egregious breaches of protocol. The nobles would have been compelled to silently endure.

...

With the four obstructing nobles dealt with, Charlot's path to Sesath was clear.

Sesath had been under the stewardship of the Mesu family for generations. However, it was merely a barony. The current Baron of Sesath was named Merime Mesu.

Baron Merime Mesu was known for his low profile. His exact strength was a mystery, but it was widely known that he commanded a fleet, including two alchemical warships.

Despite now commanding an army bolstered by the four nobles’ knights and 14 Saint-rank individuals, Charlot did not underestimate Baron Merime Mesu.

As his forces approached Sesath, Charlot refrained from launching an immediate assault. Instead, he sent a letter urging the baron to prioritize the greater good and the lives of Sesath' residents by surrendering to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and destruction.

Predictably, Baron Merime Mesu resolutely rejected the proposal.

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