Chapter 175 Accepting the Invitation
Chapter 175 Accepting the Invitation
Chapter 176 Accepting the Invitation
The twilight, like aged wine, permeated the griffin camp.
Peter sat alone at the oak table, the candlelight flickering in his pupils as two golden flames.
The edge of the letter in his hand was slightly curled, and the sealing wax seal gleamed blood-red in the light—a red and white checkered eagle spread its wings, its claws gripping the diamond-shaped coat of arms of the Luxembourg family.
"To His Excellency Peter Griffin, ... as a member of the Luxembourg family and the rightful ruler of Moravia, I cordially invite you to the upcoming gathering of nobles in Kutenberg, and I am willing to bear witness to the blood of King Wenceslaus flowing through your veins..."
Peter read the key paragraphs of the letter repeatedly.
"What beautiful words, what tempting promises."
A cold smile crept across Peter's lips. The Marquis of Jobuste was never a kind person willing to sacrifice for others.
Amid the chaos in Bohemia, he was ambitious and, like a chameleon, frequently shifted his allegiance.
In 1389, he imprisoned Wenceslaus in the Austrian Palace and seized control of the Bohemian Royal Council, becoming the regent of the empire and usurping power.
In 1396, through the mediation of Sigismund, Wenceslaus was released and reinstated, and Jobst lost his regency.
In 1401, he joined forces with the League of Nobles to besiege Prague, forcing Wenceslaus to relinquish control of the state and hand over the decision-making power of the government to the League of Nobles.
However, Yobst did not obtain the qualification to lead the Noble Alliance as he had hoped; instead, he was outmaneuvered by von Polgao.
In late 1402, a resentful Jobst and Sigismund joined forces to become leaders of the collaborators. Jobst gained the title of Elector of Brandenburg, while Sigismund obtained the throne of Bohemia. Everyone got what they wanted, and everyone had a bright future.
This year, however, Jobst broke with Sigismund again and became the leader of the royalist party who supported the lazy king.
No wonder Yandjaska didn't give him a friendly look. Peter really couldn't feel any affection for him either.
However, adults cannot only consider feelings; they must also consider interests.
"This might be an opportunity."
Peter also had his own considerations. Trossky urgently needed talent and technology, as well as better craftsmen, educated scribes, and miners who knew how to mine... Kutenberg, as an important city of the kingdom, had gathered a large number of talented people.
Moreover, the various mold makers in the Italian Palace mint and the large treasury of over 500,000 Grossens were enough to tempt Peter.
The night outside the window grew darker, and the first star twinkled in the sky. Peter finally sat down, unfolded a new sheet of parchment, dipped it in ink, and began to reply.
"Your Excellency Marquis Jöbst," he carefully chose each word, "thank you for your kind invitation and generous offer... I will travel to Kutenberg as scheduled to attend this grand event... I look forward to discussing the future of the kingdom with you in person..."
He put down his pen and gently blew away the ink. In this game of power, he had to remain clear-headed. He wouldn't be swayed by empty fame, nor would he risk his life for others. But he wouldn't let go of a single ounce of the benefits he was entitled to.
The morning of January 14th.
The courtyard of Griffin Village was filled with an atmosphere of farewell.
Peter was surrounded by many of the territory's key figures. He had just announced his upcoming trip to Kutenberg and made arrangements for them.
"While I'm away, the defense of the territory will be handled by John the Big Mouth, and the daily administration will be handled by the old mayor. Specific matters will proceed as previously arranged. Remember, our goal is to continue building Troski, making it a peaceful and prosperous home for everyone. Funding will continue, and construction cannot stop."
"Yes, sir."
The core members readily complied.
Next came the selection of accompanying personnel, and the scene immediately became lively.
"My lord, please take me there! I will protect you with my life!"
"No, take me with you! I lived in Kutenberg and know the area better!"
"I have made my decision."
Peter gently stopped the argument, his gaze sweeping over the group as he said, "Black Bartosh, Eric, Tomcat Carter, Gray Rat Jerry, and White-haired Robert will accompany me. Three sword masters, two sharpshooters, lightly armed and on swift horses—enough to handle most crises."
Those who were chosen could not hide their joy, while those who were not chosen could not hide their disappointment.
"Why don't you select more guards, sir? Your safety is the foundation of Trossky's security," someone said sincerely.
Road.
Peter, upon hearing this, smiled and explained, “Everyone has their own mission. Those who remain are equally important. You must protect our homeland and ensure that when I return, Troski is more prosperous than it is now. And have you forgotten? I am a knight blessed by God; ordinary people cannot harm me.”
The crowd then calmed down and nodded in acceptance of the lord's decision.
At that moment, Pavlyna stepped out from the crowd. Today, she was wearing a light green dress, which made her blue eyes appear even brighter. She carried a small package and walked gracefully to Peter.
"My lord," her voice was soft yet clear, "here is some water and dry rations for your journey." She lowered her head slightly, revealing a section of her fair neck. "May God bless you with a safe journey and a speedy return."
Peter took the package and noticed the slight tremor in her fingertips. "Thank you, Pavlyna. Please continue training the finance staff while I'm gone."
She looked up, her eyes flashing with complex emotions: "I assure you."
Marika squeezed forward, bringing with her the finest warhorses and packhorses. "You must return unharmed," she said, her eyes smiling but unable to conceal her deep worry, "We still need your protection."
Peter said gently, "I will miss your cider and your singing, Marika."
The moment of parting finally arrived. Peter and his five attendants mounted their warhorses, each accompanied by a packhorse, and headed out of the camp. The sun shone brightly over the camp's high walls. The onlookers knelt down, praying for their lord.
Peter reined in his horse, taking one last look at the territory he had painstakingly built and at the faces that looked up at him.
"This is everything I must protect. Whatever awaits me in Kutenberg, I must fight for more opportunities for Trotsky."
He turned his horse around and lightly kicked its flanks. The horse's hooves flew, and it rode away into the distance. The crowd stood at the gate, watching their lord's figure disappear into the dust raised in the distance.
The most common route from Trossky to Kutenberg is to first go to Itzin, then head south along the main road, passing through Seinitz, Celebi, Nimburk, and Stara Kolin, and finally enter the Kutenberg region, a journey of more than 70 kilometers.
If one person rides two horses and travels quickly, they can arrive in two days.
The group rode along, and before they knew it, it was getting dark.
"My lord, just ahead lies Seinitz Castle, a branch of the Rosenberg family. They are our enemies; they even tried to raid our territory before. What do you think?"
Lodging was a stage for nobles to display their refinement, and also a window to glimpse their strength.
But I am a "nouveau riche who rose from the rank of bandit baron".
Will they poison their drinks or mock them?
>
anovelconsole