Chapter 003: Apologies

Of course, Du Fan was well aware that he didn’t possess the so-called “turtle aura” mentioned in legends. The real reason for repelling the enemy this time was that, in Aldas’s eyes, he was even inferior to his own sister.
Still, achieving such a result was of course the best outcome. Only in this way would no one believe Lady Emily’s excuses no matter what she said in the future, right?
It was like a mute person forced to swallow bitter medicine with no way to express their pain. Lady Emily, if it weren’t for your foolish attempt to coerce me, using the fact that I happened to be there and had to keep today’s secret at all costs, how would you have ended up in this situation?
Du Fan thought to himself with satisfaction, scanning the hall. If the occasion hadn’t been inappropriate, he would have really stood up and laughed out loud three times.
Princess Nina watched the situation from afar, extremely nervous. She knew quite well about Aldas’s temperament. Though he usually appeared calm and composed, that fiery Emily was his only weakness in life. If she guessed correctly, after Mia sent Emily back, he must have smashed at least a dozen cups in his room. Despite his seemingly calm expression, he was likely seething with anger. Princess Nina was truly afraid that he might do something to Young Master Du in a fit of rage, which would ruin everything. With Duke Green the Old’s temper, could those hundreds of thousands of troops in the north really just be for show?
So when she saw Aldas retreat, Princess Nina felt slightly relieved. She wiped the cold sweat from her forehead, clapped her hands, and said in a sweet voice, “Well, everyone, I’m sure you now understand the purpose of this banquet. Some may doubt it, but don’t worry. I can assure you that the information you’ve heard is correct. The reason our royal family held this banquet is to ‘give away’ this precious Milak potion.”
“I needn’t explain the effects of the Milak potion—everyone here probably knows better than I do. To many people, it might not be very attractive, but for those present, it should be quite useful, right?”
“Enough, Princess Nina. Stop wasting words. I think everyone understands that obtaining this thing will require a significant price. Just tell us directly instead of letting us guess around!”

No one knew which noble said it first, but all the nobles present immediately agreed. Princess Nina nodded with a smile, her gaze sweeping meaningfully over several of them before she continued, “Everyone here must have heard of Rhodes Island, right?” The nobles exchanged glances, and most of them showed an understanding expression. Princess Nina nodded again and said, “I think you’re right. Those who succeed in obtaining the Milak Elixir this time only need to do one thing: use whatever means necessary to reclaim Rhodes Island within ten years. Moreover, the person who succeeds in reclaiming it will be granted the title of count, and Rhodes Island will become their fiefdom.” Although many had already guessed that this might be the outcome, most of them sighed when Princess Nina spoke these words. The reason was simple—Rhodes Island was indeed a troublesome place. Located on the coast in the northwest of the empire, surrounded by sea on three sides with only one side connecting to the Roland continent, this region had always been part of the Gavin Empire since its founding. However, for some reason, Rhodes Island not only had barren land and sparse population but also suffered from frequent typhoons and tsunamis over the years. If not for strategic reasons, the Gavin Empire would never have taken control of this territory, so it remained unmanaged for years, in a state of extreme chaos. But around a decade ago, a fairly united force seemed to emerge within Rhodes Island. It’s unclear what methods they used, but in just a few years, they “unified” the entire island and even began to declare themselves kings. Naturally, the Gavin Empire would not allow such a force to exist behind its back. After receiving this news, it sent three thousand-man cavalry units to eliminate this force. Strangely enough, aside from the last unit, which got lost and never reached Rhodes Island, there was no news of the other two units after they arrived. This incident caused a great stir in the empire at the time. The old emperor was even ready to send the northern army to wipe out everyone on Rhodes Island. But just then, the Gavin Empire and the Lanni Empire started a war over territorial disputes, and as a result, the empire lost interest in dealing with such a minor and insignificant force.

In peaceful times, some people had indeed thought of this idea, but the old emperor didn’t know what he was thinking. He declared that whoever could “reclaim” this lost territory would be granted it as a fief. You see, nobles who received territory had to pay taxes to the empire based on its size. Could such a barren place as Rhode Island really generate taxes? If not, wouldn’t it mean losing money generation after generation? The old emperor’s conditions deterred everyone, so this matter has remained unresolved to this day. However, this wasn’t a honorable situation for the empire either, and it couldn’t keep ignoring it. Using the Milak potion as bait this time was somewhat reasonable. Those nobles who had initially had some interest in the Milak potion immediately gave up, as even if they were willing to accept the terms, their families didn’t have the strength. After all, reclaiming Rhode Island might sound simple, but historically, two thousand-man armies had fallen there. So how many people would be needed to take it? Too few wouldn’t suffice, and most noble families didn’t have that many private troops. In the end, the Milak potion would likely end up in the hands of a few major families in the capital, with others not even getting a chance to smell it. But which family would take on such a seemingly disadvantageous task remained unknown. Du Fan stroked his chin, made a gesture, and only after Old Mark stepped forward did he ask in a low voice, “Grandpa Mark, if I ask for the Milak potion now, would Father be willing to send troops to help me conquer Rhode Island?” “I don’t know,” Old Mark replied after thinking for a moment. “But I think even if the Duke were here, he would agree to these terms. After all, no matter how troublesome Rhode Island is, it’s not a big deal for our family. But the Milak potion is a rare treasure. I think even if the third young master asks for it, the Duke won’t object. My advice is, why not take the Milak potion now? As for the rest, we can discuss it after the Duke returns.” “No rush,” Du Fan shook his head. “Although the Milak potion is nominally being given away, I think, after hearing the imperial conditions, no one will likely take it. Princess Nina’s behavior is like haggling wildly—we can just wait to be asked to pay back.”

“Moreover… do you think… there might be some fool who, in an attempt to silence me, would push that Milak potion into my hands?”
Old Mark was slightly stunned, unsure of what to feel. Why had this seemingly pure third young master suddenly become so cunning?
Yet despite thinking this way, Old Mark was deeply relieved. For an old man like him, it brought joy to know that his beloved third young master possessed such wisdom.
…
Things developed very differently from Du Fan’s expectations. With no one willing to take on this “task,” Princess Nina had to change her terms. In addition to the two conditions mentioned earlier, those who accepted the task could also choose a cavalry unit of three thousand from the imperial guards before setting out to quell the rebellion. Of course, they would have to bear the costs of equipment and provisions themselves.
Although the royal family had relaxed its conditions considerably, it still seemed somewhat disadvantageous. Some people still harbored hopes for the Milak potion but didn’t dare to step forward rashly.
Just as Princess Nina was about to give up, someone finally stepped forward.
“I’ll take the Milak potion… and I guarantee to quell the rebellion within half a year,” said Ordas, sitting not far from Du Fan, in a loud voice.
The others glanced at him but remained silent. After all, if he had the strength to accomplish such a task, jealousy was pointless.
Princess Nina thought for a moment before agreeing gladly. No matter which family took on this task, it would be in the best interest of the royal family.
“And one more thing,” Ordas added. “There’s no need to give me the Milak potion. Just deliver it directly to Young Master Du Fan… As for the matter of Rhodes Island, I’ll still handle it.”
As he spoke, Ordas gave Du Fan a faint glance, his expression clear: “Kid, I know you won’t let it go so easily that my sister offended you. But by giving you such a huge advantage, it should serve as an apology from our Belinger family, right?”