Chapter 016: Winning Over Alliances

Although Du Fan was a novice in politics, religion and politics were always intertwined, with many similarities between them. Thus, he quickly understood the meaning behind Count Christopher’s words.

Count Christopher was essentially implying that his assignment to lead the peace talks was a trap set by Duke Wade. Taking on such a troublesome role in peace talks meant avoiding direct engagement—who would willingly step into such a mess?

Since his new position as Finance Minister was a trap laid by Duke Wade, it meant he and Duke Wade were not on the same side. His purpose in speaking to Du Fan was to make this clear and to win over the Green family—a powerful alliance, arguably the only one capable of opposing the Lionheart family.

Yet even though Du Fan saw through this, would he easily trust Count Christopher? If what he said was sincere, that was one thing; but if he was sent to test Du Fan, it could bring endless trouble.

Realizing this, Du Fan remained calm. He cleared his throat slightly before saying in a low voice, “Count Christopher, one can eat whatever food they want, but words must not be spoken carelessly. Duke Wade must be busy with military affairs, which is why he acts this way. After all, he is an imperial marshal, and handling such matters may not be his forte.”

Hearing this, Count Christopher was momentarily stunned, but soon burst into laughter. “Very good! Very good! Du Fan, you’ve only been a duke for a few days. You haven’t learned much else, but you’ve mastered your father, Old Green’s, skill of staying perfectly discreet.”

Du Fan’s expression remained unchanged. He simply said, “I’m not sure what you mean, Count. I don’t understand.”

With a smirk, Count Christopher glanced at Du Fan a few more times before nodding. “Your caution shows that I haven’t chosen the wrong partner. If you were reckless and impulsive, why would I waste so much time talking to you? But Du Fan, have you realized one thing? Right now, we’re both in the same boat. If I lied to you about many things, what benefit would that bring me? I brought you here today and spoke so openly—don’t you understand the implications of my words?”

Du Fan smiled slightly but remained silent.

Christopher frowned and continued, “I’ve also heard about what happened at the duke’s residence that night. The Lionheart family has always regarded your Green family as their greatest rival in politics. Now that you’ve offended Randy, it seems there’s no possibility of reconciliation between the two families. In that case, we’re on the same side politically. Lord Du Fan, I’ve been so open with you—doesn’t that deserve your trust?” After saying this, Christopher stared at Du Fan with a deeply meaningful gaze.

Du Fan frowned slightly and pondered for a moment before saying calmly, “Lord Count, these matters seem more appropriate to discuss with my father. What’s the use of telling me?”

Christopher snorted and said, “When Duke Green was in power, even if Duke Wade had the audacity, he wouldn’t dare do anything to the Green family. But let me say something Lord Du Fan might not like to hear: what if Duke Green passes away in a hundred years? You know, Duke Wade’s son, Jerome, may not have played any role in this coup, but he’s always been a close confidant of Prince Fischer. So if Duke Wade dies in a hundred years, he’s likely to become the new Imperial Marshal. As for you, Lord Du Fan, though you’ve been granted the title of duke and the position of envoy to the Southern Regions, you’re not Prince Fischer’s confidant. Moreover, your achievements during the coup made you a threat to him. No matter what, Prince Fischer must be wary of you. If things go on like this, it won’t be long before the Lionheart family devours your Green family whole. Don’t you care about that at all, Lord Du Fan?”

Du Fan remained silent for a while before sighing deeply and saying, “Lord Count Christopher, you mean to overthrow the Lionheart family? That probably won’t be that easy.”

Christopher sneered and said, “Hmph. The Lionheart family has always held the position of Imperial Marshal, but that was in the past. Look at the present—both of their legions have been severely weakened by the Lanny Empire. Even Randy’s few victories are nothing but exaggerations. What’s so great about such a family? To be honest, the Lionheart family is not even one ten-thousandth as good as the Green family. It’s only because they’ve held the position of Imperial Marshal for so long, and most of the military elders are their people, that they can remain in power… But if war breaks out in the future, they probably won’t be able to keep that position so easily.”

Du Fan frowned for a moment before sneering coldly and saying, “Count Christopher, why are you going to such lengths to win me over to fight against the Lionheart family? Do you think I’m young and easily deceived? Or do you seek some personal gain?”
A cold smirk tugged at Christopher’s lips. After a pause, he replied coldly, “This imperial capital is like a giant vortex, with the royal family at its center. In this vortex, the big fish eat the small fish, and the small fish eat the shrimps… I, Christopher, used to be a shrimp, and now I’m a small fish. Yet even so, I don’t know how many big fish are eyeing me. If I don’t find allies, do I really want to end up being devoured by them? I am now the Imperial Finance Minister and an imperial count. Having reached this position in life, how can I possibly go back? I won’t aspire to be the Imperial Chancellor, but at the very least, I must preserve my position. Otherwise, if I fall, I’ll likely be destroyed. After all, in this vortex, not only are the big fish dangerous, but the darkness deep within it is also unimaginable… Hmph. I am now the Imperial Finance Minister. Although I’ve only been in charge of finance for a short time, that old bastard Berlinger has long kept a clear record of the Lionheart family’s actions over the years. How could I not see that as soon as I took office? The people of the Lionheart family surely understand this too. It’s just that I am now a new noble in the empire, while they can’t openly confront me… But what about in the future? I’m afraid that not only me, but even my family will be torn apart by them… In this world, it’s either you eat others or others eat you. If I can’t see this, then what’s the point of being a noble?”
At this point, it could be said that everything that needed to be said had been said, and everything that shouldn’t have been said had also been said. Continuing further would only involve malicious accusations.
Seeing Du Fan deep in thought, Christopher didn’t interrupt him. Instead, he slowly took a few sips from his wine glass.
After a while, Du Fan finally let out a long sigh and said, “Lord Count Christopher, if you’ve been so open with me, I naturally would agree. But then there’s my father…”

Christopher nodded slightly and said, “I understand. I originally intended to discuss these matters with Duke Green as well, but if I really did that, wouldn’t everyone know that our two families are allied? So whether I tell Lord Du Fan or Duke Green, the meaning is the same… I believe Duke Green will surely understand the deeper implication behind my words, right?”
Du Fan nodded but said nothing more.
Seeing Du Fan’s reaction, Christopher knew he had agreed to this. He was also someone who knew when to hold on and when to let go, so he didn’t say anything further. Instead, he changed his tone and sighed lazily, saying, “Well, since we’ve finished the tangential talk, it’s time to get back to business… Prince Quested of the Lani Empire is probably right next door… Why not meet with him? We’ll meet sooner or later anyway, so it’s better to do it now.”
With that, he set down his glass and pulled Du Fan toward the corridor, heading left.
At the entrance to the side hall on the left stood several warriors. Seeing people approaching, they glared fiercely, their attitude extremely arrogant.
Du Fan frowned slightly and said, “Don’t the people of the Lani Empire know how to behave?”
Count Christopher laughed heartily and said, “If it were us who won this time and went to their capital, we’d probably be ten or even a hundred times more arrogant!”
Du Fan thought for a moment and smiled slightly. It was indeed the same thing.
The two slowly walked to the entrance of the side hall. The armored warriors already stared at them angrily. One of them said coldly, “Gavin, dog, get lost!”
Du Fan snorted and was about to act, but Count Christopher smiled gently and said, “Lani pig, you can inform your master that Duke Du Fan and Count Christopher have come to pay a visit!”
The warriors grew furious and instinctively placed their hands on the swords at their waists.
But before they could do anything, a lazy voice came from inside the side hall, “Duke! Count! Please come in! I’m busy here, so I won’t go out to greet you personally.”
Du Fan sneered, didn’t even glance at the armored warriors, and kicked open the door before striding in.