Chapter 86: Chapter 85: The Countess’s Arrangement

In Devil City, Marquis Oscillate and Prince Noah jointly convened a meeting to discuss the upcoming war effort.

It was obvious to everyone that this meeting was to rally support for Prince Noah, who had completed his preparations and was about to set off.

He was a prince, after all, and everyone had to show him some respect. So naturally, they all attended in person.

Of course, unlike the others, Count Valentino entered Devil City with a smile.

’What can I say? My subordinates are just that good.’

To be honest, she hadn’t expected that in just a few short days, Robson would give her such a huge surprise again.

When she first heard about the Centaur attack, she was thinking of quickly sending the Knight Order to help. But in the blink of an eye, he had solved the problem himself.

Initially, Valentino had merely taken a liking to Robson—or to be more precise, she’d taken a liking to his troops.

’As it turns out, my judgment is indeed excellent.’

This time, Valentino had come for two reasons: one, to attend the Prince’s meeting, and two, to specifically find Marquis Oscillate and ask for money!

That’s right. With such a capable subordinate, she, as his leader, naturally had to keep up.

At least in Valentino’s current view, the battle losses and requests Robson reported were completely reasonable.

Although Robson was asking for a lot, you couldn’t argue with his ability to get things done. The supplies were just sitting idle anyway. If she didn’t give them to a capable general, was she supposed to just wait for the Beastmen to attack and a Fire Dragon to burn down the warehouse?

In fact, Valentino felt Robson had asked for too little.

Those were elite Centaurs—the kind no one could normally defeat in a fight or catch in a chase.

The list of supplies Valentino submitted this time basically doubled Robson’s request.

Magic Crystal Cannons were a must, Mages were a must, and they could have mules, horses, Priests, Divine Water, and cotton-padded clothes...

It was a perfect opportunity for her, the boss, to rake in a little extra. After all, Robson’s great achievements were naturally due to the Earl’s keen eye for talent.

’Perfectly reasonable, perfectly reasonable.’

"Milady, you’ve arrived. I’ll inform the master at once."

Valentino arrived at Marquis Oscillate’s residence on a white horse, accompanied by her guards.

Valentino’s mother was the Marquis’s youngest daughter.

This was also a major reason why Valentino, one of the Northern Nobles, was able to gain a foothold on the Western Front.

Ever since she was a child, Valentino had been a favorite of the Marquis, whether for political reasons or simply out of his affection for the younger generation.

Her ability to quickly establish her position within the clan was deeply connected to her relationship with her maternal grandfather, the Marquis.

"No need, I’ll go see my grandfather myself." Valentino shook her head, dismounted, and handed her Knight’s Sword and helmet to a nearby guard.

This was a custom unique to the Frank culture. During wartime, whether male or female, as long as one was on the battlefield, they would never remove their heavy armor. For an Extraordinary, the weight was nothing; at most, it just got a little hot.

Valentino had inherited her mother’s impressive figure, but it was hidden by the bulky armor, with only the breastplate being slightly larger than a standard one.

However, while this attire was acceptable outside, she had to be more courteous when visiting her own grandfather. At the very least, she couldn’t bring her weapon.

"As you command."

Valentino walked into the manor, her armor CLANKING with every step.

As she reached the garden, a middle-aged nobleman was reading a letter while enjoying afternoon tea. A young man with a sharp gaze stood behind him.

"Valentino? You actually came?" Marquis Oscillate, who naturally already knew she was coming, looked at her with a smile.

Valentino walked up to Oscillate’s table, preparing to bow to the Marquis.

"Alright, alright, this is your home too. No need to be so formal," Marquis Oscillate said with a laugh.

"During my studies in the south, I was often taught that nobles must always observe etiquette, especially noblewomen," Valentino replied.

"You’re just like your mother. When she was your age, she was exactly the same." Marquis Oscillate seemed to be lost in thought.

"Speaking of which, you’ve reached marriageable age. So? War is the ultimate test for a man. Are there any young men on the Western Front who have caught your eye?" Marquis Oscillate chuckled.

No matter the world, elders are always particularly concerned about their unmarried juniors.

By common standards, a noble should be engaged by sixteen, so Valentino’s age was clearly unusual.

It wasn’t that no one wanted to marry Valentino. A Countess was a surefire shortcut to elevating one’s status.

But the Fengman Clan’s situation was special. Unless the man was exceptionally powerful, the children could only take the mother’s surname. In essence, it was a matrilocal marriage.

The legitimate sons of high nobility would certainly not choose this path.

Even the heir to a Viscount would have to think twice.

After all, if they were to marry, it would be uncertain who would have the final say in the household.

However, as the Earl Clan, the husband of a female heir to the Fengman Clan was destined to be no ordinary man.

Therefore, under normal circumstances, the spouse for a female heir of the Fengman Clan had to be chosen slowly and carefully.

Valentino blushed slightly. She was, after all, a nineteen-year-old woman, and for a moment she almost forgot about her mission to get money for Robson.

"However, the Fengman Clan’s situation is special, so this matter does require careful consideration.

Why the sudden visit?" Marquis Oscillate asked teasingly.

Of course, as Valentino’s closest elder, he did have a great deal of say in the matter.

Keeping Valentino on the Western Front was also partly intended to have her choose a southern noble.

"I recently acquired some Eastern Elf tea and brought it specially as a gift for you, Grandfather," Valentino said with a smile.

"Bringing gifts, are we? Do you have any idea how much you’re like your mother? Always all smiles before you ask for a favor.

"Just state your business. What if this old man’s bones aren’t strong enough to handle it? Then I’d have drunk your tea for nothing, wouldn’t I?" Marquis Oscillate said, chuckling.

"You know me best, Grandfather. The main thing is that the defensive pressure over at Mold Castle has been quite high recently, and one of my subordinates has come to me for help..."

"As you know, Grandfather, I’m new here. Getting ahold of supplies isn’t easy." Valentino smiled as she took out the battle report submitted by Robson.

The Marquis, intrigued, took it in his hands to read.

"Robson? Ed, my boy, isn’t he one of your father’s old subordinates?" The Marquis looked at the young man behind him and handed him the report.

This person was none other than Knight Ed, who had been separated from Robson for a long time.

Since parting ways with Robson, Ed had been serving under the Marquis.

Spurred on by his father, he had now achieved some success of his own.

Hearing his old friend’s name, Ed also began to read the report carefully.

"Ha! I knew it. Robson is a good one." Ed was naturally happy to see his friend achieve military honors.

"It seems your luck is quite good, finding such a promising talent so soon after arriving on the Western Front.

What do you think? Planning to grant him a fief in Novovich in the future?" the Marquis asked, smiling at Count Valentino.