Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 514: Arriving At Vernau

After so much hardship, the weary column of soldiers finally caught sight of Vernau in the distance.

The city is many times larger than Vaale, surrounded by vast fields to support its population.

The fortifications around the city look sturdy and well-maintained. At least, Bain can't think of ways to conquer it quickly in case he needs to.

"Finally, we're here! I hope the city is half as good as Bideford," said Bain.

He lived through the days before Bideford became what it is now.

He witnesses the city's change and improvement with his own eyes, so he knows Bideford's previous condition.

Back then, it was nothing more than a town with cramped and dirty streets.

He also knows that many cities in Jozia have not experienced a drastic change like Bideford. Most have remained the same shithole they are.

Bain turned his horse and called out to one of the officers.

"Ensure the men maintain discipline. No wandering off when we enter the city. We're guests here, and we'll act accordingly."

"Yes, General!"

As usual, Bain let Hugo ride at the front position in the hope of easing the locals.

This is Blande's de facto capital and none of them want to see a foreign army marching here.

With Hugo's face acting like a pass, the soldiers march into the city unhindered.

Time stops momentarily. At least, that's the way Bain sees it.

The city seemed to hold its breath as the soldiers filed through the gates.

The people of Vernau look at them, mostly with fear and unease. They look completely clueless.

Luckily, the soldiers are on their best behaviour so no problem occurs.

However, a low hum of whispers began to ripple through the gathered crowd.

The uneasy whispers were like a storm brewing, with the potential to erupt at any moment.

Bain's eyes surveyed the surroundings. He sensed the tension and felt like this was a powder keg.

He doesn't want these people to rile up and attack them. That would be disastrous.

So, he approaches Hugo. "Take us to your friends immediately."

He knows it's useless to meet the government of Blande itself as the one who truly holds power is Hugo's group of rich friends.

As for the senate or whatever Blande called their decision-making body, Bain had no interest.

"Okay," Hugo replied. "They usually gather at Vernau's mansion."

"Good! Lead the way!"

Hugo motioned for the soldiers to follow. He then set off quickly for Vernau's more affluent neighbourhoods.

The streets here were cleaner, the buildings grander, and the people fewer.

"This is the place," Hugo said, pointing to the sprawling mansion with high walls and beautiful gates.

Bain dismounted. He handed the reins of his horse to an aide.

"You handle the introductions. These are your people, after all. Make it clear we're not here to cause trouble."

After a brief exchange, the guards only allow Hugo and Bain to enter. As for the soldiers, they must retreat a hundred meters from the mansion's outermost wall.

Bain ordered his soldiers to comply. He knows this request is for security reasons.

The two of them enter.

Inside the mansion, it was unsurprisingly luxurious. But Bain didn't feel the slightest awe.

Having interacted with many highly influential figures, he was already used to seeing these things.

A butler appeared out of nowhere, leading the two down a wide hallway.

Bain was slightly surprised but since Hugo didn't react, he assumed this was probably a normal occurrence.

When they entered the spacious meeting room, a group of people looked at them. Needless to say, they all look affluent.

"Hugo! It's been a while! I didn't expect you to return bringing guests."

The first to greet him was Lord Kempten.

"And there's thousands of them." Added Lord Leuphan. "Care to explain?"

In front of the sharp gazes of everyone, Hugo introduces the guest he brought along. "This is General Bain Lawrence. He has come to escort me and ensure our side fulfils our part of the treaty."

"So you succeed negotiating with them?" Van Vernau asked.

"You can say so..."

Hugo still thinking of a way to tell them without giving them a heart attack, especially Van.

"How much they asked for?"

"Well, you see... It's not the issue of money."

Van looks confused, "What do you mean?"

In front of many pairs of eyes, Hugo explained. "Because we ignored them before, Ryntum is no longer interested in money. They're asking for a piece of our territory."

"Ridiculous!" Van snapped. His voice was loud enough to startle others. "What makes them think we would agree to such thing?"

Bain is watching the show in silence. Although he doesn't know the details of the negotiation, he knows Hugo's words are not entirely true.

Van glanced at Bain for a second and then asked Hugo, "And you agree?"

Hugo starts to portray himself as a victim. "What choice do I have? They're pressuring me."

"You fool!"

That was the final straw for Hugo. He had endured many things to complete the task. In the end, all he received was an insult.

His face flushed with anger. Hugo points his finger at Van.

"This wouldn't have happened if we just paid them! If you don't like it, you go and negotiate with their king yourself. Oh, wait, you can't! You're a coward who hides in your safe nest!"

Van's face turned red. He abruptly stood up. "What did you say to me?"

"Alright, calm down!" Lord Leuphan steps in to defuse the situation.

He looks at Hugo, "Which territory do they want?"

The question drew every pair of eyes to Hugo. Whoever lost their territory will have their strength significantly reduced.

With a gloating face, Hugo looks at Van. He no longer feels as guilty as before.

"From the tip of Vaale in the south to the outskirts of Velten in the north. From the sea in the west to the border mountain range in the east."

"Hiss~"

That's like one-third of Van Vernau's domain.