Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 515: Taking Over I

Van suddenly clutched his chest. His fingers dug into the fabric of his cloth.

A sharp and searing pain radiated from his chest.

The pain came so unexpectedly that he was caught off-guard.

Van became weak and his legs gave away. His body crumpled to the ground with his hand still clutching his chest.

"Van!" Gasps filled the room as they watched the scene unfold.

They were shocked. Everyone except Hugo rushed forward to catch Van before he hit the floor.

In panic, they call for the butler.

Hugo, who was basking in his vindication, was now frozen in place.

Hugo feels a bit guilty, but after thinking about Van's treatment toward him, he quickly forgets about it.

The butler arrived shortly after. He was flanked by two attendants.

Kneeling by Van's side, he placed two fingers on the unconscious man's neck to check the pulse.

"He's alive," the butler announced just a moment later. "He's just fainted, likely due to the shock."

Everyone feels relieved but the tension didn't fully dissipate.

"We'll take him to his chambers and summon the physician immediately." said the butler, motioning for the attendants to help lift Van.

The rest of the group returned to their seats as Van was carried out.

There was a long pause before Hugo broke the quiet.

"Since Van is out of commission, we'll need someone else to represent us in acknowledging the transfer of territory."

Lord Kempten slammed his hand on the table.

"You heartless man!" he roared. "Van just collapsed before us, and you're already talking about breaking up his territory? Have some decency!"

"Calm yourself down, Lord Kempten. The treaty has already been signed. Your objection, or anyone else's, doesn't change the outcome. This is a matter of formality."

"Formality?! You're speaking of the loss of lands as though it's a trivial issue."

Hugo calmly met Kempten's furious gaze.

He asks, "And what would you like me to do? Turn back time? Reverse the decisions we've already made? The ink has dried, and the terms are set."

"Ehem!"

Before Kempten could respond, his ears caught the sound of coughing.

Bain draws everyone's attention. "I couldn't help but notice that you all seem to have forgotten about my presence."

He continues, "Can you all postpone your quarrel for another time? I have neither the time nor the patience to watch your bickering. If there's nothing else to discuss, I will take my leave. I have to conduct inspections in the new territory."

Bain reached for his coat and prepared to leave. But just as he began to step toward the door, Lord Kempten shouted, "Insolent! Don't you dare leave!"

The room tensed. Bain paused mid-step, then slowly turned his back around.

He remained cool and composed.

"You have something else to say, Lord Kempten? Because I believe you don't."

He took a step closer. "And let me remind you... If you even think about trying to block me, my soldiers will have no choice but to come in and rescue me."

Facing a blatant threat, Lord Kempten opened his mouth but no words came out.

If he dared to act against Bain, the Ryntum soldiers outside would arrive faster than any help he summoned.

Lord Kempten's shoulders sagged. He clenched his fists, but ultimately, he didn't dare to speak.

He can only watch Bain leave the room.

The rest of the lords remained rooted in place. Until Bain's figure is no longer visible, the room is finally freed from a suffocating atmosphere.

....

Outside, Bain strode toward the exit, cursing the lords he had met. "What a waste of time!"

Those lords were nothing more than pompous fools. He should've bypassed all this bureaucracy and posturing.

Taking over Vaale and Velten when he first arrived would have been quicker.

It's not like the citizens will pose him much of a challenge.

Halfway to the gate, Bain heard hurried footsteps. From behind, Hugo was chasing after him.

"Mr Lawrance! Please wait a moment!"

Bain slowed his pace but didn't stop.

A few seconds later, Hugo appeared at his side. He was slightly out of breath.

"Mr. Hagen, what can I do for you?" Bain said nicely.

Although angry at the lords, he had to show courtesy to a man who had greatly facilitated Ryntum's mission here.

"First of all, I want to apologize for the attitude they showed you earlier."

"It's fine. Their reaction is understandable. Given the circumstances, you're not the one at fault here."

"Still, it reflects poorly on all of us."

"Is that so? Hmm..." Bain ponders for a few seconds. Then, he said, "In that case, why don't you help us one last time?"

"If it's within my power..." Hugo becomes slightly vigilant.

"Relax, it's nothing difficult. You see, the transfer of territory had happened on paper but the people are completely in the dark about it. I need you to help us announce the change."

"I see, that way there would be less resistance."

"Exactly! They're most likely to believe in you. You got the face they trust."

However, Hugo fell into a turmoil. This simple request has an enormous implication.

Once he did it, people would undoubtedly see him as a traitor who sold out his homeland.

Bain sees through Hugo's internal struggle. "Mr Hagen, I can see your reluctance. How about this... you don't have to announce your name."

Hugo's eyes lit up. The general is right.

He just needs to act as an intermediary who brings the news and presents it as the government's decision.

When people become angry, they'll look for the source of the problem.

In this case, it's Van Vernau.

In this story, Hugo can roleplay as a semi-victim—a weak lord who is forcefully sent to the enemy's domain by a strong one for a difficult task.

'As long as people don't see it as my decision, it's not me they'll be angry with.'

With a good twist and turn, his involvement will be minimized to a certain extent.