Medieval: Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Under the protection of the quick-witted Richard and Captain Thomas, Janpolo left Trossky and headed to Prague.

A piece of information mentioned last night has caught the old Earl's attention: he said he saw Sir Nebakov at the Griffin Camp prisoner camp, even though reports had previously indicated that the castle was still under construction and everything was normal.

A bruised and battered Ulrich suggested, "Why don't we send someone to probe?"

"The seven-day deadline hasn't passed yet... cough cough, I mean, my vassals haven't arrived yet..."

While the old count was hesitating, Hans and Henry came to see him and inquire about the alliance.

von Polgao had no intention of forming an alliance. He was perfunctory in his reception of the two men, but then a plan suddenly came to him. He said to Hans, "God is my witness, I am very grateful for the role you two played in the process of redeeming my son."

In reality, no. The old count believed that the credit for redeeming his son belonged to the smooth-talking Richard, who had been running around doing all the work. He thought that Hans and Henry were just there to accompany him and that they were the ones who got the ransom done without lifting a finger.

"I'm glad you put it that way. Perhaps... we should discuss how to form an alliance to jointly deal with the separatists within Bohemia..."

Hans, the young master, subtly brought up the matter of forming an alliance.

"Well said, that's exactly what I wanted to hear." The old count pursed his lips, nodded, and shook his head twice. "What do you think, Ulrich?"

The cunning old count spoke eloquently while shifting the topic to others, without directly answering the question of an alliance.

With black eyes and a bruised and swollen face, Ulrich, as the count's confidant, quickly understood and struck an elegant pose, which looked incredibly comical, saying, "Hmm, it is truly gratifying to hear a young lord so concerned about the fate of our country."

Saying nice things is as good as saying nothing at all.

von Polgart also gave an approving look, looking at Hans with satisfaction, and said, "Ulrich is right. You have never let your uncle Hans down. That's impressive."

Do you need to tell me if I'm good or not? You old fool, where's your answer?

Hans, however, maintained a noble and proper demeanor, wearing an expression of gratitude and praise.

Feng Boergaard continued to play word games, speaking in a melodramatic tone: "Our agreement remains valid, but I'd like to remind you of one thing: politics is about making reasonable concessions and compromises, not acting hastily. What do you think?"

I think? I think you old codger should kneel down and apologize to me, and then immediately sign the alliance agreement!

Hans complained bitterly. Having witnessed Peter's straightforward and efficient speaking style at the Griffin Camp, he was very impatient with the affected mannerisms of this old-fashioned nobleman.

Just as Hans was about to lose his composure, Henry spoke up: "Your Excellency, Lord Radzi and Lord Hannah share a common interest with you, which is to maintain the stability and unity of Bohemia. This is also why we are willing to help you rescue your son. We have shown our sincerity; now it is your turn."

"Was it you who rescued him?" Ulrich wanted to retort sarcastically, but the old count stopped him with a gesture of respect. He looked at Henry, his eyes filled with admiration, and said, "Well said. It seems Raddy and Hansel have a good eye for choosing envoys. Look at him, so capable and eloquent. Once I've dealt with Red-Haired Peter and his gang, I'll definitely write you a reply, praising you greatly."

Henry and Hans exchanged a glance, both sensing the old count's tenacity and somewhat arrogant arrogance. If they waited until he defeated Peter before agreeing to the alliance, the treaty might not be formed. During their five days at the Griffin Camp, the two truly felt how high the morale was there.

"Let's get back to business," the old count said, oblivious to their unease, or rather, unconcerned. "I have two letters that I need to deliver to two vassals in my territory, Sir Semi and Sir Nebakov. I cannot leave the city right now, could you please make the trip again?"

"Alright, we're willing to do that. We just hope to get a clear and definite answer from you when we return. We've been away from Ratchasima for far too long."

Hans expressed his helplessness.

"certainly."

The old count smiled slightly, asked Ulrich to prepare paper and pen, and quickly wrote two letters himself. He sealed them with wax, stamped them with the Borgo family seal on his ring, and handed them to Hans and Henry.

"Thank you for your trouble. Please set off as soon as possible." The old count said, "Although I haven't left the house for seven days, I can guess that it must be chaotic outside, with bandits roaming everywhere. It's too dangerous at night, so please try to come back before dark."

"We will."

Hans and Henry hesitated to speak. They wanted to say that it was safer outside than before, but considering their respective positions, they silently accepted the letter and left quickly.

They rode out of the city and first arrived at Semi's Castle, where they met with Sir Semi, Captain Gnally, and young Semiodda. There, preparations were underway for the engagement ceremony between young Semi and Agnes, daughter of the Executor Therush. They seemed unperturbed by the impending shadow of war looming over the outside world.

Old Semih took the letter, read it, and looked surprised, but nodded and said, "Please reply to the Earl that we will act as soon as possible."

Hans and Henry continued on to Nebakov, where they met Janjeska, who was disguised as Sir Nebakov.

Although Jessica was allied with Peter, they did not share all information. Therefore, Hans and Henry did not know Jessica's true identity, and Jessica did not understand Hans and Henry's background. In this way, the two sides completed a friendly exchange.

After reading the letter, Janjaska replied that she would act as soon as possible.

Hans and Henry did not linger. As darkness fell, they returned to the castle, only to find it bustling with activity, with tents pitched at the foot of the mountain outside the castle.

-----Von Polgao’s vassals from other regions have arrived with their troops!

Henry wiped the sweat from his brow, gazing absently at the endless rows of military tents outside the castle. Three hundred heavily armored warriors, thirty cavalrymen, and six standard-bearer knights! Such a massive army made him feel vaguely uneasy.

Is Lord Peter really capable of dealing with these people?

"Stunned?" Hans nudged him with his elbow. "Is this the first time you've seen so many troops gathered together?"

Henry chuckled helplessly, "During the siege of Vlanik and the recapture of Talmu Fortress, our combined forces totaled less than a hundred men. Seeing more than three times that number suddenly makes me a little worried..."

"Worried that Baron Griffin won't be able to win? Perhaps we should tell him this information as soon as possible," Hans asked in a low voice.

Henry nodded, then shook his head.

Hans looked at him with wide eyes, puzzled.

Henry leaned closer and whispered, "I am a little worried about Peter, but Lord Peter estimated the arrival time and approximate military strength of these vassals at the meeting, so we don't need to inform them."

"At the meeting? Oh no, Henry, you can attend their core meetings, but I can't. You know some information, but you haven't shared a single word with me. Are we even friends anymore?"

Hans was clearly a little jealous.

Henry was about to reply when the castle steward Ulrich's booming voice suddenly rang out: "Sir Hans! The Earl's banquet for his vassals is about to begin. Please dress appropriately and proceed to the banquet hall!"