That's not how you use a witch!

Chapter 70 The Real Strategy

So Ronan patted Grant on the shoulder and told him about his idea to adapt "The Witch's Dream" and his hope to present "The New Witch's Dream" as a play for the people of Thornlands.

As it turned out, novels and plays were far more appealing to this immature teenager than textbook stories: Grant perked up immediately, his eyes widening like the militia's eggs, and his heavy breathing made Ronan a little scared.

"Brother, please be sure to give me the script... No, if we don't have enough actors, I can also play the witch in the play!"

Grant placed his hand on his chest as if swearing, "Trust my skills, I definitely won't let you down!"

Good heavens, the nobles are really playing hard to get... Ronan tried hard to keep his composure and coughed twice: "That's right, I've always known you're capable."

"However, Brother Shi, I believe that Senior Huo Dewei's theatrical skills are superior to mine. If it's a script like this, it might be more suitable for him to do it."

Grant changed the subject, "Speaking of which, I haven't seen you since this afternoon, where did you go?"

Ronan raised the corners of his mouth: "He has a more important task."

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At the same time, more than thirty miles away, in the lord's manor of the Wright Territory, Viscount Wright was carefully receiving the delegation from the Thorn Territory and talking with Howard, who was carrying Ronan's personal instructions.

According to aristocratic etiquette, Ronan was only a minor baron, and he did not need to adopt a subordinate posture in diplomatic proceedings.

However, as the saying goes, fortunes change every thirty years. This insignificant figure, whom he once wouldn't even give a second glance, suddenly became an earl personally appointed by the duke, and even gained command of the western border troops.

However, what concerned him even more was the surging rebel army.

Before the delegation from the Thorn Territory arrived, Viscount Wright had already received news of the fall of the six core territories.

If Howard hadn't arrived with his delegation right after, he would have actually been considering surrendering.

So many marquises and earls have already sent their titles, why should a viscount with only a tiny territory risk his life?

He heard that the lords in the North who surrendered to the rebels were not doing well these days. Not only had most of their fiefdoms been taken away, but they were also extorted for huge sums of money as ransom. But at least they were still alive and well, weren't they?

Therefore, Wright's feelings were complicated when facing Ronan's messenger, Howard.

On the one hand, he dared not offend the rebels; on the other hand, he dared not offend this newly rising neighbor, putting him in a dilemma.

"What the envoy says is absolutely right. Now that the rebels are at the western border, we, as lords appointed by the Duke, do indeed need to take action and set an example."

After Howard had thoroughly explained the pros and cons, Wright pondered for a moment before speaking, "However, I am merely a minor viscount, lacking the abilities of Lord Ronan, and I fear I cannot offer much assistance. For the sake of stability, I am willing to remain stationed in Wright's territory, responding to any eventuality with unwavering resolve..."

"Your Excellency's words sound nice, but in reality, you're neither putting in any effort nor doing anything worthwhile."

Before Wright could finish speaking, Fermi from the delegation slammed his fist on the table, his face flushed red as if he were about to explode. "The fate of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen! Innocent civilians are dying every day in the Western Territory, while you stand aside, enjoying fine wine and food. Don't you think this violates the dignity of a nobleman?"

Wright's face turned pale from what he was being said.

"Fermi, you mustn't be disrespectful to His Excellency the Viscount!"

Howard snapped, "You've had too much to drink. Go back to your room and rest! You guys, take him home!"

After dismissing the delegation, Howard looked at Wright apologetically, "I'm truly sorry, my men are just some uncouth country bumpkins. They are ignorant of etiquette, so please don't take it to heart, Your Excellency."

"No, it's nothing..."

"In fact, Lord Ronan understands your difficulties. Unlike those great figures, he also started as an unknown baron. So he specially prepared a unique solution that satisfies both of us."

"Oh? Tell me about it?"

"We don't need you to send troops in the name of the Wright Territory. You only need to borrow some able-bodied men from us. You don't need to worry about anything else. We will train and fight them. We will pay you money per person as payment for sending them. After the battle, we will return these men to you. If anyone is killed in battle, we will also give you appropriate compensation."

Howard looked troubled by the calculation. "You know, our iron production in Thorn Territory is quite good. How about we settle the accounts with iron? Five pounds of iron per person, with an additional five pounds for any unfortunate casualties. If you prefer, we can use ironware as well; we can discuss the specific details later."

"Very well! This is a pleasant deal. Lord Ronan is truly a wise lord!"

Wright's eyes lit up, and the corners of his mouth gradually turned up.

In this way, he only needs to pick a few men to make up the numbers, and he doesn't have to worry about anything else. He even gets paid, and it won't cost him any of his private army. In the event of defeat, he can also avoid being purged by the rebels to the greatest extent possible. It's like getting the benefits while avoiding the risks.

If he wins, he will also get free access to the Thorn Territory's training resources, and will be able to gain a group of experienced veterans without doing anything!

By then, the Thorn Territory will probably have fought the rebels to the point of mutual destruction, and he might be able to seize the opportunity to take over—this Earl Ronan is worthy of the title, but Wright is not.

"Sir Envoy, I propose a toast to our unbreakable alliance."

"Haha, great! For an unbreakable alliance!"

Wright, busy dreaming about the future, didn't notice that Howard across from him was laughing even harder than he was.

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After a round of toasts, Howard returned to the delegation's room, where several militiamen were waiting.

Fermi's bright and energetic appearance was completely different from when he was at the lord's manor. There was no sign of him being drunk at all.

"How was it, Battalion Commander? I think my acting went pretty well, right?"

After Howard closed the door, Fermi quickly asked.

Howard glanced at him: "To be honest, you went a bit overboard. What gives you, a mere militiaman, the right to be so arrogant on someone else's lord's territory? Luckily, your face is red enough that even I thought you were drunk."

"Yes! I'll definitely pay attention to details next time!"

Fermi quickly asked again, "Was the deal reached?"

"It's settled. Just as the lord predicted, nobles are all greedy and treacherous fellows."

Fermi was a little embarrassed when he said this, because he himself had once been a knight... Of course, Ronan also had a famous saying: the past is the past, the present is the present—now he is not only the commander of the Second Militia Battalion and Ronan's appointed chief diplomat, but also a proud citizen of Thornlands!

"Actually, I don't understand the adults' intentions either. Isn't doing this just benefiting those powerful and wealthy people? We not only have to train their troops, but also pay them money and directly bear the risk of fighting the rebels, while they get all the benefits."

Some members of the delegation were puzzled, saying, "Although we are on their side now, what if these powerful figures turn their spearhead against us one day? Wouldn't everything we're doing now be tantamount to handing them a knife?"

Many in the delegation echoed this sentiment.

"That's good. The fact that you thought of this shows that you've given it serious thought."

Howard nodded approvingly. "However, the lord has already considered these issues you are worried about. If that day ever comes, this knife will surely pierce their own backside."

"Since we're all from the North, let me ask you a question: Would you rather return to your original territory or stay in Thornlands?"

Most people chose the latter, while a few said that they still had relatives in their original territories and hoped to reunite with them if the war ended—but if given the chance, they would definitely all move to Thorn Territory.

"What if your original lord asks you to return to your original territory, and then later orders you to attack Thorn Territory?"

"Pah, I'll rebel against him!"

Fermi answered without hesitation, then paused for a moment, as if he understood something.

Seeing that the others also had expressions of sudden realization, Howard looked out the window with a sigh.

It is now deep winter, and the streets are dotted with thinly dressed skeletons, those who froze to death today; yet so far, no one in Thornlands has died from cold or hunger this year, not even the widowed, orphaned, or lonely.

It was only then that Howard realized that the most brilliant strategies are actually the most open and aboveboard.

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