Chapter 511 Princess Ethel's Invitation
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Feynapotter City, Huanna District.
Hobert searched back and forth on the street several times: "It seems to be here?"
He stepped into the doorway. The male servant sweeping the floor saw Hobert and asked politely, "Who are you looking for?"
"Looking for your butler." Hobert had forgotten the name of his butler in Feynapotter City.
Seeing Hobert's extraordinary bearing, the male servant asked politely again, "May I ask who you are?"
"Baron Hobert."
The male servant was stunned, a familiar name: "Please wait a moment."
Two minutes later, the butler and the male servant walked out quickly. The butler also clearly recognized Hobert after a few glances before saying, "Your Lordship, we have been waiting for your return!"
The male and female servants in the yard all looked over. It had been more than half a year, and this was the first time they had seen the owner of the mansion.
Only then was Hobert sure: This is my mansion.
He had only stayed here for one night in total before, but so far, he had already spent 6,000 gold Solas for this mansion.
Half of it was for daily expenses, and the other half was for repairs.
Hobert also knew that this kind of repair was purely a waste of money, because he wouldn't stay here for more than a few nights throughout the year.
However, this kind of repair was an attitude, proving that Hobert valued the King's reward, so he went to repair it. And the cost of repairs could not be too high, as that would be equivalent to expressing dissatisfaction with the King's reward.
The act of repairing was not only to show his attitude towards the King, but also to tell the nobles that Baron Hobert's financial situation was very healthy, so as to avoid rumors in the noble circle that were detrimental to Jeffery Territory.
Hobert knew that this group of nobles didn't have any serious business to do all year round, and they were the best at spreading gossip.
Repairing the baronial mansion was an easy task, but it could shut their gossiping mouths, so Hobert was barely willing to spend this money.
Most of these expenses were paid by Dophis, and Hobert later returned the money to Dophis.
Hobert sat in the living room for a while and then said to the butler, "Prepare a carriage for me."
His carriage also came from the King's reward, and he had only ridden it once so far, while the coachman had been on duty for more than half a year, and today was the first time he had driven the carriage.
The coachman, who had nearly ten years of "driving experience," felt a little unreal at the moment he sat in the driver's seat, and he found that he was even a little rusty in how to drive.
More than half an hour later, Hobert arrived at the Life Cathedral. After praying devoutly to the "Emblem of Life" in the front row, Hobert asked the priest to help him find Bishop Simpson.
More than twenty minutes later, Bishop Simpson, with a happy face, came out from the back: "Hobert? Is it really you? I thought the priest had made a mistake. Are you here to attend the National Day banquet?"
"Yes," Hobert said with a smile, "I received His Majesty the King's invitation."
He felt the change in Bishop Simpson's temperament. If he guessed correctly, he was already a demigod.
"Let's talk in the back," Simpson invited Hobert to a room in the backyard of the church.
There were many reception rooms in the backyard for important believers, and the furnishings were all similar, with a table and a few chairs, and a copy of the "Life Bible" on the table.
Hobert first congratulated Simpson, and then asked, "Becoming a demigod, what changes do you feel?"
"I don't feel much change," Simpson said with a smile, "But some of my original abilities have changed a lot. For example, the 'Healing' at Sequence 5 level can only treat physical injuries.
"And the Healing after promotion can also treat some mental corruption or trauma."
Hobert was stunned. The "Healing" at Sequence 5 level could have such abilities?
His "Healing Fork" could treat mental damage, but this kind of damage was only useful if treated immediately. Like the residents on the west bank of Full Moon Lake, the accumulated mental damage could not be treated.
Hobert was sure that the Beyonder characteristics of making the "Healing Fork" were definitely an Beyonder characteristic of Sequence 5 level.
He also thought of April's current state, which made him seriously doubt whether there was something wrong with the Beyonder characteristics of the "Healing Fork" in his hand?
But now was not the time to think about this issue. He just thought about it briefly and continued to chat with Bishop Simpson.
After chatting for a while, Hobert took out a small wooden box: "This is a gift I brought you."
Simpson opened it with a smile: "Why are you being so polite?"
"Open it and take a look, I believe you won't refuse."
Simpson recognized it at a glance: "Blood crystal of the Four-Clawed White Antelope!"
The thing in the box was the Sequence 6 level Beyonder material that April had sold before, and it was the "Planter"'s material.
Hobert smiled and said, "This is an Beyonder material I just received. I could only use the Sealed Artifact to identify it as a material from the 'Planter' pathway. I didn't even bargain at the time, and bought it directly."
Simpson closed the lid of the wooden box: "I'll have the priest go..."
"This is a gift from a friend," Hobert said with a smile, "If you plan to give money, then you're being too polite."
Simpson was slightly stunned: "Just say what's on your mind."
They were already deeply connected together in a relationship of interest, which was more reliable than ordinary friendship, so Hobert didn't beat around the bush: "After the auction house in Jeffery Territory is built, it will be beneficial to everyone. In the future, if you encounter Beyonder materials and Beyonder characteristics of the 'Planter' pathway, I will definitely help you buy them immediately."
Bishop Simpson nodded: "No matter how much money you spend, I can make it up to you."
Hobert smiled and said, "However, I have received relatively reliable news that the royal family is preparing to use tough methods to seize my property in Jeffery Territory.
"So during this period, I have sorted out and reorganized the property in the territory, and established three companies. I hope these three companies can be protected by the church!"
"That's simple," Simpson said, "You donate a sum of money to the church in the name of the company, and I will apply for a 'devout and friendly believer' title for you. I will take care of the formalities for you, and I will get it done for you next Monday."
Hobert clapped his hands: "That's really great!"
These 2,000 pounds were not spent in vain.
"I also brought you something," Hobert said with a smile, "But I think you should present this thing to Archbishop."
Simpson took the wooden box that Hobert handed over. As soon as the wooden box was opened, a ray of morning light shone out from the wooden box. A light yellow, goose egg-sized object covered with holes was slowly beating inside, like a very energetic heart.
It was obvious that it was not an ordinary thing, so Bishop Simpson's gaze turned to Hobert.
Hobert smiled and said, "This is an Beyonder characteristic of a 'Demon Hunter'. I plan to give it to you."
Simpson suddenly thought of Utravsky in Backlund. Thanks to the materials provided by Hobert, this Mother's Chosen had been promoted to "Guardian." Hobert was not giving away Beyonder characteristics, he was clearly giving the Earth Mother Church a demigod!
Simpson closed the box and immediately said, "I'll take you to see the Archbishop."
"Okay."
Arriving at the Archbishop's office, Gabriel quickly got up and smiled when he saw the Beyonder characteristics: "Baron Hobert, thank you for your contributions to the church all along. The church will never forget everything you have done!"
Hobert also smiled and said, "This is all as it should be. After all, I am a devout believer of the Mother Goddess."
"Then we must give something back to show the power of faith."
Seeing that the groundwork was almost laid, Hobert said, "No matter when or what happens, I will always be a devout believer of the Mother Goddess."
Gabriel also said, "We have a lot of protection measures for devout believers, but the premise is that you are within the territory of the Feynapotter Kingdom."
Hobert smiled slightly: "Thank you for your help."
The Archbishop's reply was very satisfying to Hobert. He was saying: As long as you are in the Feynapotter Kingdom, we can protect you no matter what dangers you encounter.
After all, he had given the Earth Mother a demigod, and the value of this was immeasurable.
After chatting for a few words, Hobert said goodbye, and Simpson personally sent him to the entrance of the church.
After watching Hobert's carriage leave, Simpson returned to Gabriel's office: "Your Excellency."
Gabriel looked at the small wooden box sent by Hobert thoughtfully and said, "What kind of danger will he encounter that requires the church's high-level protection?"
Simpson briefly described the conversation between him and Hobert just now, and Gabriel asked some questions about Jeffery Territory, and then immediately made a judgment: "I am afraid that the royal family is not just trying to seize Hobert's property."
Gabriel said, "As far as the South Colson area is concerned, protecting Hobert is beneficial to us."
He thought for a while and then said, "You will return to the church in South Colson next Monday. Since it has begun to prosper, let it continue to prosper."
"Yes!"
...
Hobert did not return to his mansion, but went directly to Christian's mansion. Mona was very happy to see Hobert. After chatting for a while, Christian got off work, Tyron got out of school, and the Earl's mansion gradually became lively.
After dinner, Christian called Hobert to the study, and the father and son talked about the current situation in the Northern Continent.
When Hobert said goodbye, Christian smiled and said, "The National Day celebration is a big event. Prepare well tomorrow and go to the banquet with full energy the day after tomorrow."
Hobert immediately understood: Sure enough, the National Day celebration was the big event Christian mentioned before.
The next day, Hobert first went to school to see his younger brother, Tyron, who was studying at Feynapotter University, also one of the top universities in the country.
Then he went to Christian's mansion again and had lunch with Mona.
In the afternoon, Hobert returned to his mansion, intending to stay home and prepare.
He first readjusted the sealed items he was carrying. He had a limit of two level 1 sealed items, and he finally chose "1-102" and "1-106".
The former summons monsters based on the enemy's level, and can summon monsters at the Saint level at most.
The latter has a good "group attack" skill, wiping out large areas of those below the demigod level.
As for level 2 sealed items, Hobert only planned to bring the "Traveler's Knife", "Spirit Wine Glass", "Healing Fork", and "Zombie Spoon".
Then, Hobert prayed to "The Fool" again, asking for another leave of absence.
He didn't know what would happen tomorrow, so it wasn't a good time to attend the Tarot Gathering.
Just as Hobert was recuperating in the Lord's Mansion, he suddenly received an invitation from Princess Ethel.
This surprised Hobert.
The butler who delivered the invitation did not leave immediately, his meaning was obvious: prepare and leave quickly.
Hobert was about to change into his Baron's formal attire, but then he thought that the invitation was for a regular banquet and didn't need to be so formal.
In noble banquets, there are different specifications for invitations for different occasions, and the wording is also different.
The wording on the invitation sent by Princess Ethel was similar to a private gathering of a few colleagues or friends. Of course, when members of the royal family send out such invitations, it only shows that they value a certain guest, and you can't really treat the princess as a colleague.
But it also meant that it didn't need to be so formal.
So Hobert wore a suit that was more casual, and followed the butler's carriage out of the city.
He met Princess Ethel at a manor outside the city. She still had short hair and was dressed even more casually than Hobert, in a cotton white shirt and light-colored pants.
Ethel's temperament was such that even in such casual attire, Hobert felt a sense of a mature woman.
She looked at Hobert coldly and said, "I heard that you arrived in Feynapotter City yesterday. Do you know anyone here with a higher status than me?"
Hobert was slightly taken aback. These words were obviously criticizing him for not visiting her sooner.
This was actually an oversight on Hobert's part. After arriving in Feynapotter City, he was preoccupied with how to get protection from the church and how to face the dangers that might occur tomorrow.
But publicly and privately, and in terms of etiquette, Hobert should have visited Princess Ethel as soon as possible, after all, she had condescended to attend Hobert's wedding and read out the king's blessings and rewards at the wedding.
If it were another baron, he would often find reasons to visit.
But Hobert was different. He had come to Feynapotter City, but he hadn't taken the initiative to visit Ethel.
Fortunately, Hobert had a thick skin and immediately found a reason: "Your Highness, I have long wanted to visit you, but this time I came to the capital at the invitation of the King to attend the National Day celebration.
If I were to visit you for personal reasons first, I'm afraid some would say that I am disrespecting the King's orders, so I planned to visit you immediately after the celebration."
Ethel coldly 'hmmphed': "Don't let it happen again."
She was obviously satisfied with this reason.
The layout of this manor was not luxurious, but it was full of martial spirit. There were many suits of armor standing in the corridor, and many cold weapons and firearms hanging on the walls.
Hobert wouldn't be surprised if this was the manor of a warlike prince, but it was the manor of a princess.
Ethel, who was walking in front, casually introduced: "This is the manor my grandfather gave me. It is said that it was actually a castle more than a thousand years ago. At that time, the Kingdom of Feynapotter had not yet been established, and there were occasional wars here, so there are some armor and weapons."
What she didn't say was that she rarely used this manor to entertain guests, and only a few of her confidants were qualified to visit here.
Hobert recalled Christian's introduction to Ethel: It seems that her grandfather's title also has a long history.
The restaurant had two windows, one facing west, where you could enjoy the sunset, and the other facing the garden, where you could admire the beautiful flowers and plants.
Dinner was authentic Feynapotter-style cuisine, each dish with a strong olive oil flavor, and they also liked to use garlic and onions as seasonings.
Six out of ten dishes in a noble dinner were seafood, because the Kingdom of Feynapotter had a long coastline, which meant that the kingdom had a rich supply of seafood as food.
But Feynapotter City happened to be inland, and if the transportation was a little slow, the seafood would not be fresh.
Only nobles and wealthy merchants were willing to spend a lot of money to transport seafood by express train, and most of the middle class in the capital could only eat some pickled seafood.
After the dishes were served, the two began to chat about the recent situation in Jeffrey Territory, and the atmosphere of the meal gradually became harmonious, and Ethel's tone was no longer so cold.
After dinner, Hobert accompanied Ethel for a walk in the garden.
In fact, Hobert hated such socializing. He could do whatever he wanted in his territory, but in front of Ethel, he had to appear very well-behaved and respectful.
"Come to Feynapotter City next year." Ethel said suddenly.
Hobert was slightly taken aback at first. This was a normal reaction, because they were just talking about the Kingdom of Feynapotter's railway network, and he didn't understand why Ethel suddenly said this?
Then he realized that this was the purpose of Princess Ethel's banquet: "My territory has not been built yet."
"Half a year is enough for you to build your territory and sort out all the problems in the entire South Colson area." Ethel looked at Hobert with a very dignified gaze: "I know you have this ability."
However, for Hobert, who was also Sequence 5, Ethel's dignified aura didn't work very well: "I have nothing to do in the capital…"
Ethel said boldly: "You can choose any department in the capital. As soon as you come to the capital, you will be the deputy of an independent department. Within three years, I will support you as the head of the department, and within five years, you will have the opportunity to obtain the qualifications of a member of the Upper House."
Hobert gave a thumbs up in his heart, and sighed at Princess Ethel's generosity. This was the way to do great things.
So even though Hobert knew that his life might change dramatically tomorrow, he still asked: "What do you need me to do?"
"Help me accomplish a major task." Ethel smiled: "After it's done, you will at least be ennobled as a Count."
Hobert suddenly realized that this princess might have thoughts of fighting for the throne: "Why did you choose me? Aren't you afraid that I will leak the secret?"
"I have been using the 'Concealment' ability during our conversation." Ethel said: "Even if you are Sequence 5, you will not have the idea of talking to others about this.
Unless you encounter an opponent at the Angel level, even if you are hypnotized by a Beyonder of the 'Spectator' pathway, or 'Spiritually Connected' after death, you will keep our conversation a secret."
As expected of Princess Ethel, she must have this political literacy.
Hobert smiled: "Saying that sounds unlucky."
Princess Ethel shook her head with a smile: "Do you still care about what is lucky or unlucky?"
He might not care at other times, but something big might happen tomorrow, and Hobert still hoped to have a good start.
Then Hobert thought: Princess Ethel didn't receive the notice that something big might happen tomorrow?
Princess Ethel continued with her hands behind her back: "As for why I value you so much, the reason is very simple: you are outstanding!
Several of my capable subordinates are basically soldiers, and they lack political literacy. They are somewhat weak in terms of administration or government affairs.
Another reason is, of course, because I know your background very well and you will not be someone who is against me."
Ethel's eyes became deep, and Hobert of course understood what she meant: Not only is your background in the noble circle simple, but you also represent the power of the "Creator", and you are likely to be a strong ally.
Hobert realized that he was so good. If he were Princess Ethel, he would definitely win over someone like him.
"The conditions are very generous, and I am inclined to agree." Hobert said truthfully: "But this is such a big matter, I still have to go back and consider it, and give you an answer after tomorrow's banquet."
If there were no changes that might happen tomorrow, he would really be inclined to agree.
Going all the way up like this, he would be confident of winning the throne of the Kingdom of Feynapotter in a few decades.
But he also didn't want to be under someone for a long time, and when he thought of the doomsday more than ten years later, this idea only appeared for a short while, and was rejected by himself: Although this method is safe, everything I get in the Kingdom of Feynapotter is likely to become a constraint on me, affecting my development of my own power!
Princess Ethel nodded in satisfaction: "Good!"
She added: "I heard from the intelligence department that the Kingdom of Loen has sent a large number of spies during this period. Although they are not aimed at you and your father, you still need to be vigilant at night."
Hobert was stunned again: "Thank you for your reminder."
"In addition, don't interfere with any other business at tomorrow's celebration ceremony." Ethel reminded again: "Kneel when you should kneel, bow when you should bow, and after drinking and eating, honestly return to your mansion."
Hobert thought: She knows that something big will happen tomorrow.
"I'm just here to go through the motions." Hobert smiled.
After saying goodbye to her, Hobert was on the carriage back, really unable to figure out what Christian would do tomorrow?
But Hobert knew very well that following Christian would definitely lead to good opportunities.
Because he had "1-106", Hobert wasn't afraid of being attacked and rested well that night.
Early the next morning, Hobert took the carriage bestowed by the King to Christian's manor, preparing to go to the Alhambra Palace for the banquet with his father.
When he arrived at the mansion, Christian was just about to leave, but his face was pale, and there were obvious bandage marks under the clothes on his chest. He swayed as he walked, leaning on Mona as she helped him towards the carriage.
Hobert thought to himself: You told me to conserve my energy, what did you do last night?
He quickly greeted him: "Father, are you injured?"
Christian smiled and said, "Last night, I led a team to eliminate several Loen spies. I didn't expect them to have a very powerful sealed artifact, and I was accidentally injured as a result."
"Don't worry, you know my body well. I'll be fine in three or four days at most."
For Christian, a demigod, to be injured and unable to use Beyonder abilities to heal immediately, it was enough to show the power of that sealed artifact.
Mona glanced at Hobert: "Be careful."
Hobert nodded: It seems that today's plan remains unchanged.
The father and son arrived at the Alhambra Palace. As soon as they entered the palace gate, a court earl said to Christian: "Earl Christian has contributed to thwarting the Loen spies' plan. The King has granted special permission for you to rest in the side hall and come out to participate when the celebration begins."
Hobert was stunned: Christian's injury might be part of his plan.
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