Being a knight is not easy

Chapter 266 Old Friend
“Viscount Wilke! The barbarians have not yet been completely driven out of the western border, and we urgently need high-level combat power.” Marquis Sonata did not want to waste any more time on those unimportant matters, so he went straight to the point about the main purpose of his visit.

His eyes held a hint of urgency and anticipation, after all, this concerned the safety of the entire Western Territory.

Viscount Wilke immediately looked troubled.

Just as the Marquis of Sonata was eager for Robin to go to the border to take charge, he also hoped that Robin could stay in the territory to take charge.

Although the barbarians were temporarily driven back, the nobles of the Central Plains were still watching with predatory eyes.

Those nobles of the Middle-earth have always coveted the resources and lands of the West. They are like hungry wolves lurking in the shadows, ready to launch an attack at any moment when the West is vulnerable.

Viscount Wilke knew that the development of his territory had aroused the jealousy of many people. If Robin left, the territory's defenses would be greatly weakened. How could he not hesitate?

He frowned, lost in thought, pondering how to ensure the safety of his territory while also dealing with the barbarian threat from the western border.

Robin narrowed his eyes slightly. His gaze was shrewd, and instead of directly rejecting Marquis Sonata's proposal, he began to plot.

“Marquis Sonata, now that relations between our Western Territory and the Central Plains have broken down and we are at war, if I leave rashly, the nobles of the Central Plains will certainly not let this opportunity pass.” Robin said, while observing Marquis Sonata’s expression.

He knew this was a good opportunity to gain more benefits for himself and his territory.

If they can skillfully maneuver, they might be able to help the western border defend against the barbarians while also giving Wilke territory a more advantageous position in the overall situation.

“Moreover, I have many responsibilities in the territory, and my departure may cause turmoil within the territory, which would not be good for the entire Western Region. However…” Robin changed the subject, “If there are some suitable guarantees and conditions, I am not incapable of considering going to the border to provide support.”

"Guarantee?" Marquis Sonata asked with a hint of surprise and uncertainty.

He couldn't imagine what kind of guarantee Robin would make, since at a time when the safety of the West was at stake, he felt that Robin should have a better sense of the bigger picture.

“It’s simple!” Robin snapped his fingers, the crisp sound standing out starkly in the quiet room.

He then leaned closer to the Marquis Sonata and whispered in his ear.

Robin's voice was very low, only Marquis Sonata could hear it.

As Robin spoke, Marquis Sonata was initially only slightly surprised, his eyebrows slightly raised and his eyes widening slightly.

However, as Robin's whispers continued, Marquis Sonata's expression gradually turned to shock.

His mouth involuntarily opened, his eyes widened like saucers, and his face was filled with disbelief.

He never expected that Robin's request would be like this; it was completely beyond his original expectations.

"Alright!" After a long while, Marquis Sonata gritted his teeth and finally agreed to Robin's request.

Then, as if they had agreed beforehand, the two sides started arguing loudly, and the meeting room was immediately filled with intense shouts and accusations.

The seemingly calm negotiating table instantly turned into a battlefield, with representatives from both sides joining in the verbal sparring.

The argument escalated to the point where both sides were red-faced and parted on bad terms.

Marquis Sonata stormed out of Wilke Castle, pointing at Viscount Wilke before leaving and yelling, "Viscount Wilke, don't think you can do whatever you want! This isn't over! Your greed and cunning will bring you disaster sooner or later!" His voice was hoarse with anger, and his eyes were full of resentment.

He felt humiliated in the negotiations, and although he agreed to Robin's demands, his anger was hard to quell.

Viscount Wilke simply stood there quietly, watching Marquis Sonata's departing figure, a faint smile on his face, as if everything was under his control.

This scene was quickly relayed back to Middle-earth, and Bob, upon seeing the secret report sent by his intelligence operative, couldn't help but burst into laughter.

The laughter echoed in the silent room, filled with the smug satisfaction of a successful conspiracy.

A cunning glint flashed in his narrow eyes, as if he could already see a perfect plan slowly unfolding before his eyes.

Bob set off overnight, heading straight for the western border.

His figure moved swiftly along the rugged road, like a ghost in the night.

Finally, they stopped Marquis Sonata, who was about to leave, halfway there.

"Who are you?" Marquis Sonata coldly stared at the man in black robes before him.

His hand unconsciously rested on the hilt of his sword, his eyes filled with vigilance.

Bob pulled down his cloak, revealing a face that was both weathered and shrewd. "Long time no see, Your Excellency Sonata!"

Marquis Sonata scrutinized the man for a long time, his gaze carefully tracing every contour and subtle expression on his face, trying to find some familiar trace in his memory. Finally, he asked with surprise and uncertainty, "Marquis Bob Wolfe?"

“Yes, it’s me! I can’t believe it’s been almost ten years since we last met,” Bob exclaimed.

A hint of感慨 about the fleeting nature of time flickered in his eyes. Ten years is enough to change many things and make many memories blurry.

At the same time, his thoughts began to involuntarily recall the scene of their last meeting ten years ago.

It was a bright and sunny day. At a grand noble banquet, the two of them had drunk and chatted amiably, discussing the situation in the Westerlands and Middle-earth, and sharing information about their respective territories.

Interesting fact. At the time, although they belonged to different camps, they still maintained a subtle respect for each other.

As relations between the Westerlands and Middle-earth gradually deteriorated, their relationship inevitably became distant, eventually severing all ties.

Now that they meet again, the memories of the past and the tense situation of the present intertwine, making the atmosphere even more complicated and subtle.

Marquis Sonata also showed a rare smile, a smile that seemed to tear a crack in his serious face, briefly dispelling the gloom brought about by the previous failed negotiations.

He chatted with Bob for a few minutes, but his mind was preoccupied with figuring out Bob's purpose for coming.

He quickly got straight to the point: "Bob, we've been friends for years. You're not here just to catch up, are you?" His eyes held a hint of shrewdness and wariness.

(End of this chapter)