Father James, who holds the calendar, personally came to Simon's castle. He reminded Simon that in a few days it will be the wedding day of Earl Lange and Miss Josephine.
Simon didn't realize how fast time passed. However, what is surprising is that Father James did not just bring such a piece of news.
"Sir," Father James's face was as red as an apple. It seemed that he drank some mead before setting off, "I have discovered something unusual recently."
"Tell me and listen." Simon propped up his chin with his hand, his eyes full of doubts.
"Some time ago, a monk from the Kempen Valley Diocese came to visit our parish. In order to observe God's miracles of increasing yields in this land, he proposed to live here for a while," Father James fell into deep thought. "Originally This is a normal thing, but..."
"But what?" Simon suddenly became wary.
"But this monk is a little different from the other monks who came to observe and learn," Father James swallowed. "I heard from a believer in Esbai Village that this monk once gave him alms and asked He has many questions, including the past claimants of this land and their family’s past.”
"Really," Simon already smelled the forged claim, "I already have a rough idea of what he is going to do."
"Yes, you are a smart man," Father James nodded and said helplessly, "But what may not make you happy is that in any case, this is just a one-sided statement by a farmer, and I cannot ban it because of this. This brother travels around your territory giving relief and continues to do things that are unusual but difficult to convict.”
"This cunning mouse," Simon rubbed his temples with a headache, "I will ask Ludwig to send someone to keep an eye on him."
"Although this is something that is difficult to tolerate as a lord, I still have to remind you that as a last resort, please do not arrest him or harm him," Father James is obviously experienced in this kind of thing, " If we don’t have solid, ironclad evidence that he is making false claims, blind action will only reduce the Church’s goodwill towards you.”
"This is really tricky. I guess after he collects enough information and materials, the final paper claim and seal will be returned to the Kempen Valley Territory for forgery." Simon shook his head. "Perhaps you can let him understand in a subtle way. I already know what sneaky things he is doing in my territory, at least this will restrain him a lot and hinder his progress."
"I think this method is feasible." Father James's expression became serious. "If he shows his flaws and leaves evidence that is enough to convict him, I will notify you as soon as possible."
"You don't need to notify me immediately, just inform Ludwig," Simon's eyes were as sharp as a sword that had just been taken off the whetstone, "He knows what to do."
Not long after Father James left the Lord's Hall, the sound of horse hooves sounded from outside.
After a while, under the loud shouts of the guards outside the door, the fat man, or Sir Hoffman, strode in with his trembling double chin and his bulging belly. Hall of Lords.
"Sir," the fat man took Simon's outstretched right hand and kissed Simon's ring, "My lord, I pray day and night to reunite with you soon. Without you, I feel that my life is ruined. Gloomy!"
"Fat man, when did you become so eloquent?" Simon couldn't help but laugh. "Stop your belly. Can you still swing a sword now? To be honest, you look like you are about to Pregnant woman in labor!”
"It's not my fault," the fat man scratched his head in embarrassment. "Who allowed the harvest in the territory to be so good last year? I could eat delicious white bread and roasted meat every day, and drink wine that was brewed just right."
"It seems that black bread and stewed beans are more suitable for you," Simon joked, patted the fat man on the shoulder, and returned to his lord's throne, "I asked you to accompany me to Lange's wedding banquet this time. It’s not for you to go out and eat extravagantly.”
"Of course, my lord. However, I don't know why, but I have always been a little worried recently." The fat man suddenly frowned, "You know, Lange is a ruthless guy. I believe you have heard about that incident. ?”
"Well..." Simon nodded.
What the fat man was talking about was referring to the fact that in the Kempen Valley territory last year, several powerful local nobles who were dissatisfied with the new earl died in various accidents one after another within a few months. However, there was no evidence to prove that the biggest beneficiary, Count Lange, was the main messenger behind the incident, and the matter had to be left alone in the end.
"You are well protected in your own territory, but who can guarantee that when you leave the Barony of Fordeburg, no assassins will attack you during your journey?" the fat man said. his thoughts.
"Lange is my biological brother after all. If I encounter an accident on the way to his wedding, he will definitely be pushed to the forefront," Simon said without thinking. "He is not stupid, even if he is just suspected of brother murder. It will also let everyone see his true face. No one wants to be his next target to kill for profit, whether it is his in-law ally Count Wolfe or our monarch the Duke of Cologne."
"Don't forget, although he is an ambitious man, he is also very short-sighted." The fat man sat down, grabbed the white bread in the earthenware bowl on the table, and analyzed while chewing, "At least, Among his short-term goals, his top priority should be to seize everything from you when he is still the first heir to your territory. Now there is an excellent opportunity in front of him."
"Fat man, what you said makes sense. Ever since he became an earl, I have become more and more unpredictable about him. He is changing and becoming more cold-blooded and ruthless." Simon sighed.
"Because he tasted the sweetness of power." The fat man finished the bread in one bite and licked the remaining crumbs on his fingers.
…………………………
The next day, Miller, who was heavily armed, also came to Fort Esbai.
Simon ordered the financial director Ryan and the sealmaster Ludwig to deal with the matters that needed to be dealt with when he left, and then he and Fatty Miller came to the castle courtyard. Here, a group of elite accompanying guards had been captured by Captain John. Eun rallied.
This time, there were twenty soldiers who followed Simon to the Kempen Valley. Except for the two crossbowmen, the others had experienced the hardships of the last war.
As his personal guards, Simon not only hopes that they can protect him during the journey, he also hopes to show his strength to other nobles in the principality, so as to win more allies.
Therefore, each personal guard was equipped with the best equipment, including a hooded chain mail that was polished with rabbit oil, a strong Norman helmet, and a large and thick round shield. And weapons that they feel are handy.
The two cavalrymen acting as scouts seemed to have excellent riding skills. The horses under their crotches were well fed, and the muscles in their legs were strong and powerful. Simon knew that this was indispensable to the contribution of Knight Gabriel.
Several handymen who were traveling with them laboriously moved a large roll of wolfskin carpet as a gift to the open carriage, while the chef wrapped the iron pot and ingredients and seasonings in cloth and carefully tied them to both sides of the saddle of the pack horse.
When everything was ready, Simon and his party left the village of Esbay as the relatives and friends of the guards said goodbye. Taking Lange's marriage invitation and the gifts to be given to him, they headed south to the Kempen Valley territory. .
