Chapter 137: Baron Sam Stuart

Chapter 137: Baron Sam StuartThe nobles were markedly different from the merchants, arriving with strong guards and soldiers beside them. It was evident that they had coordinated their arrival, aiming to demonstrate a united front and indicate that they had formed an alliance. This was a clear message that they were not to be trifled with.

Grandpa William and Father John, observing from a distance, were not surprised by this show of force. They had anticipated such a move, knowing they would have done the same in a similar situation.

However, the nobles’ major mistake was underestimating the Fletcher family’s strength, assuming that their united front would intimidate them. Little did they realize that the Fletchers had no intention of being cowed by their combined power.

The Fletcher family’s strength might have been similar to the combined strength of the nobles present, but they had a trump card: Apollo. They had learned that his power was enough to defeat a powerful Third-Rank Master. This revelation had left them shocked, but ultimately elated. Grandpa William, in particular, had been so overjoyed that he couldn’t sleep for two days, grinning all night.

With Apollo present, the alliance of nobles was a mere joke. Before absolute strength, various cunning plans or treachery were meaningless. The Fletchers knew that with Apollo by their side, they held the upper hand.

As the nobles arrived with their guards and soldiers, their show of force was met with calm confidence from the Fletchers. The grand hall, filled with the imposing presence of armoured men and the watchful eyes of noble delegates, buzzed with a tense atmosphere.

Apollo stood beside his father and grandfather, his demeanour cool and calm. The nobles, seeing the young man who had rapidly risen to such prominence, exchanged wary glances. They had heard rumours of his strength but had dismissed them as exaggerated tales.

Grandpa William, with a stern yet welcoming expression, stepped forward to address the assembled nobles. "Welcome, esteemed guests. We appreciate your presence here today. We understand that recent changes may have caused some concerns, and we are here to address them directly."

One of the nobles, a stout man with a haughty air, stepped forward, clearly the spokesperson for the group. "Baron Fletcher—pardon me, Count Fletcher—this sudden change in territory has raised many questions. We have come together to seek clarity on how you intend to govern these lands."

This man was Baron Sam Stuart. Although his strength wasn’t much, he was the younger brother of the powerful Count Stuart, which gave him the leverage to become the spokesperson for this group of nobles.

His big brother, Count Stuart, who had inherited the title, had supported him from the first day he was granted the title of baron. Whether it was resources, money, or soldiers, most of it had been provided by his big brother. Because of such a close relationship, he was known for being haughty around other barons.

Even now, his expression clearly shows that he doesn’t take the Fletcher family seriously, as the strength difference between the Fletcher and Stuart families is massive.

Grandpa William didn’t show any emotion and asked, "We invited all of you to discuss this, so why not have Baron Sam tell me what you expect and what kind of share of income would be appropriate?"

Baron Sam Stuart, with his puffed chest and condescending demeanour, looked around at the assembled nobles before turning his gaze back to Grandpa William. He relished the attention and the opportunity to assert his perceived superiority.

"Count Fletcher," Baron Sam began, his tone dripping with disdain, "while I appreciate your invitation, it’s important to address the gravity of the situation. Your sudden rise to power and the corresponding increase in territory have inevitably led to concerns among us."

He paused, casting a dismissive glance at Apollo, before continuing. "Given your rapid ascension, we would like to understand how you plan to manage the lands you’ve been granted and the rationale behind the taxes. We are particularly interested in how these changes will benefit us and what guarantees you can provide."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "The nobles here, including myself, represent a significant portion of the local governance and economic structure. If we are to support you, we need to be assured that our interests are safeguarded and that our contributions are met with corresponding benefits."

Grandpa William’s expression remained neutral, though a hint of firmness could be detected in his voice. "I appreciate your concerns, Baron Sam. The Fletcher family is committed to fair governance and mutual benefit. Tell me what all of you expect."

"We hope that the tax should be five per cent, and we want the Count to help clear the Iron Sand bandits hidden in our territories that have caused havoc in this region."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the gathered nobles, their eyes fixed on William, awaiting his response.

The Fletcher family members exchanged glances, their expressions hardening at Baron Sam’s audacious demands. Not only was he asking for a mere five per cent annual tax, but he also had the gall to request their help in dealing with the notorious Iron Sand bandits—a threat so formidable that even other Counts hesitated to engage them.

Grandpa William’s eyes narrowed, and his voice took on a steely edge. "Baron Sam, your proposal is quite bold. Reducing taxes to five per cent—even the lowest tax within the kingdom—is still twenty-five per cent, but you dare to say five per cent."

"Moreover, dealing with the Iron Sand bandits is no small task. Are you suggesting that the Fletcher family should bear the burden of this danger while you enjoy the benefits?"

Baron Sam’s confidence wavered momentarily under William’s intense gaze. "We believe that a reduced tax rate would encourage growth and stability for us small nobles in the region. As for the bandits, it’s a matter of regional security. We all stand to gain from their elimination."

Apollo, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. The air seemed to crackle with tension as all eyes turned toward him. He had heard enough of their talk. In his previous world, diplomacy and negotiation might have been the only options, but in this world, individual power could reign over thousands or even millions of people.

In a world where strength is the ultimate currency, actions speak louder than words. Since they wanted to show their strength and dominance, he would gladly oblige. "Let me show you all," he thought.

Without warning, Apollo’s aura flared, and the ground beneath him trembled. The nobles, their guards, and even the Fletcher family members felt overwhelming pressure as Apollo unleashed a fraction of his true power. His eyes glinted with determination, and a chilling wind, infused with his ice life force, swept through the hall.

In an instant, he moved with blinding speed, his form a mere blur. Apollo reappeared directly in front of Baron Sam, and his fist stopping just inches from the baron’s face.

Boom! The sheer force of his punch created a shockwave that sent Baron Sam sprawling to the ground, gasping for breath.

The room fell into stunned silence. The nobles, who had arrived with an air of superiority and defiance, now looked at Apollo with a mix of fear and awe. They couldn’t even see Apollo’s figure clearly. Although none of them were without fighting power, they were utterly helpless.

Even their proud guards and soldiers couldn’t make any movements until the end. They were sure that if he wanted to kill any of them, no one could stop him.

Apollo’s voice, cold and unyielding, broke the silence. "Strength and violence are the best answers to every trouble in this world. We have already given you all face, but there are always some wild dogs who need to understand their place."

"Just know that if you wish to challenge us, you will face the consequences."

He turned to Grandpa William and Father John, his expression softening slightly. "Now, let us discuss terms that are fair and beneficial for all."

Grandpa William, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, nodded. "As my grandson has demonstrated, we aren’t afraid. Our proposal stands for: a twenty per cent tax rate and a joint effort to eliminate the Iron Sand bandits. This way, we all share the risks and rewards."

Baron Sam, still reeling from the shock of Apollo’s display, struggled to his feet. His bravado had been shattered, replaced by a simmering grudge as he contemplated revenge and resolved to seek help from his elder brother once he returned. "We... we agree to your terms," he reluctantly conceded.

Apollo, with his sharp senses, naturally noticed the undercurrent of hostility in Baron Sam’s eyes. But a smile appeared on his face as he murmured to himself, "Finally meeting an idiot."

In his life after being reborn into this world, Apollo encountered many challenges, but rarely anyone who was particularly foolish. He had started to believe that the novels he once read might have exaggerated the presence of such characters. But today, it seemed, he had found an exception.

His father, standing beside him, noticed Apollo’s murmuring and asked, "Did something happen?"

Apollo shook his head, still smiling. "No, father. I just thought of something amusing."

Father John gave him a curious look but decided not to press further. Apollo’s confidence and calm demeanour were enough to reassure him.