Imperial Crown.

Chapter 207 The Old Fox's Plan
In the reception room, Raven looked at Montreal who was sitting opposite him, feeling quite confused.

As a distinguished earl, he came to Eagle Castle from Howe City without any visiting card in advance and without any pomp. He just came in an ordinary carriage with only one servant. What was he trying to achieve?
In the silence, old Gordon personally brought out Angel's Tears and poured a glass for Montreal.

Even after being knighted, old Gordon still strictly abided by his duties.

The Count of Montreal picked up the goblet, shook it gently, took a sip, and then put it to his lips to taste it, doing it in a very stylish manner.

"Angel's Tears is indeed worthy of its reputation!" Montreal exclaimed: "Being able to drink such fine wine is worth my half-month journey. Even if I have to travel for another month, it will be worth it."

Raven said modestly, "My Lord Earl, you are too kind. Hovi City is the pearl of the Nord Province. The Fox family holds this pearl in their hands. I am afraid that the little angel's tears are not worthy of your attention."

"Hey! Baron Raven is too modest." Montreal said with a smile: "I didn't attend the press conference two years ago, but Gul'dan did. He praised me highly after he came back."

"He once told me something that Lady Denise said, and I thought it was wonderful!"

"At that time, Madam Denise said that the surrounding provinces and countries all have their own famous fine wines, but our Nord Province is the only one that cannot hold its head up high. Angel's Tears is the representative of our Nord Province's fine wines!"

"What is this? This is the spirit and courage!"

"It is precisely because of this kind of courage that Baron Raven was able to run his territory so prosperously in just two years!"

Montreal was indeed an old nobleman. He changed the subject very quickly. The more he praised him, the more cautious Raven became. "It's just the young people fooling around."

"It's good to be young." Montreal sighed: "In fact, this is exactly what I want to say. Not only is the Angel's Tears a fine wine that can represent our Nord Province, but Baron Raven, you are also a noble who can represent our Nord Province!"

Otherwise, he is an old noble. Raven's ears were burning when he heard this sentence, but he could say it without changing his expression.

"Baron Raven, looking at you, I really envy you."

"You are in your prime and have a bright future. The Griffith family is destined to rise under your leadership. On the other hand, our Fox family... Sigh..."

Raven sneered inwardly.

You're drunk after just drinking half a cup of Angel's Tears?

He shook his head and said, "My Lord Earl, I am really ashamed of myself when you say this."

"Everyone knows that the Fox family has been passed down for hundreds of years and has a deep foundation. You yourself are a rare fifth-level expert, not to mention your family's eldest son, Mr. Guldan, who has an impeccable appearance and is generous and considerate in his dealings with others. He is enough to pass on the family legacy."

"I am just a small baron. Even if I break the whip, I am afraid I can't catch up with your family!"

Raven's purpose in saying these things was very simple - he didn't know what Montreal wanted, but there was no such thing as a free gift in the world. If Montreal praised him, he would praise Montreal, highlighting his Tai Chi tactics and making the other party unable to speak.

But even if Raven didn't agree, Montreal, who was well prepared, could still find a way in: "Baron Raven, you should know that I have a daughter."

"Miss Nancy, the 'Fiery Rose'." Raven praised, "Miss Nancy is not only extremely talented as a magician, but also well-educated, gentle and docile. She is a role model for ladies in the Nord Province. She was once a long-term guest in the Eagle Territory. Of course I know her."

"I really didn't come here in vain this time." Montreal clapped his hands, "In fact, Nancy also praised you highly. Since you two admire each other so much, why don't you make it even better and get married?"

Raven's hands stiffened slightly.

No, your daughter can't get married? I was just complimenting her to save face, why did you take it so seriously?

But this cannot be said, Raven quickly said: "This... I am afraid I am not worthy of Miss Nancy."

"No, you are much better than her." Montreal said, "In terms of talent, you have been promoted to the second level of magician within one year of becoming a magician. In terms of dealing with people, you can grab a piece of fat meat from the Slater family without being hated by others. In terms of reputation, hehe... As a father, I can't say it even if I want to protect her."

"After much thought, I think it's most reliable to entrust her to you."

If it were two years ago, when Raven had not yet obtained the Snow Maple Territory, marrying Nancy would allow Raven to hold on to a powerful backer, and he would definitely not refuse.

But now the situation is completely different. He already has the strength of a viscount, and what he lacks is only the title. The Fox family cannot give him more.

As if he had seen through Raven's thoughts, Montreal lowered his voice and suddenly said, "Baron Raven, I am already sixty-one years old."

“I’m getting old and I’m beginning to be afraid of death.”

His face became sad, he stared at the wine glass in his hand, and said bitterly: "In the past two years, I often wondered what I would be like after I died."

"I can't let it go...I really can't let it go!"

“I have three children.”

"You have already met our eldest son Gul'dan. In fact, you and I both know that he is not as good as he looks. He is already thirty-four years old, but has just entered the third level. His military strategy and government affairs are not very impressive."

"The second son, Sanqi, is only four years younger than his brother. He is still only at the second level. He is addicted to alcohol, sex, and art all day long. He is not the material to support the family."

"What worries me most is Nancy. She is proud and has high standards. If she can't find someone who suits her heart, I'm afraid she will live a chaotic life."

These words were spoken with such sincerity that no one could find any flaws. Raven seemed to be touched and sighed, "My Lord Earl..."

"Listen to me." Montreal raised his hand to interrupt Raven's words: "Baron Raven, I came to you today not only to entrust Nancy to you, but also to hand over the entire Fox family to you!"

"My two sons are not suitable for governing the territory. If I hand the territory over to them, I'm afraid the Fox family will never recover."

"But you are different. I have seen the prosperity of Eagle Territory. You are capable of governing the territory well."

At this point, Montreal's eyes were red. "If you marry Nancy, then we will become a family, your children will be eligible to inherit the title, and my bloodline will not be cut off."

"If I can hold on until then, I will make your son my heir, and then you will be able to legitimately take over everything in the Fox family."

Even Raven's heart was beating fast at this condition.

Seeing Montreal's frankness, Raven also said bluntly: "Mr. Earl, do you think your son will allow this to happen? And even if that day really comes, aren't you afraid that I will take action against the two sons?"

"No, you're not that kind of person." Montreal said firmly, "You can let your brother, Visdon, who is not related to you by blood, live well, let alone your brother by marriage?"

Raven was silent for a moment.

Montreal continued, "I know this sounds unbelievable, but if one day you reach my age, you will know how much a father and a lord can sacrifice in order to keep his children alive and to allow the family to continue."

Raven finally understood Montreal's purpose.

The Governor of Nord Province and Earl of the Empire came to Eagle Castle quietly without releasing any news in advance, which showed that he did not want to use his power to pressure others. This sincerity and face were fully shown just to shut him up.

If I refuse on the spot, it would be tantamount to breaking off relations with the Fox family.

Therefore, he could only smile bitterly: "I understand your intention, Lord Earl, and I believe in your sincerity, but... this is a serious matter, I really dare not rashly agree to it."

"This is what I admire about you, kid." Montreal smiled. "If you agree to it right now, I won't say these words."

"You can take your time to think and weigh the pros and cons."

"But no later than the end of this year—Nancy's youth can't wait."

Montreal stood up and was about to leave. Raven stood up and tried to persuade him to stay: "My Lord, since you are in Eagle Castle, please stay for a while."

"No, everything will leave traces. If you stay too long, rumors will spread and you will be under too much pressure." Montreal shook his head and said, "No need to send me off. I'm waiting for your answer."

Montreal is gone.

Raven sat back in his seat, looking at the goblet that still had a little bit of wine in it, and a sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth: "This old fox!"

"Baron, do you think he is untrustworthy?" asked old Gordon.

Raven did not answer, but asked: "Will you find a strong and ambitious husband for Fiona for the so-called future?"

Old Gordon suddenly realized: "...No!"

Yes, he would never do that, not to mention that Montreal has two sons.

"Then why did he do this?"

Raven shook his head and chuckled, "A fox can be a hunter, too."

Old Gordon raised his eyebrows: "But he doesn't know that what he is going to hunt is an eagle!"

At the same time, Montreal in the carriage slowly lowered the curtain with a triumphant smile on his face.

Indeed, he is 61 years old, but he is in good health and it is far from the time for him to make arrangements for his funeral.

The reason why Montreal did this was actually because it had its eyes on Raven's current territory.

The Snow Maple Territory itself is not small in size, and the Eagle Territory is developing in full swing. If it is split, it can be divided into two viscount territories.

And marrying Nancy to Raven is the most crucial move.

Of course, Raven and Nancy's son is qualified to inherit the title of the Fox family, but at the same time, the people of the Fox family are also qualified to inherit the title of the Griffith family!
The difference is that their two children are too low in the line of succession, while Montreal has grandchildren.

Montreal knew his daughter's character and knew that she, who longed for his care, would definitely listen to him.

Once they have children, Montreal can use this as an excuse to get rid of Nancy and Raven using a trick common among the nobles.

When that child inherits the title, the first in line to the throne will be his closest blood relative in the world—Montreal himself!
And children are always prone to dying.

In that case, Raven's title would become Montreal's title, and the Griffith family's territory would become the Fox family's territory.

Montreal knew that Raven was not stupid. He could sense that he had other intentions, but he would definitely not think of this.

Greed is the original sin that can never be overcome.

The smarter and more ambitious Raven is, the more likely he is to fall into the trap he sets.

Montreal is confident.

In fact, Montreal guessed correctly. After all, Raven is still a human being, and he could never imagine that Montreal would play like this.

He could only think that Montreal saw that the Griffith family had inherited the blood curse from generation to generation and that no one could live past the age of forty. After his death, he would use Nancy to remotely control the Griffith family, making Griffith a complete vassal and puppet of the Fox family.

And Raven was indeed tempted.

After all, no viscount can resist the temptation of becoming an earl.

On the other hand, he didn't dislike Nancy.

Unfortunately, Raven has no intention of joining the game this time. He plans to wait until the end of the year to write a letter to directly reject the proposal.

When he made this decision, he was playing with the gift Lux gave him in his hands.

After a while, Raven put away the gifts and walked back to the bedroom.

Having third-level magic power is useless without the corresponding magic. Raven did not buy third-level magic because he did not want to arouse suspicion from the people in the Mage Association.

But this doesn't mean he has no solution.

In his mind, Raven took the initiative to communicate: "Margaret, how much of the third-level necromancy magic do you know from the memories you inherited?"

"Five types, namely 'False Life', 'Plague Touch', 'Bone Maiden', 'Death Plague', and 'Withering Curse'."

"Teach me everything."

"Yes, Master!"

So for a period of time afterwards, in addition to meditating and using magic cores to strengthen himself, Raven practiced third-level necromancy.

Of course, handing over more gold coins was inevitable. He placed an order for 200 second-level magic cores, which was more than 12000 gold coins.

Although the first-order magic core has the best cost-effectiveness, if you want to pursue efficiency, at least a second-order magic core is required.

If the third-level magic cores didn't cost hundreds of them, and Raven spent all his money to buy only a few hundred, he would have used the third level.

The long-term, large-scale purchase of magic cores did not attract the attention of the Mage Association. After all, they knew that Raven had been practicing enchantment recently, and enchantment itself consumes a lot of magic cores.

At the same time, as time went by, the news of Raven's knighting gradually spread. This in itself did not attract too many people's attention - it was normal for a baron to be knighted.

But when the news reached the city of Meng'en, some people could no longer sit still.

"How could I not be there? How could it be possible!" Weisdong grabbed the collar of a servant in his caravan and said, "Are you sure you didn't remember it wrong?"

The servant was thin to begin with, and was shaken so hard that he felt dizzy. "Really not, Master Weisdong, how dare I lie to you!"

"Damn it!" Weston pushed him aside suddenly, his facial features twisted into a knot.

He really couldn't figure it out. How could he not be a knight? Didn't the letter last time reach his brother? !
The boast had already been made, and he had even secretly prepared formal attire and selected his entourage, just waiting to take his men out on adventures once he was crowned a knight.

What should I do now?

When Visdon thought of the scene of himself being questioned by those followers, his face became hot. After thinking for a long time, he stamped his feet hard and jumped into the carriage: "Let's go!"

The driver asked, "Are you going to see Master Manson again? He has warned you several times, hasn't he?"

"Master, he is just our servant!" Weisdong was furious: "Stop talking nonsense and go to the Chamber of Commerce headquarters!!"

Even if his portion is not enough, the portion for his mother must be enough!
……

(End of this chapter)