Chapter 148: What Does Poaching Rely On
The scene was silent for a long time before the onlookers reacted, shouting at their companions to retreat.
In case another one comes, their ears would ring for days.
“Come forward and talk, what are you hiding behind for!” Anse’s voice was calm, yet no one dared ignore it anymore.
The Bearded Man didn’t dare speak, his eyes frequently glancing back, but he didn’t see his own master. The horses had all been shocked into foaming at the mouth, and several nobles had just stood up, their clothes disheveled and faces covered in dirt.
That Tiefling Warrior leaned on his longsword, silent throughout, his eyes hidden in the helmet still carrying a hint of amusement.
This was completely different from the plan.
Dulag was beset by internal and external troubles, its strength declining, and the one they were “bullying” was a councillor about to be removed from the list. They originally thought a little pressure would allow them to join with their “assets” and replace Graham to become the new councillor.
Then unite to sideline the new president…
This young man, why doesn’t he play by the rules.
They bet the Federation wouldn’t dare fight; strength in numbers was one aspect, and their high-end power was definitely not lacking either, but if it really came to a fight, they couldn’t afford to go all out, lacking that resolve.
“Which one is Mr. Salberg?” Anse’s expression was normal, but he felt some regret inside; it seemed there was no experience to be gained today.
He could have completely pretended to be cowardly, retreating step by step, finally acting cornered and unable to bear the oppression, then launching a fierce counterattack—just like in the novels—but he didn’t do that.
He was a man of grace and bearing, perhaps.
Mainly, he intended to expand the Federation’s scale and councillor seats, taking the chance to absorb some talent; he could be strong-handed, but not too overbearing.
A man wearing a black-gold robe with a short beard pushed through the crowd to the front: “I am Talon Salberg. I’ve seen you, Your Excellency Hollewen. I think there must be a misunderstanding here.”
“What do you want with gathering so many soldiers? And you injured my guards. Chased everywhere by kobolds, but here you act tough. Do you think Dulag is easy to bully and want to set up a new home here, hmm?” Anse spoke lightly, as if stating a fact.
Talon’s face stiffened, and he quickly explained: “Nothing like that. I do have some business grudge with Mr. Graham; I lost my temper during communication, leading to a little conflict, but it’s already over.”
Anse looked at him as the dice spun slightly, popping up information:
【Talon, human, level 7 warrior（Arcane Knight）】
‘Arcane Knight really is a noble class.’
He turned to Graham, whose eyes were bloodshot and who looked somewhat haggard: “Councillor Graham, is that the case?”
“We have no dispute; Mr. Salberg is mistaken.” Graham bowed slightly, a ripple stirring in his heart.
He had once thought he would become a discarded pawn, but unexpectedly the new president was tough as nails; earlier it was clearly aimed at starting a fight.
“Councillor Quentin, what crime is assembling a crowd to cause trouble, disturbing public order, and assaulting guards?” Anse chuckled lightly.
Quentin’s heart skipped a beat; he glanced at Anse, braced himself, and pretended to be calm: “Whipping, imprisonment, fine.”
This was the light version; assembling a crowd and assaulting guards was tantamount to defying rule and authority—hanging would be justifiable.
“Who gave the order? Who made the move?” Anse looked at Talon.
“Your Excellency Hollewen, just a misunderstanding. I’m willing to pay for their atonement, one thousand gold coins.” A flash of shame and annoyance crossed Talon’s eyes, but he held back from outbursting.
“This is not Amn!” Anse emphasized.
Amn was an oligarchic regime where everything revolved around “money,” with laws favoring the rich and fines substituting real punishment.
Talon took several deep breaths, closed his eyes, waved his hand, and tossed down a money bag.
The Bearded Man’s hand loosened powerlessly from the axe handle; he had the courage to fight to the death, but reality was always so helpless.
Soon, a squad of ten was pushed forward, while the others left dejectedly, not even daring to pick up their weapons and equipment from the ground.
Quentin breathed a sigh of relief and ordered the guards to take the men into custody and clean up the scene.
“Not fighting was the right call; if it really came to blows, the entire West City might be destroyed.” He came to Anse’s side and said softly, “But they’ll definitely hold a grudge.”
“Send people to watch them and inform me immediately of any abnormalities.” Anse sneered.
He planned to call Finn out later and have him and Greyhawk specifically tail them; anyway, he had nothing to do in Hollewen.
“Also, check those two professionals at the front—a barbarian and a Tiefling Warrior. Buy some intelligence from the Thieves Guild, as soon as possible.”
“Got it.”
Anse thought those two professionals were pretty good; following a shady, dim-witted noble like Salberg held no future.
Elite professionals generally wouldn’t sign indenture contracts, so there was a big chance to recruit them; he now had people, money, and territory—plenty of capital.
The onlookers gradually dispersed, buzzing with excitement, their interest undiminished.
Though no fight broke out, the drama was in no short supply; ever since the new president came to Dulag, there was spectacle almost every day.
Anse dismounted and entered the Iron Crown shop; three injured guards lay on the ground—not seriously, just fractures and external wounds.
Seeing him, the three struggled to get up but were stopped by his raised hand.
He crouched down, touched the guard who had taken a knife to the chest, and Lay on Hands filled with blessings surged in; the wound healed at a visible speed.
“Were you scared?” Anse asked with a smile.
The guard was stunned, a flush appearing on his young face: “N-no.”
“Haha, it’s normal to be afraid. True courage isn’t fearlessness, but standing firm despite fear.” Anse patted him and continued treating the next one.
The guard stood dazed; no one had ever said that to him before.
A level 3 paladin’s Lay on Hands energy pool was only 15 points, but it was more than enough to heal three common guards.
After finishing, Anse stood and entered the courtyard, with Graham silently following behind.
“Did you know about the mind flayer matter in advance?”
“No.”
“What’s the relationship between Iron Crown and Iron Throne?”
“None. Devon previously contacted and cooperated with Iron Throne behind my back, along with a strange organization called Blue Flame Cult; I stopped all of it…”
“You’re still in your prime; have you considered starting a family again?”
“Can’t conceive.”
“Uh,” Anse paused, then comforted, “Effort will bear fruit eventually.”
“Mm? Mm.”
“Put more effort into administrative affairs. Remember the Federation meeting tomorrow at eight; we’ll discuss future development plans.” Anse waved his hand, decisively ending the awkward chat, and turned to leave.
Graham gazed at his back, eyes vacant, silent for a long time.
Outside, Anse called Quentin: “Unseal Iron Crown, release all personnel, Councillor Graham’s duties remain unchanged. Also, organization meeting tomorrow at eight—all middle to high management must attend.”
“Understood.” Quentin’s face lit up with joy, his heart thrilled; everything was developing in a good direction.
Anse mounted Nolnos and rode back along the long street.
After sealing Iron Crown yesterday, no other issues were found, nor with the personnel; plus Graham’s reputation and abilities were good, so he decided not to pursue it further.
Moreover, Graham himself was a level 6 elite warrior, one of the Federation’s pillars, and indispensable in administration.
He looked up at the sky; no wyvern shadows—probably retreated for now, though he didn’t know if those wyverns had recognized him.
Wind whistling, Illyas whooshed to his side.
She had watched from the edge the whole time, not caring a bit.
“That alchemist has arrived…”
