Merchant From Earth in the Magical World-Chapter 466 - 382 Rainy Season_1
"Why did you do this?" Anderson asked Count Theodore directly upon seeing him. "I always felt that the Eternal Domain seemed very familiar with my military deployments, but I never expected you were the one helping them!
"You chose neutrality, and I could have forgiven you. But you betrayed me... Do you really think I don’t dare to kill you?"
Count Theodore had long ago taken care of his final affairs. Now that Hibel and Atreli were in the Eternal Domain, should he suffer an untimely demise, Atreli would naturally hand the family ring over to Hibel.
"I’m old, not long for this world..." Count Theodore was very philosophical about it as he sat down and said to Anderson, "I have been loyal to the Anderson Family my entire life. Since your grandfather’s time, I have been campaigning for the Anderson Family.
"This time, I only wanted to consider the future of my own family.
"Have you seen the crops grown in the Eternal Domain? You are fighting a war doomed to fail. You have greatly underestimated the power of Thunderous Swamp."
Of course, Anderson was aware of the stupendously large crops grown in the Eternal Domain, and the power they contained also filled him with dread. If it weren’t for the fact that those crops were planted on the territories of Nuta City, he would have sent people to plunder them long ago.
"Theodore, I’m tired of those words of yours. Don’t try to persuade me again...
"Once I defeat the Eternal Domain and march into Thunderous Swamp, all these alchemical products that Cloud Tower looks down upon will be mine!
"I tell you, Cloud Tower has already developed an aerial weapon that flies higher and faster than anything the Eternal Domain has. After the rainy season, I will be able to claim total victory in this war.
"You still have time to support me.
"Have Hibel kill Yan Xing... and you will be Marquis Theodore.
"Otherwise..."
"Otherwise, you’re going to kill me?" Count Theodore laughed in response to Anderson’s threat. "Hahaha... don’t talk about victory so lightly. We both are veterans of countless wars and know that anyone can have a chance of victory on the battlefield.
"In the future world order, you fight for a good position for the Anderson Family, and I fight for a good position for the Theodore Family.
"You are betting on Cloud Tower, and I am betting on Thunderous Swamp. I’m afraid neither of us can persuade the other.
"We can only let time prove who is right."
Anderson scoffed, "You send Hibel and Atreli to the Eternal Domain yet stay in Nuta City yourself. You are really investing on both sides, aren’t you?"
Count Theodore just smiled and didn’t answer. It was as good as an acknowledgment.
If Thunderous Swamp were to emerge victorious in this struggle for dominance in the future world, Hibel, following Yan Xing, would naturally gain supreme power. It would be best if Hibel married Yan Xing. Then the Theodore Family would become in-laws to the rulers of the future world.
If Cloud Tower wins... given the disposition of the Tower Mages, they will not harbor ambitions to rule the world. They will continue their seclusion, and the world will be divided among alliances led by the Andersons.
The oldest daughter of the old Count is Anderson’s wife and has borne him two children. One will inherit the Anderson Family, and the other will inherit the Theodore Family.
The Theodore Family will likewise become a distinguished and noble family of great status.
Count Theodore has not publicly declared his support for Yan Xing precisely because of this consideration.
No matter who wins the struggle, the Theodore Family will be able to reap the fruits of victory with the winner.
Once Anderson understood this, he laughed heartily in frustration.
"Old fox, you really are a cunning old fox. I know what you’re trying to do, yet I can’t do anything about it. Yan Xing would probably see that you’re betting on both sides too, and he also can’t do anything about it.
"Nuta City is too important to him.
"If I’m not wrong, you are even prepared for your own death. When you feel you have become a burden to your daughter, even if I don’t kill you... you will ’die a natural death,’ won’t you?"
Count Theodore spoke out, "At my age, dying anytime wouldn’t surprise anyone. What I can do is make my ’death’ be of the greatest value."
The room fell silent, only the rain outside pouring down with a steady WHOOSH.
After a long while, Anderson spoke in a softer tone, "Originally, I wanted to kill you. I’m very angry, because many good brothers died because of you.
"But, killing you seems pointless.
"You have indeed made the most correct choice for an unknown future. No matter the outcome, the Theodore Family will no longer be ordinary.
"If I win, then you can take your own life. I will take care of your family and choose one of my descendants to inherit your surname and title.
"If I lose..."
Count Theodore replied, "Yan Xing promised me... he will spare you."
Anderson scoffed, "I don’t need your pity. My death... would be better for everyone. Just take care of your daughter and your grandchildren."
"That you can count on."
After receiving Theodore’s reply, Anderson seemed to lift a heavy burden off his shoulders. He stood up and walked towards the door. Before leaving, he turned back to ask Theodore, "If you weren’t hedging your bets, who do you think will win?"
Count Theodore answered without hesitation, "I hope Yan Xing will win... Only if he wins can he bring new vitality to this stagnant world."
Anderson confidently said, "I can do the same. The world started to change from the moment I initiated this war. Once I win, I will do even better than him."
Afterwards, Anderson left directly.
Leaving behind a lonely old man, guarding a lonely castle.
