World Development System 97 28. Astonished Reactions around the kingdom Part I.

John nodded, "Continue, I am listening, where did you find the differences."
George nodded and continued, "After my investigations, It was actually the top Magic Blacksmiths of the Imperial city who were coming to my workshop at mediocre wages. That was the first time when I became cautious. Because from what I know, these guys are quite arrogant and won't even look at our Border town and mostly work directly for nobles. So I guessed they were mostly disciples of other Master Blacksmiths who were only here as spies. Recently, I spotted one of Duke Blackwolf's Head Blacksmith's Disciple and that was when I was sure that most of these guys were spies of other nobles or even the Royal family. I guess a lot of creations from our town must have been the cause of their interest. I am quite sure that it is the nobles of other domains who are sending those spies at my workshop."
John nodded and asked, "Ok I got the gist of the situation, are those guys still working at your workshop?"
George remembered, "Well, there were 3 people working at my workshop but after the ceremony, today 2 of them couldn't be seen after the recent event I guess they might be enjoying the festivities. Meanwhile, the third guy, as usual, is quite energetic whenever he comes to work. However, I have made sure to destroy all the previous blueprints so you don't have to be worried about them however I worry about the safety of my men and myself as they might kidnap me if they are spies and get desperate."
John nodded and spoke to Taylor, "Hmm... the 2 of them might have most probably left the town. As for the third one, he might not be a spy but someone who is genuinely interested. Taylor, did you get the spy at Ron's workshop?"
Taylor spoke are handed over the reports, "We were able to catch two spies from Ron's shop and from our investigations, they were spies of two marquis in the east who are also involved in Soap business. I guess they wanted to get something out because of market pressures. And it seems Ron is quite dense when it comes to hiring men as he easily trusts them and this is also one of the reasons, our Soapmaking blueprints were leaked to Prince Hector."
John nodded and spoke, "Okay, from now on tell Jake to keep an eye on people who are being hired at both George and Ron's Shop, they must at least have a background check. We might actually be able to spot some spies, however, don't catch them if they are spotted, we will use them in the future purposes by feeding false information. Convey him these matters later on. I hope you don't mind surveillance of your recruits"
George smiled and agreed, "No, I won't, I would be grateful as it would keep me and my men safe from any potential danger."

The next day, there was great turmoil in the whole of Aelius Kingdom as Ambassador Luke announced their deal with Baron John.
Many people were surprised that a single weapon was able to alleviate John's honorary status to Hereditary while his status as a baron was promoted to a Count that included giving him expansion rights to the wilds in the north.

This very announcement cemented John's status in the whole of Aelius Kingdom as this deal solidified the fact that his new weapon was the real deal and hence the Royal family already made a move.
A lot of nobles were quite astonished after hearing that the Royal family had signed a deal with Baron John which signified that his new weapon was a real big deal for Royal Family at least.

***
At a certain guest house,
Count Casey already arrived at Prince Hector's banquet and gossiped with other nobles,
"Hmm... it seems he intentionally revealed that weapon before Prince Hector's Sun Festival Banquet and the fact that there was an announcement meant that he intended to ruin Prince Hector's banquet."
One of the fellow noble Marquis Chris spoke as he got interested in gossip, "I recently heard rumors of Duke Evan getting humiliated at the hands of that upstart, I wonder what sort of weapon he offered to the Royal family that they promoted him to a count while they also reduced his taxes compared to the dukes."
Viscount Rob thought as he laid out his thoughts, "That is not all, The taxes in his domain were also waived off for next the next 50 years. These privileges are mostly given to the Lord contributing most when a big war between countries take place."
Chris thought and laid his hypothesis, "I am very sure they made a weapon matching the Lorr Family years ago, I would say it didn't cost anything to the Royal family this time around apart from the promotion deed of that Noble. Mind you this lord only has a small land that is not even comparable to other barons so I guess Royal Family wouldn't even mind waiving his taxes for the next 100 years. However, I am very curious about how would Prince Hector reacts after hearing this news and I am very sure Baron Mendez might be glad for not taking any action against that upstart or that upstart will get a reason to invade his domain."
Count Casey showed a mysterious smile as he remarked, "Well, I am sure he would still be in a dilemma right now as he is in a hot place right now that is making him money while others are either salivating to invade that place or take revenge for their past humiliation. And from the way, the Royal family completed this deal so fast I am sure this weapon is quite worthy.
Well, recently I visited that Restaurant called Hope and it was quite worth it to visit that place apart from all the slaves and those demi-humans. I am glad I was calm when I visited that place instead of raging about slaves and demi-humans or else I too would have suffered the same fate as Duke Evan. I heard he is currently in Bed and is heading somewhere." Count Casey gave a sigh of relief when he mentioned his previous encounter.
Viscount Rob was a musclehead as he spoke with a proud smile about North-frontier city, "Well, that town is not bad, it is quite clean even compared to the Imperial city. As for the Slaves or Demi-humans, I don't have any problems with them, they were quite well mannered unlike the arrogant chefs of the restaurants working in the Imperial city that is currently funded by the Royal family, they even expect big tips and praises for the shit they make. Compared to food served at Hope, that restaurant seems nothing to me nowadays. I am only going to North-frontier City when it comes to good food."
Count Casey laughed as he heard Rob, "Hahaha, even I would have to agree to that, however, don't speak this in front of others. Meanwhile, when did you visit North-frontier town? I never got any information about you visiting that city."
Rob grinned and narrated his events, "huhuhu, well I was disguised as a trader when I visited over there, that town felt quite better compared to the Imperial capital. How can I say, I think it felt freer unlike the fake masks that we try to show in the Imperial city."
Marquis Chris seriously advised them after hearing their gossip, "Well, I would still try to remain away from that city. Recently my father warned me to stay away from that city and I think it has become an eye of the storm after that previous debacle of that upstart with Duke Evan. Additionally, now they have a weapon that would interest a lot of people not to forget the fact that they have those soaps, papers and that new agent with which they are making those roads."
Count Casey nodded and spoke, "That's true, I guess I will remain on the fence this time around at Prince Hector's conspiracy. I would not want to implicate myself as my domain is near that Upstart's domain, we don't even know the real firepower of that weapon called ballista however I can guess it is pretty useful from the fact that Royal Family immediately jumped on that weapon. I am glad I am not in Baron Mendez's position as it would be quite a dicey situation on balancing between both Prince Hector and Baron John, no I mean Count John."

Chapter end