46: Conditions for continuing the marriage alliance

Seeing that Arthur did not look like he was lying, Paul quickly guaranteed, so as not to lose this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity:

"That is natural!"

"In that case, follow me!"

The Mountain Giant Zog had followed Arthur into the city, so he was currently inside the Counts Mansion's castle. Arthur quickly led Paul to Zog's resting place.

This place was a small stable yard within the castle, more than enough space for Zog.

Bored, Zog had fallen asleep again, turning into a small hill.

When the two arrived together, Arthur called out directly:

"Zog, I've come to see you! Wake up!"

Hearing Arthur's voice, Zog woke up immediately from his sleep. Accompanied by a loud rumble, Zog stood up and appeared before the two of them.

"Baron, is there something you need since you woke me up?"

Paul saw that after Arthur woke up the Mountain Giant Zog, the latter showed no sign of anger. Instead, he immediately asked Arthur what the matter was.

One should know that being woken up by someone usually results in impatience.

Thus, Paul somewhat believed Arthur's words, but only somewhat. He still needed to see Arthur's performance next.

At this moment, only the three of them were in the stable yard, so Arthur spoke directly:

"Zog, if I were to ask you to go live in the castle where this Mr. Paul resides and guard them permanently, would you be willing?"

Arthur actually had developed feelings for Zog and Zoffy, the two brothers. He was familiar with them and would not send Zog to the Marquiss Mansion.

He would simply purchase another Mountain Giant, believing the Marquiss Mansion wouldn't mind; it made no difference to them anyway.

Meanwhile, Arthur wanted to marry, but he had to wait until he turned eighteen, which was still over a year away.

By then, Arthur's strength would be at another level, and he probably wouldn't fear exposing one more Mountain Giant.

On the other side, although Zog internally didn't want to leave Arthur, he would not object to Arthur's command and immediately replied:

"Since it is the Baron's order, I am naturally willing to obey!"

This exchange between Arthur and Zog instantly stunned Paul!

Because Paul realized that Zog's behavior clearly demonstrated the conduct of a subordinate.

Arthur had actually subdued the Mountain Giant; it wasn't a collaboration as rumored. How did Arthur manage that?

Following the shock came delight!

Regardless of how Arthur accomplished it, this meant that the condition Arthur had just stated was real.

As long as Olivia married Arthur, the Marquiss Mansion would gain a Mountain Giant as a guardian.

Although this felt somewhat like selling Olivia out and was unfair to her, it was still a good choice for Olivia to marry someone as mysterious and promising as Arthur.

Thinking this, Paul's gaze toward Arthur became kinder.

Arthur noticed the change in Paul's expression and smiled:

"Captain Paul, I have proven the authenticity of the condition I mentioned earlier. I'll leave the Marquis's side to you!"

"That is natural. I will certainly speak properly with the Marquis, and I believe he will agree to the condition proposed by Baron Arthur."

After happily agreeing, Paul thought of something else and asked:

"If the Marquis agrees, how shall the contract be signed!"

Seeing Paul's caution, Arthur smiled and replied:

"I should return to Initial City in a few days. If the Marquis agrees to my condition afterward, just have him send someone to Initial City to sign the contract!"

"That would be best! Then I apologize for troubling Baron Arthur to wait a few days!"

"It's fine!"

Afterward, the two left the stable yard.

On the way back, Paul still had many questions in his mind, such as how Arthur had convinced the Mountain Giants to become his subordinates.

But Paul knew he was destined not to get an answer. Asking rashly would only ruin their current harmonious relationship, so he ultimately held back!

When Arthur escorted Paul to his room, considering that his relationship with the Mountain Giant Zog was a secret, Arthur said before entering:

"Captain Paul, I believe you also understand how great the impact would be if my special relationship with the Mountain Giants were to spread.

Therefore, I hope the fewer people you tell afterward, the better. Ideally, just inform The Marquis and Marchioness and Olivia!"

Even if Arthur hadn't said anything, Paul knew the importance of keeping this matter confidential. If this news really got out, the Duke's daughter might even seek a marriage alliance with Arthur.

After all, that was a Mountain Giant, invincible even to an Earth Knight!

By then, their Marquiss Mansion probably wouldn't even make the list, so he naturally wouldn't do such a foolish thing.

He said solemnly:

"Baron Arthur, rest assured, I will absolutely not mention this matter to anyone else!"

"Mhm, I trust Captain Paul!"

Since the matter was resolved, Arthur did not chat with Paul anymore and soon left alone.

Paul was burning with anxiety. After Arthur left, he quickly said goodbye to The Count and Countess and headed back to the Marquiss Mansion with the Gold Mine Sprite!

This made The Count and Countess curious about what Arthur had used to settle things with Paul so quickly.

In response, Arthur confessed directly to them, saying that as long as the Marquiss Mansion was willing to continue the marriage alliance, Arthur would send a Mountain Giant to serve as a guardian at the Marquiss Mansion after the wedding.

Although Arthur had told The Count and Countess yesterday that his Mountain Giants were hired, The Count and Countess didn't find anything wrong with Arthur's statement.

After all, hired personnel could also be sent elsewhere.

Moreover, The Count and Countess now felt that Arthur was promising and no longer made excessive inquiries into his actions.

This round of questioning was merely to satisfy their curiosity, with no follow-up... On the other side, Paul traveled as fast as he could after leaving the Counts Mansion, finally returning to the Marquiss Mansion on the morning of the second day.

Paul's return attracted a lot of attention, as the news he brought would determine how Marquis of Roses and the Earl of Mad Lion would interact afterward!

However, when Olivia's brother, the designated heir of Marquis of Roses, asked about the results of the negotiation out of concern for Olivia, he only received Paul's reply:

"Apologies, Young Master, this matter is too important to disclose for now!" Upon hearing this, everyone immediately realized that something significant had happened.

Paul then immediately rushed to where Marquis of Roses was located.

Afterward, many people rushed over upon hearing the news, with Olivia's brother leading the charge.

But considering confidentiality, only Marquis of Roses, his First Madam (who was Olivia's birth mother), Olivia, and Paul ultimately remained in the study.

Marquis of Roses was the first to inquire:

"Paul, what exactly happened that made you, someone with the strength of an Earth Knight, so flustered, even going to such lengths to keep it secret?"

Hearing this, Paul recounted his experiences in Mad Lion Ridge.

After listening to Paul's account, Marquis of Roses finally understood why Paul was acting this way; he wouldn't have fared much better himself.