108: Chapter 108 Rivals! Vanessa's Analysis! The Senate's Landscape!

Leaving Tinglan Manor.

Rowan boarded his carriage.

Inside the cabin, he fell into deep thought.

Unexpected variables had arisen in his original plan.

After demonstrating the strength of a Great Knight, the expected royal support had actually fallen elsewhere?!

And it was for a candidate who seemed extremely unreasonable.

Viscount Willis!

There must be hidden political maneuvering or secret circumstances behind this that he currently couldn't reach.

But he was merely a small country baron with weak foundations, and his intelligence network was non-existent.

Although Princess Alice had revealed a little, she was vague and clearly wary.

"I need more information..."

Rowan lowered his eyes in thought, his fingertips lightly tapping his knee.

Go ask Lady Lillian?

She clearly wouldn't have access to information at this level.

Then, he remembered Aria's advice—

"For more specific Senate operating rules, voting tendencies, and potential resistance or supporters... you can ask Vanessa Bryce."

"The Bryce Family is one of the Windsor Family's long-term allies in The Senate."

The Bryce Family, members of The Senate Observation Team, Western nobles, allies of the Windsor Family...

More importantly, their family was clearly deeply involved in the distribution of interests in Gino County this time.

The information they held must be much more than his own; they might even know some secrets.

His mind made up, Rowan instructed the driver outside the carriage: "Change course, go to Oak Manor."

...

Oak Manor was named after several oak trees in its courtyard that were over a hundred years old.

The tall oaks looked exceptionally tranquil in the winter.

This was the residence of Vanessa Bryce, a member of The Senate Observation Team, in Gino City.

The manor's style was not as exquisite as the royal guesthouse, but instead exuded a heaviness and restraint characteristic of military nobility.

The lines of the stone buildings were sharp and rugged.

The courtyard layout was simple and grand.

On the second floor of the main building, inside a study with a wide view.

Vanessa was dressed in a comfortable light red house dress, leaning back in a lounge chair covered with thick fur, her deep chestnut wavy hair draped lazily over her shoulders.

She held a plain white letter in her hand, and as her light brown eyes scanned it, a bright smile involuntarily appeared on her mature and sexy face.

The news had just arrived from the Imperial Capital; the family had officially confirmed the agreement reached with the Windsor Family and would fully support her in competing for and obtaining the inheritance rights of the Purple Thorn Territory.

For a noble who was not the family heir, a prosperous landed viscountcy was undoubtedly an excellent path.

"Purple Thorn Territory..." Her red lips curved slightly.

The Mercer Family of the Iron Thorn Knights had collapsed.

A territory that guarded the northeastern strategic pass of Gino County and possessed important minerals and hunting grounds was now vacant.

Not bad, very good indeed!

She liked it very much...

Just then.

A soft knock came from outside the study, followed by the respectful voice of her personal maid:

"Miss, Baron Flynn is outside requesting an audience."

Hearing this, Vanessa was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

Baron Flynn?

The young baron who had created shocking news in front of the cathedral this morning and was now the subject of hot rumors?

Why would he suddenly come to visit her?

She quickly went over the information about Rowan Flynn in her mind.

A baron from a remote territory, who had performed great service by killing Count Farrell in the Scarlet Heresy Case, and seemed to have a deep relationship with Priestess Windsor of the Church...

This morning, he had even displayed terrifying strength, suspected of possessing the legacy of a Perfect-grade Breathing Method...

A suddenly rising, mystery-filled Great Knight powerhouse with astounding strength and potential!

"What is the purpose of a visit at this time?"

Vanessa's thoughts raced.

Is it related to Priestess Windsor?

She only thought for a few seconds before making a decision.

She had no reason to turn away such a figure when he visited on his own initiative.

Moreover, she herself was quite interested in him.

"Invite Baron Flynn to the small reception room; I will be there shortly. Remember to be respectful."

Vanessa put away the family letter and instructed the maid.

At the same time, she walked to the full-length mirror and quickly tidied her appearance, ensuring she looked neither overly formal and distant, nor so casual as to lose etiquette.

The light red dress complemented her fair skin and graceful curves. She gave the mirror a perfectly measured, reserved smile.

...

Led by the maid, Rowan entered the manor.

The small reception room of Oak Manor looked more private than Princess Alice's.

The decor was dominated by dark wood and leather, with several oil paintings depicting war and hunting scenes hanging on the walls.

A moment later.

Vanessa Bryce pushed the door and entered.

A slightly sweet fragrance wafted in.

"Baron Flynn, I have long heard of you."

"I didn't expect you to visit so suddenly."

With a proper smile on her face, Vanessa walked to the main sofa and sat down.

Her voice was not as cold as Aria's, nor as gentle as Princess Alice's, but carried a slightly husky, magnetic quality that was very pleasant to the ear.

"Ms. Bryce, please forgive the intrusion," Rowan said with a slight bow and a light smile.

At close range, this female Senate observer was indeed stunning, especially those rich, vivid eyes. With every glance, her eyes seemed to easily see through people, while carrying a faint, teasing Charm.

A score of [86 points] was well-deserved.

"The Baron is too polite."

"You are currently the most dazzling figure in Gino City. To have you visit is my honor."

Vanessa smiled and gestured for the maid to serve tea, her gaze lingering on Rowan's face with undisguised appreciation and inquiry.

"Especially that battle in front of the cathedral this morning; it was truly breathtaking. I didn't expect the Baron to have such formidable strength at such a young age."

"It was just luck; the opponent was already injured," Rowan said modestly.

Immediately, without waiting for Vanessa to speak again, he changed the subject, deciding to get straight to the point.

Time was limited, and he needed to acquire information efficiently.

"To be honest, I have come today to ask for your advice, Ms. Bryce. Perhaps... it also has some connection to you."

"Oh? Please, go on." Vanessa picked up the bone china teacup and blew on it lightly. Her beautiful eyes looked at Rowan through the rising steam, waiting for him to continue.

Rowan organized his words and said honestly:

"Today at the cathedral, Priestess Windsor spoke with me regarding the disposal plan for the involved territories in Gino County."

"The Church has preliminary decided to recommend me as the heir to the Golden Flame Territory."

As he spoke, his level 3 [Charm] skill was quietly activated.

It aimed to lower the other party's psychological defenses and amplify their trust and favor toward his words, making the subsequent conversation smoother and deeper.

When Vanessa heard the words 'Golden Flame Territory,' her fingers holding the teacup stiffened almost imperceptibly.

But when she heard that Rowan was the candidate chosen by the Church, a flash of realization instantly crossed her eyes.

"I see." Vanessa put down her teacup, and her smile became a bit more genuine.

"It seems Priestess Windsor has high hopes for you, Baron. The Golden Flame Territory... is indeed a good place."

Rowan nodded and continued:

"The Priestess also mentioned that the Bryce Family is a reliable ally of the Windsor Family in The Senate."

"For this plan, I'm afraid I will have to rely heavily on your and your family's mediation and support in The Senate."

"Therefore, I have come to visit specifically to ask you about the specifics of The Senate voting. I don't know much about it, so I hope you can enlighten me."

Hearing this, Vanessa subconsciously leaned back slightly, adopting a more relaxed posture.

For some reason, she felt that her impression of Rowan was very good, as if they were old friends who had known each other for years.

"The Baron is too polite. The Windsor and Bryce families have been friends for generations; supporting each other is only natural."

Vanessa's voice softened a bit as she got to the main point: "Regarding The Senate vote, it is indeed a bit complicated."

"First of all, regarding the disposal of territories this time, The Senate Observation Team itself can, according to custom, propose a candidate to compete."

"Currently within the team, Theodore Witton will not openly express any opinion on Gino County affairs. The former Lord of the Golden Flame Territory, Count Farrell, was a vassal of their family, and they have faced public accountability from the Royal Family and the Church."

"However, Lucius Winter and Eli Holmes are very interested in this. The candidate they support is Viscount Hawke of Ice Lake City."

"Viscount Hawke?"

Rowan expressed his doubt at the right time.

"Yes. Behind the Hawke family stands a commercial alliance originating from the Eastern Border, the Purple Gold Merchant Alliance. The Holmes family is an important member of it."

"They have abundant financial resources and many spokespersons in The Senate. They particularly like to operate in territory matters involving commercial interests."

"Even if I don't give my vote to Viscount Hawke, when the matter is eventually reported up, they represent the opinions of the East and South, and it will be very easy to pass a minor Senate resolution."

"So, Viscount Hawke will be your competitor."

Vanessa analyzed.

Rowan was thoughtful: "What about the Royal Family? Her Highness the Princess's side..."

Vanessa frowned slightly, showing some uncertainty:

"Princess Alice's original inclination, after seeing your performance this morning, I thought would be you."

"But now it seems..." She paused and looked at Rowan, "Is it not?"

Meeting her gaze, Rowan shook his head and said slowly: "Her Highness informed me that the candidate the Royal Family ultimately tends to support is Viscount Willis."

"Viscount Willis?!" Vanessa fell into thought upon hearing this name.

But immediately following that, she seemed to think of something, and a flash of realization crossed her eyes.

"I think I understand..."

"It seems the Witton family still hasn't given up on the Golden Flame Territory. I suppose it makes sense; this is Gino City after all..."

Seeing Rowan's confusion, Vanessa stopped beating around the bush and said directly:

"Viscount Willis has secret connections with the Duke of Witton's estate. He used to be an important ally of Count Farrell in the County Council."

"And the Duke of Witton's youngest daughter... is betrothed to Lord Mason Tudor of the Royal Family."

"With Lord Mason's influence in the Royal Family..."

She left it at that, but the meaning was already clear.

Rowan understood.

It actually involved the Dawn Knight, the dream of countless young girls in the Empire.

This man was famous and renowned; Rowan had heard of him many times in different contexts.

"Thank you for clarifying, Ms. Bryce." Rowan nodded slightly, then asked the most critical question:

"In your opinion, what is the likelihood that the territory distribution plan proposed by the Church will ultimately be passed in The Senate?"

Hearing this, Vanessa's expression became serious.

After quickly deducing the situation in her mind, she said in a low voice:

"The various factions of The Senate..."

"The Royal faction, if Lord Mason exerts his influence, will likely mostly support Viscount Willis..."

"The Church faction, the Windsor Family's influence is not weak, but they don't have an absolute advantage in direct votes in The Senate..."

"The magical nobility faction, led by the Latour Family, is powerful, but they usually have little interest in local territory affairs and mostly cast abstention votes..."

"Among the military nobility, our Bryce Family and our allies can win over a portion..."

"The local landed nobility have varying attitudes, and the Commercial Alliance has significant influence... The academic nobility are more concerned with ideals and knowledge..."

She looked at Rowan, her beautiful eyes carrying a cautious assessment:

"Taken together, assuming no major variables occur and all parties maneuver according to the current situation..."

"There is about a fifty percent chance."

"This is already a good chance of success, after all, the Golden Flame Territory is too tempting, and the competitors are very strong."

Fifty percent?

Rowan's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

This probability meant the outcome was uncertain and the variables were too great. He preferred a more secure situation.

Suddenly, he remembered a detail Vanessa had just mentioned. His heart stirred, and he asked:

"You just said that the magical nobility, led by the Latour Family, usually cast abstention votes on such matters?"

"Yes." Vanessa nodded, "They are more concerned with magical research, resource allocation, knowledge sharing, and major events involving the magical world."

"For the enfeoffment of ordinary noble territories, unless it is directly related to their family interests, they rarely enter the fray to vote, usually choosing to abstain and remain aloof."

A glint flashed in Rowan's eyes as he said slowly:

"Then, what if they... didn't abstain, but chose to support us instead?"

Hearing this, Vanessa was first stunned, then she laughed and shook her head, feeling that Rowan's idea was somewhat naive:

"Baron Flynn, that is almost impossible!"

"The Latour Family is one of the top magical families in the Empire, with a transcendent status. Many forces have connections with them, but getting them to clearly take a side on such a matter is as difficult as reaching the heavens. Unless..."

She paused, as if she felt this hypothesis was meaningless, "Unless you can directly persuade a core member of the Latour Family and have a reason sufficient to move them."

"When I was at the Golan Fortress in the Western Border, I visited the Lenhe Magic Tower and met Ms. Sylvia Latour. You cannot imagine what a perfect person she is—so noble it makes one feel ashamed of their own inferiority."

"That natural beauty, combined with the composure and elegance of a high-level mage..."

"Even in a place like the Lenhe Tower where geniuses gather, she is the 'flower on a high peak' in the hearts of countless people..."

"To move such a person is almost..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear...

Absolutely impossible!

Seeing this, Rowan nodded and said softly:

"So that's how it is..."

...