1361 Hidden Agendas

Ground floor.

Ivo and the rest had finally arrived down below.

But before stepping out or revealing themselves, they readjusted their armor, checking to see if anything was out of place.

And with his chest raised to the heavens, Ivo took a proud and intimidating stance.

However, his eyes were quick to give him away now that he had a very closer look at the massive cluster of over 70 carriages.

Bloody Hell!

Though they were painted, he could tell that they were made of metal.

But... But this didn't make any sense at all!

Metal carriages would never last because of one word... Rust.

How can one have them when most seasons favor rain and cold?

Additionally, the weight of the carriages alone would be very tasking for horses to pull for long distances... Not to talk of the weight once a person or barrage was placed into them.

Wood was always the way to go.

So how did these people do it?

How come their metal vehicles weren't rusting and could even move at such astronomical speeds?

Ivo felt his world shatter in a daze. Of course, it wasn't just him, as his men also became confused, doubting life itself.

Secret... These strangers definitely had a manufacturing secret!

"My lord! Even if we fail to take one of these vehicles, we must get the secret and mass produce our own!" Like a snake in Eden's Garden, Cerberus spoke out in a whispered tone.

"I know."

.

Ivo was even more determined to keep these people in his estate.

Tonight, they'll make their move.

All he wanted was a moment to strike.

With the overly heavy rains, no one in this crushed town should've seen these people come in. The earlier he got this done, the better for him. Dragging things might only end up being disadvantages for himself.

And even if a few peasants did see these people drive his way, so what?

It would be their word against his.

At present, everyone in town knows that his estate was closed, not willing to open his doors to anyone.

So if he said he rejected these people from entering, who could tell if he was lying or not?

His men were very loyal to him, knowing his ways of handling traitors.

So all he had to do now was take care of these guests of his.

With over 70 carriages parked before him, he planned to dismantle a few, understanding just how they worked.

However, what Ivo didn't know was that even after dismantling, he still would be able to figure out how plastic, rubber, tires, glass screens and the majority of the parts were made.

Talk less of undertaking the reasoning behind why these vehicles could run the way they could.

Fuel, coolant water, and other basic factors were just a few of what he would miss.

Car mechanics were complicated... Especially creating the wires and circuiting displays.

.

Ivo gallantly rode on his horse accompanied by his men, making his way towards the lead vehicle at the forefront of gathering.

And in the meantime, James also stepped out, alongside 2 others, who held up wide green camouflage umbrellas.

And once again, Ivo and the rest marveled at the uniqueness of their umbrellas. It wasn't the typical wooden frame and painted paper umbrellas that they used.

Of course, what captured everyone's attention was the bluish-white camouflage attire that James and the other 2 soldiers wore.

From their attires to their shiny boots, every material was well-tailored and expensive.

And with their chests also puffed out, it only further highlighted their intimidating auras.

Ivo squinted his eyes at them, feeling his presence insulted.

To James and the rest, they were acting neither humble nor prideful. But to Ivo who was used to people groveling and kissing his ass, this was a slap to his face... Especially in his territory.

But though he was displeased, he still maintained a calm expression when facing these rare guests.

He had to get out as much information about them before his attack. Who knows if they had allies stationed around his town?

Heh... he had to understand his guests if he was going to strike them hard.

"I've been told you all seek an audience with me?"

"Yes, sir Ivo."

"Hmmm... As it stands, I cannot and will not let you enter without knowing your purpose. After all, you might be sent by my foes. So why should I trust you? Why should I host you in my palace?"

James raised an eyebrow, looking at the burly man before him. "Sir Ivo... Though I see where you're coming from, I think you might've misunderstood our visit."

I've snickered. "Oh? How so?"

"Sir Ivo... Believe it or not, we are only here to cure the situation at hand. For the mere fact that we delivered ourselves to you only shows how determined we are with our intentions."

Here to cure the people?

But why?

(?~?)

.

Ivo didn't believe their mumbo jumbo.

Who would anyone waste money and resources to care about the lives of these poverty-stricken peasants? What sort of lame excuse was this?

Ivo sneered, feeling that these people had another hidden agenda here.

'What are they truly here for? What do they want from me?'

Though they speak Roma, they still make a few mistakes when speaking. And their accents aren't native around these parts.

So the more he looked into it, the more suspicious he became.

These people were here for him, right?

Dammit! He felt his body tense greatly.

'I, Lord Ivo, will not go down without a fight. So before they make a move on me, I'll be the one to finish them off first!'

Very quickly, Ivo masked his murderous intentions.

"You say you are here to cure my people. But for all I know, this could all be a trap. So what collateral do you have to show your sincerity?"

"Collateral?"

"That's right. Talk is cheap. So I want Collaterals." Ivo said slyly. "Hehehehehehe... To be more specific, I want your carriages. No carriages, no accommodations!"