Kane "Split Rock" stood like a silent iron tower beside Barton Giant Stone, his intangible sense of pressure ensuring that none of the lords present dared to relax.
The first to finish reading the pact was the Lord of Eagle Territory. Without a mont’s hesitation, he signed his na with a flourish, pledging his commitnt.
"Lord Earl, your foresight is profound! Eagle Territory is willing to serve as the vanguard!"
With the first one taking the lead, the other lords quickly followed suit.
"Panshi Territory is in agreent!"
"Black Water Territory is willing to follow the Lord Earl!"
Quills scratched across the Sheepskin Scrolls as family crests and signatures gradually filled the bottom of the pact.
The atmosphere was fervent, as if the Demons of the Jade Swamp were already in their grasp, with riches and land beckoning for them to claim.
Raylo put down the Sheepskin Scroll in his hands but did not imdiately state his position.
He noticed that, besides himself, a few other lords also seed hesitant.
Soon, most of the lords had signed the agreent, and only a handful of Sheepskin Scrolls remained in the attendants’ hands.
Barton Giant Stone’s gaze swept over the remaining few, finally landing on a thin-faced noble with a goatee. This was Baron Silver Moon.
"Baron Silver Moon, what are your thoughts?"
Barton Giant Stone’s voice was still mild, but everyone present could hear the displeasure in it.
Baron Silver Moon gave a dry cough and forced an apologetic smile.
"Lord Earl, it’s not that I am unwilling to contribute to the Duchy. It’s just... Silver Moon Territory is remote, and we’ve been having frequent incidents lately. Bandits and Demons have been appearing one after another, and I truly cannot spare any extra n."
As he spoke, he let out a sigh with great gravity, as if he were genuinely troubled by the matter.
Raylo took a sip of wine. ’Silver Moon Territory has discovered a new Silver Mine. This old man is just focused on closing off his territory to make a secret fortune.’
Barton Giant Stone’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. He turned to another who had yet to respond, Viscount Baiyang.
"And you, Viscount Baiyang?"
Viscount Baiyang was a slightly portly middle-aged man. Hearing his na, he quickly waved his hands, the fat on his face jiggling in response.
"Lord Earl, you must understand! My Baiyang Territory...唉... we suffered a plague a while back. Many of my people died, and it will take us years to recover. Right now, we are truly... in dire straits."
He wore a pained expression, as if his territory might genuinely collapse at any second.
Everyone present was astute; they could naturally hear how insincere these excuses were.
The potential gains from the Jade Swamp were certainly tempting, but the risks were equally enormous.
Each of these lords had their own agenda.
Raylo looked at Viscount Baiyang. ’He seems amiable, but he’s colluding with the Demon Serpent Church. I wonder how deep the connection goes. If they’re truly in league with each other, major turmoil is inevitable in the northern Duchy.’
Barton Giant Stone’s expression didn’t change, but the smile in his eyes faded a little.
His gaze passed over the two of them and fell upon Baron ngde of Ironthorn Territory.
Baron ngde was a burly man with a full beard, known for his coarse personality.
He said in a booming voice, "Lord Earl, Lord Kane, it’s not that I, ngde, am unappreciative. It’s just... in my Ironthorn Territory, the bandits are running rampant! Several new gangs of thieves have popped up on the surrounding mountains overnight, multiplying faster than rabbits! My ager forces are already overwheld just trying to deal with them. I’m truly... truly willing but unable to help!"
He spoke with such "sincerity" that it seed the bandits might breach his castle at any mont.
Hearing this, the corners of a few lords’ mouths twitched involuntarily.
Ironthorn Territory did indeed have bandits, but to say they were so rampant that Baron ngde couldn’t spare any n was pure nonsense.
Everyone knew that Baron ngde himself was the biggest "bandit chief" in the area; he had just cloaked himself in the guise of a nobleman.
"Baron ngde, if the bandits in your territory are truly that troubleso, I wouldn’t mind having Lord Kane find so ti to go ’clean up’ your lands for you."
Barton Giant Stone’s tone carried a hint of cold mockery.
Baron ngde laughed at this. "I wouldn’t dare trouble Lord Kane! I’ve already requested aid from His Highness Prince Eliot, and the reinforcents he dispatched are already on their way."
’Send a Tier Five Domain Knight to deal with bandits?’
’His Ironthorn Territory would probably be scraped clean down to the bedrock.’
But ngde was not without his own backing. Many present knew that he handled so of His Highness Prince Eliot’s dirty work.
Barton Giant Stone snorted but didn’t press the issue.
Although he was imnsely powerful, one of the few landed Counts in the Duchy with real authority, he wasn’t about to disrespect the heir to the Duchy in front of so many lords.
Finally, the eyes of everyone, including Barton Giant Stone, converged on Raylo.
Barton Giant Stone looked at Raylo. "Baron Raylo, your Black Stone Territory directly borders the Jade Swamp. I’m sure you understand the principle of mutual dependency. I wonder, what are your thoughts?"
Raylo stood up, his posture neither servile nor overbearing.
"Lord Earl, Lord Kane, my lords."
His voice was clear, ringing through the hall.
"Clearing the Jade Swamp to stabilize the Northern Border is a great undertaking for the good of the Duchy and its people. Naturally, I am in favor of it."
Hearing this, a hint of a smile appeared on Barton Giant Stone’s face.
However, Raylo’s tone then shifted.
"However, as you all must know, my Black Stone Territory just recently endured a bloody battle with the Blood Wolf Robbery Gang."
At the ntion of the Blood Wolf Robbery Gang, the expressions of many lords changed slightly.
The fact that Black Stone Territory had managed to annihilate them had already raised many eyebrows.
Raylo continued, "In that battle, while Black Stone Territory managed a costly victory, we paid an imnse price. Our soldiers suffered heavy casualties, our supplies were depleted, the territory is in ruins and waiting to be rebuilt, and my people need ti to rest and recuperate. If we were to forcibly send troops to join the Allied Army now, not only would we be unable to provide sufficient combat strength, but we might also beco a burden to the main force. It could even... create an opportunity for certain opportunistic scoundrels to exploit."
"Therefore, I’m afraid Black Stone Territory will be unable to participate in the Allied Army’s campaign this ti. I hope the Lord Earl and all you lords can understand. Once Black Stone Territory has recovered its strength, should there be a need in the future, I will certainly not shirk my duty."
His words were reasonable and well-founded. He had clearly stated his position while also showing Count Barton sufficient respect.
The annihilation of the Blood Wolf Robbery Gang was a fact, and it stood to reason that Black Stone Territory had suffered heavy losses.
Most of the lords present knew that they themselves lacked the strength to annihilate the Blood Wolf Corps.
Count Barton was silent for a mont, and the atmosphere in the hall grew tense.
The lords who had already signed the pact now watched the young baron with great interest, curious to see how Count Barton would respond.
A mont later, Barton Giant Stone put his trademark smile back on.
"I see. Baron Raylo, you are young and promising, to be able to annihilate the Blood Wolf Corps single-handedly. You are truly an exemplar for us all. Since Black Stone Territory is indeed facing difficulties, I naturally cannot force you against your will."
He paused, his tone laden with aning.
"However, if you miss this opportunity, Black Stone Territory won’t get a share of the spoils from the Jade Swamp in the future."
Raylo smiled faintly and replied with composure, "Thank you for your understanding, Lord Earl. For now, Black Stone Territory only seeks stable developnt. We dare not ask for too much."
"Good. You have spirit."
Barton Giant Stone nodded, said no more, and turned to an attendant.
"Collect the pacts."
The attendant responded, collected the remaining few Sheepskin Scrolls, and stepped aside.
With that, the matter of the Allied Army was essentially settled.
Most of the lords chose to join, but a few, such as those from Silver Moon Territory, Baiyang Territory, Ironthorn Territory, and Black Stone Territory, were unable to participate for various "reasons."
Raylo sat back down, his heart calm.
He knew that Barton Giant Stone’s words were both an expression of pity and a veiled warning.
’But I have my own considerations. The Jade Swamp may be a juicy prize, but it’s also too hot to handle. Given Black Stone Territory’s current strength, it would not be wise to rashly get involved in such a large-scale military operation.’
’Moreover, I’ve always been wary of Barton Giant Stone and the mysterious Kane.’
’Laying low and building up my strength quietly is my primary goal right now.’
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