Under the lead of Sakre Liepuer, Thor, and Count Engel’s group quickly arrived at the valley. The battle had completely ended by this time, and the members of the Liepuer Clan were resting. Even just by looking at the surrounding scene, one could imagine how terrifying the battle had been earlier.

The entire valley’s terrain had clearly changed.

At the same time, a large number of trees were uprooted, and giant rocks had shattered.

The entire terrain seemed like an Earth Dragon had turned over.

Even Thor could not help but frown slightly.

This kind of power was clearly beyond his level.

Count Engel’s expression also carried a tinge of gravity.

"Count Engel."

"Father has been waiting for quite some time!"

As the group approached, Irekali Liepuer greeted them and softly spoke.

"Sorry for the wait!"

"Truly sorry."

Count Engel spoke briefly, then led Thor to follow Irekali Liepuer towards a nearby area.

As for Reine, Anna, Michael, and Chesire, they were left behind.

Guided by Irekali Liepuer, Count Engel and Thor quickly reached the nearby area.

"Duke Liepuer!"

"Duke Liepuer!"

Upon seeing the Old Duke Liepuer, Count Engel and Thor hurried to pay their respects.

"Engel, not bad, it seems you haven’t suffered any injuries."

The Old Duke Liepuer spoke with a smile, his gaze turned towards Count Engel and then to Thor, with a thoughtful expression.

"Luck is indeed somewhat favorable."

"Duke Liepuer, this is my son Thor Dressrosa."

Count Engel smiled and nodded, then introduced with a smile to the Old Duke Liepuer.

"Worthy of being the Eagle of Dressrosa."

"Thor Dressrosa, a fine name!"

The Old Duke Liepuer spoke with a smile, his eyes filled with some uncertainty, for as a Half-Step Sanctuary, he could not sense the Life Source Power from Thor, who felt like a layer of fog to him.

Nonetheless, despite his confusion, he did not continue to dwell on it but smiled and offered praise.

Thor smiled and expressed his gratitude.

The Old Duke Liepuer and Count Engel then exchanged a few simple words.

The conversation then returned to the main topic.

"Engel, the reason we’ve troubled you to come this time is to inquire whether you would be willing to form an alliance with us, the Tulip Nobles?"

The Old Duke Liepuer took a deep breath, then spoke with a deliberative tone, his gaze directed at Engel.

"Tulip Noble Alliance?"

Count Engel was somewhat surprised.

Even Thor took an immediate interest.

However, he did not interrupt but waited quietly for the two to continue speaking.

"Duke Liepuer, may I ask, what is this Tulip Noble Alliance?"

Count Engel asked with a hint of curiosity, a puzzled expression on his face.

Indeed, he had never heard of such a Tulip Noble Alliance, yet it was obviously real, which undoubtedly made him even more curious.

"Yes, the Tulip Noble Alliance."

"Count Engel, you probably are not yet familiar with the specifics of the Kingdom War, are you?"

The Old Duke Liepuer, after a moment of contemplation, spoke with a touch of gravity.

"The specifics of the Kingdom War?"

Once again, the words caused both Count Engel and Thor’s expressions to tense.

Especially Thor, who had a sudden realization.

He had previously speculated that the Kingdom War might be entirely unknown to others, especially with this sort of sudden change in a Kingdom War, typical nobles wouldn’t grasp much, but for some top-tier nobles, it might not be a secret, or perhaps they had long known.

At this moment, it seemed precisely so.

As the Old Duke Liepuer carefully framed his words before slowly speaking.

"Kingdom Wars are generally the evolution of external domain wars. In the past, most Kingdom Wars have been to test the abilities of the nobility."

"This time, it’s no different!"

The Old Duke Liepuer slowly began.

"The evolution of external domain wars?"

"Testing the abilities of nobility."

Instinctively speaking, both Count Engel and Thor showed some surprise in their expressions.

"Yes, testing the abilities of nobility."

"I don’t know all the specifics, but one thing is certain; the Kingdom War almost concerns the Empire’s assessment of kingdoms. The higher the assessment, the greater the kingdom’s gains in external domain wars."

"Previously, most were just ordinary Exotic Worlds, conducting wars and explorations. This time, for some reason, Law Fragments have been added, making them the most crucial assessment standard. Obtaining enough Law Fragments is enough to gain ample merits."

"And to acquire more Law Fragments, top-tier nobility within various kingdoms have actually formed an alliance this time."

The Old Duke Liepuer slowly elucidated, as he continued speaking.

Both Count Engel and Thor gradually understood the situation.

Indeed, the top-tier nobility were already aware of the circumstances, the only ones in the dark were themselves and the other nobility.

As for the so-called tier of top-tier nobility.

Both Thor and Count Engel didn’t need to think further; it was likely the Three Great Duke Families.

Whether there are other nobility included, that remains unknown.

"Whew!"

"Duke Liepuer, since it’s the top-tier noble alliance asking us to join, I’m afraid the Dressrosa Family’s strength might not be sufficient!"