Luo De paused for a moment and continued saying:

The choice of spouses for Durant, Gang Le, and their subordinates, Luo De lets them decide for themselves. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Dora once took such good care of him, Luo De is even less likely to interfere in her marriage.

"Okay, I understand. Thank you for your clarity."

Lusen bowed deeply to express his gratitude.

Luo De's response actually gave him a positive signal.

At least Lord would not stop him from pursuing Dora.

The success now depended on his own abilities.

Thinking of this, Lusen's heart couldn't help but race.

As a wizard apprentice, he was gifted in knowledge and spells.

But in matters of emotions, he was completely inexperienced.

At this moment, there was a knock on the door outside.

"Come in."

Upon Luo De's permission, Guard Serge pushed the door open and entered.

"Sir, news from Frost Castle has arrived."

The guard walked quickly forward, holding a letter in his hand.

Vivian immediately went up and took the letter from the guard.

The reports brought by the guards were usually normal, without the need for unnecessary tension.

Vivian casually opened it and handed the letter to Luo De.

Luo De's gaze quickly scanned the paper.

Three days ago, Gang Le and his team successfully breached Frost Castle, but couldn't locate the Cold Blade Clan's Treasure Vault.

Although it was called a breach, it was more like an internal collapse.

That Guard Captain really found an opportunity and, with a few trusted confidants, set fire to the granary during the night.

Then they fled Frost Castle overnight, reporting the news to Gang Le, who was waiting outside.

Though it was only part of Frost Castle's granary, it still caused a food crisis.

Within less than two weeks, Frost Castle fell without further assault.

The starving guards opened the gates at night, letting Gang Le's army in.

The soldiers, unable to eat their fill, had weak resistance.

In front of the four hundred elite soldiers of the Vanguard Corps, most directly chose to surrender.

Viscount Wenner tried to escape with two knights' escort but was spotted by Gala's Hawk in the valleys behind the Frost Mountains.

Seronie led troops to block their path, and during the wild boar's charge in the winter, one knight died and one was injured.

Viscount Wenner was ultimately captured alive.

Seronie conducted a severe interrogation, but Viscount Wenner also did not know the exact location of the Cold Blade Clan's treasure.

This was quite normal.

After all, both she and Lan Ao were not the true controllers of the Cold Blade Clan, and Marquis Cold Blade was always wary of both.

To be precise, he was cautious of all offspring and relatives.

The most valuable part of Frost Castle is its Treasure Vault.

Not finding it is unthinkable.

Luo De looked up at Lusen,

"Perhaps you have a way to find it."

"Huh?" Lusen was noticeably puzzled, not knowing what Luo De meant.

Luo De handed the letter in his hand to Lusen.

After taking the letter, Lusen looked carefully and understood what Luo De was referring to.

"This is rather difficult…"

Lusen said pensively, "Unless there are traces of extraordinary items and magic in the Treasure Vault."

The Dawn Society often searches ancient ruins, relying on feedback from magic fluctuations, which is very simple for spellcasters.

"The Wise possesses an extraordinary item for spirit extension, which might be able to locate it within ten meters," Lusen added.

"You reminded me."

Luo De suddenly remembered he also had a Spirit Amplifier.

...

...

Broken Rock Empire, Western Province.

Flower Castle.

Just as its name suggests, the garden of Flower Castle is full of budding flowers in early spring.

The tall and sturdy Duke of Flowers walked leisurely on the pebble-paved paths, hands behind his back.

He was almost fifty years old, his deep red hair meticulously combed back neatly.

His eye corners bore deep marks of time, yet his grey-blue eyes remained sharp, exuding an air of long-standing authority.

"Lord Duke."

The butler's voice came from behind, "The envoy team has reached Crown Town."

The butler bowed as he reported, his tone respectful and steady.

"At their current pace, they would take another three days to reach here."

The Duke of Flowers stopped walking, turned around, and casually picked a bud by the roadside to play with.

The butler took out a letter from his coat, offering it forward with both hands,

"However, Viscount Cruz sent back an expedited letter."

"It's a reply from Lord Rod to you."

The Duke of Flowers did not reach out to take it, continuing to toy with the bud absently.

"Open it."

The Duke of Flowers' voice was calm, betraying no emotion.

"Yes, Lord Duke."

The butler carefully pressed the thumb against the wax seal.

With a slight effort, the dark red wax cracked open.

The butler then opened the envelope, drew out the letter inside, spread it out, and respectfully presented it before the Duke of Flowers.

The butler maintained this posture without moving.

The Duke of Flowers displayed no expression as he read the letter's contents.

After finishing the letter, he fell silent.

Standing there, his gaze reached far into the sky.

The butler still kept the stance of holding up the letter.

He dared not lower it, nor urge.

Just quietly awaited the Duke's command.

After a moment, the Duke of Flowers emitted a soft nasal sound,

"Hmm."

The Duke of Flowers spoke with a low, steady voice.

"What that Luo De said indeed makes sense."

The Duke of Flowers spoke to himself.

"Our internal matters of the Broken Rock Empire do not require the Church's involvement."

"Prince Jin Chui is a collateral bloodline of the Royal Family."

"Compared to the Eldest Princess and Egen, he is in no position to vie for the throne."

As the Duke of Flowers spoke, his eyes narrowed,

"Prince Jin Chui should be eradicated first."

"The Church should be expelled from the Eastern Continent."