...

...

A noble with a good education is usually not foolish.

At least they do not make basic mistakes when it comes to significant matters concerning family interests.

The Duke of Flowers was very clear about the current situation.

Collaborating with the Eldest Princess now, joining forces to eliminate the nuisance of Prince Goldhammer, and completely subduing those restless folks of the Western Alliance.

This is the most favorable choice.

But the problem is, while fighting for the throne, the Duke of Flowers has no trust in the Eldest Princess.

No one knows if she would suddenly regret, stab them in the back, or suddenly ally with Prince Goldhammer.

The Duke of Flowers does not want to let her take any advantage, or become a stepping stone on her path to the throne.

Because of these concerns, he has to oppose the Eldest Princess.

This is the so-called prisoner's dilemma.

Because of this, when he saw the proposal in Luo De's letter, he immediately understood its value.

Luo De's letter was concise.

There were no grandiose words, nor lengthy preludes.

It mentioned only two things.

Just clearly and explicitly mentioned two things.

The first, Luo De clearly stated that he would not join any camp for the time being.

Whether it is the side of the Duke of Flowers or that of the Eldest Princess.

In the letter, Luo De wrote that incompete Empire, a fragmented country, no one can be called Emperor.

And the second matter, pointed the blade toward Prince Goldhammer, who is affiliated with the Holy Council.

Luo De mentioned that if the Duke of Flowers was willing to deal with Prince Goldhammer and expel the Holy Council, then Luo De was willing to provide assistance.

Similarly for the Eldest Princess, it was the same.

"Where have Luo De's troops advanced to?"

The Duke of Flowers suddenly asked the butler.

Luo De is now the focus of the entire Northern Province, with every move closely watched by various forces.

New intelligence comes from the north every day, so the butler almost without hesitation immediately responded.

"The latest news from yesterday, the last resisting Frostsong family has already declared allegiance."

There was a hint of awe in the butler's voice,

"Lord Rod is now the veritable Northern Duke."

"Hmm, as expected."

The Duke of Flowers nodded thoughtfully, "In front of his dragon, the castles of us nobles are rendered ineffective."

"You need not worry too much, Lord Duke."

The butler stepped forward and whispered,

"Did not Lord Fa Fuke provide you with the blueprints of the ancient era giant crossbow?"

"Those are weapons specifically designed to deal with such large magical beasts as dragons."

"As long as your castle is surrounded by those giant crossbows, there's no need to fear even if a dragon comes." The butler reassured.

"The enchanted bolts are very costly, and won't be used lightly."

The Duke of Flowers said in a deep voice, "Our soldiers are still learning to operate them, no one can guarantee that they'll hit the dragon when fired."

"Do you know how much one such bolt costs?" The Duke of Flowers asked.

The butler was momentarily stunned, then shook his head.

"A hundred gold coins."

The Duke of Flowers' voice carried a hint of resentment,

"One bolt costs a hundred gold coins, that's enough to buy fifty soldier slaves."

The price of the giant crossbow is not high, but the bolts capable of piercing dragon scales are specially crafted enchanted bolts, even the wealth of the Duke of Flowers cannot bear it.

"Fa Fuke sent me new information that Luo De has become a Secret Law Member of the Dawn Society."

The Duke of Flowers understood the influence of a Secret Law Member in the Dawn Society, and was reluctant to easily become enemies with Luo De.

"We should sooner pursue extraordinary power, even if it consumes a lot of gold coins, otherwise, we won't end up so passive as we are now."

The Duke of Flowers couldn't help but sigh.

Regret is meaningless; now he can only make the more advantageous choice.

——Luo De's opinion and power broke the prisoner's dilemma, providing a bridge of communication between him and the Eldest Princess.

Because a lack of cooperation on either side would only cause Luo De to lean toward the other side.

Only a fool would not choose to cooperate.

"Send a letter to the Eldest Princess."

The Duke of Flowers ordered, "If she agrees with Lord Luo De's opinion, then I am willing to temporarily join her in attacking Prince Goldhammer."

"Yes, Lord Duke."

The butler replied respectfully.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, a soldier ran over hastily.

"Lord Duke, there is a person outside the castle claiming to be a marquis seeking an audience."

The soldier respectfully reported, "He says he is the current Marquis of the Cold Blade Clan, Effory Cold Blade, hoping to have the chance to serve you."

"The Marquis Cold Blade of the Northern Province?"

A slight smile appeared on the Duke of Flowers' face, "What perfect timing, I can just offer him as a gift to Lord Luo De to congratulate him on unifying the north."

...

...

Frost Castle.

This is a castle in the true sense of the word.

Compared to the Lord Manor, Frost Castle can be viewed as an independent small city.

Tall walls surrounded by towers, barracks, blacksmith shops, carpentry workshops, weaving workshops, and various other facilities.

There is also a deep well in the yard, ensuring Frost Castle can be self-sufficient even when besieged.

If it weren't for the dragon breaking the morale, attempts to assassinate the nobles would have been the only way to take down such a castle.

Rod walked slowly through the inner courtyard of the castle, his gaze slowly sweeping over everything around him.

Viscount Wenner was dragged in front of Rod by two soldiers.

Her hands were roughly bound behind her back with coarse ropes, with many whip marks and bloodstains on her face and body.

It seemed that Seronie did not go easy on her just because Wenner was a female noble.