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Broken Rock Empire.

Southern Province.

The Lord Manor of Giant Stone City is situated at the highest point, overlooking the entire city.

Inside the manor, in the private council chamber of the lord, the heavy doors are tightly shut.

"Has the Earl of the Red Griffin still not chosen whom to pledge allegiance to?"

Prince Jin Chui stood with a sullen face before the massive sand table map, questioning the middle-aged man beside him.

The middle-aged man was Prince Jin Chui’s subordinate lord, Count Blue Lake.

Under Prince Jin Chui were over ten count lords, among whom Count Blue Lake had stood out through loyalty and strength.

As a top knight, even when Prince Jin Chui was secretly accumulating power in the shadows, Count Blue Lake had silently plotted and worked for him, becoming one of his most trusted confidants.

"No, Your Majesty."

Count Blue Lake reported respectfully.

He slightly bent his waist and clasped his hands before him.

"He still hasn’t pledged allegiance to any party."

After pausing for a moment, Count Blue Lake continued, "However, Griffin City has been recruiting new soldiers, and the numbers have already exceeded normal defense requirements."

"From the information brought back by our spies, the Earl of the Red Griffin seems to be preparing for war."

After Count Blue Lake’s report, Prince Jin Chui furrowed his brows and speculated in a low voice, "Has he secretly pledged allegiance to the Eldest Princess or the Duke of Flowers?"

"Would his army launch a surprise attack on us at a crucial moment?"

Prince Jin Chui stared at the sand table in front of him.

The eastern province had been Prince Jin Chui’s territory for years, and most of the lords had already pledged allegiance to him.

Griffin City, ruled by the Earl of the Red Griffin, was located in the northern part of the eastern province’s inner territory.

If Prince Jin Chui’s army were to go to war with the Eldest Princess or the Duke of Flowers, the Earl of the Red Griffin launching a rear attack at that moment would be an utter disaster.

The rear territories would descend into chaos, supply lines might be cut, and the frontline troops could collapse due to lack of support.

"So, what is your intention..."

Count Blue Lake lowered his voice, tentatively asking.

He had already guessed Prince Jin Chui’s intent, but such matters had to be expressed by the sovereign himself.

Prince Jin Chui lifted his head, his gaze icy.

"Viscount Tyne has already pledged allegiance to me. As the Earl of the Red Griffin’s brother, he holds legitimate rights to inherit the Red Griffin Clan."

Prince Jin Chui slowly ordered, "Go find Bishop Salido, have him arrange for someone to take care of the Earl of the Red Griffin."

"But what about the Red Griffin Family’s close relationship with the lord Luo De, who owns dragons, Your Majesty?"

Count Blue Lake spoke with caution and hesitation.

"Haven’t we always wanted to establish good relations with Lord Luo De?"

"Would killing the Earl of the Red Griffin turn Lord Luo De against us?"

Count Blue Lake understood the significance of Luo De’s growing influence in the Northern Territory.

The presence of two dragons required every lord to exercise careful consideration.

"I’ll compensate Lord Luo De sufficiently."

Prince Jin Chui said indifferently, "Everyone has a price."

"As long as enough land and Gold Coin is offered, Lord Luo De will accept the outcome."

"The territories of the Red Griffin Family can have some parts allocated to him."

Prince Jin Chui paused, calculating.

"Then I shall find a beautiful daughter of a count to marry him, making him truly one of us."

Prince Jin Chui turned his head, smiling at Count Blue Lake,

"How about your youngest daughter?"

Prince Jin Chui’s tone became light, "I hear she is the most beautiful maiden in your territory."

Count Blue Lake’s eyes brightened.

"If such a marriage can be arranged, I would be delighted."

Excitement was evident in Count Blue Lake’s voice and expression.

If they could establish a connection with Lord Luo De through marriage, the Blue Lake Family would surely rise even higher.

"I only fear that Lord Luo De might not be willing to accept this favor." Count Blue Lake voiced his concern with a hint of worry.

"If he’s unwilling, there’s no need for him to stay."

Prince Jin Chui said, arms behind his back, "Two dragons are not impossible to kill."

"Bishop Salido has already promised to deploy the Church’s power against those beasts."

"That would be wonderful."

Count Blue Lake sighed in relief, his expression showing utter ease.

As long as dragons could be countered, everything would become simple.

Count Blue Lake knew Agnor’s death was related to the Church’s mysterious spells, so he didn’t doubt their ability to handle dragons.

"I’ll go notify them immediately."

Count Blue Lake bowed respectfully, turned, and exited.

After walking a few steps, the chamber doors suddenly burst open with force.

A guard hurried in, his face pale with urgency.

Count Blue Lake furrowed his brow upon seeing this.

"Why the panic and recklessness, haven’t the housekeepers taught you etiquette?"

"Do you know the crime of barging into the lord’s private council chamber?"

The guard dropped to his knees, his voice trembling.

"Forgive me, Lord!"

He raised his head, nervously reporting:

"Emergency military situation!"

"Last night, the Red Griffin Family suddenly launched an attack! The three small towns of the Fierce Heart Family were all lost!"

"The garrisoned army was nearly wiped out, only a few deserters escaped to report the news!" 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Count Blue Lake’s brow leapt with intensity.

He quickly turned his head to look at Prince Jin Chui.

Prince Jin Chui stood before the sand table, his face showing no trace of panic.

He appeared unperturbed, coldly smirked, and his gaze was sharp.

"Just as expected."

Prince Jin Chui’s voice was cold, as he tapped the sand table before him several times,

"Since he’s already torn the veil, there’s no need for mercy."

Without further thought, Prince Jin Chui immediately ordered,