Lord of Winter: Beginning with Daily Intelligence-Chapter 618 - 364: Reymont’s Ambition

Grey Rock Fort, Upper City, Balcony Garden.

The air in late spring is fresh, the flora in full bloom, neatly trimmed rose walls laden with pale pink buds, and the fountain on the lawn gently emits a mist.

In the distance, the sounds of birds and hooves can be heard, the entire upper city like a peaceful painting.

Duke Spencer Raymond stands at the center of the garden.

His deep blue, gold-trimmed suit is spotless, the golden threads glinting in the sunlight, the collar as white as snow.

He stands with a straight posture, his smile tempered and gentle, as if no act of discourtesy could exist in his presence. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Today, Grey Rock Fort is hosting a charity ceremony.

Noblewomen, guild representatives, and maidservants surround him, long tables set up in the courtyard, laden with bread and warm soup.

Raymond raises a silver cup, saying warmly to everyone, "Let them remember, Grey Rock not only possesses great power, but also warmth."

Applause ensues.

The children from the orphanage are led into the garden, holding flowers and handmade cloth dolls.

The smallest girl runs too hastily and almost trips, but he gently steadies her.

At that moment, everyone around holds their breath, his actions natural, as if he truly cherishes these children.

He takes the bouquet of white roses, and says softly, "This is the best gift."

He then pins the flowers in the vase on the table and turns to smile at the noble representative.

More enthusiastic applause bursts from the crowd, a lady tearfully exclaims, "Your Excellency is the kindest noble of the Empire."

Raymond nods slightly, instructing for the reserve warehouse’s boxes to be opened.

Bags of flour, medical kits, and leather boots neatly arranged inside glimmer softly in the sunlight.

The attendant distributes the supplies according to the list, while he patiently asks each headmaster about their needs, even personally signing the relief agreements for the next quarter.

Nobles and merchants exchange whispers, even the maids quietly praise his nobility.

As the last child presents their flowers, musicians begin to play music, the light melody drifting through the air.

Raymond stands at the highest point of the garden, overlooking the crowd, akin to a perfect statue, bright and flawless, making people dare not gaze directly.

At this moment, a knight steps quickly into the scene, whispering a few words in his ear.

Raymond, still smiling, sets down the silver cup and says, "Apologies, everyone, I must take my leave. The food for the needy is prepared. May you be safe."

He concludes the conversation politely and perfectly, turning to leave with the knight, footsteps softly echoing on the stone floor of the long corridor.

The sunlight pursues him until that noble figure disappears into the shadows.

......

The heavy door of the study closes, the light dimmed instantly.

Raymond removes his gloves, sits by the fireplace, and takes the envelope handed over by the knight.

He unfolds the letter and carefully reads it, his gaze finally resting on those few lines.

"The Frost Dragon Territory meeting has ended. Sixth Prince Astha has perished. Louis presides over the Northern Territory’s reconstruction."

He pondered for a long time, his mouth slightly curving, the smile faintly carrying a complex emotion.

"This Red Tide Lord... is indeed more ruthless than I imagined."

The knight reports quietly by his side, "The intelligence received by my subordinates also confirms this. Barbarian Race attacked the Frost Dragon Territory, the Red Tide Army reacted with lightning speed.

It’s said that Louis fought against heavy odds, slaughtering the barbarian chief in one battle, the old nobility all kneeling. After the meeting, he used a pledge ceremony to make the Northern Territory lords sign an alliance. Now, the banner of the Red Tide is spread across the North."

Raymond remains silent for a long time.

The firelight of the fireplace reflects in his eyes as if seeing a rising figure in the distance.

"He used blood to subdue the Northern Territory... Even enemies must call him savior." His tone is deep, "But that’s not salvation, that’s control."

The knight hesitates for a moment, then speaks quietly, "I’ve heard that Louis handles affairs tirelessly, hardly resting. He is reconstructing the military system, reorganizing guilds, even the Northern Territory refugees call him the Sun."

Raymond chuckles lightly, his speech slow: "The Sun? Ha... He’s performing for the masses as a monarch."

The knight continues to report, "I’ve obtained more detailed intelligence. During the Northern Territory meeting, a Barbarian Race attack occurred, Sixth Prince Astha died on the spot, almost all the old nobility were cleared away.

Louis, by the mandate of the Northern Territory reconstruction, rewove the Northern Territory system, reconstructing military defense, grain control, and trade routes. Now, the hearts of the Northern Territory people have all returned to the Red Tide."

Raymond lowers his gaze in contemplation: "A Barbarian Race attack? Almost laughable. Astha died so cleanly, like a perfectly arranged drama.

He is performing a play for all to see his image of saving the Northern Territory. Such a person... is what the Empire should truly be wary of."

Raymond is not angry, only a cold hue emanates from his eyes.

"Smart, ruthless, greedy, dangerous. Like a wolf wearing human skin."

This young Count is no longer just an ambitious man, but one whose strength matches his ambition.

Louis now almost entirely controls the Northern Territory, leaning on the military power and allies left by Duke Edmund, backed by the Calvin Family’s prestige, can rank among the top twenty in the Empire’s power structure, and this is a conservative estimate.

That position is enough to unsettle any great noble.

And what’s more worrying is, he is barely twenty.

A young man rising on the Empire’s border already capable of tilting the entire Empire’s power structure.

Raymond admits to himself: This is truly a fearsome young man.

He turns to the knight, speaking with a low chill in his voice: "From today onwards, increase Grey Rock’s intelligence funding by one-third, directed towards the Northern Territory. Keep a close watch on this man."

"Yes." The knight accepts the order and departs.

The study returns to silence. Raymond leans against the window, looking at the overcast sky, and murmurs softly: "An overlord, a young, fearsome new Wolf King."