...

...

Return to the manor hall.

"Lord Baron, what message did Baron Halon send?"

Durant looked at Luo De with a face full of smiles and asked somewhat curiously.

Luo De, with a playful glint in his eyes, did not say much; he directly handed the letter to Durant.

Durant took the letter and examined it carefully.

"He actually asked for your advice on what choice to make?"

Durant's voice carried a hint of surprise as he pulled out a chair for Luo De.

For such significant matters concerning the territory, Baron Halon actually consulted an outsider?

"Because Baron Halon is unwilling to resign himself to it, yet he doesn't know what to do."

Luo De chuckled lightly and sighed as he sat down, saying, "Besides, he's also confirming my stance."

"After all, we're adjacent to the Hawk Earl's domain, and with the old Earl dead, everything starts anew."

Saying this, Luo De put away his smile and began to contemplate in silence.

Durant silently watched Luo De, waiting for him to continue.

The air in the room seemed to congeal, with only the occasional crackle of the firewood in the fireplace breaking the silence.

It's indeed a difficult choice.

A moment later, Luo De turned his gaze to Durant: "What do you think Baron Halon should do now?"

"If by the rules, I think Baron Halon can only submit."

Durant considered and said, "The Hawk Earl has two sons and a daughter, and his eldest son, Zane Hawk, also has a good reputation."

Luo De nodded slightly.

"However, this is Baron Halon's last chance. Once the new Earl takes his position, there will be even more qualified heirs than him."

If the Earl's son Zane becomes the new Hawk Earl, then Baron Halon will be completely reduced to a remote branch, utterly without hope.

"Of course, speaking from our standpoint, a chaotic Eagle Ridge is more beneficial to us."

If Baron Halon can indeed stand against the new Hawk Earl, then Luo De can gain more interest from Eagle Ridge.

Luo De turned back to his study, opened a cabinet, and took a map from a book.

Luo De waved Durant into the room and then laid the map out on the table.

It was a map encompassing the entire Northern Territory and the Northern Province, marking the boundaries of each domain.

"Actually, it's quite tough for Baron Halon too. On the other side of Eagle Territory is Viscount Bai Lu, who is the vassal lord of Marquis Cold Blade."

Luo De analyzed while looking at the map: "If Baron Halon wants to defy the new Hawk Earl this time, he might also have to face the intervention of Marquis Cold Blade."

Luo De recalled the previous movements of Marquis Cold Blade; if he truly wished to become the Duke of the North, he would certainly seek to win over the new Hawk Earl.

"So, do you have any good strategies?"

Durant was also intrigued and asked curiously.

"Not necessarily."

Luo De thought for a moment and said, "My idea is to muddy the waters, bringing more people in, but Baron Halon must offer enough interest."

If the other Counts of the Northern Province know of Marquis Cold Blade's ambitions, they won't stand idly by.

And what Baron Halon needs to do is to plan in advance to prevent Marquis Cold Blade's involvement.

"Ultimately, the decision depends on whether Baron Halon is willing to let go of the entire Eagle Ridge."

Listening to Luo De's words, Durant nodded slightly in response.

"Then it's settled. Let's write back to Harun according to what we just discussed."

"Ah?"

Durant was taken aback and said, "But Baron Halon hasn't delivered the two blacksmiths and leatherworkers, and the fifty youths promised to you yet..."

"Those are departing from Border City. I reckon it will take another five to six days, by which time everything will be too late."

Luo De confidently smiled and said, "Don't worry, he won't fool me over such trifles, it's not worthwhile."

Baron Halon now needs support, regardless of what decision he makes.

If he lacks even this bit of credibility, then Baron Halon needn't worry about anything else.

"You're right."

Durant laid out the pen and paper, but his face looked somewhat troubled.

"Sir, you should write the reply yourself."

Durant understood Luo De's intention, but he didn't comprehend the specifics of the plan.

He suddenly felt that the gap between his thinking and that of Lord Luo De was growing larger.

Luo De nodded, pondered briefly after taking the pen, and began writing.

...

...

Inside Hawkeye Manor.

Baron Halon shook the letter paper and exhaled a long breath.

"Those Gold Coins were not spent in vain."

"Baron Rod provided a detailed suggestion."

Olaya took the letter and opened it, examining it word by word.

Very straightforward, without a word of courtesy, like a user's manual.

Luo De did not advise Baron Halon on what to choose, only outlining the execution plan.

First was legitimate authority.

Reveal old matters, using tokens, evidence, or witnesses to prove that the deceased Hawk Earl was an usurper.

Find the Hawk Earl's former subordinates or servants, promising money or using threats and other means to prove that the Hawk Earl killed Baron Halon's father and usurped the earldom.

Anyway, the Hawk Earl is dead. As long as the rumors spread, even if there is controversy, Baron Halon will have a legitimate claim.

Second, alliance building.

Unite the other two barons in the family, offering and promising more benefits to resist the new Hawk Earl together.

This matter carries risks, Luo De is not familiar with the other two barons, so he cannot provide much advice.

But the letter clearly states that for success, those vassal lords must be won over.

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