"I sense something amiss here; why would the Iron Blood Brotherhood Bandit Corps occupy your manor?"

"If I'm not mistaken, the Iron Blood Brotherhood was invited by you, Aiden Manor Lord, wasn't it?"

Aiden's face stiffened, and he quickly wanted to argue, but was interrupted by Godfrey's words.

"But what kind of existence would compel Aiden Manor Lord, a vassal of Marquis Ducas, to choose to collaborate with a group of bandits?"

"This needs clarification from Aiden Manor Lord!"

Aiden remained silent, his expression growing somber.

He had heard of Godfrey's renown, meticulous in thought.

Yet he hadn't anticipated that Godfrey could deduce so much from these fragmented clues!

Aiden's voice was slightly subdued, "Knight Godfrey, I don't know what you're talking about."

"The Iron Blood Brotherhood Bandit Corps occupied my territory and manor. I am the victim here."

"Since Marquis Ducas won't intervene for me, I had no choice but to hire a mercenary corps..."

Godfrey raised an eyebrow, "Marquis Ducas..."

Aiden nodded, "Yes, my chief attendant took a letter to Bordeaux City, but was not even allowed to see the Marquis, and was subjected to a mouth punishment before being driven out of Bordeaux City."

"Knight Godfrey, what am I supposed to do?"

Godfrey fell silent.

He realized, the Ducas Clan was rotting, from the very root.

But he hadn't expected it to be so conspicuous.

Collecting taxes from vassals, yet failing to provide corresponding assistance.

Prolonged neglect would lead to losing the loyalty of the vassals.

The final result: vassals no longer pledge loyalty to Marquis Ducas!

A few seconds later.

Godfrey stared at Aiden, "Aiden Manor Lord, I must reiterate, I'm ordered by Lord Lawrence to investigate the Iron Blood Brotherhood."

"And he specifically instructed me, I only have seven days!"

"After seven days, he'll resort to other measures..."

Godfrey's tone shifted, "So, Aiden Manor Lord... your time is running out!"

Aiden's expression grew even more serious, but he still shook his head, "Knight Godfrey, I truly don't know."

"Even if Marquis Ducas earlier refused to meet my chief attendant, I never intended to betray Marquis Ducas."

"I can swear by the honor of the Morrison Clan!"

Listening to the resolute words from Aiden's mouth, Godfrey nodded and rose to his feet, "I understand, Aiden Manor Lord, then I won't disturb you any further!"

After a slight bow, Godfrey proceeded to walk out of the manor.

Aiden furrowed his brows slightly, didn't rise, only watched as Godfrey exited the manor.

Half a minute later.

The sound of horses being driven rang out, and Godfrey left the manor entrance with his soldiers.

Until they were completely gone.

The manor finally sank into silence.

Aiden remained seated in his chair, his brows tightly furrowed, his eyes moving back and forth, seemingly pondering something.

Godfrey's sudden visit made him feel a sense of crisis.

That feeling was as if Godfrey had already found some information about the lord behind the thick walls.

The tone was not inquisitive at all, more like an interrogation!

As for seven days after Godfrey spoke...

Aiden didn't know what measures Lawrence would employ.

But... Aiden couldn't believe that Lawrence would strike against him, a vassal!

As for the land behind the walls... it must never be revealed to anyone.

That land would be his only chance to develop and expand the Morrison Clan!

Thinking of this, Aiden gazed beyond the manor.

Hoping Ackman, who went out, would bring back good news...

...

For three consecutive days.

The sky was raining.

The cold rain soaked the whole earth, then the cold wind, barely below freezing, blew directly, forming a one-centimeter layer of ice.

The only good thing is, the Karedi Empire's temperate maritime climate, four or five degrees below zero is already its limit.

After breakfast, Lynn stepped on the cleared ice surface on the red brick road, heading towards the open space square in front of the town.

A total of six pieces, weighing over fifteen tons of granite boulders, had already been transported back by the townsmen.

Using pulley mechanisms, they were neatly stacked.

Now, there was a need for stonemasons with carving experience to sculpt them...

As Lynn stood by observing the stacked stones, hurried footsteps approached him from afar.

Lynn glanced sideways; it was Jode with Level 3 construction.

Coming before Lynn, Jode quickly bent in salute, speaking respectfully, "Lord."

Lynn responded, "I heard from Avery that you have experience in carving?"

Jode dared not conceal anything, "Yes, Lord."

"Previously my main work was carving, carving patterns on stone columns, using stones to create statues."

Lynn nodded, "A very good ability."

"Jode, I need you to use this stacked granite to carve a statue."

"The front should be my body outline, as for the pose, you can freely decide."

"It can be holding a sword in one hand, holding a sword with both hands, or riding a warhorse."

"But one thing, I need you to leave ample width for carving the names of soldiers or townsmen who sacrificed for the territory!"

Jode, upon hearing this, turned to look at the stones behind him, his mind beginning to ponder.

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