Giant Dragon Lord: Starting from Daily Intelligence

Chapter 60: Chapter 60: Count of Giant Stone

The luncheon was held in the main hall of Giant Stone Castle. Quite a few people were already seated at the long oak table. Judging by their attire and emblems, most were noble lords from the surrounding territories.

Raylo’s arrival didn’t cause much of a stir. After all, he was a newly-appointed Baron, and his territory was the remote Black Stone Territory. Many of the long-established nobles present had never even heard of him.

Count Barton Giant Stone sat at the head of the table. He had a burly build and a rough-hewn face. His short brown hair stood on end like steel needles, and his sharp gaze was naturally intimidating.

Seeing Raylo enter, he merely gave a slight nod.

Raylo found a seat near the end of the table and sat down, quietly observing everyone present.

Some of these lords appeared relaxed, chatting and laughing. Others, however, wore worried expressions, a hint of gravity etched between their brows.

After several courses and rounds of drinks,

Barton Giant Stone set down his wine cup, his deep voice echoing through the hall. ”Everyone, I’ve invited you all here today not just to strengthen our bonds, but to discuss a matter of great importance.”

The hall fell silent instantly, and all eyes focused on Barton Giant Stone.

”I’m sure you have all noticed,”

Barton Giant Stone’s gaze swept over the crowd.

”For the past six months, the Demon activity in the Jade Swamp has grown increasingly frequent, to the point of attacking our borders. My Giant Stone Territory bears the brunt of it. I have already organized several small-scale extermination campaigns, but they’ve had little effect. In fact, we’ve lost quite a few men.”

As soon as he said this, the faces of many lords turned grim.

The Jade Swamp—a vast and dangerous region in the northern part of the Duchy. It was overrun with Demons and filled with poisonous miasma, a nightmare for all the lords of the Northern Border.

The lords present had all suffered considerable losses at its hands.

Especially before the master of the Jade Swamp, the Nine-headed Demon Serpent Haiweila, had fallen into slumber, it had incited several Demon frenzies, during which multiple territories were even wiped out.

An elderly man near Barton Giant Stone sighed.

”Lord Earl speaks the truth. My Wind Breath Territory has also been harassed by several small groups of Magical Beasts. Our farmlands have been destroyed and livestock plundered. Although the scale is not large, if this continues, I fear the common people will live in constant panic.”

”Yes, these damned Demons are like maggots on a bone, impossible to drive away or kill off!”

another, younger lord said resentfully.

Barton Giant Stone raised a hand, gesturing for everyone to calm down.

”Everyone, piecemeal defenses and clean-up operations can no longer contain the Demons’ expansion. I propose we organize an Allied Army to venture deep into the Jade Swamp and conduct a large-scale purge of the Demons!”

”What? Go deep into the Jade Swamp?”

”That’s too risky! There are High Tier Demons in the depths of the swamp!”

”An Allied Army? Who will be in command? How will the troops be divided? And how will the spoils be shared?”

The moment Barton Giant Stone’s words fell, the hall erupted in an uproar, with voices of doubt and concern rising one after another.

Most of the lords looked troubled, clearly having serious reservations about the proposal.

Everyone knew the dangers of the Jade Swamp. To venture in proactively was no different from pulling teeth from a tiger’s mouth.

Raylo remained silent, watching to see how the situation would unfold.

’Since Barton Giant Stone dared to propose this plan, he must have an ace up his sleeve.’

Sure enough, Barton Giant Stone let out a heavy snort, and a powerful aura emanated from him, suppressing the noisy chatter.

”I understand your concerns. But sitting by and waiting for death will only make the situation worse. Are we going to wait until the Demons are at our gates to regret today’s hesitation?”

His voice boomed like a great bell, making their eardrums throb.

”As for your biggest concern—the safety of venturing deep into the swamp.”

A meaningful smile touched the corners of Barton Giant Stone’s mouth.

”For this operation, I have specially brought in a helper.”

He clapped his hands.

A side door to the hall slowly opened, and a man walked in. He was clad in dark red Heavy Armor, carrying a Giant Sword on his back that was nearly as tall as he was.

His steps were steady, each one seeming to land on the hearts of everyone present.

A cold and powerful sense of oppression spread through the room with his arrival.

The man walked to Barton Giant Stone’s side and stopped. From beneath his helmet, his gaze swept over the crowd, as sharp and indifferent as a hawk’s.

”This is ’Split Rock,’ Lord Kane.”

Barton Giant Stone introduced, ”Perhaps many of you have heard the stories of Lord Kane. Six months ago, Lord Kane broke through to become a Tier Five Domain Knight!”

”A Tier Five Domain Knight!”

Gasps of astonishment rose one after another.

A Domain Knight... that was an existence at the pinnacle of the Kingdom. With a mere gesture, they could channel the Power of Heaven and Earth and create their own Domain.

With such a powerful expert overseeing the mission, the risks of venturing deep into the Jade Swamp would undoubtedly be greatly reduced.

The gazes of the once-hesitant lords now changed.

Awe, excitement, and a hint of greed.

Barton Giant Stone watched their reactions with satisfaction and continued to sweeten the pot.

”This Allied Army will be under the joint command of Lord Kane and myself. All participating lords will not only share the spoils based on their troop contribution and military achievements, but will also have priority rights to exploit the resources in the cleared, safe zones. Furthermore, my Giant Stone Territory will cover thirty percent of the military expenses for this operation!”

Great rewards make for brave men.

With a Domain Knight to lead the charge and the promise of such rich benefits, the scales in the lords’ minds began to tip rapidly.

”Lord Earl is wise and righteous! My Eagle Territory is willing to dispatch three hundred soldiers to follow Lord Earl and Lord Kane!”

A lord whose territory was closer to the Jade Swamp, and who had suffered greatly from it, was the first to declare his position.

”My Panshi Territory is also willing to send two hundred soldiers!”

”Count me in! Black Water Territory will send two hundred and fifty!”

The atmosphere immediately became lively. The same lords who had been making excuses just moments ago were now scrambling to pledge their support, fearing they would be left behind.

Men die for wealth as birds die for food. What’s more, this was a matter concerning the long-term peace and security of their territories.

Raylo watched this dramatic scene unfold, thinking to himself.

’Count Barton Giant Stone truly lives up to his reputation as a long-established Count. His methods are impressive. First, point out the crisis, then display his power, and finally, promise great profit. After a combination like that, there was no way these lords wouldn’t be tempted.’

Seeing the crowd’s fervor, a barely perceptible smile appeared on Barton Giant Stone’s face. He clapped his hands lightly, signaling to a servant.

Soon, several servants came forward, carrying a thick stack of Sheepskin Scrolls and ink pens. The edges of the scrolls were trimmed with fine gold thread and emitted a faint magical glow; they were clearly specially-made contract documents.

”Everyone, this is the pact for our joint operation.”

Barton Giant Stone announced in a clear voice, ”The pact details the troop contribution ratios for each party, the assignment of command authority, the principles for distributing the spoils of war, and the division of resource-gathering rights in the cleared territories. You may all look it over first. If there are no objections, you may sign.”

The servants distributed the Sheepskin Scrolls to each of the lords.

The hall immediately grew quiet, leaving only the rustling sound of parchment being turned.

The lords either furrowed their brows, reading intently, or conferred in low voices with the advisors at their side.

Raylo received one as well and carefully scanned the clauses written on it.

It had to be said, the pact was drafted quite comprehensively, having considered almost every aspect.

The number of troops to be contributed was tied to the strength of the territory, and the distribution of spoils was relatively fair. It was just as Barton Giant Stone had said: based primarily on military achievements and troop contribution ratios.

Giant Stone Territory bearing thirty percent of the military costs also showed his sincerity and determination.

’But what is Count Giant Stone truly scheming to gain by expending so much wealth and effort? Is he really as noble and selfless as he claims?’