Crack-Rock Kahn still stood like a silent iron tower beside Barton Boulder, his invisible oppressive aura keeping the lords present from daring to be even slightly negligent.
The first to finish reading the alliance agreement was the lord of Eagle Territory; he signed his commitment after his name with a flourish, almost without hesitation.
"Count, you are far-sighted; my Eagle Territory is willing to be your vanguard!"
With the first one leading the way, the other lords also responded one after another.
"Boulder Territory seconds it!"
"Blackwater Territory is willing to follow Count!"
The ink pen glided across the parchment, and one by one, family crests and signatures gradually filled the end of the alliance agreement.
The atmosphere was enthusiastic, as if the monsters of the Emerald Marshes were already within their grasp, and easily obtainable wealth and land were beckoning them.
Lei Luo put down the parchment in his hand and did not immediately state his position.
He noticed that, besides him, several other lords also seemed a bit hesitant.
Soon, most of the lords had signed the agreement, and only a few copies of the parchment remained in the attendant's hand.
Barton Boulder's gaze swept over the remaining few, finally landing on a thin-faced, goatee-bearded noble, who was the Baron of Silver Moon Territory.
"Baron of Silver Moon, what are your thoughts?"
Barton Boulder's voice was still gentle, but everyone present heard his displeasure.
The Baron of Silver Moon coughed twice, forcing a apologetic smile onto his face.
"Count, it's not that I'm unwilling to contribute to the Duchy. It's just... Silver Moon Territory is remote, and there have been frequent incidents recently within the territory, with bandits and monsters appearing one after another. We truly can't spare any extra manpower."
As he spoke, he even sighed dramatically, as if he were truly worried about the matter.
Lei Luo took a sip of wine; Silver Moon Territory had discovered a new silver mine, and that old man was single-mindedly closing off his territory to secretly get rich.
Barton Boulder's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly as he turned to another Viscount of Poplar Territory who had not yet stated his position.
"And you, Viscount of Poplar Territory?"
The Viscount of Poplar Territory was a slightly stout middle-aged man, who, upon hearing this, quickly waved his hands, his fleshy cheeks trembling along with them.
"Count, please understand, my Poplar Territory... Alas, there was a plague in the territory some time ago, and many commoners died or were injured. It will take several years to recover our vitality; right now, we are truly... stretched thin."
He wore a pained expression, as if his territory was truly about to collapse at any second.
Everyone present was shrewd enough to discern the perfunctory nature of these excuses.
While the benefits of the Emerald Marshes were tempting, the risks were equally great.
These lords each had their own calculations.
Lei Luo looked at the Viscount of Poplar Territory; this person looked kind, but he was colluding with the Demonic Serpent Church, and he didn't know to what extent. If he had already become birds of a feather, the northern part of the Duchy would inevitably experience great turmoil.
Barton Boulder's expression remained unchanged, only the smile in his eyes faded a bit.
His gaze passed over these two and landed on Baron Mond of Iron Thorn Territory.
Baron Mond was a burly man with a full beard, known for his rough and unrefined character.
He spoke in a booming voice, "Count, Crack-Rock Kahn, it's not that I, Mond, don't know how to appreciate your gesture. It's just... my Iron Thorn Territory has been plagued by rampant bandits recently! Several groups of ruffians have popped up overnight in the mountains surrounding the territory, multiplying faster than rabbits! My meager forces are already overwhelmed just by suppressing bandits; I truly... truly am willing but powerless!"
He spoke with "sincere emotion," as if those bandits were about to breach his castle at any moment.
Several lords who heard him couldn't help but twitch their mouths.
Iron Thorn Territory did have bandits, but to say they were so rampant that Baron Mond couldn't spare any effort was pure nonsense.
Who didn't know that Baron Mond himself was the biggest "bandit leader" in the vicinity, only now he was wearing the cloak of a noble?
"Baron Mond, if the bandits within your territory are truly troublesome, I don't mind having Crack-Rock Kahn make time to 'cleanse' your territory."
Barton Boulder's tone carried a hint of cold mockery.
Baron Mond chuckled upon hearing this, saying, "I wouldn't dare trouble Crack-Rock Kahn! I have already requested aid from Prince Elliot, and the reinforcements dispatched by the Prince are already on their way."
Asking a Fifth-Tier Domain Knight to suppress bandits?
Then his Iron Thorn Territory would probably have its very ground scraped off.
However, Mond was not without backing; many present knew that Mond was doing some unsavory deeds for Prince Elliot.
Barton Boulder snorted, but he didn't pursue the matter.
Although he was powerful and one of the Duchy's few influential enfeoffed counts, he would not openly contradict the Duchy's heir in front of so many lords.
Finally, everyone, including Barton Boulder, focused their gaze on Lei Luo.
Barton Boulder looked at Lei Luo, "Baron Lei Luo, your Blackstone Territory directly borders the Emerald Marshes, but you must understand the principle of 'when the lips are gone, the teeth are cold.' What are your insights, Baron?"
Lei Luo stood up, his posture neither humble nor arrogant.
"Count, Crack-Rock Kahn, esteemed sirs."
His voice was clear and distinctly audible throughout the hall.
"Cleansing the Emerald Marshes and stabilizing the northern frontier is a great deed that benefits both the nation and its people. Lei Luo naturally agrees."
Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Barton Boulder's face.
However, Lei Luo's tone shifted.
"It's just that, as I'm sure you all know, my Blackstone Territory recently experienced a bloody battle with the Blood Wolf Bandit Group."
At the mention of the Blood Wolf Bandit Group, many lords' expressions changed slightly.
The fact that Blackstone Territory was able to wipe them out had already caused many to take notice.
Lei Luo continued, "In that battle, although my Blackstone Territory fortunately achieved a tragic victory, we also paid a huge price. Our soldiers suffered heavy casualties, supplies were depleted, the territory is in ruins awaiting reconstruction, and our people also need time to recuperate. If we were to forcibly mobilize troops to participate in the allied army now, not only would we be unable to provide sufficient combat strength, but we might also drag down the army, and even... possibly give certain petty individuals an opportunity."
"Therefore, Blackstone Territory is likely unable to participate in the allied army's operation this time. I hope Count and everyone can understand. Once my Blackstone Territory recovers its vitality, if there is a need in the future, I will certainly not shirk my duty."
These words were well-reasoned and well-supported, expressing his stance while also giving Barton Boulder due respect.
The annihilation of the Blood Wolf Bandit Group was a fact, and Blackstone Territory's heavy losses were also reasonable.
Most of the lords present privately believed they did not have the strength to wipe out the Blood Wolf Band.
Barton Boulder was silent for a moment, and the atmosphere in the hall became somewhat stagnant.
Those lords who had already signed the agreement now watched the young Baron with interest, wondering how Count Barton would respond.
A moment later, Barton Boulder put on his signature smile again.
"I see. Baron Lei Luo is young and promising; to be able to eliminate the Blood Wolf Band on your own is truly a model for our generation. Since Blackstone Territory indeed has difficulties, this Count naturally cannot force you."
He paused, his tone meaningful.
"It's just that, if you miss this opportunity, Blackstone Territory won't get a share of the profits from the Emerald Marshes in the future."
Lei Luo smiled faintly and said frankly, "Thank you, Count, for your understanding. Blackstone Territory currently only seeks stable development and dares not ask for too much."
"Good, you have ambition."
Barton Boulder nodded, said no more, and turned to the attendant.
"Collect the agreement."
The attendant responded, gathered the remaining parchments, and retreated to the side.
At this point, the matter of the allied army was basically settled.
Most lords chose to join, but there were also several, such as Silver Moon Territory, Poplar Territory, Iron Thorn Territory, and Blackstone Territory, that could not participate due to various "reasons."
Lei Luo sat back down, his heart undisturbed.
He knew that Barton Boulder's words were both regret and a subtle warning.
But he had his own considerations; while the Emerald Marshes were a tempting piece of meat, they were also a hot potato. With Blackstone Territory's current strength, rashly getting involved in such a large-scale military operation was not a wise move.
Moreover, he always harbored a hint of vigilance towards Barton Boulder and the mysterious Kahn.
Secretly getting rich and carefully developing was his primary goal for now.