The clamor and undercurrents in the hall were completely cut off as the heavy oak door closed.
Lei Luo returned to the inn where he was temporarily staying.
He walked slowly to the window and pushed aside the heavy velvet curtains.
The muddy waters of Emerald Marshes were finally, temporarily, avoided.
He felt a slight relief and his thoughts began to plan his return journey to Blackrock Territory.
His words about "recuperating" were not entirely an excuse; compared to the gains from Emerald Marshes, with an intelligence system, his own actions could undoubtedly yield greater rewards.
Just as he was deep in thought, there was a knock at the door.
"Sir, Viscount Baker of Red Maple Territory is here to visit!"
Lei Luo's brow furrowed slightly.
The Lord's meeting had just ended, and a visitor at this moment seemed a bit abrupt.
"Let him in."
The door opened at his command, and Viscount Baker of Red Maple Territory walked in, looking slightly constrained.
The Viscount was of medium build, with a hint of barely concealed anxiety on his face, and his noble attire was somewhat wrinkled, as if he had been greatly troubled by something not long ago.
"Baron Lei Luo, I apologize for the abrupt disturbance."
Viscount Baker bowed slightly, his tone cautious.
Lei Luo gestured for him to sit: "Viscount Baker, please sit. How may I help you?"
His attitude was polite, but also somewhat distant.
His intuition told him that the Viscount's visit was probably not a simple greeting.
Viscount Baker sat on the edge of the chair, his hands clasped tightly on his knees, seemingly weighing his words.
"Baron, to be frank, I... I have a favor to ask."
Lei Luo remained calm, waiting for him to continue.
"It's like this."
Viscount Baker's eyes were earnest.
"My territory, Red Maple Territory, has recently been plagued by Ogres. A not-so-small nest is nestled in the Black Pine Forest on the edge of the territory, and several villages have already suffered. My people are miserable! Hundreds of my people have been captured and used as food by the Ogres."
He paused, observing Lei Luo's expression, and continued: "I... I want to ask for your help, Baron, to dispatch your Storm Gryphon and Pegasus Knights to assist me in clearing out that Ogre nest!"
Lei Luo's eyebrow twitched slightly.
"Viscount Baker, as you know, my Blackrock Territory has just gone through a major war and is greatly weakened."
He picked up the tea on the table, which had long since grown cold.
"Moreover, regarding matters of your territory, strictly speaking, it's not appropriate for an outsider like me to interfere."
These words were identical to his response to Earl Barton in the hall, only the scale of the request was much smaller.
A hint of disappointment crossed Viscount Baker's face, but he did not give up. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and spoke urgently.
"Baron, I understand your concerns! I am not asking your troops to bear the main assault. Although Ogres are thick-skinned, they are clumsy in action and primarily rely on ground troops. My Red Maple Stronghold's guard will be responsible for the frontal combat, luring them out of the nest, or directly attacking."
He gestured with his hands, trying to make Lei Luo understand his plan.
"I need your flying units to harass and conduct long-range strikes from the air, suppressing the Ogres. I have prepared some lamp oil, which I also need your flying units to drop from high altitude. With your flying units assisting, I am fully confident that we can eliminate this Ogre nest with minimal casualties."
Lei Luo remained silent, his gaze calmly fixed on the other party.
Although the room was not hot, fine beads of sweat seemed to have appeared on Viscount Baker's forehead.
"As for the spoils of war..."
Seeing that Lei Luo did not immediately refuse, a glimmer of hope ignited in Viscount Baker's heart, and he quickly added to his offer.
"As long as you are willing to send troops, Baron, I am willing to give you 30% of all gains from this cleanup! Moreover, you can prioritize choosing one piece of loot, no matter what treasure it is!"
30% of the spoils, plus priority selection rights.
For what Viscount Baker called "auxiliary support," this was undoubtedly a very generous condition.
Lei Luo weighed the pros and cons.
Interfering in the affairs of other lords did indeed carry risks and could lead to unnecessary trouble.
But an Ogre nest, even if not small in scale, was only a localized minor problem compared to the complex political and military vortex of Emerald Marshes.
His aerial units were his trump card.
With their mobility and aerial strikes, dealing with ground enemies like Ogres, who lacked effective anti-air capabilities, could indeed give them a huge advantage.
"An Ogre nest."
Lei Luo finally spoke.
"What are the specific circumstances? For example, how many of them are there? Are there... any special individuals, or those who know how to use tools, or ranged weapons? Most importantly, do they have flying units? Or anti-air measures?"
Hearing Lei Luo's questions, Viscount Baker's spirits lifted, knowing that Lei Luo was already considering participating.
He quickly replied: "According to my scouts' repeated investigations, there are about seventy to eighty Ogres in the nest. The leader is a particularly burly one-eyed Ogre, said to be incredibly strong. Ordinary Ogres throw some stones, but their aim is very poor, and they can't throw very high. As for flying units..."
Viscount Baker shook his head vigorously.
"Absolutely not! Baron, please rest assured, those clumsy Ogres can only run on the ground, howl, and use brute force. They have no effective means of dealing with aerial targets! Otherwise, I wouldn't dare to trouble you."
No flying units, no effective anti-air measures.
This crucial information stirred something in Lei Luo's heart.
This meant that his Storm Gryphon and Pegasus Knights could operate with almost no significant threat, greatly reducing the risk.
30% of the spoils from an Ogre nest, plus priority selection rights...
Ogres often plunder their victims' belongings, so there might be unexpected gains in the nest.
This deal, with controllable risk and considerable returns, was more in line with his principle of "making a fortune quietly" than getting involved in Earl Barton's grand plan.
He looked at Viscount Baker, whose eyes were filled with anticipation and pleading, clearly at his wit's end.
Lending a hand would not only bring practical benefits but also earn the gratitude of a neighboring lord, which might prove useful in the future.
"If it's just aerial harassment and long-range support, and the spoils of war are distributed as the Viscount said..."
Lei Luo deliberately paused, observing the other's reaction.
Viscount Baker held his breath.
"I can consider it," Lei Luo said slowly.
A huge wave of joy instantly overwhelmed Viscount Baker; he almost jumped out of his chair.
"That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Baron Lei Luo! You truly are... truly a timely help!"
Lei Luo raised his hand, signaling him to calm down.
"Viscount, there's no need to be so humble. I also have my conditions. We need to discuss the specific operational details carefully. My personnel and supplies also need to be prepared."
"Of course, of course!"
Viscount Baker nodded repeatedly, like a pecking chick.
"Baron Lei Luo, whatever you need, just ask, and I will not refuse!"
"In half a month."
Lei Luo mused, "I will bring my people to Red Maple Territory and meet you at your Red Maple Stronghold."
"Half a month... Good, good, good! That's enough! I'll also make full preparations here!"
Viscount Baker was beaming with joy, his previous worried and anxious expression completely gone.