Giant Dragon Lord: Starting from Daily Intelligence

Chapter 77: Chapter 77: Red Maple Castle Banquet

Viscount Baker sat at the head of the table, frequently raising his cup.

Flames blazed in the fireplace, bathing the mounted deer head and crossed flags on the wall in a warm, red glow.

On the long dining table, a whole roasted sheep sizzled, dripping with fat and exuding a rich aroma. This scent mingled with the mellow notes of ale and the fragrance of wine, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.

The Knights had shed their daily Armor, trading it for more comfortable attire. The Mercenaries were even more unrestrained, boisterously playing drinking games and sending sprays of ale flying.

Viscount Baker sat in the seat of honor, his cheeks flushed with alcohol and excitement.

He raised the silver-inlaid Cow Horn Cup in his hand high, his resounding voice overpowering the din.

”Warriors! For the peace of Red Maple Castle, and for our great victory! Drain your cups!”

”Cheers!”

The Knights and Mercenaries all raised their cups in response. Drinks sloshed and the atmosphere was electric.

Putting down his cup, Viscount Baker’s gaze turned to Raylo, who was not far from his side.

”Baron Raylo.”

His tone was sincere.

”On behalf of all the people of Red Maple Castle, I thank you for traveling so far to lend us your aid.”

Raylo smiled and raised his cup in return.

”My lord Viscount, you are too kind. When an Alien Race invades human lands, it is the sworn duty of we Knights to answer the call.”

A few Red Maple Territory Knights carried their cups over to toast the Pegasus Knights of Black Stone Ridge, their words warm and aimed at building camaraderie.

The atmosphere of the banquet grew even more lively.

Viscount Baker was clearly in excellent spirits, already reminiscing with the old Knights beside him about their past ’glory days.’

Raylo saw an opening, picked up his cup, and slowly walked over to Viscount Baker’s side.

”My lord Viscount.”

Raylo’s voice was not loud.

”Now that the Ogre threat is dealt with, Red Maple Castle and its surroundings can surely look forward to a period of peace. However, I’ve recently heard some rumors concerning our western neighbor, Red Leaf Territory.”

The viscount’s expression sobered slightly at his words.

He waved for the nearby attendants to move away, then turned slightly to the side.

”Oh? Red Leaf Territory?”

”I’ve heard a little something.”

Raylo nodded.

”I hear the Old Earl is in poor health, and there are rumors that his two sons are not exactly on good terms regarding the matter of succession.”

He chose his words carefully, saying just enough.

Viscount Baker took a sip from his cup. He was silent for a moment before speaking with a smile.

”’Not on good terms’ is an understatement.”

He set down his cup, his voice dropping to a lower register.

”They’re practically at each other’s throats. The Old Earl probably doesn’t have much time left. His two sons, Gao Wen and Alan Rickman, have nearly torn Red Leaf City apart fighting for the title of Count.”

He paused for a moment before continuing.

”To be honest with you, Baron Raylo, both Gao Wen and Alan Rickman have secretly sent envoys here to Red Maple Castle. They came bearing lavish gifts, hoping I would commit troops to support them. You know Red Leaf Territory is quite powerful. If I could back the winning side, it would be a fine opportunity for Red Maple Castle to expand its influence.”

Raylo listened quietly without interjecting.

Viscount Baker sighed.

”But once you wade into muddy waters like these, it’s not so easy to pull yourself out. Gao Wen is the eldest son, so his claim is more legitimate, but he’s relatively mild-mannered. His methods aren’t as firm as his younger brother’s. Alan Rickman, however, is wildly ambitious and ruthless. Rumor has it he’s already secretly contacted many of the old retainers and Knights who are dissatisfied with Gao Wen.”

”Your foresight is admirable, my lord Viscount,” Raylo said in agreement.

”Rashly intervening in the internal affairs of another’s territory is indeed a great risk. If you back the wrong side, the consequences would be unimaginable.”

”Precisely.”

Viscount Baker said.

”That’s why I’ve never given a clear answer to either side. A wait-and-see approach is perhaps the safest choice. After all, no matter who wins, Red Maple Castle will still be here. It’s not like they can tear it down and move it.”

A burst of raucous laughter from the Mercenaries erupted from the other end of the hall, followed by a coarse song, temporarily interrupting their conversation.

Viscount Baker raised his cup, gesturing for Raylo to do as he pleased.

Raylo only spoke after the din had subsided a little.

”My lord Viscount, there is something I wanted to discuss with you. I have some thoughts regarding the succession struggle in Red Leaf Territory.”

Viscount Baker raised a slight eyebrow, looking at Raylo with great interest.

”Oh? I’m listening.”

He was curious to see what kind of judgment this young Baron would make in such a complex situation.

”I’m preparing to accept the invitation of the eldest son, Gao Wen, and lend him my aid.”

Raylo said slowly, his gaze meeting Viscount Baker’s without flinching.

At these words, even the seasoned Viscount Baker, who had seen his share of storms, showed a clear flicker of surprise in his eyes.

’I thought he’d be more cautious, or at least consult me first. I never expected him to have already made such a momentous decision.’

”Baron Raylo, have you thought this through?”

Viscount Baker’s tone grew a few shades more serious.

”Gao Wen may have the title of eldest son, but Alan Rickman has been building his power for years. His influence in Red Leaf Territory is deeply entrenched, and what’s more, he’s ruthless. This will be no easy fight.”

”From what I know, Ironthorn Territory has already made some moves in secret, preparing to support Alan Rickman’s ascension.”

As Viscount Baker said this, a flash of insight struck him, and he understood why Raylo was so clearly and unequivocally supporting Gao Wen.

’Baron Mengde of Ironthorn Territory is one of Grand Prince Eliot’s pawns. His involvement in the succession dispute is likely a direct order from the Grand Prince himself.’

”I understand the risks involved.”

Raylo nodded.

”But Gao Wen is a relatively benevolent man. If he can successfully inherit Red Leaf Territory, he would be a better neighbor for the surrounding territories than Alan Rickman.”

Viscount Baker stroked the short beard on his chin, falling into deep thought.

”When do you plan to set out?”

After a moment, Viscount Baker spoke.

”First thing tomorrow morning, I will head to Red Leaf City to meet with Gao Wen.”

”My purpose in coming here, besides thanking you for your support, my lord Viscount, was also to invite you. If you are interested, perhaps you could travel with me to Red Leaf Territory and speak with Gao Wen in person.”

Raylo extended the invitation.

”Travel with me?”

Viscount Baker was somewhat surprised.

”Yes.”

Raylo gave a slight smile.

”My lord Viscount, you are experienced and have a keen eye. If you could see Gao Wen for yourself and get a personal feel for the situation in Red Leaf Territory, you would surely be able to make a more accurate judgment. Regardless of whether you ultimately decide to support Gao Wen, there’s no harm in understanding the situation better.”

This proposal was quite tempting to Viscount Baker.

’Raylo’s invitation does present an opportunity.’

’If Gao Wen is truly worth supporting as Raylo says, then getting involved early would undoubtedly secure greater benefits for Red Maple Castle.’

’Even if I decide not to get involved in the end, I’d lose nothing by doing Raylo and Gao Wen a favor.’

The din in the hall continued, with cups and goblets clinking, but Viscount Baker’s mind had already drifted to Red Leaf Territory in the west.

”Baron Raylo,”

Viscount Baker said after a moment of deliberation.

”The spoils from wiping out the Ogres are too much for my territory to absorb. I was just about to transport a shipment to Red Leaf City to sell. Since you are also heading to Red Leaf City, we might as well travel together.”