Outside the Red Blood Castle, a continuous stream of swallowtail flags and armored and heavily armed war horses were converging towards the castle along the quadrangular avenue, like a turbulent trickle.

Thanks to the road renovation program of the Yod Chamber of Commerce and the United Chamber of Commerce, as well as near-cost-free investment, Loren was finally able to connect the roads of the Thirteen Lords of Byrne, and the complete road system not only allowed trade to flourish, but also allowed the military of the entire Duchy to have a tighter system and system.

Instead of rushing to the battlefield or the monarch's castle within a given few days or weeks, they will go to the predetermined location within a limited time and travel to complete the assembly.

Such a system was rigid and rigid, but it was highly efficient, and was able to quickly turn scattered knights and levies into an army rather than a scattered army.

Of all the "new policies" that Loren has pursued in the last three years, this is probably the least controversial - for the simple reason that the Empire's military did the same.

Even if the Byrnes don't want to admit it, they still have the idea that "the strong are doing the right thing and are worth learning from", and they see Sackland as the strong... Although they will never admit even this one.

Byrne's knightly system, the Imperial legion system, Ellemont's light infantry tactics, Boi's scimitar offensive... Loren borrowed as much as possible from the armies of the principalities, and gradually introduced them to Byrne's army.

Of course, all systems in this world have their advantages and disadvantages, and no one is perfect, for example, this new system of conscription and conscription does speed up the build-up of troops, but it also increases the cost - because it is necessary to support three times as many heralds as before, and to build a large number of military stations and supply points in the principality.

The feudal system was originally designed to reduce the cost of rule, and if Loren and Charlotte wanted to centralize power and fully exploit the war potential of the entire duchy, they would have to pay more to maintain this war machine.

But compared to the power gained, the effort is worth it.

Looking at the "trickle" passing under the city gate, at the top of the wizard's tower, the black-haired wizard standing behind the curtain frowned.

He persuaded Brandon, and he was confident that he would convince the counts of the Thirteenth Lord... In fact, at least half of the counts had secretly expressed their thoughts to themselves.

They believe in loyalty and glory, but they also know which of His Highnesses is more in the interest of Byrne to be crowned emperor.

But how exactly do you do it to be more in line with your plan?

He can do everything he can to gain as much advantage as possible for Brandon in the confrontation with Conod, but it is still not easy to win - His Royal Highness is not an opponent that can be easily defeated, and it takes a lot of energy to maintain even if it is just to maintain the advantage.

What should be done to resolve the current divisive situation so that the empire is not divided in two because of the struggle for the throne?

No, the information is incomplete, there are so many things that I haven't figured out myself... The real cause of Eckhart II's death, why did Peter Fasa leave the Celestial Dome alive, and the meaning behind the "life and death" of the Azorean elves......

What is missing, what is it that I already know, but I still don't want to admit in my heart?

"You're nervous. ”

The indifferent voice woke the black-haired wizard awake, and he subconsciously turned his head to see the even more indifferent face of Mentor Dalton.

"Ahh Pulling the corners of his mouth, Loren's expression was slightly embarrassed: "Yes... Is it that obvious?"

Dalton Kander was expressionless: "It's obvious that I can't ignore your presence... You're blocking the only source of light in this room. ”

The black-haired wizard quickly stepped out of the way, and the faint sunlight that cast through the gap in the curtains reflected on the table, and Dalton's expression finally softened.

If you don't want to tear the curtains open, why don't you turn on the lights? And you're a wizard, and you don't even want to install a fluorite lamp in your room. What exactly is this quirk?

Of course, Loren did not dare to say these words.

"Mentor, I'm hesitant right now. After a moment's hesitation, Loren moved a chair and sat down beside Dalton - deliberately avoiding the light through the gap in the curtains: "I found ......"

"I know you're hesitant... I have eyes. Dalton coldly interrupted him: "There are some things you can do, some things you want to do, and some things that others want you to do... But there aren't many that you have to do. ”

"There is no greater problem with rulers than this - losing their purpose, falling into confusion... Besides, you are not a good ruler yet, at best you are qualified. ”

A low, magnetic voice, with a gaze sharp enough to dissect a person, pierced the heart of the black-haired wizard.

"I haven't lost my goal! I've been clear about it for the past three years!" Loren retorted forcefully, shaking his head.

Only this one, he is still very confident.

"Assemble the Witcher Legion of the Firmament Wings, strengthen Byrne's strength, establish a principality-level wizarding organization, and rebuild the Byrne Church... All for the same goal......"

"Seliol... Black Cross. ”

Dalton raised his hand to interrupt him.

"Loren Turin, you have an adversary that is so powerful that it is likely to be invincible, an enemy that can tear the world apart at any time, an invasion that will drag an entire empire into war, a family and a state that awaits your revival......"

"Now, you tell me... You hesitated, but you didn't lose sight of your goal?"

The black-haired wizard subconsciously turned his gaze away.

"Everything... It's all because of Peter Fasa and the news he brought. Dalton also lowered his head, no longer looking at his apprentice, and waved the quill in his hand elegantly:

"The news he brought not only disrupted your plans, but also deprived you of a very urgent and clear goal. ”

Loren, who was silent, bowed his head slightly, and the ten fingers that held the armrest of the chair were even harder.

“...... The death of Eckhart II disrupted Loren's plans......"

This is Charlotte's concern.

“...... His Royal Highness Brandon's desires will be an important factor in the troubles of the Duke......"

This is the view of Harim van Ashamai.

Is that really the case?

Of course, there must be some of it true, but as Loren said to Charlotte, it was never something that bothered him that the plan was broken or disrupted, because it had always been so, and he was already immune.

No, the real reason is not these.

The real reason is......

"Ruth Infinit, dead. ”

Dalton Candle muttered.

The black-haired wizard, whose heartstrings trembled, raised his gaze and met the mentor who had stopped writing.

"It all started that day... Not all, but the cause. Dalton narrowed his eyes little by little: "That day, it should be the first time that you were coerced by others, and you had to do something that you didn't want to do very much. ”

"You are always looking for a way to kill or take revenge on Ruth Infinit - for this you need not only strength, but also enough status, power, wealth and connections to become your vengeance. ”

Pursing the corners of his mouth, Loren's expression stiffened.

"You long for revenge, but you don't want to want revenge to become someone else's 'pawn' again, and you don't want to become someone else's knife because of this;

"The enemy of Root Infinit is more practical and a more definite target than Serol 'Black Cross', and I'm guessing you even have a complete plan and a replacement for Root Infinit to ensure that future Night's Watch doesn't pose a threat to you. ”

"But the death of Root Infinit has deprived you of this clear goal - you are not willing to expend your strength in the battle for the throne, because it will be detrimental to the next war against the Azores and even the Black Cross, and you cannot sit idly by and watch Conod be crowned, because it will be more passive for Byrne and for you. ”

"That's why you hesitate... The option that works best for you has disappeared with the death of the leader of the Night's Watch. ”

After saying that, Dalton looked at Loren silently, and tapped the note that had just been written on the table with his right hand.

The black-haired wizard, who had been silent until now, raised his gaze and let out a long breath.

"Mentor, you... It doesn't seem to be the same as usual. After hesitating for a while, Loren couldn't help but speak: "You didn't say so much before. ”

Raising his eyebrows, Dalton's expression was still stiff: "Of course." ”

"He who hates him to the bone... You're not the only one. ”

With the sound of a wooden shaft turning, the door to the study was opened.

A very young, young man in a black wizard's robe stopped behind Dalton Kander and lowered his head as if he didn't see Loren: "Lord Kande, everything is ready, can we start?"

"Give this to the person in charge and tell him that the plan will not change and that everything will be carried out according to the original plan. Picking up the note that had just been written on the table, Dalton handed it to the young wizard behind him:

"There is only one requirement, I want to live. ”

"Yes!"

The equally indifferent young wizard took the note and turned to leave the study without looking back.

Loren, who was dumbfounded, only saw the back of the young man leaving, and closed the door.

This... If Dalton hadn't sat in front of him, he would have almost thought that Master Mentor had become smaller!

"Mentor Dalton, this ......"

"I've planted more than one eyeliner in the Wizards' Guild. ”

Dalton replied decisively, his expression impatient to explain the ins and outs of the matter: "The most important thing is that they can help me catch Root Infinit. ”

"Rut Infinit, what do you mean ......"

"You really think he's dead, at least I don't think so, at least not until I see his body. Dalton's expression was slightly hideous:

"The Night's Watch in the Imperial Capital is wiped out, and soon Brandon and Conrad will divide up the entire Night's Watch organization... Maybe you've already started to get your hands dirty. ”

"This means that Ruth Infinit is no longer important... No, it should be that both Highnesses can't wait to confirm his death - this is the perfect time to do it. ”

"Nobody wants him to live, everybody wants to see him die... But few people can confirm his death. ”

"Luckily, I was one of them. ”

Loren took a deep breath and recovered himself from the shock just now: "So, you ......"

"I'm going to grab Root Infinit and make him pay the price he deserves... As long as he hasn't gone to hell yet. Dalton said coldly: "He may have been, but now he is not an opponent you should pay attention to." ”

"Conod, Azorean elf, 'Black Cross' Serol... These should be the enemies you need to fight with all your might. ”

"As for the reason why you came to me today... Throwing out some apprentice to ask the mentor for help without regard to his face should be the business of the night watchman. ”

"Ostensibly, you'll find someone you and Brandon can trust to take control, but privately, you'll want another force to infiltrate the 'new' Night's Watch organization and become your eyeliner and primary source of intelligence. ”

"You don't want to be pinned down by Conod, but you don't want to be pinned down by Brandon even more, do you?"

The indifferent Dalton, his words are as sharp as ever, and he can cut through people's hearts.

The black-haired wizard nodded, he really didn't have much to hide in front of his mentor, and there was no need to hide it: "That's right. ”

"Now that he still has a request for you, it is indeed an excellent time to infiltrate and rebel against the Night's Watch. Dalton's expression was not surprising:

"However, I don't recommend that you infiltrate Brandon's Night's Watch - first of all, it's hard to hide it from him, and even if he asks for it, you'll be disgusted, and it's not good for you that the other party is a legitimate heir to the Empire. ”

"My advice is... Try to rebel against Connod's Night's Watch. ”

Well?

Loren was slightly stunned.

But in the next second, he immediately reacted: "You mean, deliberately ......"

"Deliberately omitting parts of the intelligence network while closing the intelligence network, for example... Remnants of Alberten, Sackland and the imperial capital. Dalton continued: "Break them up and reorganize, and then, if necessary, 'take refuge' with Conod, so that we can control Connad's every move!"

"Even if they are detected, the other side will think that the fish that has slipped through the net will be a pawn infiltrated by Brandon, and the risk can be minimized with proper control. ”

"What's more, even if the localities were to be aware of our plans, they would have only two choices: either abandon their Night's Watch so they would become deaf and blind, or let us control their every move and watch, because they can't absolutely confirm their guesses without proof. ”

Instantly, Loren felt that the temperature in the room was a little cold.

Dalton raised his gaze and looked at Loren meaningfully: "Sometimes, it is far more advantageous to deliberately reserve some chess pieces for the enemy than to eliminate all the threats you know!"