Chapter 62: Alliance of the Three Great Nobility

Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Alliance of the Three Great Nobility

The Maine River Valley region is almost the most fertile area around. Apart from the Eagle Ridge chosen by Thor, there are a dozen or so Pioneer Lords surrounding this fertile valley, among which the best developed is undoubtedly the Lawrence Clan, followed by the Valmy Family and the Gladon Family.

Though the Valmy and Gladon families were not as powerful as the Lawrence Clan, being ennobled as barons a decade ago, their strength was not to be underestimated.

Along with the invitation from the Lawrence Clan.

The lords of both the Valmy and Gladon families, led their forces to the Lawrence Territory.

However, upon arrival, both the Valmy and Gladon lords couldn’t help but slightly raise their eyebrows.

It seemed that something had changed within the Lawrence Clan.

The familiar knights from memory appeared to have vanished, replaced by entirely unfamiliar ones.

"Patriarch Valmy, have you noticed something seems off here?"

Baron Valmy nudged his horse and spoke softly to Baron Gladon beside him.

"Indeed, something feels amiss. These seem like mercenary knights from the Habbs Commerce Association, not from the Lawrence Clan."

Baron Gladon nodded, his expression tinged with curiosity.

They were naturally aware of the mercenary knights from the Habbs Commerce Association, who bore distinctive badges. They could tell at a glance that these were mercenaries from the association.

This outcome filled them with confusion.

Since when did the Lawrence Clan hire mercenaries from Habbs Commerce Association?

What were they planning to do?

Hiring mercenaries from Habbs Commerce Association was quite costly.

Judging from the current scale, the number hired was considerable, requiring at least a few thousand gold coins, which was no easy feat.

A few thousand gold coins, the two couldn’t help but click their tongues.

For them, as pioneer lords, a few thousand gold coins was astronomical.

Doubts lingered and spread.

As they approached the Lawrence Castle.

Upon reaching the castle, they found themselves momentarily taken aback.

Raised their eyebrows slightly.

Because what appeared outside the castle was not Pape Lawrence, but a mercenary knight from Habbs Commerce Association, and not just any knight, but a Great Knight.

The two exchanged a glance, an uneasy feeling in their hearts.

A Great Knight’s annual hire cost was around one thousand gold coins. It was surprising enough that the Lawrence Clan hired so many knights, let alone a Great Knight. Surely, something major was happening.

"Lords, the Lord has been waiting for some time."

"Please follow me!~"

The Great Knight from Habbs Commerce Association said softly.

He then led the two towards the castle.

They suppressed the turmoil in their hearts, following the Great Knight slowly inside.

The castle was vast, far more bustling than their own castles.

Under the guidance of the Great Knight, they soon arrived at the hall.

But in the hall, Pape Lawrence was again absent, replaced by a figure that made their eyebrows tighten slightly.

"Opper, where is your father? This is no way to treat guests!"

Baron Gladon was the first to speak, his gaze fixed on Opper Lawrence at the head of the hall.

Beside him, Baron Valmy remained silent, carefully observing the surroundings.

"Uncle Valmy, Uncle Gladon, my sincerest apologies, but my father likely won’t be able to greet you."

Opper Lawrence feigned sorrow as he spoke.

Hearing his words, Valmy and Gladon couldn’t help but frown.

"Opper, what are you saying?"

Valmy couldn’t help but speak up.

"Uncle Valmy, Uncle Gladon, something has happened."

"A few days ago, my father and my elder brother were unfortunately killed in battle!"

Opper Lawrence sighed as he spoke.

"What?"

"What did you say?"

Upon hearing this, Valmy and Gladon were completely unable to remain calm.

What had they just heard?

Baron Pape had died in battle.

They found it hard to believe.

Yet amidst disbelief, they recalled what they had seen along the way.

Disbelief slowly turned to suspicion.

And in their suspicion, their eyes began to shine.

A baron territory, especially one with longstanding wealth like the Lawrence Territory, held immense benefits.

Previously, with Baron Pape alive, they harbored no thoughts or dared not entertain any.

Pape was stronger, and the Lawrence Territory more powerful than theirs.

But now with Pape gone, the Lawrence Territory’s power greatly diminished.

This was their chance.

Thoughts were racing.

"Indeed, my father and elder brother have died in battle."

"My father discovered a large Iron Ore deposit downstream in the Maine River Valley, and took many knights to seize it, but unfortunately, things did not go as planned. My father and elder brother were killed by its lord. I could only hire some knights from the Habbs Commerce Association to see if I can avenge my father and brother. I also wish to ask for your help, uncles!"

Opper Lawrence feigned a more intense sadness.

As their thoughts raced, Valmy and Gladon’s eyes widened, and they suddenly stood up.

It wasn’t out of lack of composure.

The information from Opper Lawrence had simply impacted them too greatly.

A large Iron Ore deposit.

A large Iron Ore deposit!

There was potential for Secret Silver Iron, continuously produced Secret Silver Iron.

Its value was beyond imagination.

One could even say that possessing a large Iron Ore deposit had the potential to elevate a family to Viscount status.

At this moment, how could their hearts not be stirred?

"Are you telling the truth?"

"Is there truly a large Iron Ore deposit there?"

"Opper, who is the lord there? Isn’t there no Pioneer Lord in the downstream Maine River Valley?"

Valmy and Gladon couldn’t help but inquire further, having lost all interest in Pape’s demise.

After all, the allure of a large Iron Ore deposit now surpassed everything.

Compared to that, what was the interest of the Lawrence Territory, what was Pape’s death?

"Of course it’s true!"

"Otherwise, my father wouldn’t have led our territory’s elite forces there."

"As for the lord there, it seems to be a newly established Pioneer Lord, having been established for less than half a year."

Opper Lawrence nodded, explaining slowly.

"A new Pioneer Lord~!"

"Less than half a year!"

At this moment, both Valmy and Gladon’s eyes couldn’t help but shine.