Chapter 68: Baron Pape’s Fury

Chapter 68: Chapter 68: Baron Pape’s Fury

Thor’s contract is simple: after signing the contract, they must obey Thor’s orders and send their legitimate son to Eagle Ridge to join his Knight Order, paying an annual fee of one thousand Gold Coins for training. Well, more accurately, it’s called taxes.

Just described in a more tactful language.

Compared to the previous ransom, this is naturally much less.

But once this contract is signed, they will become a subordinate existence of Eagle Ridge.

This is simply an existence they cannot accept.

This is the main reason why they initially found it hard to accept.

However, whether it’s Pape Lawrence, Baron Valmy, or Baron Gladon, they actually don’t have much choice.

The Lawrence Territory indeed has deeper strength, but it’s hard to bear that one is a fool. Pape Lawrence is well aware that if he hands the territory to his son, it’s very likely that the entire Lawrence Territory will be destroyed within two years.

As for the other two, they aren’t much better either.

Their eldest sons are indeed still in the territory, not as foolish as Baron Pape’s second son, but their territories are inferior to the Lawrence Territory. Without their Great Knight and with a large number of Elite Knight Order, the result is self-evident.

"I agree to sign the contract!"

Baron Gladon sighed, then stepped forward and also signed the contract.

"Baron Gladon, you!"

Seeing Baron Gladon’s actions, Baron Valmy looked at him with disbelief.

"We have no choice!"

Baron Gladon sighed softly and shook his head.

Two choices seem to exist, but in reality, Baron Gladon knows he only has one choice.

Because he simply can’t afford the first option, such a vast Gold Coin expenditure, unless he sells the territory.

"Lord Thor, you’ve won!"

Baron Valmy heard Baron Gladon’s words and also sighed softly before stepping forward.

"Buzz!"

Ripples spread out, and the next moment, the Magic Array also covered them.

The contract is established.

A strong binding force directly spreads upon them at this moment.

Forcing them to comply.

In the Lawrence Territory, Thor still needs to worry about Baron Pape abandoning himself, but for the remaining two, Thor is not concerned.

"The right choice!"

"You three may leave now!"

"Just remember to send personnel within seven days, at which time the ban within you will be lifted!"

Thor chuckled softly, then raised his hand, and the contract flew back to his hand.

The three sighed and then left the room.

Outside, the captured Official Knights and Apprentice Knights chose to be released.

As for the slaves, of course, he kept them.

Moreover, these three had to send the Slave Contract over, to which, although they felt some resentment, ultimately they said nothing.

After all, these knight forces are the most important.

As long as they can preserve these forces, then losing slaves is just a loss.

And watching the three groups leave, Thor’s face inevitably showed a smile.

This contract book, it was something he had Reine go to Loren City to purchase earlier.

At a cost of a full thousand Gold Coins.

Yet its role is immensely significant.

With the three signing the contract, it also symbolizes that at this moment, the territories of these three Barons have already become his subordinate territories, although it doesn’t yield as significant gains as a direct annexation would.

But it is also enough to guarantee his absolute dominance in the entire Maine River Valley.

As for direct annexation, that’s not something to consider right now, especially since the entire Eagle Ridge still has large areas of territory that haven’t been developed yet, annexing territories tens of miles away isn’t a wise choice.

Instead, bringing them into his subordinate territory is the best choice.

On one hand, he can mobilize their forces just like High-Level Nobles; on the other hand, it helps him integrate the entire Maine River Valley, preparing well for future development.

It must be known that his goal is not a Baron or Viscount.

But to reach higher.

Even the entire Northern Province.

If these current enemies can become his strength in the future.

Every Baron Lord that can rise in the Northern Province is not a simple existence.

If he can obtain their submission, it would be unimaginable for his future.

Eyes converge.

After watching everyone leave, his figure then returned to the castle.

Inside the room.

"Next is to focus on development!"

Thor’s soft voice began, his thoughts inevitably drifting into contemplation, his gaze turning towards the map.

"Creak!"

The door emitted a light noise.

Anna cautiously walked in, gently placed a tray of fruit down, and then carefully left.

After a moment.

Thor awakened, looking at the fruit beside him and glancing at the untouched drawer, his mouth couldn’t help but smile.

It was evident that in the past few months, the Half-Elf Maiden had gradually adapted.

Even no longer thinking about stealing the Slave Contract.

To know before, she always planned on escaping.

Being able to reach this point now already indicates a significant change.

A smile spread across his face as Thor once again looked towards the map before him.

External threats were already resolved.

In the entire Maine River Valley, aside from that fool on the west side, every other place has already been subdued by him.

Although there are still some Pioneer Lords, with the submission of the three Noble Lords, those Pioneer Lords won’t pose any more problems.

Next, he needs to think about territorial development issues.

As a Lord, war is not primary; pioneering is of utmost importance.

Especially Maine River Valley, being such a fertile place, not utilizing it well would feel like desecrating the Goddess of Life.

As for how to use it.

He already had ideas, except before he lacked manpower.

But now, the three Lords gave him thousands of slaves, undoubtedly enabling him to take action.

"No, I still need some talents!"

Slightly pondering for a moment, Thor then shook his head.

And just as Thor began contemplating the next steps for development.

The three Lords also gradually returned to their territories.

Lawrence Territory.

Seeing his father’s return.

Opper Lawrence immediately panicked.

"F-Father!"

Opper Lawrence spoke with a tremble and disbelief.

Nevertheless.

"Bang!"

A muffled sound arose, and the next moment, Opper Lawrence’s body was flung away.

"Don’t call me father, I don’t have you as my son!"

Pape Lawrence’s voice echoed with anger.

Suddenly, everyone in the entire castle trembled in fear.

Even the Baroness who was about to speak also lowered her head, filled with anxiety.

No one expected that Pape Lawrence could actually return.