Farming with Entries: From Lord to Emperor-Chapter 519 - 268: Assassination and Resentment

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Preparation to journey to Griffin City, many things need arranging.

Rodbaron instructed the guard to have Durant come to the Lord Manor for a meeting the next morning.

Yet Durant didn’t wait for the next morning, he proactively sought Rodbaron by evening.

Durant placed his right hand on his chest and bowed respectfully, and earnestly asked, "My lord, regarding the trip to the Red Griffin Family, who do you plan to bring along?"

Baron Rod lifted his head and without hesitation said, "No one."

"We are operating covertly this time, Vika and his team are sufficient to handle matters."

Rodbaron slowly lowered the parchment in his hand and arranged, "I will ride with Vivian on Frost and Thunder, traveling at night, which will get us to Griffin Castle faster."

"Pay extra attention to the matters at Black Pine Ridge."

"This is my duty, my lord."

Durant nodded in response, then seriously added, "My lord, I think you should still bring some people along."

Rodbaron did not hurry to deny the suggestion, looking at Durant waiting for his further explanation.

"I understand your point, if it were a direct war, even dozens of soldiers wouldn’t change the outcome. Your visit this time is primarily a covert mission, the role of soldiers is minimal."

Durant explained, "But we need to consider Black Pine Ridge’s image before the Red Griffin Family upon success."

"If we succeed, surely there will be various mundane affairs needing handling."

"More importantly, if a formal meeting with other nobles is needed, it must showcase your lordship’s dignity and standing."

"Only with appropriate attendants will you avoid being underestimated."

Durant lightly coughed twice, supplementing, "Vika and his team can effectively complete your tasks, but in such formal occasions... they are not suitable to appear."

After Durant’s words, Rodbaron seemed contemplative.

As the saying goes: respect comes after the show of clothing.

Especially before those nobles, Rodbaron indeed should appropriately display his prowess.

Besides the etiquette, there is more about intimidation.

When necessary, Rodbaron might need to leave some of them at Griffin Castle.

"In these aspects, your thinking is indeed meticulous."

Rodbaron’s eyes carried approval, "Then, bring along two teams of knights, led by Sao."

"Equip them fully, and depart promptly tomorrow morning."

Riding horses naturally isn’t quicker than dragons, Rodbaron let Sao and his team go ahead.

"Yes, my lord, I will soon have Sao and the team start preparation."

Durant exhaled a breath of relief and then asked, "My lord, during your time in the territory, should all matters follow as usual?"

"Yes, if anything requires consultation, seek Avril,"

Rodbaron nodded, arranging, "Tighten patrols in the Desert, I will have Seronie and Gang Le cooperate with your arrangements,"

"Moreover, send word to Chris, urging his swift return, and it’s fine to neglect those alien races in other places initially."

"Presently, the priority is to develop Black Pine Ridge, Ice Blade Valley, and Razor Plain, converting them into tangible resources and combat strength."

Durant respectfully nodded:

"Rest assured, my lord, I will manage everything well."

The morning of the next day.

The sun had not yet risen.

The courtyard’s stone path resonated with the sound of many hooves.

Sao held a torch as he slowly paced before the knights, his sharp gaze inspecting each person’s equipment one by one.

Under the firelight, the sword sheaths shimmered with a cold luster, each longsword polished to a flawless shine, and the heavy plate armor bore no trace of rust.

After the inspection, Sao stepped back two steps,

"Is everyone ready?"

Twenty knights straightened their backs in unison, loudly responding, "Ready!"

"Remember, you represent our great Saint Master, Baron Rod of Black Pine Ridge."

Sao’s voice was exceedingly solemn,

"No matter when, absolutely do not disgrace our Saint Master."

"Yes, Sir Sao!"

Sao nodded slightly,

"Final equipment check, upon confirming accuracy, we shall depart immediately."

As his words fell, the knights promptly sprang into action.

The clashing of armor emitted crisp sounds, time quietly slipped away amidst the tense preparation.

The eastern horizon gradually revealed a faint white glow, the dawn’s light slowly tearing open the curtain of darkness.

With Sao’s command, twenty-one knights simultaneously mounted, advancing southeast with the clatter of hooves.

Two days later by evening, Frost and Thunder flapped their wings and ascended, heading directly towards Griffin City.

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Outside Griffin Castle.

The night wind howled past the barren road, a middle-aged knight in a deep red cloak named Kotaron hastened his steps.

Kotaron had just completed the routine inspection of the city wall watch posts, and typically at this hour, Griffin Castle’s gates should be tightly shut.

But earlier the tavern’s barkeep came to deliver a message; his lover had been assaulted by drunkards in the tavern.

Though Kotaron had many lovers, this particular one was newly acquainted for half a month.

Now they were in the sweet honeymoon period.

Kotaron absolutely couldn’t tolerate such an incident occurring and must stand up for his lover.

Also, to teach those who dared to offend him a lesson.

Just as Kotaron contemplated breaking a few of their bones, he suddenly halted, his right hand unconsciously placing on the hilt of his sword.

The next instant Kotaron’s pupils shrank suddenly, swiftly turning and drawing his longsword aimed directly at a shadowed corner,

"Come out!"

A low shout echoed through the night sky, followed by a long silence.

Only rustling leaves and swaying tree shadows responded to him.

Kotaron slightly frowned, could he have been overly cautious?

Yet as an experienced senior knight, his intuition told him something was amiss around him.