Free Web NovelBradley, the butler, gently pushed open the door, a stack of documents and a map in his ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) hand, a cautious expression on his face. He walked to Lord Louis's desk, bowed his head, and respectfully said, "My Lord, these are the files of all the current nobles in Snowpeak County."
He carefully spread the documents before Lord Louis.
Lord Louis reached for the documents, glanced at them, and then looked at the map, his fingertip tracing lightly over it. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
On the map, the territories of Snowpeak County were meticulously marked, with different colors and symbols representing the territorial divisions of each noble.
Lord Louis's gaze was calm. He scanned the map and nodded, "It seems that most of the nobles are already gathered here."
Butler Bradley softly assented, "Yes, My Lord. The current noble community of Snowpeak County, including the newly inherited former nobles of the North and the pioneering nobles from the South, most of them have already arrived in Snowpeak County."
Lord Louis frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping over the names of the nobles listed in the documents, contemplating the political landscape among them. ƒrēewebnovel.com
If he wanted to convene a county assembly, he had to fully understand the details of these nobles.
Lord Louis asked as he flipped through the documents, "Then tell me, which ones are worth paying attention to?"
Bradley paused, then began, "Well, first is Baron Yoen Harway."
Baron Yoen comes from the Harway Family in the South. Although the family's foundation is not particularly deep, his father is an important new noble in the Emperor's presence, possessing considerable power and wealth.
With his father's support, Baron Yoen was able to successfully become a pioneering noble in the North and establish himself here.
Yoen's territory is located in the southwest of Snowpeak County, near the Glacier Canyon.
Although the land is barren and the climate extreme, Yoen has gradually stabilized the local economy by relying on the advanced water management techniques and small-scale sheep farming he brought from his family.
While he initially did not demonstrate strong governance abilities, he gradually gained a foothold within a year, relying on his family resources and connections.
Among the nobles of the North, he has gradually begun to distinguish himself."
"Although the development of his territory is relatively slow, his cooperative relationship with you remains solid," Bradley summarized concisely.
Lord Louis listened to the butler's words and nodded silently.
Though Yoen was somewhat lacking in ability, often appearing clumsy and eager for quick success, Lord Louis had never doubted the man's loyalty.
Whether during training in the Imperial Capital or now in the North, Yoen was always the one who would stand by Lord Louis in times of crisis.
"He is a trustworthy friend," Lord Louis murmured to himself.
Bradley nodded slightly, then proceeded to introduce another noble familiar to Lord Louis.
His tone revealed a hint of admiration, "Next is your brother, Baron Willis.
Although he holds a less prominent position within the Calvin Family, he has established himself in the North through his own efforts and your support, My Lord."
His territory is near the edge of Snowpeak County, close to the Green Rock Rift. This area has strategic terrain and serves as a natural defense line.
While resources are relatively scarce, there are also water sources near the glaciers and abundant timber resources in the surrounding areas.
It can be said that the construction of his entire camp almost entirely draws on the experience of Red Tide Territory. And he learned very quickly, knowing how to maximize the use of these valuable resources to stabilize the populace.
Moreover, Lord Willis is more farsighted than we imagined. He has already begun to enhance the defensive fortifications of his territory, ensuring that it can become an important part of your future strategic layout.
And it can be said that he is completely on your side.
No matter what happens in the future, Young Master Willis will be a capable ally for you in Snowpeak County and even the entire North."
Lord Louis nodded, clearly agreeing with Bradley's assessment.
If Willis could take root and continue to grow in the North, he would undoubtedly become a significant force in Lord Louis's faction, with the potential to even become the primary general.
However, apart from these two individuals who were entirely in Lord Louis's camp, the allegiance of the others was uncertain.
"There are two more influential Southern nobles," Bradley continued.
"The first is Joseph Kaladi, the sixth son of the Kaladi Family."
He has always been on the periphery of the family, and although he possesses considerable ambition, he feels immense pressure due to a lack of real power."
He paused slightly, seemingly weighing his words.
"Therefore, Joseph is not like his father or elder brothers, who can comfortably enjoy the family's wealth and power. He has always been looking for a breakthrough to gain more rights.
In recent years, he has tried to solidify his position within the family through marriage and political alliances, but he has never succeeded.
This time, he came to the North voluntarily. He probably values the potential of the North more, especially the strategic location of his territory near Qingyu Ridge.
If he can control that area, it will be crucial for the Empire's future path to eliminate the Snowsworn."
Lord Louis frowned slightly, and Bradley added, "He is a typical ambitious individual, an excellent orator, and good at socializing."
However, it cannot be overlooked that his foothold is not purely for his own power, but rather he sees this barren land as a strategic springboard to gain longer-term benefits."
Bradley added, "Joseph's territory near Qingyu Ridge holds immense strategic significance geographically.
We need to be wary of his underlying motives; he might seek to gain further resources and military support through cooperation with us. This is a double-edged sword, and we must handle it cautiously."
Lord Louis nodded, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "His ambition is clear, but if effectively utilized, he might become an important part of our northern defense line.
We only need to ensure we maintain dominance at the intersection of interests to prevent him from becoming overly powerful."
Bradley nodded and continued to introduce the next individual, "The second is Edward Knott, the second son of the Knott Family.
The family is closely related to the Royal Knights.
Although young, his strength has already reached the level of an Extraordinary Knight, but he doesn't have many military achievements."
Bradley paused slightly, his tone becoming more cautious, "It is rumored that Edward's true nature is quite timid. Although he appears brave, when faced with real challenges, he often lacks decisiveness and resolution.
To temper his will, the head of the Knott Family sent him to the North, hoping to force him to grow through the fires of war. After the 20-year pioneering period ends, he will likely return to inherit the family."
Lord Louis listened to Bradley's introduction, remained silent for a moment, contemplating how to utilize Edward's weak character to his advantage.
Moreover, his background and his father's intentions provided him with considerable potential value.
Bradley continued, "There are also some minor nobles from the South; their backgrounds are not prominent, and their strength is relatively weak."
He summarized concisely, "First is Thomas Calvin—"
Next, Bradley briefly listed a string of names, all of them minor nobles from the South.
Finally, he concluded, "The addition of these minor nobles will not pose a threat to us, and their limited resources are not of much help at the moment.
They might play a small role on some occasions, but we cannot place too high expectations on them."
Lord Louis nodded, pondering for a moment, "While these minor nobles don't have much influence, they can serve as subordinate supporters.
If utilized properly, they can also play a supporting role in some situations."
Bradley continued, "Next are the heirs of some old Northern nobles.
Due to the Snowpeak County campaign and political purges, the status of these families has significantly declined.
Most of the direct members of many families were almost all killed in battle or purged, so most of them pose no great threat."
He briefly gathered his thoughts, then said, "For example, the Baron Vera Family, the former head, and the eldest, second, and third sons all died on the battlefield, and their bodies were never found.
This large-scale generational loss forced the succession to be transferred to collateral branches; previously lower-status collateral members were pushed into positions of family inheritance.
Like the Grant Family, the new heir is a married daughter. She inherited the title but has no governing ability whatsoever.
She relies on the support of other families, even appearing somewhat powerless—"
Bradley's voice was steady, "While these family heirs nominally possess noble status, they hold no substantial power in reality.
Their rule relies more on their family's bloodline than on personal ability.
Lord Louis, you must be wary of their potential threat. They could very well become obstacles to the stability of the North, or, with the support of external forces, pose a challenge to you."
Lord Louis remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed in the distance, seemingly contemplating the situations of these new and old nobles that Bradley had mentioned.
"Although these old nobles have declined to such an extent," he said softly, a calm thoughtfulness in his eyes, "we cannot completely ignore their existence.
After all, apart from Snowpeak County, most of the land in the entire North is still occupied by these families.
They still control traditional territories and resources, and even the relationships between some families are complex and intertwined.
Even if they seem to have no real power now, the influence of their bloodline and family resources are still a card they hold.
If we underestimate these families too much, we may pay a price in future struggles."
He pondered for a while, then finally smiled faintly, "In this complex situation, we must not only look at their current strength but also see the potential power that may be hidden behind them.
To maintain the stability of Snowpeak County, we must first ensure the loyalty of these families, or at least convert them into our allies."
After Bradley concisely introduced the various situations in Snowpeak County, Lord Louis sat quietly, picked up the pen on the table, and began to sketch on the paper.
Originally, he thought the situation in Snowpeak County was simple enough, and as the County Governor, he should be able to easily control everything.
After all, Snowpeak County currently had only him as the dominant force, with decent backing.
However, as Bradley gave his detailed introduction, he couldn't help but frown.
The originally simple situation suddenly became complicated.
The arrival of two pioneering nobles from the South, Joseph Kaladi and Edward Knott, brought him considerable pressure.
Although their current strength was completely incomparable to his own, the families behind them were not to be underestimated. While not among the Eight Great Families, they were new favorites of the Emperor in recent years.
"It seems things are much trickier than I expected; I'll have to use some tactics," he muttered to himself, continuing to draw his plans on the paper.
Their inclusion would bring significant variables to the landscape of the North.
Lord Louis turned to Bradley, "I want to host a banquet, the theme of which will be my position as County Governor and the future plans for Snowpeak County."
Upon hearing this, Bradley's brow did not furrow; instead, a faint expression of approval appeared on his face.
Lord Louis's decisions were usually not simple, and holding such a banquet early now was clearly to establish his ruling position as County Governor, ensuring everyone's place was clear, and power could be effectively distributed.
"I understand, My Lord," Bradley replied, "I will immediately begin preparing the banquet arrangements and invitations. As for the invitation letters for the nobles, I will send them out one by one, ensuring everyone receives one."
After Bradley left, Lord Louis leaned back in his chair, his gaze deep as he stared at the map before him.
In his mind, the situation in the North was like a complex chessboard, and his plans gradually took shape.
The situation in Snowpeak County was far more complex than he had imagined.
Those old noble families, though mostly wiped out after the war, still exerted a profound influence.
Especially those peripheral heirs, while seemingly compliant on the surface, beneath lay surging undercurrents, with individual families even accumulating strength, biding their time to resist.
And those pioneering nobles from the South, like Joseph Kaladi and Edward Knott, their ambition and power were not to be underestimated.
Lord Louis pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the map on the table, a calm determination in his eyes: "If all of Snowpeak County can stand on the same front, then this winter, there will be a glimmer of hope."
He knew that the North's defense line needed to be reconstructed from the inside out; relying solely on one person's strength would be insufficient to cope with the impending threats.
And this banquet was not merely to inform the nobles of his position as County Governor.
It was more about uniting everyone's strength to face the coming crisis.
He had already decided that the primary task of the banquet was to establish his authority.
As for the minor nobles, Lord Louis didn't expect them to make any significant contributions.
It would be enough for them to feel the power he represented and the hope for the future at the banquet.
For nobles with powerful backgrounds, such as the Kaladi Family and the Knott Family, he needed more intricate methods.
The upcoming banquet would be a stage to test his wisdom and strategy.
"No matter what, everyone must feel my capability," he whispered, a cold smile on his face.
He picked up the pen on the table and began to mark the map.
The situation in the North was severe, but he was ready.
After the banquet, it would surely be a new beginning.
