The clamor and undercurrents of the Great Hall were thoroughly cut off as the heavy oak doors swung shut. Leylo returned to his temporary lodging at the inn. He walked slowly to the window and drew back the heavy velvet curtains. He had managed, for now, to stay clear of the muddy waters of the Emerald Swamp.
A slight sigh of relief escaped him, and his thoughts began to calculate the itinerary for his return to Blackstone Territory. His words regarding "rest and recovery" were not entirely an excuse; compared to whatever gains might be found in the Emerald Swamp, he knew that acting on his own with the help of his intelligence system would undoubtedly yield far greater rewards.
As he was deep in thought, a knock came at the door.
"My Lord, Viscount Baker of Red Maple Ridge is here to visit!"
Leylo's brow furrowed slightly. The lords' council had just ended; a visitor at this hour felt somewhat abrupt.
"Let him in."
The door opened, and Viscount Baker entered, looking somewhat ill at ease. The Viscount was of medium build, with a trace of inescapable anxiety etched on his face. His noble attire was slightly rumpled, as if he had been restless not long ago.
"Baron Leylo, please forgive my unannounced intrusion," Viscount Baker said, bowing slightly with a tone of cautiousness.
Leylo gestured for him to take a seat. "Viscount Baker, please sit. To what do I owe the pleasure?" His attitude was polite but carried a hint of detachment. Instinct told him that this visit was more than a simple greeting.
Viscount Baker sat on the edge of the chair, hands tightly clasped over his knees, seemingly choosing his words with care. "To be honest, Baron... I have come to ask for a favor."
Leylo remained impassive, waiting for him to continue.
"It is like this," the Viscount's eyes were earnest. "My territory, Red Maple Ridge, has recently been plagued by Ogre raids. A sizeable nest has taken root in the Black Pine Woods on the edge of my lands. Several villages have already suffered, and the people are in agony! Hundreds have already been abducted to serve as food for those monsters."
He paused, observing Leylo's expression, before continuing: "I... I wish to ask for your assistance, Baron. I hope you can dispatch your Storm Griffins and Pegasus Knights to help me purge that Ogre nest!"
Leylo's eyebrows arched slightly. "Viscount Baker, as you know, my Blackstone Territory has just survived a major battle and is severely weakened." He picked up a cup of tea that had long since gone cold. "Furthermore, the affairs of your territory are, by rights, not something an outsider like myself should interfere with."
These words were identical to his response to Count Barton in the hall, only the scale of the request was much smaller.
A flash of disappointment crossed Baker's face, but he did not give up. Instead, he leaned forward, lowering his voice with urgency. "Baron, I understand your concerns! I am not asking your troops to handle the main assault. Ogres are thick-skinned, but they are clumsy; the brunt of the work will fall to ground forces. My own guards will handle the frontal combat—luring them out of the nest or attacking directly."
He gestured with his hands, trying to make Leylo visualize the plan. "I need your flying units to harass them from the air and provide long-range fire support to suppress them. I have prepared fire oil, which I would need your flyers to drop from high altitude. With the help of your aerial units, I am absolutely certain we can wipe out this nest with minimal casualties."
Leylo remained silent, his gaze steady. Although the room was not hot, beads of sweat had begun to form on Baker's brow.
"As for the spoils," Baker added quickly, seeing that Leylo hadn't immediately refused. "If you are willing to send troops, I will give you thirty percent of everything recovered from the purge! Moreover, you may have first pick of one item, regardless of its value!"
Thirty percent of the spoils plus the right of first pick. For what Baker called "support," it was undoubtedly a generous offer.
Leylo weighed the pros and cons. Intervening in another lord's affairs carried risks and could invite unnecessary trouble. However, an Ogre nest—even a large one—was a localized problem compared to the complex political and military vortex of the Emerald Swamp.
His aerial units were his trump card. With their mobility and high-altitude strikes, they held a massive advantage against ground enemies like Ogres, who lacked effective anti-air capabilities.
"The Ogre nest," Leylo finally spoke. "What are the specifics? For example, how many of them are there? Are there any... unique individuals, or those who know how to use tools or ranged weapons? Most importantly, do they have flying units? Or any means of anti-air defense?"
Hearing Leylo's questions, Baker's spirits rose; he knew Leylo was considering it.
He answered hurriedly, "According to my scouts, there are roughly seventy to eighty Ogres. The leader is an exceptionally massive One-Eyed Ogre, said to possess Herculean strength. The common Ogres throw stones, but their aim is poor and they can't throw very high. As for flying units..." Baker shook his head vigorously. "Absolutely none! Rest assured, Baron, those dim-witted brutes can only run on the ground, howl, and use brute force. They have no effective way to deal with aerial targets! If they did, I wouldn't dare trouble you."
No flying units and no effective anti-air. This key piece of information piqued Leylo's interest. It meant his Storm Griffins and Pegasus Knights could operate with very little threat, greatly reducing the risk.
Thirty percent of an Ogre nest's spoils plus first pick... Ogres were notorious for hoarding the belongings of their victims; there might be unexpected treasures in that nest. This deal had controllable risks and considerable returns—much more in line with his principle of "getting rich quietly" than joining Count Barton's grand plan.
He looked at Viscount Baker. The man's eyes were full of hope and supplication; clearly, he had been pushed to his limit. Lending a hand would not only net a practical profit but also gain the gratitude of a neighboring lord, which could prove useful in the future.
"If it is only aerial harassment and long-range support, and the distribution of spoils is as you say..." Leylo paused intentionally, watching the other man's reaction.
Baker held his breath.
"I can consider it," Leylo said slowly.
A wave of immense joy flooded Baker; he almost jumped out of his chair. "Excellent! Thank you so much, Baron Leylo! You truly are... a godsend!"
Leylo raised a hand to calm him. "No need for modesty, Viscount. I have my conditions as well. We will need to discuss the specific operational details thoroughly. My personnel and supplies also need preparation."
"Of course, of course!" Baker nodded like a chick pecking at grain. "Whatever you need, Baron, just ask—I shall not refuse!"
"In half a month," Leylo mused. "I will lead my people to Red Maple Ridge and meet you at Red Maple Castle."
"Half a month... good, good! That is enough time! I will ensure everything is perfectly prepared on my end!" Viscount Baker beamed, the previous gloom and anxiety vanished instantly.