Marcus provided a detailed breakdown of the situation in Red Leaf Territory.
"The Red Leaf Earldom's standing knight order consists of about five hundred men. Approximately two hundred have explicitly sworn fealty to Lord Gawain. The remaining three hundred are currently neutral, and both sides are scrambling to win them over."
"However, Alanric has secretly raised a private army of about one hundred men. Furthermore, the First Prince seems to have dispatched an elite squad of roughly fifty men who have slipped into Red Leaf City to bolster Alanric's strength."
"Currently, both sides are in a stalemate. But Lord Gawain fears that once the Earl passes... Alanric will strike immediately."
"Of course, Lord Gawain is not without support. His maternal grandfather, the Viscount of Blue Lake, has replied that he will soon dispatch an Earth Knight leading a hundred-man knight squadron to Red Leaf to support his succession."
Leylo nodded, forming a judgment in his mind. Gawain wasn't without a chance; he simply lacked the decisive force to break the deadlock.
"Knight Marcus, you have traveled hard. This is a grave matter that requires careful consideration and consultation with my subordinates." Leylo looked at Marcus. "Return to Red Leaf for now. I have an appointment with Viscount Baker of Red Maple Territory and will be heading there in a few days. Since the territories are adjacent, I will visit Red Leaf to discuss this matter with Lord Gawain in person."
Marcus was overjoyed. He knew that if Leylo was willing to visit personally, he already intended to participate—he likely just had concerns regarding the rewards or other specifics that needed face-to-face negotiation.
"Thank you, My Lord. I shall return immediately to inform Lord Gawain."
Once Marcus withdrew, silence returned to the study. Bolin looked at Leylo's solemn expression and asked worriedly, "My Lord... are we really going to intervene in the Red Leaf Earldom's affairs? That involves the First Prince..."
"Go and call Ed and Barrett," Leylo commanded.
Soon, a knock sounded at the door, and Ed and Barrett walked in one after the other.
"My Lord," they bowed.
Leylo signaled for them to sit. "Bolin, tell them what just happened."
Bolin succinctly recounted Marcus's plea for help and Gawain's promise of half the copper mine's ownership, specifically noting the involvement of First Prince Elliot. After his narration, no one spoke for a time.
"My Lord, a medium-sized copper mine is of immeasurable value and would greatly aid our development. But the First Prince stands behind this succession struggle. Blackstone is not yet firmly established. Getting dragged into a vortex of this level so early might..." Barrett voiced his concerns after weighing the risks.
Bolin whispered in agreement, "Yes, My Lord, the First Prince... we must be cautious."
Ed remained silent, eyes downcast, deep in thought. Leylo's gaze swept across the three men.
"Barrett, Bolin, do you remember the Blood Wolf Mercenaries?"
Bolin blinked. "Of course, My Lord. Those hyenas invaded Blackstone twice and were sent running with their tails between their legs."
Leylo nodded slightly. "The first time, they suffered heavy losses. Why did they return so soon for a second attack? Was it truly just for revenge? Would a band of border bandits risk so much for 'vengeance' against a tough nut like us?"
Barrett's brow furrowed. Ed looked up, appearing as if he wanted to say something. It was true; the Blood Wolf Mercenaries' behavior was illogical for bandits who prioritize profit over death matches.
In the heavy silence, Leylo spoke each word deliberately: "They belonged to First Prince Elliot."
The room fell into an eerie silence. After a long while, Ed finally spoke. "I had suspected as much, but since you hadn't said it explicitly, My Lord, I didn't dare speak. Bolin, Barrett, you lived in Thunder Dragon City for a long time; you've heard of the First Prince's character. It is not surprising that Elliot would do such a thing."
"My Lord, since the Prince already views us as a thorn in his side, we have nothing to hesitate about!" Barrett growled. "We must wade into the Red Leaf Earldom's muddy waters! Not just for the copper, but for Blackstone's survival! We cannot let the Prince's plot succeed. If Red Leaf falls into his hands, our northern border will never know peace!"
Ed agreed. "Barrett is right. Aiding Gawain is no longer about provoking the Prince—it is a necessary counter-strike. If we succeed, we gain wealth and a reliable ally to break the Prince's northern layout. The benefits outweigh the risks."
Leylo smiled. This was the consensus he needed. Unifying their thinking would make the upcoming work much smoother.
"Very well." Leylo stood and walked to the window, looking toward the Blackrock Mountains. Suddenly, the door was hammered urgently.
"Come in."
A travel-worn knight hurried in and knelt. "My Lord! As per your orders, our squad has been patrolling the edge of the Mist Forest. In a clover meadow near the Blackrock Mountains, we found a herd of Pegasi! There are about a dozen of them!"
Blackstone had a Pegasus Knight squad, but their mount numbers were severely lacking, limiting their aerial power. This was the breakthrough Leylo had been waiting for.