Guardian

Upon seeing Count Black's statement, Victor had some vague guesses in his mind. After hesitating for a moment, he finally nodded.

"I think I can be a teacher, but I think you should be more careful about being a guardian."

Count Black waved his hand. "I chose you because I think you are the most suitable. Besides, I won't die for the time being. You can be Brando's teacher for now."

"Alright then, if you change your mind, you can tell me again."

"That's wonderful, thank you, Victor."

With that matter temporarily resolved, Victor decided to continue their unfinished conversation.

"Count Black, do you have any other news regarding the convening of the Noble Council?"

Blake nodded. "Indeed, I learned from a friend that the purpose of this Noble Council is to target the Northern Frontier nobles. The Grand Duke has already obtained evidence of Count Colt' rebellion, which he intends to announce at this meeting and use for special military expenses to quell the rebellion."

Victor was also taken aback by the amount of information in Count Black's words.

Is your information accurate?

"Of course, I can't tell you exactly who my friend is, but I can guarantee that this information is 100% accurate."

Victor also fell into thought. He hadn't expected Grand Duke Mora to make up his mind so quickly; he had thought the duchy would need some time to react.

Count Black then said to Victor, "I also received an order from Silver Maple City."

Victor looked up at Count Black, wanting to hear the details of the order.

"The Grand Duke sent someone to inform me that he will send troops to attack your Golden Sunflower Territory and Colt's Great Oak Territory, and asked me to restrain the nobles who are on good terms with you so as not to cause trouble."

"Then you..."

Victor was also somewhat surprised by Count Black's frankness. After all, since the Grand Duke had sent him a letter, it meant that Count Black still had a choice. He didn't expect Count Black to tell Victor all these things.

"Victor, you don't need to be surprised. Actually, I had already received a letter from that guy Colt before the letter from Silver Maple City."

In his letter, he mentioned that the Grand Duke already knew about his rebellion. He didn't hide anything from me; instead, he asked me to consider whether to continue cooperating with him.

"So what do you mean?"

"Of course, I intend to continue working with Count Colt, otherwise why would I reveal this information to you?"

Moreover, the choice you just made has strengthened my confidence in cooperating with Count Colt.

Victor breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that Count Black was willing to continue the cooperation, but the next sentence made him somewhat puzzled.

"You mean if I don't agree to be Brando's teacher and guardian, will you have any other choice?"

"Good question, I don't know either." Count Black smiled at Victor.

Count Black stood up, took two letters from the cabinet behind him, and handed them to Victor.

Victor took the letters and glanced at them. One was signed by the Grand Duke Silver Maple, and the other by the Count Iron Birch.

He looked up at Blake, who gestured for him to open the letter and read it. Victor opened the letter and began to read.

The letter from Grand Duke Silver Maple was written entirely in a commanding tone, filled with an arrogant and condescending attitude. Moreover, the entire letter made no mention of any reward for Count Black. Victor's self-identification as Count Black was indeed infuriating.

Count Colt's letter was much better. Throughout the letter, Count Colt, acting as the younger brother, explained the whole incident to Count Black and used detailed data to compare the strength of the Northlands and the Duchy.

He also proposed to Count Black that even if they did not cooperate, as long as they did not participate in direct combat, the Great Oak Family would be rewarded after the matter was accomplished. He also attached all the fiefdoms of the Northern Frontier nobles in the Eastern Region to the letter, indicating that as long as the army was flying the banner of the Great Oak Territory, the land could be peacefully transferred. It can be said that the entire letter was full of sincerity.

Count Black saw that Victor had finished reading the letter. "Although the contents of the letters are very different, and Count Colt is very sincere, as an independent noble family, the survival of the family comes first, and interests come second."

The reason I'm still willing to cooperate is because of you. If you had disagreed just now, I might have indeed sided with Silver Maple City.

Hearing this, Victor breathed a sigh of relief.

"You're too kind. I'm not worthy of your name. If we're talking about guardianship, Count Colt is more suitable than me..."

Count Black interrupted him, "I have a letter here that you can give to Colt when you return to the Northlands. It contains some advice."

As for the guardianship issue, we've already discussed it, and you've agreed, so let's not talk about it anymore. Besides, I have ways to make you more suitable."

"?"

"In the letter, I told Colt after you raise your army, I request the Northern Alliance Army to send a force to help me suppress the Duchy's Direct Legion and loyal nobles in the Eastern Four Counties, and you, Victor, will be the commander of this force!"

"There should be someone more suitable than me in the Northern Alliance Army!"

"You are the most suitable. You come from the East and are a member of the Iron Birch Family. Your strength is not bad either. I don't ask for much. I just need Count Colt to assemble a legion of troops for you, which will be enough."

In addition to the troops of my Great Oak Territory and the other independent nobles on our side, I know how extensive the Golden Sunflower's network of connections is. All these military forces combined are sufficient to deal with the Duchy's forces in the east.

If we can tie down this force, it will be a great achievement. After the war, I will transfer all the credit to you and support your promotion to high-ranking noble. That way, you will be qualified to be Brando's guardian!

Victor was also impressed by Count Black's plan, which was indeed feasible.

"In that case, I am indeed the right person. Thank you, Count Black."

"It's just a mutually beneficial arrangement. I only want to protect the Great Oak Family. After all, if you, as the guardian, don't have enough status, position, and strength, you won't be able to protect Brando after my death."