Ironvine Territory (Twenty)

Seeing that Dawan had stopped again, Melendo quickly asked, "And then, the Silver Maple Secret Guard should have found those opponents, right?"

"Of course we found them, but their forces are weak, and they dare not cooperate with us."

Fortunately, the Fourth Legion fought brilliantly, breaking through the Northern Defense Line of the Ironvine Territory in one fell swoop, and then winning battle after battle, advancing to the outskirts of Ironwire City and besieging Ironwire City.

That's why the Count Lloyd's opponents took the initiative to contact Rusa through the Silver Maple Secret Guard, offering their assistance. That's why the former Baron of Raspberry Territory' confidant contacted us to offer up the outer wall."

Melendo nodded. "That makes sense. But Dawan, since Rusa can mobilize a Silver Maple Secret Guard, why doesn't he send them to assassinate Count Lloyd? If they succeed, wouldn't the rebels in Ironvine Territory be dealt with much more easily?"

Asur nodded in agreement. He had also heard rumors about the Silver Maple Secret Guard, who were elusive and skilled in assassination.

Since these Silver Maple Secret Guards were able to transmit such messages from the strictly sealed Ironvine Territory, they must, as rumored, be fully capable of assassinating Count Lloyd.

However, Dawan shook his head. "It's not that simple. The Silver Maple Secret Guard aren't as scary as you think. They are indeed good at intelligence gathering and disguise, but they are still human after all. They can't do much against so many guards. Count Lloyd has no shortage of elite guards around him."

"Of course, minor nobles like you and me are nothing to the Silver Maple Secret Guard. If they set their sights on us, we won't survive at all."

Dawan's words sent a chill down Melendo and Asur. The two turned to look around as if assassins were lurking nearby.

However, Dawan laughed and said, "Don't be too nervous. We're all on the Duchy's side. The Silver Maple Secret Guard won't come after us."

At this moment, Asur suddenly spoke to Dawan, "Dawan, thank you for answering our questions. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Asur isn't stupid. Dawan told them these secrets not because Melendo was his cousin, but probably because there was something they could do to help.

Asur dislikes owing favors, and since Dawan has such an idea, it's only natural for him to repay the favor, even though he doesn't like the person.

"As expected of Viscount Asur, you are still so insightful. Indeed, there are some things that require your help."

Both of them are Cornwall County nobles, and should be familiar with this Yalori Valley.

Asur and Melendo nodded. Back then, all the nobles in Cornwall County worked together to split the Iron Vine Family and take the opportunity to turn four vassal families against them.

At that time, in order to prevent the Ironvine Territory army from taking back the Yalori Valley, each family sent troops to occupy the Yalori Valley. Asur even came in person and stayed until the Iron Vine Family gave up before withdrawing his troops.

From then on, Asur had vivid memories of the Yalori Valley, which was indeed a strategically important and easily defensible passageway.

Although Melendo had never been here before, their private army had been stationed here and was familiar with the terrain.

Seeing that both men had expressions of taking it for granted, Dawan continued, "I want to join forces with your armies to attack the Ironvine Territory camp in the valley after we take down the outer wall."

Asur and Melendo exchanged a glance, both somewhat puzzled. Melendo asked, "Dawan, this little bit of merit shouldn't be anything special, right? Although the inside man thing is true, the garrison in the Yalori Valley doesn't exceed ten thousand. Even if we capture the Yalori Valley camp, the number of enemy soldiers we eliminate will be very limited. There's no need to expend so much effort on this."

"Melendo, don't worry. My target is the enemy's camp. As long as I can get the spoils, I promise I won't take a single penny of the loot. I'll even give each of you 1,000 gold."

Dawan said this, but this only made Asur and Melendo more confused, as they couldn't understand why Dawan would do such a thing.

"I have only one request: if you capture any enemy Bed Crossbow, sell them all to me, regardless of their condition. I'm willing to buy them at 300 gold coins each."

Now Asur finally understood Dawan's thoughts. "Dawan, I admire you. While we are still focused on military achievements and spoils, you already have such foresight."

They had all witnessed the power of the Ironvine Territory -Bed Crossbow during this time; it was indeed a formidable weapon with unparalleled power. Even if they could obtain it and use it for defense within their territory, it would be a tremendous gain.

However, Asur still felt that Dawan Dawan's motives were not so shallow, but he liked Dawan's suggestion. In any case, he would gain a lot in the end, and since they were going to fight anyway, he would definitely choose the side with more gains.

Seeing that both of them had agreed, Dawan happily said, "It's settled then. To show my sincerity, I will send a batch of weapons to your armies tomorrow as a deposit for the cooperation."

After saying this, Dawan cheerfully bid farewell to the two men and left.

Asur and Melendo left together. Asur had originally planned to find a place to have a drink, but he had lost interest. Melendo invited Asur to get into his carriage and stay at his camp for the night before leaving.

Melendo's private army camp was located on the outskirts of Tyre City, much closer than Asur's camp.

Asur saw that it was getting late, so he accepted Melendo's invitation.

The two sat in the carriage, chatting as they looked at the scenery on both sides of the road.

Although Tyre City had been burned down by Count Lloyd, after six months of cleanup and the arrival of the military caravan, the Tyre City had been revitalized. Although there were still many ruins, it was no longer the desolate scene when the two arrived.

"Melendo, what is your cousin Dawan thinking? Why did he offer us such a high price? Is there some hidden meaning behind it?"

Asur was still somewhat uneasy; he couldn't understand why Dawan had offered such generous terms.

It should be noted that his and Melendo's private armies combined amounted to less than a regiment, which was less than half the size of Dawan Dawan's own army.

However, after hearing Asur's words, Melendo suddenly laughed, "I never thought you could be so cowardly. Where did the fierce and valiant Southern War Bear go?"

"Southern War Bear" is Asur's nickname. He was known for his bravery and fearlessness in battle when he was part of the invasion forces East Sea Alliance.

Asur understood that Melendo was teasing him, and he said irritably, "I asked you to help analyze this, why are you bringing up all that other stuff?"

Melendo continued laughing for a while before stopping, "Alright, I won't tease you anymore. If you asked someone else, they probably wouldn't know what Dawan is planning, but I'm his cousin, and I know him very well."

Do you know how Dawan's family got their fortune?

"Trading?"

"Yes! The Dawan family started out by organizing caravans and engaging in trade, and their family caravan is still the largest trading guild in Hampshire."

Upon hearing Melendo's words, Viscount Asur seemed to have thought of something.

"You mean he plans to sell this batch of Bed Crossbow to the East Sea Alliance? Has Dawan gone mad? How could he possibly aid the enemy?"

Asur was somewhat shocked. The Bed Crossbow of the Ironvine Territory were indeed very powerful, but it was nothing special that they fell into the hands of various nobles. However, if they were to fall into the hands of a country like the East Sea Alliance, it would likely lead to a rapid modernization of the East Sea Alliance's military, which might even affect the security of the Grand Duchy's southern defense line.

He has fought countless battles with the East Sea Alliance, so naturally he doesn't want the East Sea Alliance to have even the slightest chance of becoming stronger.

"Their family must have connections with the East Sea Alliance. Bed Crossbow can only fetch a good price with the East Sea Alliance. Even if they don't sell, other nobles will. There's no need to worry about it."

Besides, once we get the Bed Crossbow, the duchy will definitely be the first to benefit."

Asur knew Melendo right, but he was still somewhat resistant. Melendo Asur's reaction, Melendo continued to comfort him, "We've all seen the battles we've been fighting lately. I don't even have many Bed Crossbow with that Ironvine Territory. Even if we conquer the Yalori Valley, we might not be able to get the complete Bed Crossbow."