After careful consideration, Paul ultimately chose to rely on the Royal Family.
Giles was far away, and regardless of whether he thought highly of Paul, if anything happened to him, Giles would be too far away to help. If Paul's actions were exposed, His Majesty the King could crush the insignificant shrimp causing trouble behind his back with the slightest movement of his little finger.
He had originally intended to wait and see for a while longer, but since Arda had already attracted the covetous attention of the surrounding powers, it was better to place his bet early. Earl Kent of Emden had once demanded in his reply to Paul's request for aid that Paul become his vassal. His ambition made Paul extremely wary.
Half an hour later, Butler Philip led Baron Hansel Abbott into the study. Based on the intelligence about the Royal Capital's granary fire, Paul had already guessed why he had come.
The moment Hansel entered, he flattered him. "Congratulations, Lord Greiman, on successfully wiping out the pirates. Hanging so many villains in one go truly upheld the justice of the Lord of Light. It's immensely satisfying!"
Paul said with a hollow smile, "Baron Abbott, you're certainly well-informed. You even managed to hear about this while you were out 'traveling.'"
Hansel automatically filtered out the sarcasm in Paul's words and said without the slightest embarrassment, "Lord Greiman's glorious deeds have already spread throughout the northwest. There are few lords like you who eliminate threats to the people. Most are merely incompetent fools who defy the teachings of the founding king."
If they kept going, they would get off topic. Paul decided to get down to business and invited Hansel to sit. He had Philip bring over two cups of mead, and the two of them took a