Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 542 New Intelligence: Su Li's Identity as an Elector and the Second Legend

Su Li carefully handed his daughter Jianjia back to Avril, telling her to take the child to rest on the soft couch nearby. He took a deep breath, his fingertips trembling almost imperceptibly, and gently scratched open the exquisite wax seal of the Avilan Palace. Unfolding the letter, Phyllis's familiar yet slightly hurried, sharp handwriting came into view, as if he could feel the surging emotions she felt while writing it through the back of the paper.

To my ever-burning sun, the lighthouse in the night, and the sole conqueror of my soul:
By the time this letter reaches you, Avril will have safely brought our little star with her.

Please forgive me for starting in such a blunt way, but at this moment, I sit alone in the Full Moon Hall, wearing the mink cloak you left behind, which seems to still retain your scent and... the burning memories you left on me that night, like a brand.

I close my eyes, and I can almost feel your strong arms encircling my waist, declaring your possession.

On nights without you by my side, even the most magnificent palaces in Surland feel as cold as iron.

My body, my soul, every corner of me is desperately longing for you, my love.

(There appear to be a few tear stains on the letter paper here.)
Rest assured, your Sorland is tenaciously recovering from the wounds of war. Thanks to your timely financial assistance and the glory of victory brought by Duke Bohemond, order is being restored within the province, and the fields are regaining their vitality. You need not worry too much about me; your lioness is licking her wounds, sharpening her claws, and awaiting the moment when she can stand shoulder to shoulder with you and survey the world. Thank you for always being my strongest support.

Now, let us talk about that war without gunpowder, yet equally perilous—the power struggle within the Electors' Council. The news Grand Master Adelbert brought back was merely the tip of the iceberg. He was not a direct representative of the electors and thus could not see the turbulent and breathtaking undercurrents beneath the calm surface.

This parliamentary dispute was far more than a simple difference of position; it nearly tore apart the empire’s deepest, most long-standing rift—the fundamental opposition between the northern and southern pantheons and political forces!
In the north, led by the fanatical followers of Yurik (the White Wolf God), and incited by the spokespeople of Mannan (the Sea God) and the shadowy followers of Lanod (the God of Thieves and Conspiracy), they clamored for the severe punishment of the "border nouveau riche" to maintain the old order and their vested interests. The Grand Master of the White Wolf Knights even roared in the council hall, demanding an immediate military intervention.

In the south, the church of Violet, the goddess of the sun, and the knights of Verena, the goddess of learning and justice, fiercely opposed the conflict. No one could remain uninvolved in this storm that swept through the entire council! All the electors and all the major religious sects were forced to take a stand in this north-south confrontation. Even the church of Sharya, the goddess of mercy and healing, who had always been neutral, was drawn into the fray. Fortunately, Goddess Sharya firmly stood on the side of her elder sister, Violet.

At that moment, Terra's council hall no longer seemed to be the core of the Empire's power, but rather an arena for the clash of wills between the northern and southern deities. The "tyrant" of Middenland and I became the spear and shield at the forefront of this confrontation. The atmosphere was tense to the extreme; the Empire's civil war seemed to be just a spark away from igniting it!
Our "beloved" Emperor... as you know, he is not exactly wise and mighty, even somewhat... overly "cautious" (or rather, weak). Fearing a potential full-blown civil war, he ultimately chose to try to reconcile the situation, demanding that all sides compromise. This resulted in the current seemingly balanced, but in reality, compromise-filled and helpless reconciliation plan—acknowledging you, drawing a line, and sending Bohemond to "appease" and "monitor."

My dear, I write this not to pressure you. I simply want you to understand that your next decision may weigh far more heavily than the borders of the Blacksin Territory; it's like a pebble thrown into the river of the Empire's destiny, the ripples it creates will have far-reaching consequences. But whichever path you ultimately choose—whether you temporarily accept this shackled title and its benefits, and accumulate strength; or choose to march west and confront that seemingly insurmountable red line—

Please remember, I, the entire province of Surland behind me, and all the knights who believe in order and justice will stand behind you without hesitation, facing every storm with you. My sword, my banner, my heart, will always be with you.

I will always long for your embrace.

Your Phyllis Libovitz Iris

In Surland, the Full Moon Hall of Evilland Palace
P.S.: The amulet you gave me, I wear it day and night; it is my only solace and source of strength in countless difficult times. Next time we meet, I want you to personally place your crown of victory upon my head.

Su Li slowly folded the letter, feeling the unique texture of the parchment with her fingertips, and remained silent for a long time.

He was indeed struck by the vision described in Phyllis's letter. He had anticipated debate among the imperial high command, but he hadn't expected that his own rise and that of the Black Forest would inadvertently touch upon the empire's deepest and most sensitive nerve—the fundamental conflict between the northern and southern pantheons and political forces. The tension in the Electoral Council had escalated to the brink of civil war, far more intense than he had imagined.

He looked down at his hands, hands that now held power enough to command the attention of the Electors, even to the point of threatening war. He was no longer the weak knight who had just left Purplethorn Castle, his future uncertain, needing to carefully scheme for survival. He had, in effect, unified the northern provinces of the border princely territories, and the extent of his control was comparable to that of many dukes. His influence even subtly surpassed that of ordinary dukes—after all, no ordinary duke's survival would prompt an Elector to wage civil war to protect or suppress him.

Phyllis's deep affection and unwavering support weighed heavily on his heart, instilling in him a resolute strength. She wasn't urging him, but rather laying bare the most realistic and brutal situation before him, then completely entrusting him with the choice, and promising to follow him wherever he went.

It seems that Duke Bohemond's specific mention of not rushing him was Phyllis's hint that he should check the "Daily Intelligence" before making a decision.

Thinking this through, Su Li's heavy heart eased slightly, and her thoughts became much clearer. Indeed, such a crucial decision required a calm mind and ample information; it couldn't be made hastily.

He carefully put the letter away, then turned to look at Avril, who had gently placed the sleeping Jianjia on the soft couch and covered her with a blanket.

The fireplace glowed with a warm light, casting a gentle halo over her beautiful profile. Time seemed to have left few marks on her, instead adding to her mature charm and serene气质. She was his starting point, the first ray of light in his darkness, and now she brought him the continuation of his bloodline and the deep affection from afar.

His heavy thoughts were temporarily replaced by a warmer, more urgent emotion. Su Li walked to the bedside, leaned down, and gently kissed Avril's smooth forehead. Then, gazing into her still clear and captivating eyes, he said in a deep, magnetic voice:

"My love...you've worked so hard. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. It's a long night, let's rest early and reminisce about those wonderful times from two years ago."

His words carried an undeniable tenderness and longing, a passion born of a long-awaited reunion, and an instinct to seek solace and genuine connection under immense pressure.

Tonight, he needs to temporarily set aside the burdens of being a lord, and simply embrace this warmth he has regained as a man, drawing courage and strength from his lover's embrace to make decisions tomorrow.

A blush crept across Avril's face, her eyes shimmering with tenderness and a hint of secret anticipation. She nodded gently, carefully placing the sleeping Jianjia beside the soft cushions, then reached out and hooked her arm around Su Li's neck. The cold wind still howled outside, but inside the bedroom, only the soft crackling of the fireplace and the rising warmth enough to dispel all gloom filled the air. As for the empire's bottom line and the future conquests, let's face those when the sun rises tomorrow.

A night of passion, several tender moments. When Su Li woke up in the morning, she felt refreshed, as if the fatigue and tension accumulated over the past few days had been washed away by the ultimate pleasure and warm embrace.

Outside the window, snow fell heavily, transforming Hessenberg into a silver-clad world, but inside the bedroom, the fireplace kept it warm and cozy. He turned his head slightly; beside him lay Avril and Hilde, still fast asleep. Avril wore a contented and serene smile, while Hilde maintained her usual peaceful and spirited sleeping face.

This scene involuntarily reminded him of when he first arrived in this Black Forest territory. Back then, there was only a dilapidated, drafty stone house, where sunlight could even shine through the holes in the roof onto their bare buttocks. It was the three of them who, in that house, diligently cultivated their spiritual practice, indulging in debauchery by day and revelry by night. But back then, worries seemed simple; as long as they could have enough to eat and protect this small corner of the world, they could feel genuine happiness.

So, what about now? With a vast territory, a powerful army, and awe-inspiring power, has he lost the simple joy he once had?

A slow smile curved the corners of Su Li's lips.

Do not!
The happiness I feel now is beyond the imagination of ordinary people!

No longer needing to constantly be on edge for survival, no longer needing to worry about the next meal. He could lie on a soft velvet bed, embracing his beloved woman, overlooking the vast landscape that belonged to him outside the window. This ease and "lying down"—the ability to control his own destiny and influence the destinies of countless others—was something that the frail knight of the past could never have imagined.

With this thought in mind, he gazed at Avril's sleeping face, even more alluring in the morning light, and the energy of his red dragon bloodline surged once more. He decisively relived their "passionate days" until Avril was panting heavily, too weak to even lift her fingertips, collapsing limply into the disheveled bedding. He led her through three rounds of cultivation before finally rising, satisfied.

Just as his mind and body reached a state of blissful saturation, that familiar and mysterious feeling returned.

[Because you are in a relaxed and comfortable state, today's prophetic message has been updated.]

[1. Undercurrents on the Northern Trade Route: The "Frost Queen" caravan from Norsca has arrived in Maleburg. They openly trade furs and amber, but the inner lining of their cold iron crates is inscribed with chaotic runes, concealing cursed chaotic artifacts or tokens of communication with the Chaos Cultists of the North. It is recommended to send a Sun Inquisitor to infiltrate the caravan for verification. After confirmation, you can join forces with the Knights of the Flame to "purify" the caravan and seize a massive amount of vibranium equipment. Hand it over to the Cathedral of Eternal Flame for purification, and you can receive at least 5000 kilograms of vibranium!]

[2. Whispers of the Withered Woods: On the edge of the newly incorporated "Ravenwhisper Forest" in the western part of the Blackwood Territory, a small area of ​​vegetation has exhibited abnormal withering, and the soil emits a sulfurous odor. This is not a natural disease, but rather the formation of a faint leak point of Nagash's death wind underground. If left unchecked, it may breed a small group of undead within three months. A Life Mage or a Druid from the Church of Rhea can be dispatched to perform natural purification, or a Priest of the Blazing Sun can conduct a small-scale exorcism to nip the threat in the bud.]

[3. A Request from Dwarven Allies: The Greymount Dwarven exploration team encountered a swarm of giant cave spiders (approximately 30-50, including one Queen Anarek Spider) deep within the newly discovered "Shimmerstone Vein" in the Twilight Mountains. Dwarven warriors are ill-equipped to fight these colossal creatures. If Blackwood Territory can dispatch elite troops skilled in small-group combat (such as the Amethyst Ironclad Legion or elite squires) to assist in the extermination, the dwarves are willing to offer 1% of the vein's output for the next three years as a reward.]

[4. The Lost Knight's Legacy: A squad of five "Oathbreaker" knights (originally guards of a fallen count) who have wandered the border princely territories for many years have arrived at the tavern in Maleburg. Their leader, "Iron Hand" Byram, recently revealed in a drunken state that he knows the location where the former count buried his sword, "Oath of Radiance." This sword is a Chosen-class longsword, said to be particularly effective against undead and chaotic creatures. You can try to contact and recruit them (they yearn to regain their honor and territory), or obtain information directly.]

5. The Submission of the Swamp Remnants: In the southern region of the former Swamp Territory, a human tribe of about five hundred people, who lived by fishing and hunting (and had long been oppressed by Swamp Demons), has secretly sent envoys to express their willingness to fully submit to the Black Forest Territory. They are also willing to provide information on the locations of scattered Swamp Demon lairs deep within the swamp that were not wiped out with Litanel. Accepting their submission will stabilize the southern border and provide precise intelligence for the eradication of the remaining swamp demons.

[6. Opportunity in Cash Crops: A caravan from the south brought seed samples of "Golden Ear Valley," a grain with extremely high yields and a higher probability of directly producing exceptional ears, but requiring extremely fertile soil. If the Provincial Council's agricultural department can successfully introduce and promote this crop, it can significantly increase the territory's food reserves. It is recommended that experimental fields be designated on the shores of Lake Lovelyn, with agricultural experts from the Church of Rhea overseeing the trial planting.]

[7. The Pirate King's "Goodwill": Salmanus, the "Blood Anchor" pirate king based on the Broken Coast, has his lieutenant disguised as a merchant entering the grey market trading post in Maleburg, intending to secretly purchase a batch of high-quality weapons and armor. They are paying with elusive pirate gold. Options: Refuse the deal to avoid getting involved in pirate conflicts; sell inferior weapons at a high price, earning at least 30000 gold crowns, but potentially incurring the enmity of other pirates; feign a deal, ambush and kill the envoy, and curry favor with the Imperial Navy.]

8. The Redemption Opportunity of the Eternal Light: The Knights of Eternal Light branch also participated in the Sacred Crusade of Mount Oka, winning glory for their undeniable bravery and sacrifice. However, when they offered sacrifices to the goddess of justice, Verena, they failed to fully activate these divine blessings. They failed to completely wash away the ancient Nehekhara curse originating from the Arabi Crusade—the root of their generations of misfortune. Now, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presents itself. You can, at the goddess's monastery, stir up the goddess's divine blessings to temporarily suppress and cleanse the stain on their bloodline caused by the "heartless" massacre. However, the goddess's justice is absolute; an equal weight must be placed on the other side of the scales. This pact must be "sacredly guaranteed" by a knightly order of equal rank, reputation, and willingness (such as the Knights of the Flame Sun or other renowned Templar orders of the Empire), swearing to ensure that the Eternal Light never repeats its mistakes. If the Eternal Light were to commit the same "heartless" sin again in the future, the Knights of Guarantee will automatically share and bear the same curse. The supreme order power of the [Verena's Truth Scroll] is undoubtedly your best tool to persuade another knightly order. (Note: 1. Ancient beings far away in Nehekhara may be pleased with the spread of this curse. 2. The Grand Master of the Knights of Eternal Light who successfully washes away this curse will receive the blessing of the goddess and be promoted to Legendary rank.)

[9. The Key to the Elector's Path: The Empire's central desire for stability in the southern territories goes far beyond appearances. The conditions offered by the Electoral Council have not yet touched their true bottom line. They are trying to bind you with law and prestige, which is your golden opportunity to turn the tables. You should strive to gain a higher legal standing and a ticket to the Empire's core circle. Currently, Violet's Church is developing rapidly and its influence is growing daily, but it does not yet have a clearly defined secular electoral seat belonging to the Church of Yurik (corresponding to Middenland) or the Church of Rekma (corresponding to Rekland). You can use your two major bargaining chips, the [Truth Scroll], to reach a grander agreement with the Council: in exchange for formally accepting all the conditions previously proposed by the Empire and providing each current elector of the Empire with a [Complete Pod of the Blessed Wisteria Tree] free of charge every year, you can gain the Council's recognition and establishment of the status of "Secular Elector of the Sun Church," and you, Count Su Li, the Bauhinia Earl, will become the first holder of this electoral seat.] This is not only an unparalleled honor, but also a crucial step for you from a secular elector to a secular elector-prince. The pods of the 【Blessed Wisteria Tree】 contain boundless life force; a single complete pod can extend one's life by a year. This is an irresistible temptation for those aging electors and emperors who still wield great power. With this as your core bargaining chip, you can pry open the most fortified gates of power within the empire.

[10. The Electoral Council's "Sneak Attack": An inspector from the Imperial Tax Office has been secretly dispatched from Terra, and his itinerary suggests his final destination may be Maleburg. Ostensibly, he is to audit Maleburg's tax revenue over the years, but in reality, certain factions within the council may be using this opportunity to ascertain the actual revenue that Hessian Territory receives through the Eastern and Southern Tax Gates, preparing for potential future tax rate adjustments or attacks. It is recommended to inform Duke Bohemond and have him suffer an unfortunate attack by the Greenskins.]

Su Li's consciousness sank into the golden, shimmering text. Messages flowed into his mind like icy streams. At first, he was able to remain calm and analyze, but the more he read, the more his mind trembled. In the end, he could hardly help but take a deep breath!
Is this... this the level of intelligence and interests that can be accessed after effectively besieging Maleiburg and strangling its economic lifeline?!

Compared to previous intelligence, which was mostly limited to the Black Forest Territory and surrounding areas, today's information has made a qualitative leap in breadth, depth, and value!
The first piece of information about the Norsca caravan made his heart skip a beat. Five thousand catties of vibranium! And that was only half of what he was entitled to! He had never seen so much vibranium at once in all these years! Maleburg, as expected of the largest commercial and smuggling center in the south of the empire, its depth and abundance of resources far exceeded his previous imagination. This potential windfall was enough to elevate the military industry and high-end equipment of the Hessian Territory by several levels!
The seemingly scattered information that followed further confirmed, from various perspectives, the "wealth" and "opportunities" of Maleburg and its surrounding area. A drunken wandering knight in any random tavern might possess clues to the burial of a Chosen weapon; the Southern Pirate King would start by spending 30,000 gold crowns to purchase military equipment... The flow of wealth here was like a surging river, a far cry from the days when he was calculating every copper coin in the Black Forest.

However, all this heart-pounding wealth information paled in comparison to the last two pieces of information, like fireflies compared to the bright moon.

His gaze was fixed on the eighth message—[The Opportunity for Redemption through Eternal Light]!
Washing away the curse! It's actually an opportunity to wash away the ancient curse that has plagued the Knights of Eternal Light for centuries, originating from the Arabian Expedition!

At this moment, many of his previous guesses were confirmed. No wonder Phyllis was willing to go to great lengths to send this renowned yet cursed top-tier knightly order to Black Forest Territory! Besides the fact that she couldn't afford their exorbitant military expenses, her more important purpose was probably to use him, this "outlier," to find a glimmer of hope to break the curse!
His failure to access relevant intelligence for nearly two years was precisely because his status and the levels he could reach were not high enough to touch the empire's core church power and ancient secrets. Until yesterday, the arrival of the legendary Grand Master Adelbert of the Flame Sun Knights acted like a key, finally opening this deeply hidden door for him!
The solution lies within the [Verena's Scroll of Truth]! This treasure of order must be used as a catalyst to arouse the Goddess's divine grace, and a powerful knightly order of equal rank (the Flame Sun Knights are undoubtedly the best choice) must voluntarily provide a "divine guarantee"!
The risks and opportunities involved are equally immense. If successful, the Knights of Eternal Light will be freed from their age-old curse, and their leader could even ascend to legendary status! The Black Forest Territory will truly gain the heartfelt loyalty of this powerful force, not merely a temporary presence. But the price is that the Knights of the Flaming Sun will share their fate; if the Eternal Light were to commit the sin of "heartlessness" again, their guarantors would also suffer the same curse. This is undoubtedly an extremely heavy decision, requiring Grand Master Adelbert to possess extraordinary courage and absolute trust in the character of the Eternal Light.

(End of this chapter)