I was a lord farming, how did I become an emperor?

Chapter 155 Frostwolf Forest
……

……

Back in the manor hall.

"Your Excellency, what message did Baron Harlan send?"

Durant looked at Rod's smiling face and asked, somewhat puzzled.

Rhodes smiled, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

He didn't say much and simply handed the letter to Durant.

Durant took the letter and examined it carefully.

"He actually asked you for advice on how to choose?"

Durant's voice held a hint of surprise as he pulled out a chair for Rod.

Baron Harlan actually consulted outsiders on such an important matter concerning the territory?
"Because of Baron Harlan, he was unwilling to accept his fate, but he didn't know what to do."

Rhodes chuckled and sighed, then sat down and said, "Besides, he was also confirming my stance."

"After all, we are adjacent to the Earl of Falcon. With the old earl gone, we have to start all over again."

After saying that, Rod stopped smiling and began to think in silence.

Durant stared silently at Rod, waiting for him to continue.

The air inside seemed to freeze, broken only by the occasional crackling of the firewood in the fireplace.

This is indeed a difficult choice.

After a moment, Rhodes turned to Durant: "What do you think Baron Harlan should do now?"

“If we follow the rules, I think Baron Harlan has no choice but to submit.”

Durant considered for a moment and said, "The Earl of Falcon has two sons and a daughter, and his eldest son, Zane Falcon, has a good reputation."

Rhodes nodded slightly.

"However, this is Baron Harlan's last chance. Once the new earl takes the throne, there will be many more qualified heirs than him."

If Zane, the son of the Earl of Falcon, becomes the new Earl of Falcon, then Baron Harlan will be relegated to a remote and marginal branch, with no hope left.

"Of course, I'm also speaking from our perspective; a chaotic Eagle Ridge would be more advantageous for us."

If Baron Harlan can truly stand up to the new Earl of Falcon, then Rhodes can plunder even more benefits from Eagle Ridge.

Rod turned and went back to his studio, opened a cabinet, and took out a map from a book.

Rod waved his hand, beckoning Durant into the room, and then spread the map out on the table.

This is a map that encompasses the entire North and all the territories of the Northern Provinces, with the boundaries of each territory marked on it.

"Actually, Baron Harlan is also in a difficult position. On the other side of Eagle Territory is Viscount White Deer, who is a subordinate lord of Marquis Cold Blade."

Looking at the map, Rhodes analyzed, "If Baron Harlan is to defy the new Earl of Falcon this time, he will likely have to face the intervention of Marquis Coldblade."

Rhodes recalled the Marquis of Coldblade's previous actions; if the other party truly wanted to become the Duke of the North, he would definitely try to win over the new Earl of Falcon.

"Do you have any good ideas?"

Durant also became interested and asked curiously.

"uncertain."

Rhodes thought about it seriously for a moment, "My idea is to muddy the waters and let more people in, but Baron Harlan must offer enough benefits."

If the other earls in the northern provinces knew of Marquis Hanren's ambitions, they would not stand idly by.

What Baron Harlan had to do was to make arrangements in advance to prevent Marquis Coldblade from interfering.

"The final decision depends on whether Baron Harlan is willing to give up the entire Eagle Ridge."

After listening to Rod's words, Durant nodded slightly in response.

“Then it’s settled. Let’s reply to Harlan as we just discussed,” Rhodes instructed.

"what?"

Durant paused for a moment, then said, "But the two blacksmiths and leatherworkers that Baron Harlan promised you, as well as the fifty able-bodied slaves, haven't been delivered yet..."

"The ones he gave were from the border town, and it would probably take another five or six days, by which time it would be too late."

Rod smiled confidently and said, "Don't worry, he won't lie to me for something like that. It's not worth it."

What Baron Harlan needs now is support, regardless of his choice.

If he can't even keep this much credibility, then Baron Harlan can forget about anything else.

"You're right."

Durant laid out the paper and pen, then looked somewhat distressed.

"Sir, you should write the reply yourself."

Durant understood what Rod meant, but he didn't understand the specific plan at all.

He suddenly felt that the gap between his thinking and that of the lord was widening.

Rhodes nodded, took the pen, thought for a moment, and began to write.

……

……

At Hawkeye Manor.

Baron Harlan shook the letter and let out a long sigh of relief.

"Those gold coins were well spent."

"Baron Rhodes provided a detailed recommendation."

Aurelia took the letter, unfolded it, and carefully examined it word by word.

It was very direct, without a single polite word, as if it were a user manual.

Rhodes did not give Baron Harlan any choice, but only provided the execution plan.

The first is that it is legitimate and justified.

Reveal the past, using tokens, evidence, or witnesses to prove that the deceased Earl of Falcon was the usurper.

Find the Earl of Falcon's former subordinates or servants, and use various means such as promises of money or threats to prove that the Earl of Falcon killed Baron Harlan's father and usurped the earl's title.

Since Earl Falcon is dead anyway, as long as the rumors spread, even if there is controversy, Baron Harlan will still have the rightful name.

Second, forming alliances and counter-alliances.

They united the other two barons in the family, offering them more benefits and enticing them to defy the new Earl of Falcon.

This matter is risky, and Rhodes doesn't know the other two barons well enough to offer much advice.

However, the letter clearly stated that to succeed, those lower-ranking lords must be won over.

Relying solely on Baron Harlan would greatly increase the chances of failure.

If the two barons take a hard line, then Baron Harlan should submit as soon as possible.

Third, be wary of external forces.

Rhodes listed several earls and viscounts who could potentially influence the situation at Eagle Ridge for Baron Harlan, warning him to be cautious.

Of course, Baron Rhodes wouldn't slander Marquis Coldblade's reputation out of thin air; it was merely a subtle reminder.

Finally, Rhodes instructed Baron Harlan to prepare a way out for him.

If Baron Harlan fails, Rhodes is willing to take him in for the sake of the gold coins.

Blackpine Ridge is lacking in well-educated individuals like Baron Harlan.

"Baron Rhodes is so thoughtful."

Aurelia smiled wryly, "I've even prepared a backup plan for you."

Baron Harlan nodded and said seriously, "Baron Rhodes is indeed sincerely planning for me, and has said everything that should and shouldn't be said."

Baron Harlan also understood that chaos in Eagle Ridge would benefit Rhodes.

Baron Rhodes, however, made no attempt to conceal anything and explained both the advantages and disadvantages.

Baron Harlan was somewhat moved.

"And what about you? What are your thoughts?"

Aurelia put down the letter and hugged Baron Harlan. "Don't feel pressured. I'll follow whatever you choose."

"You married a baron, yet you've never enjoyed a leisurely life."

Baron Harlan sighed and gently stroked Aurelia's face.

"The Baroness's face is delicate, but yours is weathered, all from working so hard for me."

"I like this kind of life."

Aurelia straightened up and slammed her fist into her chest.

"I prefer sturdy armor to those pretty clothes."

"Then...shall we take a gamble?"

Baron Harlan asked tentatively.

Aurelia nodded. "When I become a countess, I want you to give me a brand new set of armor!"

"no problem!"

Baron Harlan pulled his wife into his arms. "Ten sets!"

……

……

After Earl Falcon's death, turmoil arose in Eagle Ridge.

Everyone with a certain status is reacting and making choices. Various forces are stirring, and groups of people are pouring into Eagle Town. Even the beggars on the roadside know that things are about to change here.

Imperial law dictates that the eldest son succeeds to the throne, with other sons succeeding in turn.

In reality, the empire doesn't really concern itself with matters in such remote areas.

As long as no one stands up to oppose it, as long as they are of the Falcon family bloodline, and as long as they don't trample on imperial laws with an overbearing attitude, the emperor won't interfere.

Therefore, even though the eldest son, Zain, possessed the most legitimate power, he could not relax until everything was calmed down.

Zain, 29, his sister, 26, and his brother, 24, are not children without any background.

The cautious Zane has begun to stir.

He must quickly consolidate his position and establish authority during this power vacuum.

The first thing Zain has to do is track down the killer.

Only in this way can he prove to everyone that he is capable of succeeding his father and protecting the honor of the Falcon family.

Especially the knights and soldiers under Earl Falcon.

As the saying goes, "A new emperor brings a new court."

Although this isn't Earth, the principles are the same.

Many of these former subordinates were loyal to Earl Falcon himself, not to the Falcon family.

Therefore, Zain must show a firm stance on this matter and avenge his father at all costs.

All the knights of Eagle Ridge went to search for the ugly assassin, while Zane's own trusted men could not leave his side.

As a result, Zain had no energy left to deal with even the attacks on border villages. This was a real hardship for Amir, the Blood Shadow Society's culprit.

He was hiding in an abandoned mine, his body curled up in a corner, close to a fire made of rubble, occasionally spitting out a mouthful of black blood.

If it were just pursuers, Amir wouldn't be afraid at all.

With his abilities, neither ordinary soldiers nor knights could cause him much harm.

The key point is that the spell released by the crystal that Earl Falcon crushed before his death severely injured Amir.

Amir's ability allows him to become immune to some blunt and sharp weapons when he transforms into black mist.

However, the downside of this ability is that it makes one extremely sensitive to magical damage, and can cause damage to be multiplied.

The spell "Breath of Freeze" consumed most of Amir's energy.

Later, he forcibly possessed other soldiers, which further damaged his vitality and caused him physical and mental harm.

At this moment, it was difficult for him to vaporize his body, let alone possess other people.

"That foolish and arrogant Earl Falcon!"

Amir cursed under his breath in the darkness, his voice filled with rage.

There was also a hint of regret.

In fact, Amir didn't want to kill Earl Falcon—it was the worst possible choice.

He just wanted to have a proper talk with Earl Falcon and ask him what exactly happened.

However, their arrogance exacerbated the conflict.

Earl Falcon could not accept that Amyl had sneaked into his bedroom; it was a trampling of aristocratic dignity.

Amyl also could not accept the Earl of Falcon's insult to his beliefs.

Neither side could accept such arrogance, which led to such a fierce conflict.

This conflict could have been avoided.

More importantly, even after killing Earl Falcon, Amir still hadn't figured everything out.

The only conclusion he could draw was that the words and insults the Earl of Falcon had before his death seemed to prove that none of this had anything to do with the Earl of Falcon himself.

Upon closer reflection, it's possible that Earl Falcon was wronged, which is why he uttered such offensive words.

But whatever the truth may be, Amir has no energy left to deal with it.

All he could think about was escaping this place as soon as possible, returning to his secluded basement, and recovering from his injuries.

Unfortunately, fate did not treat him kindly.

Amir glanced furtively out of the cave.

Snowflakes began to fall again from the dim sky.

He was unable to continue his journey that night.

……

……

In contrast to the turmoil at Eagle Ridge, Black Pine Ridge remained peaceful.

evening.

In the warm manor hall, Avril carefully peeled a roasted potato, spread sauce on it, and fed it to Rhodes.

How about this candy jam?

Avril asked tentatively.

Rod swallowed the potato and nodded slightly. "It tastes good, but it's too sweet for me."

"Then I'll ask Leah to put less sugar next time," Avril said, pursing her lips.

"No need, I don't eat much, I'm just glad you like it."

Rod laughed and said, "I only eat a bite or two occasionally."

Avril didn't reply, looking down at the blueprints on the table.
"Are you drawing new machines again?"

Avril asked.

Rhodes nodded.
"Rolling mill".

"Huh?" Avril heard a completely new word.

"Look at these two rollers. When they rotate, they can directly press the heated iron material into iron sheets."

Rod pointed to the blueprint and explained, "At the same time, the thickness of the pressed iron sheet can be adjusted by changing the distance between these two rollers."

Based on the process Hammer had previously mentioned, the only step Rhodes could help optimize was pressing the iron into armor plates.

It requires little skill; machines replace human labor—simple and direct.

"Then, how about using a windmill to provide energy and drive the gears and this roller?"

Avril looked at the blueprints and pondered, then said, "Could water power work too?"

"Congratulations, you've learned how to answer first."

Rod smiled and put his arm around Avril's waist.

Rhodes had already instilled the concepts of energy and machinery in Avril.

As a well-educated noblewoman, Avril could easily understand.

Rod took a shortcut and didn't explain the concepts of kinetic and potential energy from his previous life.

Instead, it explains that windmills obtain the energy of wind and watermills obtain the energy of water by summoning Vivian through shadow energy.

Then they explained some concepts of energy transformation, which corresponded to wizarding knowledge.

"After heating the whole piece of iron, it is repeatedly rolled through a rolling mill, which can replace the traditional hammering process."

"The apprentices press the iron into plates, then cut them into the shapes needed for the plate armor, and finally let the blacksmiths participate in hammering, finishing the details and final shaping."

Rod continued to explain.

Avril's eyes lit up. "That way, apprentices can do most of the plate armor work too!"

Rhodes nodded.

“The new blacksmiths who make farm tools can be taught plate armor design directly.”

Moreover, Rhodes estimates that this production method can reduce time by at least 50%.

After all, blacksmiths can rest while hammering iron, but rolling mills don't need to rest.

With apprentices working in two shifts, sheet metal was produced continuously.

"Darling, you're so smart!"

Avril gently kissed Rhodes' forehead, then curiously tapped his head.
"Where did you get all this amazing knowledge from?"

"This is creativity."

Rhodes spoke boastfully without any blush.

There was no way Rod could say that he had already lived an extra life.

That would be even more terrifying.

Avril nodded in agreement. "No wonder the White Frost Prophet said you are the Lord of the Holy Land."

"Okay, get back to work."

Rod released Avril. "Hurry up and learn your sea tribe's script."

Rhodes didn't want to rush Avril, but the thought of an untapped treasure trove of knowledge hidden underground was tantalizing him.

“I’ve almost learned it all,” Avril said.

"Ok?"

Rhodes was somewhat surprised, "So fast?"

"Of course, I can't hold you back, can I?"

As she spoke, Avril blushed slightly and placed the journal in front of Rhodes.
"Although I haven't memorized them all, I have a general impression of them. You can test me if you don't believe me."

"No need for that, I believe you."

Rhodes hugged Avril again. "Then let's set off for the ruins tomorrow and translate all the names of the ancient texts first."

“No problem.” Avril nodded.

"correct."

After giving his instructions, Rod suddenly remembered something and asked, "Has Vivian left yet?"

"We're already on our way back."

Avril said, "She made me ask you, are you sure you don't need to kill the Falcon family's new heir as well?"

"No need, it would attract too much attention."

Rhodes shook his head. "Besides, it doesn't benefit us much; it's just doing the work for others. There's no need for that."

Rhodes only needs to take action when Eagle Ridge is calm; let Eagle Ridge remain in chaos.

Besides, this world is complex, and Vivian is not invincible. If something unexpected happens, it would be a loss.

It would be best to get Vivian back to stay by my side as soon as possible.

"OK, all right."

Avril nodded.

"Then go pack your luggage, and bring plenty of snacks. No one will make them for you at the ruins."

Rhodes stood up. "I'll go give the blueprints to Waller and let him start making them."

"Are you still going to work when it's already dark?" Avril asked.

"Hand it over to them quickly and get to work as soon as possible."

Although the carpenters had made windmills before, the rolling mill was a completely new machine to them.

Just to be on the safe side, Rod will still give a full explanation.

Avril nodded.

Just as Rod reached the door, a guard rushed in.

"My lord, Wolfhoof has sent someone to report that a white wolf demon beast has been discovered in the Frostwolf Forest!"

Frostwolf Forest?

Rod asked with some doubt, "There's a place called Black Pine Ridge? How come I didn't know about it?"

The guard was somewhat speechless, then explained, "It's in the place where Wolfhooves often hunts; it seems they named it themselves."

"Ok?"

Rhodes frowned. "Send Wolfhooves to me."

　Although I didn't update like crazy, I didn't slack off either. I wrote 170,000 words this month...

　　Sigh, my child has been having gas lately and cries all night. I just finished writing and posted it without dividing it into chapters...

　　My minimum goal for May is 200,000 words, and I'll strive for 240,000.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)