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

Chapter 260 Strange Badge
……

……

“Holy Lord, this is the envoy from the Red Griffin family.”

Wolfhoof pulled the ropes binding him forward. "Call, Leviathan."

“Honorable Baron Rhodes, I am Leviathan Silver Spoon.”

Leviathan lowered his head, not daring to look Rhodes in the eye.

"Ah."

Rhodes nodded slightly.

At this moment, Wolf Hoof jumped off the wolf's back and went forward to pick up the scroll that had fallen from Slor's hand.

"Don't touch it."

Rod called out to Wolf Hoof.

Wolf Hoof looked somewhat bewildered, pointing at the scroll, "Holy Lord, isn't this a map of hidden treasure?"

"We'll leave it to Durant to handle."

Rhodes sensed something was wrong with the scroll, but decided not to pay it any mind, waving his hand and giving an order.

"Have your men stay here and wait for Durant to handle things. We're going to check out the lord's estate."

Durant is meticulous and has some understanding of aristocratic customs, making him the perfect candidate to search for the treasure vault.

"Yes, Holy Lord."

Wolf Hoof pulled Leviathan close behind Rhodes.

……

……

Longwinter Town, Lord's Manor.

The reception room was in chaos, with torn flags scattered on the floor.

The soldiers of Black Pine Ridge were disciplined and did not enter the manor to rob it.

The chaos here was caused by Slor's servants trying to steal things and escape when they saw things were going badly.

Of course, these servants were all captured by the soldiers guarding outside the manor.

Rod waved his hand, signaling the soldiers to tidy up the room briefly.

Then, Rhodes sat in a high-backed wooden chair and slammed Ashbringer onto the table.

Leviathan shuddered in fright and knelt on the ground.

"You should know what I know."

Rhodes stared at Leviathan's submissive demeanor, which was similar to that of the previously captured Korg.

They had all received a certain level of aristocratic etiquette training, lived a life of luxury, and had never experienced any dangerous events.

Rhodes did not use torture, and casually said, "I won't ask anymore, just tell me everything."

"This this……"

Leviathan was instantly stunned, his mouth agape for a long time without uttering a sound.

"The Holy Lord has asked you to speak!"

Wolfhoof stared sharply at Leviathan.

At the same time, the giant wolf beside it instantly understood, its lips curling up to reveal sharp fangs, and a threatening growl emanating from its throat.

"I, I, I'm innocent, Lord Rhodes!"

Leviathan lay prostrate on the ground, loudly protesting, "I knew nothing about your engagement; I was only following orders!"

"I don't want to hear this nonsense, let's talk about something worthwhile."

Rhodes interrupted Leviathan's pleas for mercy, bending down to greet him.

"Since you don't know what to say, then tell me, what is Susanna's conspiracy, and why did she suddenly start targeting Avril?"

Rod's tone was icy as he sat back down in his chair, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest.

"I've already asked, and I don't want to hear any more nonsense."

"Don't worry, I'll tell you everything!"

Leviathan collapsed to the ground, his hands gripping the stone slabs, his voice trembling.
"The Red Griffin family is in some turmoil right now. The old Earl is seriously ill and bedridden. It is said that he is only lucid for a short time each day."

"Countess Susanna is in power, and she...she wants to get rid of Avril!"

“Tell me something I don’t know!” Rod urged.

"Good good!"

Leviathan stated directly, "The Earl no longer wishes to pass the title to Young Master Kolank..."

"why?"

Rhodes raised an eyebrow, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"That guy isn't Avril's younger brother? He doesn't have the old Earl's bloodline?"

Rhodes, considering his current status, added the word "adult".

"You are so wise!"

Leviathan offered a flattering compliment, explaining, "That should be the case, but as a servant, I am not entirely clear on the specifics."

Rod nodded thoughtfully.

Although I can't be sure, this is the most likely reason.

"Then why not just assassinate Avril directly instead of going through all this trouble?"

"Because Miss Avril has the right to inherit, if she is assassinated, then the Countess is the prime suspect."

He looked up, glanced at Rhodes, then quickly looked down again.
"The lady did not want to bear the infamy of murder, and was afraid of angering the vassals who were loyal to the Red Griffin family."

"As you know, many vassals are loyal to the rules, and they would not support her if the Countess did not have a good reputation."

Rhodes nodded slightly.

There are filthy and despicable people among the nobility, but there are also true nobles who follow traditional etiquette.

Some ancient families, in particular, value their noble reputation more than their own lives.

"So that person, Susanna, wanted Baron Slor to marry Avril and keep her trapped in Longwinter Town."

Rhodes guessed, "To keep her completely away from power and never have anything to do with the Red Griffin family again."

"Yes, yes, that's basically the plan."

Leviathan nodded repeatedly, like a chick pecking at rice.

Rhodes pressed further, "Aren't you afraid that this Slor might change his mind and seize power with Avril?"

"He probably won't. We signed an agreement to give up our family inheritance rights."

Leviathan's voice lowered as he spoke, "If all else fails, we'll have to hire those shady characters..."

Rhodes knew perfectly well that the so-called shady characters were the assassins.

Indeed, when it comes to matters of inheritance, assassination is the worst option.

Especially when the beneficiary is a single entity, it is bound to be criticized.

Unless there is an absolute advantage that can overcome all opposition.

Leviathan raised her head, looking timidly at Rhodes who was deep in thought, and cautiously began to speak.
"My lord, I've told you everything I know, please spare me..."

"No, you haven't finished."

Rhodes stood up and paced slowly, clearly deep in thought.

"No, sir, I've told you everything!"

Leviathan cried out for mercy, "I really didn't hide anything!"

Seeing this, Wolf Hoof slapped Leviathan on the head, "Shut up, don't disturb the Holy Lord's thoughts!"

Leviathan immediately lowered his head and shut his mouth.

After a long while, Rhodes turned around.

"You need to list out all the relationships within the Red Griffin family for me now."

"Including those who were on good terms with Susanna, those who were hostile, and those who had no vested interest in the matter."

"And who are Susanna's most loyal servants, and so on."

"In short, write down anything that is related to the Red Griffin family."

Rod said solemnly, "Remember, my men will verify everything you write, so you'd better not lie to me."

Leviathan's eyes widened. Rhodes was asking him to betray the entire Red Griffin family!
"But I am just a servant, I don't know much, sir!"

Write down as much as you know.

Rod said slowly, "I will consider whether to spare your life based on the value of what you have written."

"This……"

Leviathan sighed helplessly.

I originally thought I could just write something casually to get by, but now I can't.

Does anyone know which content this Baron considers valuable?

Leviathan can only write down everything it knows.

"Yes, sir, I will write down everything I know."

"Go."

Rhodes waved his hand, signaling Wolfhoof to take Leviathan away to write.

After everyone left, Vivian massaged Rhodes' shoulders and asked, "Baron, are you planning to deal with Susanna next?"

"Well, now that we've started, we should make arrangements as soon as possible."

Rhodes leaned his head back against Vivian's stomach, closed his eyes, and said, "We must take control of the situation before the news gets back, otherwise the Earl may be in danger."

The old count's acceptance of his marriage to Vivian meant he was now completely at odds with Susanna.

Susanna might resort to desperate measures, so we must crush her before that happens.

Of course, Rhodes would definitely try to block the news and make the information leak out as slowly as possible.

However, if the caravan doesn't return, Susanna will inevitably become suspicious and begin an investigation.

It will eventually be exposed.

"What are your thoughts, or what are your sister's thoughts?"

Rod asked.

"No."

Vivian shook her head, her face showing distress. "Red Griffin Castle is too far from here. Is there anything we can do to help?"

"Well, you're right."

Rod responded in a deep voice.

It's at least a thousand kilometers from the northern wilderness to the Red Griffin family, and the winding roads make it even longer.

Even traveling day and night, it would take the army a month to get through.

Moreover, the route passes through many noble territories, and whether or not they will give way is another matter.

That's why I had to think of other ways.

Rhodes sighed and opened his eyes. "We can use their strength against them."

"What do you mean?" Vivian's eyes gleamed with curiosity.

"Susanna's current situation is nothing more than a fox using the tiger's reputation."

Rod reached out and pulled Vivian into his arms, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
"In that case, we'll destroy the fox's foundation and let your father, the tiger, regain his former glory."

"To regain our former glory?"

Vivian seemed to understand but not quite.

Just as I was about to ask more questions, I heard footsteps outside.

Vivian immediately stood up from Rod's arms, and Durant appeared shortly after, knocking on the open door.

"Your Excellency, the location of Slor's treasure has been found."

Durant reported.

"Oh? Based on the picture he gave me?" Rhodes was somewhat surprised. "So I wronged him?"

"No, Your Excellency, there is a paralysis spell in his scroll. The soldiers who opened it were frozen in place and couldn't move for a while."

Durant shook his head helplessly. "Besides, the scroll is completely blank; there's nothing on it."

"You guys are very efficient, finding it so quickly," Rhodes praised with a smile.

“It was Slor’s woman who said it.”

Durant explained, "His woman said that Sloan had been to the pig farm several times by himself, and later we found a stone slab under a haystack next to the pigsty."

"Underneath the stone slab lies a secret passage leading to a small cellar."

"Hmm, that's quite interesting."

Rod thought for a moment and asked, "Are there any of his cronies among the pig farmers?"

As soon as Rod finished speaking, Durant immediately realized what was happening.

"Horda, come in!"

Durant's adjutant rushed in, first bowing to Rod, then looking at Durant.
"My lord, what are your orders?"

"Arrest all the pig farmers in town and interrogate them thoroughly," Durant ordered.

"Yes, my lord!"

The adjutant nodded emphatically, saluted Rhodes, and quickly left.

Durant turned his head, a hint of self-reproach in his smile, and said, "You reacted quickly; I was stupid."

"That's normal. You're just more focused on the treasure cellar."

Rod smiled and ordered, "Bring in those treasures. I want to see what he's trying to use to buy his life."

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Durant left in a hurry and soon brought in two boxes.

Inside the manor's study, two heavy wooden crates were placed on a long table.

The box exudes a faint scent of pine resin, its surface is covered with the marks of time, and its corners are wrapped with thick sheet metal.

The locks had been pried open. Rod stepped forward and lifted the lid of the first wooden crate, releasing a faint musty smell.

The contents were arranged very neatly, and they were all small wooden boxes.

Rod picked one up and opened it; golden light instantly illuminated his face.

"Brand new Imperial Gold Coins".

Rod picked one up and examined it carefully in his palm; there wasn't a single scratch.

"This box contains at least two hundred coins. It probably wasn't earned in Changdong Town, right?"

Rhodes looked thoughtfully at Durant, "Two hundred gold coins, do you think Slor is just the Earl of Rock Shield Mountain's nephew?"

"You mean, an illegitimate child?"

Durant immediately understood what Rhodes meant: "Those two hundred gold coins are not a small amount."

"It seems we should also keep an eye on the news about the Shieldbreaker family."

Rhodes set the wooden box aside and waved to Vivian, asking her to take inventory.

Rod picked up another wooden box, which contained a dagger inlaid with gems.

The handle is carved from ivory and wrapped with gold wire.

The blade was as sharp as new, gleaming with a cold light.

Rod's eyes lit up, and he immediately focused his mind to sense it for a while, then sighed helplessly.

"It seems to be just a craft item."

Rhodes casually put it aside.

Rhodes wasn't interested in these handicrafts; he'd keep them to exchange for gold coins to buy slaves.

You can't blame Rhodes for being arrogant.

The daggers forged in Frostleaf now all come with armor penetration enchantments, so no matter how beautiful the craftsmanship is, it's useless.

Rod opened several more boxes, which were filled with handicrafts and jewelry.

Rhodes casually tossed one to Durant, "It's a necklace inside, quite pretty. Give it to Stella."

"Thank you for your reward."

Durant bowed in thanks, saying, "I certainly haven't given her any decent jewelry."

After saying that, Durant took out the pearl necklace and stuffed it into his pocket, while throwing the wooden box aside.

“This wooden box is quite exquisite; I think it would be better if you sent it along with the other items.”

After reminding him, Rod added, "This is just my personal opinion and is not authoritative."

Rhodes himself only dated Avril, so he can't give random advice on this matter.

"oh oh."

Durant thought for a moment, then took the necklace out again and put it back in the wooden box.

Rhodes placed the other wooden boxes on the table and said to Vivian, "These are all jewelry and gemstone ornaments. Pick whichever you like."

Rod realized he hadn't given any gifts before, so he added, "Pick one for your sister too."

"Your Excellency, may I only choose one item?"

Vivian asked cautiously.

"Of course not, you two can have them if you like."

Rhodes pushed the box forward.

It was just a few pieces of jewelry; Rhodes certainly wouldn't hesitate to part with them.

"Thank you, Your Excellency!"

Vivian tossed aside the box of gold coins and began selecting jewelry from the various boxes.

It has to be said that women still like pretty things.

Rod snapped out of his reverie and stared at the other wooden boxes in the trunk.

"Where is the extraordinary gem? Is Slor trying to scam me?"

Rhodes' progress on the Extraordinary Lord stat is still far from complete, and he desperately wants the Extraordinary Gem.

As he spoke, Rod opened the wooden box in his hand.

"Eh?"

Rod's eyes lit up—a palm-sized badge lay inside the wooden box.

Rod reached out and took it out; a cool sensation came from his fingertips.

The badge is made of dark metal with a bronze-like luster, but it is unusually heavy.

It looks neither like copper nor iron.

The badge is nearly circular in shape, with a spiral pattern on one side.

The other side is engraved with intricate patterns, with strokes as fine as hair, densely packed.

"It looks like wizard runes..."

Rhodes made his guesses, but he couldn't sense any fluctuations in magic.

Without hesitation, Rhodes closed his eyes and slowly extended his mental energy toward the badge.

A chill ran through him instantly, and Rhodes shivered.

As Rhode continued to explore with his mental energy, he immediately felt an invisible resistance coming towards him, as if his head had hit an invisible membrane.

Rod rammed into it with force, but was instantly bounced back.

"interesting."

Despite the obstacles, Rhodes was not bothered at all; instead, a smile appeared on his face.

After searching for a while, I actually found something good.

Although we don't know what it is yet, the fact that it can block Rhodes's mental power of 13.4 means it's definitely not an ordinary item.

"Stop picking out jewelry, Vivian."

Rhodes placed the ancient badge in front of Vivian. "Look at it carefully. Have your sister check alchemical texts to see what this is."

"Ok."

Vivian put down the jewelry she was holding and stared intently at the badge.

Rod continued searching.

Unfortunately, the remaining items were mostly jewelry and handicrafts and had no real value.

The other boxes contained animal hides and herbs, which had some value but offered no surprises.

Rod was immediately disappointed.

"This liar is a complete fraud."

Rhodes cursed under his breath and waved his hand, "Have the guards pack these things back into the boxes and take them back to Frostleaf Town."

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Durant nodded and immediately summoned the guards.

Just as he was about to take action, Rhodes decided to take one last look.

But upon closer inspection, something was amiss.

"Durant, do you see that the inside of these two boxes is not the same height?"

Rhodes pointed inside and asked, "Look at this chest for animal hides, isn't it even higher inside?"

Before Durant could answer, Rod crouched down and tapped the bottom of the box with his hand.

dong dong dong.

The wood, which should have been solid, sounded slightly hollow.

Rod's lips curled up. "Take the bottom apart for me."

"Yes, my lord."

Durant pulled out his dagger and traced the wood grain with his fingers.

In the left corner, Durant spotted a barely visible gap.

Durant used his dagger to pry open the wooden board at the bottom, making a slight clicking sound, and one corner of the entire board lifted up.

Sure enough, with a little force, the baseboard was lifted up.

"Sir, there really is a hidden compartment!" Durant exclaimed with delight.

Rhodes nodded and looked inside.

Inside were exquisite little compartments, stuffed with animal hides to imprison extraordinary gemstones.

There are four in total: green, red, blue, and purple.

These are all things Rhodes needs.

In the fifth, largest compartment, there was a scroll the size of a palm.

"It seems Slor wasn't lying."

A smile spread across Rhodes' face as he took out all the extraordinary gems one by one and put them away carefully.

Then Rhodes took out the scroll and examined it carefully.

“My lord, this looks very similar to the scroll in Slor’s hand.”

Durant reminded him, "It's the one with the paralyzing effect."

"Ah."

Rhodes nodded. "Let's keep this and take it back for further research."

It's best not to open anything that's unknown, or if there are past mistakes to be made.

Rhodes put the scroll into the box and instructed, "Pack up the rest of the things."

"Yes, my lord."

Durant nodded, and was about to leave when Rod called him back.
"And have the guards bring Vika to me."

(End of this chapter)