King of the North: My Lord's Diary Weekly Summary

Their concerns stem from loyalty and a sense of responsibility to protect their territory, which is good.

But as a lord, he must see the bigger picture.

"Your concerns are very valid."

Wayne spoke calmly and began his internal explanation: "But my decision is based on three considerations."

First, the reality of survival—our current strength is insufficient.

The Federation's supplies, intelligence, and stealth protection will enable us to better get through this winter and many more seasons, and live stronger lives.

The obligations we need to make are clear and can be planned; it's a worthwhile trade for survival.

Ronald nodded, but there was still doubt in his eyes.

"The second layer is the strategic space."

Wayne took out a pen and paper he always carried with him and simply drew a few squares: "Our position is special, isolated here like a torch in a blizzard."

By joining the federation, we became a node on the defense line.

More importantly—

He looked at Wright: "Through the Alliance network, we can access other lords, trade routes, and even resources at the kingdom level."

Independence may seem like freedom, but in reality, it means giving up the opportunity for faster development in the coming decades.

Lett nodded; he clearly understood the value of it.

"The third, and most important one."

Wayne lowered his voice, but it was clear enough: "The Duke's attitude."

Upon closer inspection, the obligations of the independent option and the joining option are almost identical—both require sending troops to assist in defense.

This means that the Duke did not offer the option of 'true independence' at all.

All Northern lords are part of the border defense system; the only difference is whether you are a passive pawn or a partner with the opportunity to speak out.

He looked at the two knights: "Refusing the Alliance will not bring you freedom, but only isolation and marginalization."

In the North, being cut off by the Duke's network would be more dangerous than facing the barbarians.

Ronald pondered for a moment, then slowly exhaled: "I understand."

This isn't about choosing whether or not to be managed, but rather choosing "what role to play on the chessboard."

"That's exactly right."

Wayne raised his glass: "We need to reach a consensus."

In the upcoming negotiations, I will strive for flexibility in the terms. You observe the details—Rachel and Karen's reactions will tell us where the Duchy's true bottom line and attitude lie.

The three clinked glasses and drank the beer in one gulp.

There are some things that Wayne cannot say right now, even to the knight he trusts most.

As Ronald and Wright began discussing the specific details of the terms, Wayne's gaze seemed to be fixed on the food, but his thoughts sank into a darker, colder level of deduction.

Federation?

No, this was never a simple military mutual aid organization.

Rachel's gesture of presenting the agreement suggested that she was still somewhat welcoming of it.

However, just as she herself said, what the North values ​​is strength and worth.

The Duke needs pieces, that's true, but he needs even more pieces that can think for themselves and play their maximum role in their designated positions.

Wayne's annihilation of the mountain bandits and killing of the Northern Barbarian Holy Servant proved that he was not a piece of rotten wood.

Now, the Duke is going to put him in one of the squares on the chessboard.

No, to be precise, the Duke intended to place himself in the hands of a pawn.

That chess piece is Rachel.

The Alliance is that chessboard, or rather, a grid layer covering the real North.

Joining means officially entering this layer of the grid's monitoring and scheduling system, and at the same time being utilized.

So-called "intelligence sharing" is essentially a monopoly on the right to hand over and distribute information.

The Dukes of Quintu have cultivated this land for generations, and this network has long existed and its tentacles are deeply embedded.

But this is precisely one of the reasons he had to join – only by entering the system could he see its operating rules, know which information could be hidden, which channels could be used, and which rules could be circumvented.

Similarly, only by entering the system can one have a nominal path to advancement—of course, the most basic rule is strength, and it is precisely because one does not have that decisive strength that one can only follow this rule for now.

On a deeper level, why does the Duke need this new system of "Association"?

Traditionally, the northern border was defended by the Kingdom's border guards and the Duke's personal guard.

However, the first agreement stipulated that Rachel, as an extension of the Duke's will, would supervise him, the lord, and even direct him under certain circumstances...

When considered in the context of the geographical location of the Wayne Territory, the implications become much clearer.

He himself had been handpicked by the Duke to become Rachel's garrison weapon, the true person in charge of this territory.

The bandits were the testing ground for selecting weapons.

Furthermore, the fact that I was chosen to be the "border weapon" in this important position near the border defense zone does not prove that I am more useful than other pioneering barons... or even viscounts and earls.

This basically means that it is a consumable weapon.

Thinking about it this way, the subsidies that year, and the subsequent merit system, seemed so reasonable, with each step filtering its own price range and continuously reaping its own value.

Information gap, developing secretly?

The Duke had already set up an intelligence network!

But for Wayne, he had to accept the challenge, and accepting it was the best option for him.

First, if one does not join the alliance, the only remaining opportunity is to become dependent on the border guards—if one does not choose this path, one will not even be worthy of the position of a consumable weapon.

Second, he needs time.

If you want to start mining, you probably can't hide your iron ore anymore. The key is to set up a plan before mining starts so that people don't find out you have the relevant capabilities.

However, the Duke certainly wouldn't know about the settlement capabilities.

All I need to do is make good use of this year, using it as a weapon while utilizing these dozens of settlements to survive, complete missions, and secretly grow stronger!

In this way, even if one gradually enters the Duke's perspective, even if one does not yet have the ability to compete with him, one will certainly have more choices.

If one year isn't enough, try two; if dozens of settlements aren't enough, then try a hundred. Wayne will never be content to be anyone's weapon or vassal!

He will possess greater power, not just becoming an unshakeable core of the North.

With this thought in mind, Wayne's last trace of hesitation vanished.

He knew he was stepping into a larger, more complex game.

But since fate had cast him to this land, he had no choice but to pick up the chess pieces in front of him and carefully make each move.

At least for now, he has a clear view of one corner of the chessboard and knows the role he should play for the time being.

He put down his wine glass, his eyes regaining their clarity.

"Let's go."

Wayne stood up and straightened his clothes: "It's time to exchange intelligence with our allies."