"In simple terms, it's about letting those eyes discover opportunities on their own."

Hill Fawkes picked up a pen and sketched a tree diagram on a blank sheet of paper. "Since our payment is for information rather than individuals, the more valid information returned within the same timeframe, the greater the reward. To obtain more news, they will inevitably seek out their own eyes, which, in His Majesty's words, is called developing a network."

"I see," Edith quickly grasped the key. "To keep the network loyal, the upper level must also provide certain benefits, which gives the lower level the possibility of continuing to develop its own network."

Hill nodded. "You're absolutely right. Whether they are sentries or scouts, they are all individual endpoints, and they will not change no matter how long it takes. This makes the information they obtain relatively reliable, but it is also limited by their field of vision."

"But rats are always rats..." Iron Axe frowned.

"No, sir, the most interesting thing about this method is that the upper and lower levels do not represent superior and subordinate ranks. A soldier's superior is always an officer, but a rat's subordinate is not necessarily a rat."

"As long as the benefits are right, a rat can turn a noble into its own eyes," Edith said, word by word.

A hint of admiration appeared in Hill's eyes. "That's right, benefits aren't just gold dragons. Everyone has different needs, and whether or not you understand those needs has nothing to do with social class. This means that the development of the network may cross social strata. The current intelligence is extremely fragmented and vague because of the rats' limited field of vision. When the intelligence network expands to the upper levels, the value of the news will inevitably increase."

Iron Axe pondered for a moment. "Even so, it will probably take quite a long time for those eyes to contact people in higher positions."

"If it were normal times, that would indeed be the case," Hill replied. "But now, Eternal Winter is undergoing drastic changes, and I think the expansion of the intelligence network may be even faster than we imagine. In fact, these scattered pieces of news have already hinted at this."

"For example?" Iron Axe stroked his chin.

Hill smiled. "According to statistics, the content about nobles in recent intelligence is decreasing, and even when it exists, it is mostly negative news, such as orgies and street fights. For those in power, this is definitely not the state they should be in during wartime. It indirectly reflects that the upper echelons of Eternal Winter have deviated from their original functions, and the pressure they are under is constantly increasing, so they can only use this method to alleviate it. Tracing its origin, this change is likely to have started when the First Army's migration team defeated the nobles' ambush."

He paused and continued, "Although I was still in Radiant Dawn City at that time, I can imagine the blow this news dealt to the nobles. Once people's hearts are shaken, opportunities will arise. People who are usually looked down upon can become lifesavers at certain times—please rest assured, sir, that day shouldn't be too far away."

*******************

Eternal Winter, Snow Reflection Castle.

"I apologize for keeping everyone waiting. The master is unwell today and unable to receive guests. Please return, gentlemen," the butler bowed to the crowd in the hall. "Once the master's health improves, he will definitely give everyone an explanation."

The hall erupted in an uproar.

"We've been waiting for weeks! Even if he's possessed by an evil disease, he can't even come out to meet us?"

"I don't need any bullsh*t explanation. I fought the battles for him, so where is the promised territory?"

"That's right, even if he can't meet us, he can still hand over the land deeds!"

"This butler is lying. I clearly saw Viscount Nos enter the castle yesterday and only come out after two hours!"

"Don't even mention Viscount, there are many tavern dancers going in every day. Does the Duke not seek out sages and scholars when he's sick, but instead specializes in zhaonu?"

"Please watch your words," the butler cleared his throat, his tone turning cold. "You may have been accustomed to being unrestrained for too long because you lost your territories, but don't forget that since you decided to serve the Duke of the Northern Lands, you are the master's vassals. The crime of defaming the monarch, I think you gentlemen should know better than me! The weather like this, staying in prison is not more comfortable than a hotel."

With this warning, the guards standing at the door also took two steps forward, their armor making rustling sounds.

The noise in the hall immediately subsided a lot.

Obviously, starting a conflict here would be detrimental to everyone, both morally and rationally.

The butler also softened his tone. "I know everyone is anxious, but the priority now is to defeat the Graycastle rebels. Please be patient. By the way, the master will hold a banquet in the castle's banquet hall tonight to reward everyone. Although he cannot attend, he still hopes everyone will have a good time."

Probably because of the banquet, the last bit of dissatisfaction was temporarily suppressed, and people grumbled as they walked out of the hall.

Once outside the castle, the topic of conversation changed from demanding debts to the food and women at the evening banquet.

Only Fuller returned to the hotel in low spirits.

After this period of contact, all that remained in his heart for Duke Maven was deep disappointment.

If the defeat in the Frostwind Town battle was because the Graycastle people were more skilled in the use of weapons and had a stronger fighting spirit, then they could learn from their lessons and try again. But what did the Duke do? Not only did he run away at the first sign of battle, but he also locked himself in Snow Reflection Castle, as if he had completely forgotten the grand ambitions he had set when he set out on the expedition.

Not only that, but he also delayed the promised fiefdom—not every noble who participated in the expedition was like this. For example, Viscount Nos could freely enter and leave the castle, while those who were turned away were knights like them, who were already living under someone else's roof.

Clearly, when they set out on the expedition, the Duke had expressed considerable appreciation for him.

Breaking one's word is a major taboo for a monarch, but Maven was obviously no longer concerned about face in order to protect his own territory.

Fuller joined Maven's command to find an opportunity to revive his family. However, now, not to mention a fiefdom, even the retainers and guards who followed him were killed in that battle. At this moment, he could be considered truly alone.

Can a knight without retainers or a fiefdom still be considered a noble? Others have the capital to drag on, but what about him? Who will recognize his family in a year or half a year? Of course, if the demons could defeat Roland Wimbledon, Duke Maven would gain great power, and helping him revive his family would be easy. The problem is... given the face he is showing now, would he really be willing to reach out and pull up someone who is penniless?

Completely entrusting his fate to others, or leaving a way out for himself as much as possible?

Fuller walked back and forth in the bedroom, finally stopping slowly.

He came to the table and took out a folded envelope from the bottom of the drawer.

After hesitating, he gently tore open the seal.

And inside lay a pure black card.