Chapter 661 316: Sudden Capitulation_3
"Well done."
Luo De nodded and praised, "You saved me a lot of trouble."
Even without the skinny rat, Luo De could have taken the border town, but the process might have been more complicated, or the completeness of the city walls could have been compromised.
After all, Luo De still had the devastating weapon, Yanjig, unused.
As long as Yanjig had time, ordinary city walls could not stop it.
"It is our honor to serve you!"
The skinny rat responded with utmost respect.
Although he was just a "mouse" of the border town, he was no fool.
After following Luo De through two incidents, the skinny rat had realized that the future of Lord Rod was immeasurable.
Especially now, in the turbulent times of the Empire, Luo De would surely rise.
The skinny rat felt he must seize this opportunity—not only for himself but for his master.
"If you are willing, there's another thing you can do for me."
Luo De looked at the skinny rat and unceremoniously commanded, "Take me to the Lord Manor in the border town."
The Marquis Cold Blade's residence was not only Frost Castle but also had a Lord Manor in the border town for leisure and handling territorial affairs.
"No problem, Lord Luo De!"
The skinny rat agreed without hesitation, "Please follow me."
The skinny rat quickly moved forward, and Luo De led the Frost Winter Knight behind.
After resolving the garrison, Seronie and Wolfhoof immediately urged their mounts to follow in Luo De's footsteps.
...
...
The Lord Manor was located in the center of the border town, surrounded by various shops and courtyards.
Even from afar, a three-meter-high stone wall could be seen surrounding the entire manor.
The battlements of the stone wall flickered with lights and figures moved about.
Upon closer inspection, the walls were lined with archers and guards, watching nervously as the surrounding army approached.
Beyond the stone wall, the manor's main building was also brightly lit, clearly aware of the anomaly at the city gate.
"Saint Master, taking this manor might require us to bring over our battering ram."
Wolfhoof suggested while looking at the manor's heavy wooden gates.
"No need,"
Luo De slightly shook his head, "The defensive facilities of the manor do not need to be preserved. Some with Frost and Thunder can handle it."
Luo De did not want a ruined city, so he did not destroy the city walls of the border town.
But a manor within a city was insignificant to Luo De.
If it's ruined, so be it.
Without any hesitation, Luo De blew his whistle.
Not long after the sharp sound echoed, the flapping of wings was heard from above, and the figures of Frost and Thunder gradually descended.
Just as Luo De was about to give the order, the soldiers on the high wall suddenly threw down their weapons.
"Eek—"
The manor's gate suddenly opened, and a young noble in formal wear slowly walked out.
He nodded slightly, a smile on his lips, and bowed to Luo De,
"Congratulations on taking the border town, honorable Baron Luo De of Tulip."
The young noble spoke steadily, "I am Lan Ao Cold Blade, heir of the Cold Blade Clan, and I hereby surrender unconditionally to you."
"Hmm?"
Luo De was a bit surprised.
Why the sudden capitulation?
Before Luo De could ponder further, Lan Ao spoke again with a smile,
"The assassination against you was entirely orchestrated by my sister, Winnie Cold Blade. I had no involvement in the entire process."
"Please do not trouble me, and grant me the proper noble prisoner treatment."
Lan Ao's smile was very gentle, every action exuding politeness and elegance, appearing as pristine as a white swan.
But Luo De could see a hint of calculation and calm hidden in Lan Ao's smile.
However, it's unwise to strike a smiling face, so Luo De couldn't just cut Lan Ao down because he didn't like the smile.
"With such courtesy, I certainly won't trouble you, Viscount Lan Ao."
Luo De said with a smile, "However, the normal procedures still need to be followed."
"Of course, please feel free."
Lan Ao voluntarily raised his arms, allowing the Frost Winter Knight to step forward and remove all the jewelry and items from him.
Typically, noble prisoners are allowed to keep the accessories they carry.
But Luo De couldn't be certain whether Lan Ao's belongings were ordinary or extraordinary items.
"If there's no issue, once your father ransoms you, I will return them to you."
Luo De said casually.
As for how to handle them in the end, no one was certain.
"I will grant you treatment befitting your status."
Luo De promised, "If you can introduce this manor to me in detail and chat about your sister's situation, I'll give you better prisoner treatment."
"I am very willing to cooperate with you."
Lan Ao slightly bowed and raised his hand, "Please, go ahead."