Chapter 697: Chapter 697 - 394: The Chess Player

In the dead of night, the warmth left by the departing family lingered in the study.But once the door was gently closed, this warmth receded like the tide, leaving only a lamp casting Louis's shadow long and slender.He sat alone at the desk, the gentleness in his eyes gradually fading away, replaced by the calmness unique to a Lord.That temperament was like a blade sheathed again, unseen but carrying a distinct aura.The fire lacquer seal bore the tidal emblem of the Calvin Clan, the family's highest-level urgent secret letter."Sir, it's a personal letter from the Duke."Louis looked up, his expression calm, devoid of any emotion fluctuation, not even displaying surprise.Because half a month ago, the Daily Intelligence System had already updated relevant intelligence.Duke Calvin had a secret meeting with Church Court's Special Envoy Salomon, reaching a secret agreement to provide funds for Louis to disrupt the Northern Territory and constrain the Imperial Northern Army.Now this letter was merely a belated prop in the script.But Louis still took the letter, casually picked up the paper cutter, and unfolded the letter.The contents brought an inexplicable feeling of an old actor repeating an old routine.The gist of the letter: The Empire is in turmoil, and this is the Calvin Clan's chance to return to the summit.Louis, you are the family's sharpest sword, the hope of the Northern Territory.For the Northern Territory and the family, you should cut off the Imperial Northern Army's supplies and create border friction.Once successful, the family will fully support you to become the true king of the Northern Territory.Beautiful rhetoric, exaggerated vision, ambiguous promises.But the Duke never mentioned a word about the huge military funds from the Church Court.After reading the letter, a cool smile slowly appeared on Louis's lips.In others' eyes, this letter was his father's entrustment to his son, the family's trust.But in his eyes, it was nothing short of a pathetic clown performance."Real silver and gold first into your own treasury, then have me use Red Tide Territory's blood to fulfill your dream. Father, do you think I don't understand, or do you think I will pretend not to understand?"Louis's eyes carried an indifference and disinterest after seeing through the scheming.Louis handed the letter to Bradley, "Have a look; this is my father's grand plan."Bradley took the letter and read line by line, his brow furrowing tighter and tighter.He didn't know the military funds were secretly taken by the Duke, but he was smart enough to see the danger this posed to Red Tide Territory.Cutting off supplies, provoking the Northern Army, this was strapping the entire Red Tide Territory to a powder keg.This wasn't supporting Louis but pushing him off a cliff.The old butler's hand trembled slightly as he held the letter; he knew the cunning of his former master."Young Master," Bradley lowered his voice, "this matter. the risk is too great.