Viscount Dolgoruki.

During the player's investigation at the saltpeter ranch, they were able to find only this name. It was as if only this person was trading with the Fallen, and the others were completely unaware of it.

This is obviously not possible.

The Brotherhood of the Far North is composed of a county and a number of subordinate viscounts.

Dolgoruki was not the most authoritative viscount of them all, nor was he the most loyal to Count Yuri, he did not have the strength, nor the guts to approach the Fallen on behalf of the others.

This requires no reasoning at all.

The truth is already in front of us.

- Viscount Ostov Dolgoruki, just a target, a scapegoat pushed out by the Far Northern Brotherhood.

Only then did Annan realize that they had already made a plan "if they were discovered...... And the content of this plan is to push out Viscount Dolgoruki and the entire Dolgoruki family behind him to take the blame.

"Are you trying to stall for time......?"

Annan thought to himself.

Regardless of who came up with the "Enough Gold" plan, who taught them the Curse Cellar technique, why they believed it and why they agreed to it...... All in all, all they need now is time.

If Annan did not know about the "satifty" plan, then he came to knock out the Dolgoruki family, which can be regarded as a successful political goal.

First of all, their arrest with tangible evidence undoubtedly suppressed the arrogance of the northern nobles and increased the deterrent effect on other inland nobles.

And through the torture of the Winter Hand, they can also end their communication channels with the outside world...... If you are careful, you can even touch the handles of several of his "accomplices".

A great harvest.

It could even be said to be a big victory - if there were no surprises after that, the Far Northern Brotherhood would never be able to make any waves.

However, Annan knew about the sufficiency plan.

Then he will be able to perceive......

"—This is a gecko's tail cutoff plan."

The Far Northern Brotherhood buys time by ceding a large number of political interests and shrinking its sphere of influence on a large scale.

In this way, it can be said that there is a second layer.

But here's the problem.

Annan learned of the evidence of the Dolgoruki family's collusion with the Fallen, in the same place where he learned about the "Enough Gold" program.

Since they had already prepared for the discovery of "evidence of collusion with the degenerates", were they so sure that the "suffocation" plan would not be spread?

So what if their purpose was to hope that Annan would think that "they are just stalling for time"?

This is the third layer - and it goes around again.

Now the question is what level they are on.

"There are wise men in the north......"

Annan thought with interest.

There is only one question, and Annan has not thought it through for the time being.

Now that the Far Northern Brotherhood has used the "Viscount Dolgoruky" as a bait, it has been thrown directly in front of Annan's eyes.

How can they be sure that there is absolutely no way that Annan will convince him to divulge information...... Or are they so sure that Viscount Dolgoruki can withstand the torture of the Winter Hand?

Well, the other way around.

Annan took a deep look at the man in military uniform with a scar on his face beside him.

- Is he really Viscount Dolgoruki?

As if sensing Annan's gaze, Ostov Dolgoruki suddenly turned around, nodded at Annan, and smiled kindly.

The smile made Annan squint slightly.

If he really is Viscount Dolgoruky...... It's too calm, isn't it?

Annan temporarily gave up the idea of jumping his face and arresting people directly.

Because he smelled the trap—

And Annan understands it deeply...... Don't be afraid of pitfalls.

Just need to crack the opponent's trap, but it will put the enemy at a disadvantage. Because there is too much information in the trap, it will in turn expose the other party's situation and what the other party knows about you.

This is undoubtedly an opportunity.

And when Annan perceived their route, this feeling became even more apparent:

After leaving the metro station in Wrangel Province, and after walking a little west, you will come across a high mountain.

Although it was the first time he saw it, Annan was immediately recognizable that this was Franshan, which is also the origin of the name Wrangel.

The name Fran means "deep well" in the Elven language, and it is one of the few mines in the dead of winter, producing rare coal resources.

In front of them was a rugged mountain road.

Even though the small barrier had blocked the cold blizzard outside, it still couldn't stop the chill seeping out from the ground.

It's noon, but I don't feel any warmth.

The mountain air was damp and cold, as if it were sticking to the soles of your shoes. This is not so much the "road" to the Viscount's Mansion as it is the narrow path that leads to the mountain hunter's hut.

Not only is there no paving, but even the dirt on the road has not been completely leveled, and its width is not even enough for more than four people.

The only difference between it and the jungle is that it still cuts down trees, occasionally stepping on undug roots or tripping over rocks.

This can't help but make one wonder - is this road really walked by people on weekdays?

Or rather......

"Under such traffic conditions, how can the Viscount's daily food and drink be delivered?"

Citalopram asked.

She's not a Winter Hand, but she's more or less a young girl. It's not rude to ask such a question in her capacity, and it doesn't seem like a forced question.

"Actually, there is another way up the mountain, which goes up from the west side of the mountain in a half-circle. Just the place where the opening is too far from the metro station...... Rather, we're on the trail here. But a little further up, you can see the road. ”

"As for the miners," explained the viscount, "they generally enter through the caves on the south side and do not need to climb up the hill ......"

As he spoke, he led the group out of the forest.

Suddenly there was a clear opening in front of me - although there were still no stone slabs, it was a smooth and spacious dirt road that went up the mountain. The Viscount's House is at the top.

"Lord Viscount, do you usually live so high?"

Citalopram asked, "Wouldn't that be inconvenient?" ”

"Ah, because I like to see the sea."

"Sea view?"

"yes, you probably haven't seen the map. Beyond the Fran Mountains and further west, the Black Sea...... That is, the sea north of Noah. ”

The viscount smiled softly and calmly introduced, "If you live on the top of the mountain, you can see a beautiful sunset at dusk every day. This is the most beautiful sight that can be seen in a desolate place like Wrangel. ”

Annan narrowed his eyes slightly.

Unexpected ...... Annan felt that the viscount was not lying.

But he always had a vague feeling...... Something seems to be wrong.

Zoya also seemed a little silent, she hadn't said a word since she saw the viscount, and quietly followed Annan, as if thinking about something.

(End of chapter)