...

...

"You truly have foresight."

Camille nodded slightly, hesitated for a moment before speaking, "You will definitely station troops here if you open a mine."

"I hope your mining site can form a military alliance with Ice Breath Town so that we can jointly address threats."

"Oh, I understand what you mean."

Luo De nodded slightly.

Luo De trusts Baron Camille's sincerity.

But given the current strength of Ice Breath Hills, this hardly counts as an alliance. It is more likely that Luo De's people will help station troops at Ice Breath Hills to deter others and alien races.

As someone who traveled from Blue Star, Luo De has seen much in his previous life.

In the name of project development, increase troop deployment and provide military assistance.

"Your idea is indeed good."

After thinking, Luo De said, "But it's not good enough. I think we can go deeper."

"Deeper?"

Camille furrowed her brow slightly, then realizing her impoliteness, quickly relaxed and gestured,

"Please, go ahead."

"I don't know the exact location of your copper mine, but I think just having a mine isn't enough, especially since my people need to live."

Luo De waved his hand, asking Vivian to bring out a map, and opened it.

Luo De pointed at it and said,

"You might as well give me the land usage rights, so my farmers can cultivate the land here, and my hunters can hunt around."

"Only in this way can I have a stable mining site and troops. I can assist you if there's danger at Ice Breath Hills."

Luo De drew a line between Ice Breath Hills and Black Pine Ridge,

"Otherwise, it's too far away, and a copper mine to me... is not very significant."

If Camille is sharp enough, she can sense that Luo De is talking about "significance," not "benefit."

In fact, what Luo De truly values is the position of Serpent Tail Valley.

Serpent Tail Valley is very small, located near Frozen Bone Wasteland. It's so small that it's hard to see on the map.

But this location is relatively central to the western part of Northern Wasteland.

To the west is Ice Breath Town, to the east is Frozen Bone Wasteland, to the south is Long Winter Town and Frost Town.

Originally, Black Pine Ridge was too far from these places and was in a position beyond reach.

However, if there is such a mountain stronghold, Luo De will have a front outpost in the western part of Northern Wilderness.

Of course, a crucial point here is Camille the Lord's presence.

If Luo De only has the front outpost, then it's just a lonely village, weak and isolated.

If something happens, Luo De won't be able to provide support in time.

But if there's military assistance with Ice Breath Town, then the outpost can develop calmly.

Luo De is confident in turning the stronghold into a fortress within three years.

As for the so-called only twenty years of usage rights...

Even if Luo De belittles himself, he is confident in turning limited usage rights into permanent territory within twenty years.

If it's merely a standalone mining site, as Luo De said, it's not very significant.

After all, Black Pine Ridge hasn't been fully developed, nor has Razor Plain, Ice Blade Valley, or even Frozen Bone Wasteland.

Camille, as the Lord, though unsure of Luo De's intentions, can't help but start contemplating.

After all, it's her territory, and according to Luo De's intent, it's essentially a land cession.

"The land of Ice Breath Hills is even more vast than Black Pine Ridge."

Luo De, seeing her hesitation, proactively spoke, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding desert before finally settling back on Camille,

"Baron Camille, even if my people don't cultivate these lands, they're still wasted."

"Temporarily leaving it to me doesn't actually cost you anything."

"Honestly, if you weren't the daughter of Marquis Moon Lake."

Luo De shook his head with a smile, "I wouldn't care about such a distant place."

"Don't forget, Frozen Bone Wasteland currently doesn't have a lord, and the land there is closer to me."

Luo De's words moved Camille.

"You're right."

Camille nodded seriously, "In the desert, land isn't as valuable; slaves and talents are more important."

"Of course, for the copper mine, I will have to send people to guard it."

Luo De sighed and said, "They can't solely rely on shipments for food."

"Alright, Baron Luo De."

Camille eventually nodded, "But you mustn't overdo it and affect my territory's cultivation."

"Certainly not."

Luo De drew a diagonal line on the map, "We won't go beyond this. If needed, we'll develop eastward."

The east Luo De mentioned was Frozen Bone Wasteland—though it won't be needed early on.

"We can plan the specific boundaries when we sign the agreement."

"Alright, let's settle this then."

Camille nodded generously,

"I'll return now and have the chef prepare a banquet to entertain you. After the meal, we can discuss thoroughly in the evening."

"There's no hurry. There are still many things to arrange afterward."

Luo De refused without hesitation, then explained,

"Tonight, the battlefield needs cleaning, deserters need capturing, and many matters need handling. I don't have time to enjoy the banquet now."

"I suppose Ice Breath Town also requires Baron Camille to take care of many affairs?" Luo De asked rhetorically.

"You're right."

Camille quickly reacted, "I was too hurried. You handle your matters first; I also need to return to attend to the town's affairs."

"If you feel tired, you can rest at my manor anytime."

"Alright."

Luo De nodded with a bow, Camille slightly bowed in return, then quickly turned and called her attendants, heading back to Frost Leaf Town.

Luo De turned around; Kael was already sitting with Seronie, laughing and leaning against the giant wild boar.

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