The words "Crystal Skeleton Cannon" seemed to possess a magical power, instantly drawing away all the air from the council chamber.

All eyes, like tangible probes, were focused on Lind.

Greed, desire, fear, assessment... all sorts of emotions are silently clashing.

"Although you have not witnessed the power of this thing, the fate of Grinburg speaks for itself."

Sir Barton continued, his tone somber.

"It is no ordinary weapon, but a strategic weapon capable of changing the course of the war! Its ownership and disposal must be handled with utmost care!"

Viscount Wald was the first to step forward, his voice booming:

"Your Excellency is absolutely right! How can such a divine weapon be monopolized by a single city or region? It should be under the unified command of the Imperial Military and placed in the safest and most strategically important location where it can exert its full power! My Wald family's 'Iron Wall' fortress is heavily fortified and has many engineers, making it the perfect place for its safekeeping and research!"

He made no secret of his desire for the cannon, seeing it as an opportunity for his family to rise in status.

"Lord Vald, you are mistaken!"

A count representing the interests of the powerful nobles in the rear immediately retorted.

"This thing is far too dangerous; Grinburg serves as a cautionary tale! If it is used forcibly and then goes out of control, the consequences will be unimaginable! It should be handed over to the Imperial Royal Alchemy Research Institute for analysis and research by the top scholars. Only after its secrets are fully understood and its safety ensured can its deployment be considered! Moving or using it rashly could lead to disaster!"

This is a typical "pragmatist" and "technical" perspective.

The military wanted to control its use; the nobles and scholars in the rear wanted to conduct research safely.

Lind, the actual recipient of the spoils, and the Truk family behind him, became the center of this storm of struggle.

All eyes were once again focused on Lind.

He stood in the center of the council chamber, bearing immense, invisible pressure.

The glory and honor of promotion had not yet faded when the cold reality of the struggle had already begun.

The Crystal Skeleton Cannon, a double-edged sword that destroyed Greenburg and was then seized by him, has now become a hot potato and the focus of power struggles among various parties.

He knew that every word he uttered and every decision he made from that moment on would profoundly impact the landscape of the North, and even his own destiny.

Linde took a deep breath, raised his head, his gaze calm and steady as he slowly swept over the representatives of the various parties who were arguing endlessly. Just as he was about to speak, a thought flashed through his mind like lightning.

Before leaving, Linde had actually obtained all the information about the cannon by deconstructing the halo, including its manufacturing method, manufacturing process, and how to use it.

For him, the cannon was actually a bargaining chip used to negotiate with various forces.

Lin De's mind raced, and he made a decision in an instant.

He met the scrutinizing gazes of all sides, his voice steady and resolute, carrying the confidence of a newly promoted viscount and the decisiveness honed on the battlefield:

"The considerations of all the gentlemen are reasonable."

He first made a conciliatory remark, then abruptly changed the subject.

"I have personally witnessed the destruction caused by this thing and know its terror. It is no ordinary weapon, but a deadly weapon containing magic. Rash use or improper handling may cause unpredictable disasters. Greenburg is a clear example."

He pointed out the risks, which made those who advocated for its use and relocation wary.

"What does Viscount Linde mean?"

Sir Barton asked in a deep voice, representing the most pragmatic interests of the military and the front lines—how to use this thing to strike the enemy.

"This cannon is not in good condition right now, and it's almost impossible to use it directly."

Linde pointed to a copy of the report on the current state of the Crystal Skeleton Cannon, which detailed the distortion of the barrel, the cracking of the base, the instability of the crystal skeleton, and the damage to the energy conduit.

"Forcing its relocation is extremely risky; even the slightest bump or attack along the way could have unimaginable consequences. Direct use would be tantamount to self-destruction. It is currently an extremely dangerous and unstable source."

He looked around at everyone, his gaze open and honest.

"However, the technological value contained in this object is immeasurable. If it can be analyzed and repaired, it will be a powerful weapon for our Kree Empire to fight against powerful enemies."

Therefore, I propose that the Imperial Royal Alchemy Society dispatch its top team of experts, equipped with necessary protective and stabilizing equipment, to Ironrock Fortress to conduct on-site research, assessment, and repair attempts.

Iron Rock Fortress is well-defended, far from the main battle line, and relatively safe.

After the association's experts complete their assessment, confirming its stable and controllable status, and have gained a preliminary understanding of its secrets, the military and the House of Nobles will jointly discuss its final ownership and deployment plan.

Linde's proposal was like a stone thrown into a lake, creating ripples.

He neither coveted this strategic weapon nor rashly handed it over to any side. Instead, he proposed a seemingly compromised but actually very pragmatic solution.

Wald: Although we can't get the cannons immediately, the damage to them is indeed a problem, and ultimately the military still has the final say. Iron Rock Fortress is still in the frontline area, so it's barely acceptable.

The Alchemy Guild: This is exactly what they wanted! The research was conducted by a specialized agency in a safe location, avoiding transportation risks.

After a brief silence and hushed discussions, Sir Barton exchanged glances with the King's envoy and the Earl's representative, and finally nodded slowly:

"Viscount Linde's considerations are thorough, and this proposal is very appropriate. It can both ensure security to the greatest extent and make full use of its value."

The Imperial Royal Alchemy Association will dispatch a team to Ironrock Fortress as soon as possible.

Viscount Wald, though somewhat disappointed, knew this was the most feasible solution at the moment, and said in a deep voice:

"Viscount Linde is truly virtuous! This arrangement is indeed prudent."

Other nobles echoed this sentiment, praising Linde for prioritizing the overall situation and the interests of the empire.

Linde bowed slightly, his face displaying just the right amount of humility:

"This is our duty. Although the Crystal Skeleton Cannon was captured by our unit, it is a sharp weapon of the Empire and should naturally be used by the Empire."

His "selfless" attitude immediately won the favor of most people present.

The King's envoy, representing the royal family, publicly praised Lind's loyalty and foresight.

The meeting ended, and the atmosphere was much more harmonious than at the beginning. Linde's act of "contributing" the Crystal Skeleton Cannon also earned him substantial rewards.

Before long, during the banquet, Viscount Wald approached Lind.

"Viscount Linde, your troops suffered heavy losses in the bloody battle of Grinburg. My family ranch still has some fine steeds, and I would like to donate fifty of them to you to help you rebuild the Knights' cavalry!"

Wald was the first to speak out.

Several other border nobles who were on good terms with the Truk family or wanted to forge a good relationship also followed suit, contributing ten or twenty horses each, quickly gathering nearly two hundred high-quality warhorses.

This was crucial for Lind to rebuild and expand his order of knights.

Not to be outdone, the Alchemist Association representative, an elderly man who looked quite old, stepped forward and excitedly grasped Lind's hand:

"Viscount Linde is a man of great virtue! The Association is deeply grateful! To express our gratitude, and to ensure that the Viscount and his warriors can better protect the Empire in the battles to come!"

He gestured to his assistant to bring out an exquisite mithril box. Inside, shimmering with a pale golden light, were six vials of potions.

"The Golden Elixir, Your Excellency should know its effects. This is a token of goodwill from the Alchemy Association. We hope Your Excellency will make good use of it."

Linde solemnly accepted the box:

"Thank you for the generous gift from the association! These potions are like a long-awaited rain for my warriors."

Iron Rock Fortress will be fully prepared and eagerly await the arrival of the association's masters.

"Okay, okay..."