Kroeber used the proton method he learned from his previous life.
The original proton method simply required the enemy to send their own children to the enemy country as a sign of good faith.
But Kroeber felt that for someone like Lucas, family interests were far more important than his one son.
He can still have another son, but if his family is destroyed, it will be a fatal blow to him.
This is the clan concept unique to this world.
Every child born into an aristocratic family is instilled with the idea that family is the most important thing from a young age, and as they grow up, this idea is deepened step by step.
To put it bluntly, this is brainwashing.
It's just that this is the way things are in this world. The more powerful the nobles are, the more they value this kind of education, and even the royal family of the Emerald Kingdom is no exception.
That's why Kroeber admired Alvis I so much.
Despite opposition from many nobles, he was able to set aside the opposition and demarcate the southern wilderness that originally belonged to the kingdom, and support his sister in establishing the Grand Duchy of Gold.
This is a breath of fresh air in the aristocratic atmosphere where family interests are paramount.
Although the Emerald Kingdom did not actually occupy the Southern Wilderness at that time, the Emerald Kingdom was the only country near the Southern Wilderness.
At that time, all the nobles in the kingdom believed that the southern wilderness was already in the hands of the Emerald Kingdom.
Unexpectedly, Veronica showed up halfway.
Everyone knows what happened next.
Veronica changed her surname to Chijin, founded a new family, established the Grand Duchy of Gold, and became the ruler of an independent country.
It was only to prevent his brother from being criticized by the nobles that he announced that the Grand Duchy of Gold would become a vassal state of the Emerald Kingdom.
But in reality, the Golden Duchy did not fulfill any of the obligations that a vassal state should fulfill, and it was just a superficial claim.
Lucas is an aristocrat who was educated with the idea of family supremacy.
For him, he bears the burden of being the patriarch and is responsible for his family.
"Sir, can we discuss this further? If you take everything away, won't I be the only one left in the Crab Claw Family?"
Lucas was in tears. After being easily defeated by Krober, he no longer had any desire to resist.
Because we really can’t beat them!
"Yes, Viscount Lucas, I'm just making a suggestion. If you disagree, I naturally have other options for you to choose from."
Krober teased the elf on his shoulder and said nonchalantly.
"Excellent, thank you for your kindness, sir. What is your second option?"
Lucas asked excitedly. As long as the condition was not too harsh, he would agree to it no matter what.
"Don't you want your people to accompany you? It's so simple!
I killed them all and buried their bodies in the garden of this castle. This way you will have your people by your side all the time. How wonderful is that?"
Light words came out of Krober's mouth, but the content of the words made Lucas feel cold all over.
"Lord Krober, I am willing to send all members of the Crab Claw Family to live on Black Feather Island! Please be kind and spare us."
Lucas was convinced. He believed that Kroeber dared to destroy the Crab Claw Family.
Just as he had originally said, Edwin Bronze Fury would not spend a penny or do anything for a dead viscount's family.
But Krober had a hold on his weak spot, forcing him to surrender.
Krober stopped teasing Ivy who was sitting on his shoulder and focused his attention on Lucas.
After staring for a long time, Krober slowly nodded.
"Go gather the tribesmen. Before I came here, I already had a detailed understanding of the population of the Crab Claw Clan. Don't try to be clever."
"Yes, sir."
Lucas endured the severe pain in his body, struggled to stand up, saluted to Krober, turned around and left the insect room.
After Lucas left, Krober had already constructed a map of the southern region of the Emerald Kingdom in his mind.
"Red Crab Island is suitable as a transit hub. Next, we can capture a city on land as an outpost."
In the entire territory of the Emerald Kingdom, Red Crab Island is the island closest to the Golden Duchy.
But on the other hand, it is also the southernmost island in the territory of the Emerald Kingdom and is relatively remote.
It is acceptable as a transportation and trade route, but if a war breaks out, the military value of Red Crab Island may not be that high.
But as a necessary place for trade between the two countries, Red Crab Island itself has high economic value.
Besides, Lucas himself is an Earth Knight after all, and he should have some status in Edwin Bronze Wrath's forces.
Therefore, Krober hopes to turn Lucas into his own secret agent, constantly transmitting intelligence from Edwin Bronze Wrath's side, so that he can take appropriate measures to respond.
And although Lucas is apparently the boss of Red Crab Island, in fact, from today on, most of the income of Red Crab Island will flow into Krober's pocket.
He would only leave Lucas a small amount of funds to maintain the territory's turnover, so as to avoid being discovered by others.
"Well, then the furniture in the castle can't be dismantled. It would be bad if someone visiting noticed something unusual."
Even Kroeber himself admired his kindness. There were not many good bosses in the world who cared about their subordinates like him.
Kroeber touched Ivy's hair with satisfaction. Among these elves, his favorite was the shy corn elf Ivy.
Although it is just an ordinary crop elf, Ivy's personality is what Kropper likes the most.
As for Annie and Winnie, Kroeber also liked them very much. He liked to touch the small fins on their faces.
As for the crab claw grass elf Pandora, well... Kroeber is not very interested.
While he was playing with these elves, Pandora just floated quietly by the side, without any intention of joining in.
Through contract sensing, Kroeber discovered that Pandora had no corresponding emotions in her heart. She was like a stagnant pool of water, without any ripples.
Kroeber speculates that some of the elves' personalities may be related to their previous races before evolution.
For example, crab claw grass itself is somewhat toxic, colorless and odorless, and its appearance is like a weed, looking inconspicuous.
Therefore, Pandora, who was born from the crab claw grass, may also have some corresponding characteristics.
Kroeber accepted this, since Pandora was already his elf, and he was always generous with his property.
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