Ethan sealed the letter with wax and handed it to Andy. "You're a member of the Duke's knight regiment, so you should be able to see the Duke in person. Deliver this letter to him directly. Make sure you hand it to him yourself, not through someone else."
Andy accepted the letter, still skeptical. "What's in this letter? Are you sure it will help me avoid punishment?"
Ethan smiled. "As I've already told you, if the Duke wants to punish you, no one can stop him, as this is an internal matter. However, this letter can at least help reduce the severity of your punishment to a manageable level."
"No!" Andy's hope waned. "I can't accept any punishment. You don't understand the Duke's principles. If he finds out I was involved in obstructing the North's supply chain, I'll be kicked out of the knight regiment. I can't accept that outcome. So, Sir Ethan, please retract the report you sent. That's the only way!"
"Are you a child?" Ethan frowned. "You're an adult. When adults make mistakes, they face the consequences. I have no obligation to retrieve the report, and I won't because it's just as important to me. I need the Duke to thoroughly investigate internal saboteurs—it concerns my safety and everyone in my territory. I understand your fear of losing your position. But rest assured, you'll be fine. The letter doesn't plead for you or clear your name. Instead, it aims to secure a new position for you."
Andy was puzzled. "A new position? How does that relate to avoiding punishment?"
Ethan grinned. "There are many ways to solve problems. The simplest method is to address the symptoms, not the root cause. For instance, if I pleaded for you or cleared your name, it wouldn't resolve your predicament. You might still face punishment like the others, which would be unfair to you. However, I've arranged a new position for you as a liaison officer, responsible for coordinating supply deliveries. My territory recently fended off a threat, proving its strength and safety. Thus, setting up a liaison officer to coordinate supplies is necessary. This role ensures scheduled, efficient deliveries, tailored to specific needs. If the Duke approves this plan, the North will flourish. And if he appoints you as the liaison officer, would he still expel you?"
Andy finally understood Ethan's plan. It was a roundabout way to save him, avoiding direct appeals but effectively achieving the same goal. Andy couldn't help but admire the clever strategy. But was this really the idea of a sixteen-year-old?
"Thank you, Sir Ethan. I understand your plan completely now," Andy said gratefully.
Ethan waved off the thanks. He wasn't helping Andy just because of the information. Andy's willingness to return and clean up proved he was sensible, showing he was risk-averse and thus easily controlled. Like young people who dared to defy authority due to a secure safety net, Andy's actions showed he needed stability. Such people were easier to manage, akin to planting a spy within the Duke's circle.
Additionally, Ethan aimed to smuggle his goods amidst regular supplies. Legal profits belonged to the Lawson family, but he needed personal funds for territory development. Coffee, a lucrative business he was involved in, had potential in the North's climate. Imagine soldiers enjoying hot coffee during icy patrols. With caffeine's alertness-boosting properties, it was perfect for them. If tens of thousands of northern soldiers adopted coffee, Ethan envisioned immense profits.
As Andy left, Ethan handed him a coffee package, emphasizing its energizing effects—a preliminary advertisement.
After Andy's departure, Ethan felt the need to expedite the coffee business. It was his only income source, crucial for his territory's development. He calculated that Annie, his messenger bird, should be nearing Sophia by now. Direct flights were risky, so Annie was instructed to meet Saberi, who was familiar with the yellow-headed eagle. This detour ensured safety, although it extended the journey.
At this moment, Sophia was in her study, holding a letter with a puzzled expression, staring at the yellow-headed eagle on her desk…