Synopsis

The chapter reveals that the Northeastern Alliance Association stole gold bars belonging to the Barco family's slush fund that Count Douglas was also trying to seize. The Alliance then attempts to strong-arm Douglas. Douglas retaliates and demands a territory war, but the Alliance forces are swiftly crushed by Dmitri's swordsmen. Dmitri uses this victory to solidify his reputation and gather loyalty by offering rewards and establishing a system of mutual benefit with his followers, recognizing the strategic importance of the defeated alliance.