Tolony A.K.

In a certain kingdom, there were 32 knights. Some of them were vassals of others (a vassal could have only one suzerain, and a suzerain was always richer than his vassal). A knight who had at least four vassals bore the title of baron. What is the maximum number of barons that could be under these conditions?

(The kingdom had a law: "a vassal of my vassal is not my vassal".)
Evaluation. 8 barons should have 32 vassals, and the richest knight cannot be anyone's vassal. Example. Let 24 knights be vassals of six barons, and all these barons be vassals of the richest Baron. In total, 7 barons.

## Answer

7 barons.