You need two separate plots to discuss this issue. One is drag vs speed.
This is where the minimum L/D is defined. The other is power vs speed.
This is where the minimum power to maintain level flight is defined.



Chris W wrote in news462e.4423$Tn.2163@lakeread06:

Can someone tell me if my thinking is correct here. First VLD is the
speed where there is the least drag on the plane right? So it takes
the
least amount of power to maintain level flight at VLD, any slower or
faster in level flight requires more power? Now suppose you are at an
altitude where the fastest speed you can maintain is VLD, would that
mean that the plane can't climb any higher? Also would that be a
reasonable way to determine VLD, (i.e. climb as high as you can and
the
indicated airspeed at that altitude would be VLD)?