NTR: Barbarian Harem Conquest

Chapter 159: Warlord’s Forge

Morning sunlight spilled beautifully across the wooden desk in Menual’s central keep.

Sitting alone in his quiet study, Kane took a slow sip from a hot cup of herbal tea.

Steam curled upward, momentarily blurring the blue system screen hovering right in front of his face.

’Time to spend some gold,’ Kane decided, navigating straight to the [Territory Management] tab.

’We cannot wage a war against arrogant elves with basic iron weapons and wooden gates. That is just asking for a humiliating defeat.’

Swiping through the interface, Kane checked his resource pools.

Numbers flashed in bright gold, indicating a very healthy treasury built from recent conquests and smart trade routes.

Tapping a glowing icon, Kane dumped a large portion of his accumulated wealth directly into the city’s infrastructure.

[Blacksmith Forge: Level Up Initiated. Mana-infused crafting unlocked.]

[Barracks: Expansion Complete. Passive Stamina Buff applied to all recruited infantry.]

’Much better,’ Kane smirked, dismissing the screen with a quick flick of his wrist.

’Nothing says empire building like magically enhanced swords and soldiers who do not get tired after five minutes of jogging. Maybe I should upgrade the medical tents next. Taking casualties is bad for business.’

Opening the map interface, Kane examined the blinking red dots scattered along the southern border.

Elven scout patrols seemed to be increasing over the last few days.

’They know something is changing in this region,’ Kane deduced, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

’Let them panic. Panic makes commanders make stupid mistakes.’

Footsteps echoed down the stone hallway just before the oak door swung open.

Firlia walked into the study, clutching a tall stack of leather-bound ledgers against her chest.

Her pointed ears twitched nervously as she took a seat opposite his desk.

"Morning, Lord Kane," Firlia greeted, setting the books down with a soft thud.

"Trade routes are clear today. Merchants are thriving, as usual. But if we want to truly dominate the regional market before marching on my homeland, we need a brand new export. Something nobody else has right now."

"Way ahead of you," Kane replied, reaching under his desk.

Lifting a bulging sack, Kane dropped it right on top of her ledgers.

Frost instantly began creeping across the leather covers, chilling the air around the desk.

"What is this?" Firlia asked, pulling her hands back quickly.

"Leftovers," Kane grinned.

"Frost scales and diluted azure blood from our little hunting trip up the mountain. Perhaps we can make some use of it."

Firlia blinked, carefully peeking inside the freezing bag.

"You want to sell mythical beast parts to passing traders?"

"Not directly," Kane corrected, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the wood.

"Have the alchemists turn the blood into stamina potions. Use the scales to forge frost-resistant armor for Thora’s front line. We keep the best gear for our own soldiers."

"And the excess?"

"We sell it to neighboring lords at a ridiculous premium," Kane finished, tapping his temple.

"Let them pay for our upcoming war. If they complain about the price, tell them to go punch a giant snake themselves."

Firlia laughed aloud, shaking her head as she scooped up the freezing sack.

"You are a terrifying merchant, Kane. I will get the alchemists on it immediately. Maybe they can synthesize the venom too."

"Do that," Kane agreed, standing up.

"Also, send word to the southern villages. Tell them to double their grain production. We will need surplus rations for the march."

"They will want extra compensation," Firlia warned, tapping a ledger.

"Pay them double," Kane said easily. "A well-fed army wins wars. Starving soldiers just turn into mutineers."

"Understood," Firlia smiled, genuinely appreciating his straightforward leadership style. "I will manage the treasury."

Finishing his tea, Kane decided to stretch his legs.

Stepping out into the crisp morning air of the training yard, Kane instantly found pure chaos.

Dust kicked up in a wide, frantic circle.

Thora and Griselda were currently tearing up the center of the courtyard.

Griselda was clearly still figuring out her new center of gravity.

Spreading her pitch-black wings, the fallen angel launched herself directly into the sky. Hovering for a split second, Griselda dove down, twin daggers flashing in a rapid barrage of strikes.

Thora simply laughed out loud. Planting her boots firmly, the tall warrior swung her broadsword in a sweeping arc, expertly deflecting the aerial assault. Sparks flew everywhere as steel met steel.

"Is that all you got, bird?" Thora taunted, clearly thrilled to finally have a sparring partner who could keep up with her ridiculous strength.

Griselda didn’t reply with words.

Twisting mid-air, she used a powerful flap of her wings to push herself backward, landing gracefully on a wooden training post before launching another dive.

Swish.

Sitting casually on a nearby fence, Sira watched the destruction while loudly crunching on a green apple.

"Ten gold on the angel!" Sira called out, tossing a coin toward a small group of terrified city guards standing nearby.

"Come on, boys! Make a bet! Thora is getting slow in her old age!"

"I heard that, you little rat!" Thora yelled, nearly missing a block.

Watching from the sidelines, Kane crossed his arms over his chest.

A proud smirk slowly formed on his scarred face.

’They are getting stronger every single day,’ Kane observed, entirely ignoring the damaged training equipment scattered around the courtyard.

’Let them bond through combat. A unified vanguard is unbreakable. Maybe I should join them later.’

"Who is winning?" Kane asked, strolling over to the fence.

Sira tossed her apple core over her shoulder.

"Thora has the ground advantage, but Griselda keeps changing the angle of attack. Perhaps a draw if they don’t break the courtyard first."

"Let them break it," Kane shrugged, pulling out another apple from a nearby barrel.

"I just upgraded the barracks anyway. They can help rebuild it later today."

Griselda landed smoothly near the weapon racks, folding her wings tight against her back. Panting slightly, she offered Thora a respectful nod.

"You hit very hard," Griselda noted, her raspy voice carrying across the yard.

"You move like a mosquito," Thora shot back, though her wide grin betrayed the insult entirely. "Let’s go again. I almost had you that time."

"Break time," Kane interrupted, stepping into the ring. "I need my vanguard in one piece."