Chapter 157: Chapter 145: Unexpected News
Night fell quickly in winter. The clock in the Lord’s hall had only just passed five, yet the entire Wilderness was already shrouded in a dark curtain. Clusters of bonfires were lit, casting a warm, yellow glow that made High Cliff Castle a beacon in the Wilderness, like a lighthouse guiding lost travelers.
In the Lord’s hall, Zat crouched before the fireplace, continuously adding firewood to gradually warm the entire room.
The Lord sat at the head of the table, tapping his fingers. He had called tonight’s meeting at the last minute.
All of High Cliff Castle’s leaders were present, except for Orak, who had traveled to Bailiu City.
"Zat, for the time being, you’ll lead the Guard Team on patrols around High Cliff Castle. Unless I give a direct order, don’t let a single outsider in. The only exception is the Duchess."
"Then there are our fields, which we’ve fully planted with crops. This is a top priority. Hog, take the cavalry squad and patrol the perimeter. If anyone dares to deliberately cause destruction, kill them on the spot!"
Levi issued his orders one by one.
The arrival of an entire corps would have a huge impact. Although the soldiers seemed disciplined on the surface, there was a reason such men were often called army scoundrels.
These soldiers were often full of pent-up energy, and would sometimes do unimaginably stupid things.
It was even possible that some soldiers would sneak into High Cliff Castle looking for women.
Levi could not tolerate any of this.
The best way to avoid conflict was to prevent any contact between the two groups from the very beginning.
"And the blacksmiths’ workshop. Muto, take some men, cordon it off, and patrol it daily."
"Yes, Chief."
Muto nodded. He wore a thick, padded cotton coat and a rather ugly wool hat, which was said to have been knitted for him by his old flame.
He cherished it dearly and wore it every single day.
"Tina, inform the townspeople tomorrow. For the time being, they are not to leave High Cliff Castle. Not until this war is over."
With each matter settled, Levi thought for a moment and felt there was nothing else that needed special attention for now. And so, the meeting came to a close.
’I can fill in any gaps later.’
Just as everyone was enjoying the warmth of the Lord’s hall, the main doors burst open, and a blast of cold wind rushed in. Having grown accustomed to the heat, Zat shivered involuntarily. He was about to curse but managed to swallow his words. He shut his mouth and quietly resumed his duty as stoker at the fireplace.
"What are you doing here?" Levi asked, surprised.
"What, am I not welcome?" With a flash of red light, the snow on Fulina’s body instantly melted and evaporated. She smiled. "I wouldn’t have minded staying in the camp, but now that there’s a more comfortable place available, I’m obviously going to stay here with you."
The perceptive Sam, who was sitting in the back, jogged over and shut the door.
"So, did I arrive at a bad time?" Fulina asked, her smile unwavering as she surveyed the hall full of people.
From the looks of it, the Lord of High Cliff Castle was clearly in the middle of a meeting.
"Not at all. I just figured you’d be sharing the hardships with your soldiers," Levi replied, before adding, "It’s nothing major. With a great battle on the horizon, I’m just going over a few details."
"Share their hardships? Can you win a war just by sharing hardships with the soldiers? If you can’t win the war, then you’re incompetent, even if you eat and sleep beside your men every day."
"Besides, did all the decorated commanders in history earn their achievements by sharing hardships?"
Fulina shook her head, bluntly criticizing the practice as she plopped down in the seat next to the Lord.
"Your Grace has such profound insight!" Levi gave her a thumbs-up.
’In some ways, this Duchess is really quite similar to me.’
He couldn’t deny the value of sharing hardships, but as a leader, he knew winning wars wasn’t accomplished by camaraderie alone.
"It’s hardly profound insight. In this era of chasing empty fame, everyone puts on this sort of show. But the soldiers know better than anyone else: rather than sharing their hardships, they’d prefer you lead them to more victories and give them more rewards. As long as rewards and punishments are clearly defined, that’s enough."
Fulina used herself as an example. "Take me, for instance. I never play those games, yet the soldiers still respect and fear me. All it takes is not cutting their military pay and ensuring that merit is always rewarded."
"Just the part about not cutting military pay—very few in all of Debei can manage that," Levi remarked with genuine admiration.
Debei claimed to have a military budget of millions each year, but the funds that actually reached the hands of the common soldiers were skimmed off at every level. What they received was at least seventy percent less than what was promised.
For this Duchess to ensure her soldiers received close to what they were promised already put her ahead of eighty or ninety percent of the others.
Having said enough on that topic, Levi waved his hand to dismiss everyone. Only then did he ask, "How do you plan to fight this war?"
"I’ll be direct, Levi. I want you to operate as an independent unit, separate from the Thorn Corps. You’ll have a great deal of autonomy." Fulina stared at Levi intently. "In exchange for your participation in this campaign, I will grant you the title of ’Lion Hunter Knight.’ That’s an honor that’s very difficult to obtain under normal circumstances."
"All you have to do is take part in a war we are guaranteed to win."
"This is the kind of opportunity that could make people jealous for a lifetime!"
Levi hadn’t expected the Duchess to be so swift and decisive. Back in the castle, her bearing had been far more aristocratic, but now she was unconsciously letting slip a few military mannerisms. ’She must have spent time in the army,’ he guessed.
He didn’t rush to agree. Instead, he rubbed the new stubble on his chin and thought for a moment before turning back with a knowing smile. "Your Grace, this title... it’s in preparation for heading south, isn’t it?"
