Quiet and peaceful, everyone was waiting for winter to pass and spring to arrive. Many peasants longed to harvest winter wheat and sow the seeds of hope. Having gradually emerged from hunger and ensured their basic needs were met, the peasants desired more.
In the distance, Gene Town was undergoing its umpteenth expansion. Many idle peasants were working under the direction of soldiers, earning wages. The peasants were in high spirits because the more they worked, the more they earned, and those who worked the fastest and best got meat soup to enjoy.
This year's Winter Festival, many peasants enjoyed a meat meal.
In the distance, the Count's castle stood proudly. The family crest of Count Laine was hung above the city gate, displaying to all evil creatures and corrupted beings the Count's mighty power and unwavering will, as well as his determination to never surrender.
The return of Laine sparked a resounding cheer, whether from peasants or nobles. The news spread through the town like wildfire, gathering everyone just to catch a glimpse of the Count. Everywhere Laine passed was filled with loud cheers. He waved to the people but did not stop, heading directly towards his own castle.
"Your Majesty Belgar, I have urgent matters to attend to. The long journey was tough; I'll have someone arrange for you and your people to rest well," Laine said to Belgar behind him.
"You take care of your business. Don't worry about your Dwarf friends; I and my people have places to go," Belgar casually waved his hand, "but once you're done, I think we should have a talk."
"Alright." Laine nodded, thinking he should indeed discuss the upcoming plans with Belgar. Attacking the Black Stone Stronghold couldn't be accomplished with just knights and catapults — he needed the help of the Dwarves, as did Brittania.
"The Count and Countess have returned! Open the city gates!" Steward Kasenberg, from the castle, saw the return of Laine and Surya and immediately ordered the castle gates to be opened.
"Open the gate!" The soldiers turned the bearings and opened the gates of the Count's castle.
"Surya, I think we should expand the Count's castle." Riding into his castle, Laine smiled at his wife, "We had plenty of space before, but with all the servants moving in, it's getting a bit crowded."
"Hmm… Actually, having them live in the outer fort is fine too. I'll surely live with you," the beautiful face of the knight fixed on him, "you decide, my husband."
"Let's expand." Laine could sense Surya's thoughts; the knightess actually also wanted to expand as his Count's castle indeed felt small now.
Entering the castle's luxurious hall, the old stone walls and floors had long been replaced with wood, with a grand staircase leading to the second floor. Precious tapestries and paintings adorned the castle walls, and crystal magic chandeliers were hung. Red carpets led the way as Laine entered the inner castle. Two maids, along with a dozen others, lifted their skirts, "Master, welcome back!"
The two leading maids were Amelia, appointed by Laine as the Head Maid, and the personal maid Ollica. They both wore standard black and white lace maid outfits and maid's dresses. The dark elf stepped forward to help Laine remove his cloak and outer garment, "Master, you're back? The hot water is ready for you."
"Lord Laine! I've already cleaned your room… What's wrong?" The fair and charming Amelia eagerly approached to speak with Laine but quickly noticed the odd look he was giving her.
Amelia's face immediately turned red. She lowered her small head, her golden hair tied with a white headscarf, and softly said, "Wh… why are you looking at me like that?"
"…" Laine stared at his little maid, remaining silent. Through this trip to the Empire, he basically learned the true identity of the little maid who had been following him for years.
"Hmm~ Laine, do you not like me anymore?" The sensitive little maid immediately sensed Laine's change and quickly put on a sorrowful expression, tears shimmering in her big beautiful eyes, "Are you going to drive me away?"
"No, no, I just thought of some things." Laine quickly indicated he meant nothing else.
"Laine~ why are you looking at Amelia like that? That's so rude!" Surya spoke up, and the Countess reprimandingly indicated Laine was being quite impolite. The knightess immediately embraced Amelia, comforting her beside her ears in panic, then summoned her husband over, "Laine, come apologize quickly!"
"It's alright, Amelia; I just remembered some past events." Laine hastily apologized, and Amelia's expression improved significantly.
In this regard, Surya and Laine had fundamentally different views.
Surya thought that regardless of Amelia's original intentions, the fact was that this little maid had always treated Laine as her sanctuary, quietly serving as his maid, willing to do any work, self-studying through the entire courtiers' course at Winford College, and never causing trouble. The knightess felt Laine's demands were a bit too strict.
Laine, on the other hand, believed that Amelia didn't need to hide things from him for so long. He was a little unsure of what the little maid was thinking. After Surya's reprimand, the Count indeed realized his inappropriate attitude and quickly apologized.
