Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 417 Amazing Reinforcements - The Knights of Eternal Light
After listening to Marshal Erstein's report, Su Li did a simple calculation.

The Vengeful Sun Half-Griffin Knights number less than 200, the Black Forest Guard Knights number 200, their high-ranking personal attendants number 800, and the provincial legion numbers 2000.

He frowned slightly and said, "My marshal, this entire army only numbers less than 3200 men. Can they possibly defend our vast territory?"

Erstein replied calmly, “Logically speaking, we haven’t reached the level of a baron yet, but this size is already quite large. The standard for a baron’s army is 3000 troops, including 1000 elite heavily armored knights. From this perspective, apart from our elite knights, which are currently only 900, we have already met the baron’s standard.”

"Moreover, given the speed of advancement in our territory, this is actually a positive improvement. Before the end of the year, we estimate that we will be able to have 1000 elite knights just by relying on the advancement of the troops themselves."

"From a military perspective, we have no problem meeting the baronial criteria."

"However, considering that the area of ​​our territory has actually exceeded that of a baron, and may even reach the size of 2 to 3 barons, 3200 elite infantry and cavalry are indeed slightly insufficient."

Su Li nodded slightly, feeling that Erstein's plan was quite meticulous and steady.

Could the Black Forest Territory immediately muster 1000 elite knights? Absolutely. As long as Su Li is willing to spend the money and invest, he could easily produce 2000 elite knights, let alone 1000. It would simply require spending money to buy slaves everywhere.

But obviously, a normal, healthy territory cannot be so extravagant. Every gold coin is earned through the hard work of the territory, and it cannot be wasted by simply throwing it away.

To recklessly deploy 1000 elite knights now would require far too much extra money, since both buying slaves and recruiting elites are heavy expenses.

Moreover, once they are recruited into the army, high maintenance costs must be paid. The existence of one elite knight, without doing anything, provides a monthly salary of 5 gold crowns and a supply cost of 1-2 gold crowns.

The Hessian Territory isn't unable to pay this money, but rather it's unnecessary, especially now that it's in a period of recuperation and the pressure of war is low. Saving this military expenditure and investing it in the development of the territory, building monasteries, holy sites, fortresses, and strongholds for various churches, would clearly be more meaningful, increasing the territory's foundation and accelerating its development.

However, if the military commander of the Black Forest Territory makes reasonable plans, cultivates and recruits a group of young people with good potential and qualifications, and relies on their training and growth in the Black Forest Territory army, as well as their combat experience and the acquisition of divine grace, their strength will naturally improve, and they can ensure that by the end of the year, the Black Forest Territory will have the same scale and combat power.

This not only saves a lot of recruitment and maintenance costs, but also ensures that the territory's army has a sound system for construction and improvement.

The only question is, will there be any danger during this period?
After all, the territory of Hessen is so vast that Erstein's estimate is 2 to 3 times the size of an ordinary baronial territory, which Su Li felt was somewhat conservative.

At the foot of the Blacksne Mountains, on the border princely map of Maleburg, the area is planned to accommodate the development of a baronial territory.

Blue Mirror Basin is a typical baronial territory.

These two combined represent the territory of two standard baronies. While the area around Flashspear City might be slightly smaller, it's important to know that the territory contains numerous forest outposts in the forests south of Flashspear City and within the Bloodpine Forest. The Bloodpine Forest, in particular, saw the Green Dragon cede over 1500 li of territory to Su Li. In retrospect, this can be considered the Green Dragon's dowry.

These areas, along with the mountains and valleys that Su Li can influence, he feels that the nominally loyal territories belonging to the crimson bauhinia on the map may amount to 3 to 4 baronies, or even be comparable to a standard earldom.

Of course, countdoms vary in size, some large enough to rival a duchy, others as small as the Count of Champagne near the imperial capital, which is about the size of a baron. However, their population and wealth often exceed those of many duchies.

The current situation in the Black Forest Territory is undoubtedly quite distorted. It is large enough to be more than enough to be compared with the knights and barons of the kingdom, let alone the counts.

However, the population is pitifully small. The entire territory currently has only a little over 20,000, less than 30,000. Maintaining an elite infantry and cavalry force of 3200 at this level naturally puts immense pressure on the Black Forest Territory. Therefore, the Black Forest Territory's finances have never turned a profit and remain in a deficit. If it weren't for the support of so many fantastical fruits and extraordinary spiritual fields, compared to the aggressive military and civilian population, the finances would probably have collapsed long ago. Then Su Li's title wouldn't be that of a benevolent father, but a tyrant.

It's no wonder that the expansion of the provincial government and army in the Hessian territory required careful budgeting, making the most of every gold coin, and avoiding any extravagance.

Su Li also had to consider the army's attitude. He pondered for a moment and asked, "Is your size sufficient? Can it support the defense of the territory?"

Orstein immediately replied, “My lord, our army size is more than sufficient if we do not currently intend to attack the Swamp Territory. As long as it is not a civil war among humans, but a large-scale invasion by Chaos or monsters, the Church's Knights will certainly stand with us. The dwarves will also form an alliance to fight alongside us.”

"We don't know the exact size of the Church of the Sun Goddess's knightly order, but we estimate that the church's knights already exceed 1000, especially the Sun Crown Knights. They are very wealthy and have not participated in any large-scale wars recently, so their numbers are growing rapidly."

"If we add the dwarves to the mix, we could even assemble a massive allied army of 10000 to face a monster invasion or a green tide. That's over ten thousand elite infantry and cavalry!"

Tens of thousands of elite infantry and cavalry?
Su Li felt a surge of pride. He could still clearly remember how weak he was when he set off from Zijing Fortress. At that time, he was looked down upon by everyone, who thought he was just a greenhorn.

He himself lacked confidence, thinking that he was just a shut-in who would be utterly useless without an intelligence system.

That's the perfect portrayal of an ordinary person and a weak, useless person. He's greedy, lustful, indecisive, and afraid of hardship, pain, and fatigue.

I never imagined that one day I would be able to command tens of thousands of elite troops, full of vigor and ambition, with swords and spears, and with the might to conquer thousands of miles, fighting fiercely on the battlefield against the Chaos Demons and the Greenskin Army, vying for supremacy on the border.

He now has the power to influence and mobilize tens of thousands of troops. Even without the assistance of an intelligence system, he is a regional warlord capable of sweeping across the northern provinces and dealing with all kinds of disasters and crises.

More importantly, his forces were far more than that.

Orstein continued, "Of course, in addition to these troops, we also have some other units that do not require payment, including the Crimson Night Knights, the Blacksteel Knights of Atonement, and the fiefdom army."

"The Crimson Night Knights have already had their salaries paid by Purplethorn Fortress, so we won't need to pay them until at least next year. However, this unit is currently on the Holy Great Expedition, so we can't directly deploy them yet."

"Besides the Black Forest Guard Knights, the Blacksteel Knights of Atonement are probably the unit whose strength has increased the most. Their numbers have surged from four hundred to eight hundred. The main personnel are a large number of prisoners, slaves and criminals, including more than 100 elite knights. Not only do they not need us to pay their salaries, but they also generate very considerable revenue for us. After deducting their own maintenance costs, they have already earned us 568 gold crowns."

568 gold crowns may not seem like much. But keep in mind that this is equivalent to maintaining an 800-strong army that Su Li can call upon at any time for free. On this basis, even if they only earn one gold crown, it's pure profit.

Su Li nodded slightly and said, "Who is the leader of the Blacksteel Knights of Atonement? Garsen, right?"

“That’s right. It’s Garsen von Hegrian. He and his Ashbringer adventurers have joined the Blacksteel Knights of Atonement.”

Su Li smiled and said, "My Marshal, your recommendation was very wise. Letting Garson, the vice-captain of the mercenary group, command the Blacksteel Knights of Atonement was one of our best decisions this year. He's more suitable than the handsome Gilles. Gilles is indeed a brilliant commander with amazing tactical skills. But in terms of flexibility and quick thinking, he's far inferior to Garson, the former mercenary. Gilles is too effeminate, making others afraid to approach him. Unlike Garson, who can bring out the full potential of the Blacksteel Knights of Atonement."

Garsen was gifted in this regard; at the age of 17, he led 36 peasant women, elderly people, and teenagers to ambush a powerful Greenskin gang on the wheat field slope north of the village.

At 17, commanding a group of mean, unruly, and foolish peasant women, making them obey his orders, and even defeating a Greenskin warband—it's simply unbelievable.

Su Li had interacted with rural women before, and even though he was 18 and a lord, he still found it difficult to communicate with them.

Therefore, it can be said that Garsen does indeed have a natural affinity for this, as well as unparalleled command skills.

If you include the Blacksteel Knights of Atonement he commands, Su Li has 4000 combat soldiers. The reason it's called combat soldiers is because there are also city guards, church guards, paladins, and Red Brotherhood thugs—those who don't fight on the battlefield. These people combined number in the hundreds.

Finally, Su Li asked with concern, "What's the situation in the fiefdom? Does that refer to the halflings?" "Not just halflings, but of course, halflings are the main force. They usually provide two companies of soldiers to serve us. In times of war, according to the obligations of a vassal, they will bring ogre warriors to serve us. The size of the force may be close to 500 people. The types of troops they provide include harvesters, cannons, battle ram chariots, and so on."

"This time, the vassal tax will also include two Kingdom Knights. These are two Kingdom Knights who surrendered to us and became our vassals during our previous wars of conquest. They will provide 20 elite knights and 200 armed squires."

After listening to Erstein's report, Su Li felt much more confident and said with a smile, "If you calculate it this way, our troop size is indeed going to exceed its peak before the war."

"This is before mobilization, and the army already numbers nearly 5000. In the event of a major crisis, as you said, we can indeed easily mobilize 10000 elite infantry and cavalry. I am now confident that even if the Night Wanderers come, they will not be able to shake our rule."

Orstein nodded confidently and said, "That's right. We haven't even included the mobilized dwarven free militia, the knight cadets from the academy, and the mercenaries like the Blue Heron Mercenary Group. If we include the free militia, our army size could easily exceed 6000. Our next step should be to strengthen the church knights..."

Erstein's eloquent speech was interrupted by Hilde, who entered through the door. The high-ranking steward gave Erstein an apologetic look, then walked to Su Li's side and whispered something in his ear.

Su Li immediately waved his hand and said, "Just say it. I have nothing to hide about our marshal."

“It’s a private matter, my lord.” Hilde didn’t insist and explained the reason for her cryptic statement. Then she continued, “Our reinforcements have arrived. The garrison on the westernmost edge of the territory, near the Twilight Mountains, reported that a knightly order of 1000 men has requested permission to enter the territory.”

Su Li looked up in surprise, glancing at Hilde to make sure she hadn't misheard: "A knightly order of 1000? Our reinforcements? Where did they come from?"

Orstein also frowned, unable to figure out where in his territory there were 1000 reinforcements. He had recently reorganized his troops and taken stock of their numbers, counting almost every unit he could think of; there was no way he could have overlooked such a large legion!

A pleased smile appeared on Hilde's handsome face as she said, "So it's your private matter. The Knights of Eternal Light sent by Princess Phyllis."

Su Li suddenly stood up, the high-backed chair behind him making a dull thud. His face froze in surprise, even showing a hint of disbelief.

“Eternal Light? Archibald?” He repeated the two names, emphasizing each syllable, as if confirming whether it was real. “The one who almost turned against us in the Bauhinia Manor conference room… the Goddess's Sword, Verena?”

“It is indeed them, my lord.” Hilde nodded firmly, a complex and enigmatic smile playing on her lips. “Her Majesty Princess Phyllis’s messenger arrived with a personal letter and… a sizable delegation. They are now outside the western outpost, awaiting your permission to enter.”

A brief silence fell over the study. Marshal Orstein, for once, showed a look of astonishment. The Knights of Eternal Light! That was one of the most renowned core forces of the Church of Verena, and like the Knights of the Flaming Sun, it was one of the most powerful knightly orders in the church.

Such a powerful order of church knights, which had clashed with the Black Forest, was actually sent by Prince Phyllis as "reinforcements".
The significance behind this is far more intriguing than the thousand elite knights themselves.

Su Li took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his turbulent emotions. After the initial shock, an indescribable surge of joy and a strong sense of political acumen welled up within him simultaneously. Phyllis's actions were tantamount to handing him a sharp sword from the Church of Verena! This was not merely reinforcements, but an extremely strong political signal, representing the shift of the Suland Province, and even the Church of Verena, towards the Black Forest Territory in all matters within the Empire.

To be honest, Su Li didn't really have any grudges against this knightly order; his hatred was only directed at Archibald. In fact, from a self-interested perspective, he should have a great deal of goodwill towards this knightly order, since it was their strong support that escorted Phyllis into the Avilan Palace, making her one of the most prestigious electors.

Therefore, Su Li made his decision without the slightest hesitation, after only a moment's thought.

"Permission granted! Release them immediately!" Su Li's voice was resolute, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Hild, you personally arrange the reception, the highest level of protocol! Welcome them to... well, arrange it at the Military Academy in Blackforest City, near the parish of the goddess Verena. At the same time, immediately notify the Chief Minister of the Provincial Council and all important officials in the territory to prepare a welcoming ceremony!"

"Yes, my lord!" Hilde accepted the order and turned to leave swiftly.

The study door closed, and Su Li turned to Orstein, who was equally excited: "My Marshal, it seems that our estimate just now was too conservative."

Orstein stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming: "More than conservative! My lord, the Knights of Eternal Light are a standard top-tier knightly order of the Church, all clad in rune plate armor, riding carefully selected northern warhorses. Their combat strength is definitely above that of the Black Forest Guard Knights, and may even be on par with the Vengeful Sun Half-Griffin Knights! Their arrival has greatly enhanced the strength of our Church's armed forces!"

Su Li walked to the window and looked towards the western sunset mountains, as if she could see through space to the approaching torrent of steel. "Phyllis... this 'dowry' is quite substantial."

The news of the imminent arrival of the Knights of Eternal Light spread like wildfire throughout the core region of Black Forest Territory.

Soon, a large number of academy instructors and scholars arrived at Purplethorn Castle, led by Dean Oliver of the Provincial Council. Oliver's cold and ruthless face was filled with great surprise as he asked, "Lord, I heard that the Knights of Eternal Light are going to enter our territory?"

Su Li smiled and nodded, saying, "That's right. Grand Princess Phyllis has sent a large delegation, along with the Knights of Eternal Light. It seems that the reinforcements our ascetic saint mentioned earlier must be them."

Oliver immediately understood and agreed, "That must be it. The Knights of Eternal Light must have come from Maleburg. Dante has seen them, but the Knights of Eternal Light are a large order, so they can't cross territories as quickly as Dante. That's why Dante came first. I guess they probably set off at the same time."

As he spoke, Oliver said with a smile, "This is also Princess Phyllis's way of repaying you. After all, you had Gilles bring the Princess 12 gold crowns, which greatly alleviated the financial pressure on the Surland Province."

Su Li smiled, feeling that sponsoring Phyllis was the most successful investment he had made since entering this world!

Every time you give Phyllis a little investment or help, she returns a lot of help in return.

Given the strength of the Suland Province as an electoral territory, any one of these actions would be an unparalleled opportunity and a tremendous boost for Su Li.

Last time, she gave Su Li the Earth Vein Compass.

Su Li had just changed this compass from Forging Resonance to [Dew Cycle]. This effect would greatly increase the water resources of the entire territory and slightly increase the magic power in the water, resulting in comprehensive improvements in all aspects such as fisheries, irrigation, quenching, and medicine making. It would even significantly increase the probability of pregnancy in the territory.

This effect is still quite noticeable as we move into autumn and winter.

First, there was the water itself. The water levels in all the rivers, streams, lakes, and even the deep wells within the territory began to rise slowly and steadily. What were once trickles of water became abundant, and dried-up shallows were once again covered by the flow. The water became clearer, and under the sunlight, a very faint, almost illusionary, pale blue hue was visibly added—a sign that magic had infused the water.

The number of fish and shrimp in rivers and lakes has increased significantly, and they also appear to be larger. Fishermen's net catches have increased markedly. The faint magic contained in the water has a slight promoting effect on certain specific water plants that are sensitive to magic.

It also greatly benefits industries that require large amounts of water. The blacksmith's quenching tanks are always full; improved water quality makes the quenching process more stable, resulting in a subtle but noticeable improvement in the quality of weapons and armor. Mill waterwheels turn more powerfully. Some workshops that require purified water, such as those engaged in preliminary leather processing or the preparation of certain medicines, also save on many purification steps.

The daily water supply for residents has become much more convenient. Wells no longer dry up so easily, and the pressure on water supply in settlements near water sources has been greatly reduced. Clean and abundant water also has the potential benefit of disease prevention. This makes this winter less hopeless.

The most subtle, yet most privately discussed topic among the people, is the apparent increase in pregnancies among newlywed couples compared to previous years. It's widely believed that the magically purified water nourishes the bodies and promotes conception. While precise statistics are impossible, this trend is noticeable to many.

All of this has greatly helped the current policy of recuperation and development in the Black Forest Territory, making this winter less harsh. Life in Violet's parish is clearly different from life in Yurik's parish.

Therefore, Su Li was also looking forward to what treasure Phyllis might send this time. Of course, even if she didn't send anything, he could understand. After all, the Suland Province only had eight supreme treasures, and several others had been lost in thousands of years of war.

Phyllis can't send all the treasures to the Black Forest Territory, can she? She would face enormous public pressure.

(End of this chapter)