Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 420 The Noble Examination Arrives
The arrival of a knightly order could not possibly be limited to idyllic pastoral scenery.

On the Silverglow Plains, the Knights of Eternal Light built a castle fortress of their own in the tranquility of the countryside, which was named [Shining Castle].

The castle sits atop a high ground on the north bank of the river bend, backed by an oak forest and offering panoramic views on three sides. The massive foundation pit, several meters deep, has been excavated, reaching the solid rock. Caravans of oxcarts and horse-drawn wagons come and go, transporting enormous granite blocks from a nearby quarry. Stonemasons hammer and chisel, cutting and shaping the boulders. Although the harsh winter has brought difficulties to construction, the knights' unwavering will and the efforts of their squires and craftsmen have ensured steady progress.

At the heart of the castle, a massive square tower is under construction. It doesn't strive for extreme height, but rather emphasizes sturdiness and majesty. The thick stone walls are astonishingly thick at the base, gradually tapering upwards. The top is designed as a crenellated platform, where ranged weapons and the knights' banners will be housed. The tower's interior is planned to include the main hall for the knights' core members, Bradley's command room, a vital armory, and dungeons.

The main castle was surrounded by a spacious inner castle courtyard, encircled by a high curtain wall. This curtain wall was constructed of sturdy rubble, with a finely polished surface. It featured crenellated walkways for guards and was interspersed with sturdy square towers providing flanking fire. The inner castle courtyard would be the core area for the knights' daily training, ceremonies, and living quarters, and included training grounds, a small chapel, a blacksmith's shop, stables (for the most prized warhorses), warehouses, and residences for high-ranking officers (mostly towers or buildings attached to the main castle).

Further out, a longer, slightly lower wall will enclose the entire river bend highlands and part of the plains, forming a vast outer fortified area. This wall will be the castle's first line of defense, protecting the villages built around it, as well as more farmland, pastures, and ordinary stables. The outer fortified gate will be one of the castle's most magnificent entrances, designed as a sturdy gatehouse with a drawbridge and gates.

Wide moats have been dug on the three sides of the castle facing the plain, drawing water from the Silent River. A massive wooden drawbridge structure is under construction and will become the only controllable passage connecting the castle to the outside world.

Despite being a military fortress, the elegance of the Velena Knights is evident throughout. The castle's stonework is meticulously finished, with intricate decorative lines carved into important lintels, window frames, and tower tops. The knighthood's emblem—a gleaming sword piercing the shadows against a backdrop of Velena's scales—is prominently engraved above the main gate and on key towers. Furthermore, to symbolize the alliance with the Blackwood Territory, the intertwined coat of arms of bauhinia and irises appears in certain important locations within the castle, such as the main hall. The castle's overall color scheme is predominantly solid grey and white (granite), accented with dark wood and metal components, appearing both solemn and dignified in the sunlight, symbolizing the heavy burdens borne by the knights and their determination to seek redemption.

Of course, they also valued the connection with Flashspear City. The Knights' future agricultural products, timber, and handicrafts (made by the accompanying artisans) would be traded with Flashspear City's salt, ironware, cloth, and luxury goods.

Bradley also meets regularly with the Free Clan of Flashspear to coordinate patrols and defenses in the plains and surrounding areas, and to share intelligence. The heavily armored knights of Eternal Light have become the most powerful bulwark on the flank of Flashspear.

The small chapel within the castle was also opened to the commoners of Flashspear City, where priests of the Knights would preside over ceremonies, spreading Verena's faith and further consolidating the church's influence in the Blacksem territory. The knights' strict discipline and protection of the weak also won the initial favor of the local people.

Winter snowflakes began to fall, covering the newly turned furrows and the rough foundations of the castle. On one side of the silvery plains, there was a tranquil countryside with wisps of smoke rising from chimneys and cattle and sheep returning to their pens, and on the other side, a bustling construction site with clanging and clattering sounds.

Inside the Bauhinia Manor, the atmosphere was equally vibrant. Winter had arrived, and heavy snow had enveloped the entire manor in a tranquil, silvery-white world. The howling north wind was kept at bay by the tall, dense wisteria trees and the thick walls of the treehouse, leaving only a faint whistling sound. Inside the treehouse, however, a completely different, warm and lively scene unfolded.

Inside the enormous fireplace, fine oak crackled and popped, and leaping flames released a warm current enough to dispel even the deepest chill. The air was filled with the fresh scent of burning pine, the rich fruity aroma of mulled wine, and... a more intimate, more alluring, warm and sweet fragrance.

Wrapped in a soft, deep purple velvet robe, Su Li reclined on the main couch covered with thick bearskin, as languid as a satiated lion. He held a parchment book about the customs and products of the eastern provinces of the empire in his hands, but his gaze was not focused on the words. Instead, he admired the vibrant scene before him with a hint of amusement.

At dawn, as the first rays of light struggled to seep through the icy windows, Hilder was already up. She wore only a gossamer-thin, almost transparent ivory silk nightgown that outlined her voluptuous, mature curves. Barefoot, she stepped onto the warm carpet and gently and skillfully prepared Su Li for her morning grooming.

She wrung out the fine linen towel soaked in warm rose water and carefully and gently wiped Su Li's face and neck. Occasionally, her fingertips would inadvertently trace the lines of his jaw or Adam's apple, bringing a slight, ticklish sensation.

Then she would pick up a silver comb, stand by the couch, and carefully comb Su Li's somewhat disheveled black hair. Her body leaned slightly forward, her full breasts almost pressed against his back, her warm breath brushing against his ear. The rustling sound of the comb teeth through her hair, along with the mature scent emanating from her body—a mixture of her natural fragrance and a faint incense—created the most comforting morning melody.

More often than not, this "changing" process would be postponed indefinitely. Su Li's hand would slip under the thin barrier, precisely grasping the heavy, full breasts, feeling the amazing elasticity and warmth of the skin beneath the silky fabric. Hilde, with doting and indulgent affection, would obediently press her body closer, letting the morning light outline their closely embracing, intertwined silhouettes. The nightgown would often end up being simply draped casually over their waists.

Phyllis's "surprise"—Ilya Silvershine—is adapting to the role of "personal maid" at an astonishing speed and demonstrating the "essence" of what Avril has taught her.

In the afternoons, when Su Li would rest or read on the soft couch by the window, Ilya would bring him an exquisite silver platter. Besides hot tea and pastries, there was often a small dish of peeled, juicy grapes or berries. She knelt on the thick carpet, her posture impeccably elegant. When Su Li's gaze shifted from his book, she would use her long, slender, white fingertips, with perfectly manicured nails, to pick up a glistening grape and gently bring it to his lips. Her movements seemed calm, but deep within her clear, icy eyes lay a suppressed shyness and a focused longing for being needed. When Su Li's lips touched the grape, he would sometimes deliberately suck on her fingertips, and a faint blush would instantly spread from her swan-like neck to her ears, the pure white hair making that blush even more breathtaking.

Deep within the treehouse, in a secluded compartment, lay a massive brass bathtub, one of the most luxurious winter indulgences. Steam rose, mingling with the scent of expensive herbal bath salts. Su Li soaked in the scalding water, letting out a satisfied sigh. Ilya gathered up her signature long, snow-white hair, revealing her slender, graceful neck. She rolled up her sleeves, revealing two delicate, snow-white wrists, and carefully used a damp loofah to scrub Su Li's back. The water was very hot; her cheeks were flushed from the steam, fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, and a few strands of silver hair playfully clung to her cheeks.

Her movements were initially somewhat awkward and stiff, but under Su Li's smiling gaze and occasional "guidance," they gradually became smoother and bolder. The loofah slid across her broad back and strong waistline, and when her hand hesitated to reach down, Su Li would seize her wrist at the opportune moment, pulling her body, still fragrant with the scent of bathwater, into the tub. A large splash of water erupted, wetting her thin maid's dress, instantly making it transparent and clinging to her body, outlining the girl's youthful yet already beginning-developing graceful curves.

The space inside the tub suddenly felt cramped and crowded. Water rippled, skin pressed together, and the rising steam blurred their vision, leaving only rapid breathing and the sound of their hearts echoing in the confined space. Ilya's cool mask completely melted away, leaving only a hazy mist and helpless gasps, as the lord explored every area Avril was "teaching" her to familiarize herself with. Her awkward responses and suppressed sobs became the most beautiful melody.

The green dragon, Ariria, brings a different kind of coolness and a sense of conquest. She seems to have a particular fondness for the warmest area in front of the fireplace, covered with a thin rug.

She would usually lie there lazily, draped only in a loose-fitting shirt by Su Li, her long, strong legs bare, curled up in front of the fireplace looking at her magic book. The firelight danced in her emerald eyes, gilding her honey-colored skin with a golden glow.

Only when Su Li approached her proactively, with a hint of challenge and conquest in his manner, would Ariria respond. She would slightly raise the hand holding the jewel, gesturing for Su Li to sit on the luxurious carpet laid out beside her. Her movements were slow and elegant, carrying an undeniable authority. When Su Li sat down, she would gently brush his cheek or chin with her cool, jade-like fingers, the movements as soft as feathers, yet carrying a dangerous undertone like a dragon's claw. Her body temperature was slightly lower than that of a human, bringing a strange, chilling coolness to the touch.

Her kiss was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of moss and rare minerals from the depths of the rainforest. It began as a light touch, almost like a handout, but once it went deeper, it was like lighting a fuse, unleashing a hidden heat that could burn everything.

At the most intense moments, fine, fiery veins would faintly emerge beneath her snow-white skin, turning it a rosy, burning pink. Her breathing would become deep and labored, and a strange hum, a mixture of ancient bells and growls, would emanate from deep within her throat—the suppressed, primal sound of a dragon. This gave Su Li the greatest sense of accomplishment as a dragon knight.

The treehouse was small, and with these women of very different styles sharing the space, a subtle yet intense atmosphere inevitably filled the air.

His ability to be so relaxed is due to the current perfect situation in his territory. With the addition of the secular knightly order, the Scroll Knights, the army of the Black Forest Territory has directly surpassed that of the Baron Territory.

Especially since this knightly order was stationed around the Gem Pool and a fortress was built there, directly echoing the position of Blackwood Fortress, Su Li felt even more at ease.

It's impossible for all armies of different faiths and factions to be corrupted and incited to rebel simultaneously.

The strength of the Blacksin Territory now perfectly meets the standards of a baron, in terms of population, finance, territory, army, and influence.

Of course, there is still a gap between him and the Earl. What he can compare with the Earl's territory now is mainly territory. At present, the area of ​​Black Forest Territory is not smaller than that of Purple Thorn Castle, which occupies the Thorn Valley.

However, in terms of population, it is far inferior. A count's territory has a population of at least 2 to 3, and a reasonably reliable count's territory has a population of around 10. It is impossible for it to be less than the population of a county in the East.

At the same time, the army of the Black Forest Territory is also inferior to that of the Earl. The standard for an Earl is 3000 elite knights, and the standard for a Duke is 10000 elite knights.

The number of elite knights in the Hessian Territory had just exceeded 1000 after the onset of winter, and this was all thanks to Marshal Erstein's meticulous planning.

However, all of this is consistent with the characteristics of barons in border princely territories. Almost all border princely territories have a similar situation to the Hessian territory: vast lands with sparse populations and strong military power (but with serious financial losses).

Any territory that can establish itself in a border princely domain, once it reaches the baronial level, can rival the territory of an earl within the empire in terms of land area, and they could even continue to expand their territory if they wanted. However, many people, considering the defensive pressure and the dispersion of their troops, choose the most advantageous terrain and stop expanding. Blue Mirror Territory is a typical example; after expanding to its geographical limits, it actively contracted, treating the surrounding areas as its defensive fortresses, occupying only the core heartland of Blue Mirror Territory for farming and development.

This made Su Li very curious about how the empire set up the evaluation standards for pioneering territories.

After all, in many cases, there is no strict distinction between a kingdom knight and a baron, or between a baron and a count, so it is difficult to assign a noble title to a pioneering lord.

Regardless, Su Li was very confident about the first year-end assessment in Black Forest Territory.

Because the land under the rule of the Hessian Territory presents a vibrant scene where order and vitality intertwine.

Vast fields covered large, flat areas. Winter wheat seedlings stood tenaciously on the black soil covered with a thin layer of snow, forming neat, slightly sparse green grids. Fallen land lay bare, divided into regular strips by furrows, covered with golden stubble and straw left after the harvest, bowing low in the cold wind. Scattered near the farm were haystacks, tightly covered with thatch, storing winter fodder for livestock. Farm women, wrapped in thick, coarse cloth dresses, patrolled the furrows, carefully clearing away withered grass that might be affecting the seedlings with wooden rakes.

The pastures are mainly distributed on gentle slopes near rivers and in valleys between hills. Flocks of hardy highland sheep are driven by shepherds, searching for grass roots under the dry grass and snow. Their thick, curly wool trembles slightly in the cold wind. Robust herds of cattle gather near the enclosures with simple sheds, slowly chewing hay. The shepherds, dressed in fur coats, vigilantly watch the horizon, their horns and short-handled axes at their waists serving as their defenses against wild animals or stray raiders. In the distance, small groups of packhorses can be seen roaming the open fields, tended by stable boys.

Scattered among these farmlands and pastures are manors and sturdy fortresses of varying sizes. Not all are as grand as Hessenberg. The most common are the sturdy, timber-framed manor houses, usually built on slightly elevated mounds, with thick wooden doors and narrow windows. These manors are surrounded by wooden fences or low stone walls, and inside are barns, livestock sheds, tool sheds, and longhouses for laborers and serfs. The smoke rising from the chimneys is a clear signal of life continuing through the winter.

Slightly larger knights or free landowners owned manor houses with small towers. These manors were mostly built of sturdy stone and typically had an enclosed inner courtyard. Although not as grand as castles, their crenellations, iron-clad wooden doors, and wooden watchtowers clearly indicated their function as defensive strongholds. Small orchards, vegetable gardens, and simple tenant huts were attached to the manors.

Further afield, at the edges of the territory or at key passes, stood small stone fortresses and watchtowers. These military outposts were garrisoned by knights or veteran soldiers loyal to Suli. They guarded roads and bridges, monitoring the movements of the wilderness. The black plumes of smoke rising from the tops of the watchtowers were the fastest way to transmit warnings. These fortresses, like nails, firmly secured the seemingly peaceful countryside under the lord's control.

The working people—serfs, free farmers, shepherds, and artisans—form the core of this winter pastoral scene. Their lives revolve around the rhythm of the land and livestock, sustaining the vitality of their territory in the harsh winter. The order of the fields, the movement of the herds, the smoke rising from the manor houses, and the silhouettes of soldiers on distant fortresses together weave a unique pastoral idyll of Blacksem, imbued with a sense of pragmatism and resilience.

All of this is proof of the Hersse territory's tenacious survival in the harsh border region under orderly management.

Perhaps this land is not without danger, and there are hidden monsters, but it is enough to prove that this is a qualified imperial noble pioneer territory, enough to stand on this frontier and let the empire's griffin flag fly in this vast sky.

As the year drew to a close, Su Li, after his usual pleasant and blissful morning exercise with the female courtiers, was greeted by a knock on his door. After a brief exchange with the visitor, Hilder excitedly reported to Su Li, "My lord, according to the report from the garrison of the Twilight Mountains, officials from Maleburg, representing the Imperial Elector Council, have entered our territory. They are rapidly en route to our Fortress of the Purple Thorns."

"Two years!" Su Li put on her clothes, stood up, and said excitedly, "This day has finally come!"

However, he quickly frowned and asked, "Huh, that's strange. Shouldn't the officials from the Council of Electors have inspected our territory first? Why did they come directly to our Forbidden Palace?"

He looked at Hilde and asked, "How's the contact with the people in Maleburg going? Have you gotten any information?"

The Blacksin Territory is no longer an isolated territory; they have strong allies in various places, including nearby military alliances such as Gray Rock Fortress and Redbeard Fortress.

In the distance, powerful figures like the Ramsey family and Senator Smith echoed his sentiments. Further afield, there was even an Elector as his lover.

It wouldn't be difficult for him to obtain secrets from the lower, middle, and upper levels.

He couldn't possibly be completely unprepared for this noble assessment. Sending someone to find out the content of the assessment so he could prepare accordingly was only natural.

To Su Li's surprise, Hilde shook her head and said, "We contacted the Ramsey family, the Gray Market Trading Company, and Senator Smith, and none of them knew the secrets involved."

"Especially since the Gray Market Merchant Guild just left our territory, taking 1000 sets of 'Star Iron Armor' with them. We earned 80000 gold crowns, and they earned 20000 gold crowns. This is a deep friendship; with just a little bribe, they revealed all their secrets, including the Gray Market Merchant Guild's shady dealings."

"But they really don't have any reliable information about the content of the imperial noble examination."

"They're keeping quiet?" Su Li frowned. This didn't make sense.

“No, that’s not it.” Hilde’s handsome face exuded a dashing air as she replied, “On the contrary, they have all sorts of things to say. But much of it is contradictory, and we believe it’s all just hearsay and wild speculation from the lower classes. There’s almost no truly valuable information.”

Su Li raised an eyebrow: "Huh? That's strange. In this dark and corrupt empire, are there any secrets that money can't uncover? Is this still the empire I know?"

Hilde calmly replied, "There must be something fishy going on. Corruption in the Empire is deeply entrenched and pervasive. I don't believe this assessment team can escape its influence."

"Compared to their integrity and impartiality, and their ability to keep their mouths shut, I believe it's because we haven't reached the threshold of their corruption. There are no secrets in the empire that money can't uncover; if we can't find them, it only means we haven't spent enough money."

Su Li nodded slightly: "That makes sense. Given the empire's dark and corrupt nature, it's impossible for it not to be corrupt. How much money have you spent, and you still haven't even scratched the surface?"

"It has already cost more than 600 gold crowns."

"More than 600 gold crowns!?" Su Li's voice rose uncontrollably!

This is a golden crown! One of them is worth a farmer's annual income. Before Su Li had his cheat ability, he was thinking of getting 20 golden crowns and spending the rest of his life with Avril.

But these 600 gold crowns are still just the beginning!

Are we really going to spend thousands of gold crowns just to find out what the assessment criteria are?

That final assessment will cost tens of thousands of gold crowns. With that kind of money, there are so many things Su Li could do.

So he simply waved his hand and said, "Let's stop this work for now. We'll adapt to the situation and deal with whatever comes our way."

(End of this chapter)