Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 479 News of the Return to the Territory and the Holy Great Expedition

When Su Li returned to Black Forest Territory, it was late at night several days later. The outline of the Bauhinia Manor appeared exceptionally serene under the moonlight, its towering spires and thick stone walls isolating it from the bloodshed and harsh winds outside. The guards on the watchtower recognized the lord's banner, and the heavy gates slowly opened, the chains and winches creaking familiarly.

Stepping into the manor's inner courtyard, the air was filled with the delicate fragrance of bauhinia blossoms, the fading scent of wisteria, and the fresh aroma of grass and trees—a stark contrast to the lingering smell of decaying earth and burnt remains in the Valley of Memory. Su Li took a deep breath, and the rusty tension in her chest, a feeling of battlefield hardship, seemed to finally begin to dissipate.

He did not immediately deal with government affairs, nor did he summon his staff. He simply dismissed the attendants who came to greet him and walked alone through the dark-carpeted corridor toward his bedroom.

A fire had been lit in the huge marble fireplace, the burning firewood crackling softly, its warm glow dispelling the chill of the autumn night. Everything in the room remained exactly as he had left it—neat, luxurious, and orderly, each piece of furniture gleaming softly in the firelight.

Su Li stood in the center of the room, slowly removing his blood-stained and dust-covered lord's cloak and casually tossing it onto the back of a gilded chair. He looked around, a strong sense of déjà vu enveloping him. Just days ago, he had been here, listening to the rain while reviewing documents; now, he had just returned from a battle on a land that buried millennia of resentment, and the chilling touch of the winds of death and the fiery breath of a dragon still seemed to linger on his body.

He walked to the enormous bed, big enough to fit five or six people, and leaned back, sinking deeply into the soft velvet mattress and thick animal hide. A heavy weariness spread through his limbs, every muscle groaning, but the ultimate softness and tranquility beneath him brought unparalleled satisfaction.

"Mmm..." He let out a long, languid, and comfortable groan, closing his eyes. "Finally... I'm back."

Intense battles, life-or-death struggles, legendary opponents, and those elusive dragons... all of this is utterly unbecoming of his identity as the Lord of Black Forest.

He thought to himself. A lord's life should be spent in this sturdy and warm Bauhinia Palace, listening to music, enjoying fine wine and food, and being served by beautiful ladies, not wrestling with the dead and magical creations in those damned ancient tombs.

Yes, that's it. He never wants to leave the house again. At least not in the near future!

The door was gently pushed open, and footsteps sounded soft and rhythmic.

Su Li didn't open her eyes, but she knew who it was. That delicate and familiar violet scent, mixed with well-maintained leather and a warm, feminine aroma, belonged to Mrs. Bayonetta.

She walked to the bedside, said nothing, and simply gazed at the man lying there for a moment. His face bore the subtle traces of the dust of battle, and his brows betrayed his unconcealed weariness, but his aura was like a sword drawn from its sheath, its sharpness concealed, yet it exuded a more chilling power and majesty.

Her slender fingers gently brushed across the stray black hairs on his forehead, then she began to unfasten the intricate buckles of his armor and the ties of his uniform. Her movements were practiced and gentle, as if she wanted to avoid disturbing his rest.

Su Li let her do as she pleased, feeling the hard, cold metal armor being removed piece by piece, the heavy burden gradually fading away, and his body becoming more and more relaxed. Until finally, he was gently helped up, and the last piece of his sweat-soaked undergarment was removed, revealing his strong but covered body with new and old scars.

A fleeting, almost imperceptible pang of heartache crossed Bayonetta's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a charming smile. She took his arm and led him toward the enormous marble bathtub that had been prepared in the side hall of the palace.

Steaming heat filled the stone hall, intricately carved with patterns, while fresh flower petals and herbs said to relieve fatigue floated on the water. Su Li stepped into the water, the warmth instantly enveloping his body. He sighed contentedly and leaned back against the smooth pool wall.

Bayonetta removed her outer robe, leaving only a silk petticoat, and stepped barefoot into the pool. She picked up a soft suede towel, soaked it, applied perfume, and began to wash his body. Her movements were unhurried and her pressure just right, carefully washing away the dust and bloodstains from every inch of his skin, from his broad shoulders and strong chest to his well-defined abdomen and arms.

The rippling water and the rising steam blurred his vision, but made the sensation of her skin even clearer. Her voluptuous body was faintly visible beneath the wet, thin silk, occasionally brushing against his back and arms, intentionally or unintentionally.

Su Li closed his eyes, enjoying her service, his fatigue melting away little by little under her warmth and gentle touch. He could feel the rhythm of her breathing and the lingering gaze in her eyes.

After washing him, she knelt in the pool and rinsed away the foam with clean water. The water slid down the grooves of his muscles.

Su Li suddenly moved. He turned around, reached into the water, and wrapped his arm around Bayonetta's smooth waist. With a slight pull, he lifted her out of the water, placing her in the pool face to face with him. Water splashed down with a loud splash.

Bayonetta gasped softly, instinctively grabbing his strong shoulders for support. Her hair, which had been loosened, cascaded down like a waterfall, some strands clinging to her long neck and full breasts, while the majority fell onto Su Li's arms and chest.

Su Li looked down at her. Water droplets rolled down her flushed cheeks, and tiny mist clung to her long eyelashes. Her eyes, which always held a smile, were now slightly wide, showing a hint of surprise and even more submissiveness.

He cupped her exquisite face in his hands, his thumbs tracing her smooth cheekbones, his gaze deep and possessive, filled with an undeniable desire to possess and conquer. He had just returned from a battle where life and death were at stake, and now he needed another form of control and confirmation.

He lowered his head and kissed her lips deeply. It wasn't a gentle probe, but a direct and aggressive possession, carrying the scent of hot water and a hint of the roughness of battle. Bayonetta stiffened only for a moment at first, then softened, wrapping her arms around his neck, responding passionately and submissively, letting him absorb her breath and take the lead.

In the steamy bathroom, only the sound of dripping water and increasingly heavy breathing remained.

Only after the dust of his journey had been completely washed away did Su Li lie comfortably in the warm bath, letting the gentle waves lap against his tired yet refreshed body. He half-closed his eyes, feeling the burgeoning, abundant power within him—like vines growing wildly after a spring rain, spreading steadily and firmly to every part of his body. Each intimate contact with Bayonetta felt like the richest dew watering his tree of power, allowing its roots to grow deep and its branches to flourish.

This growth in strength wasn't a sudden, overwhelming surge, but rather like the most patient farmer cultivating the most fertile land; with each breath, a fusion of pure energy was brought forth and refined. He could clearly sense that the red dragon bloodline within him was becoming more surging and powerful, like a humanoid Tyrannosaurus Rex, brimming with ferocious power.

This feeling of being grounded and steadily improving is far more intoxicating and reassuring than unleashing potential on the brink of life and death. Like harvesting a full granary in autumn, a profound sense of satisfaction and security fills his heart—this is the life he loves most, where there's no need to risk his life, but simply to reap the most solid growth in this gentle haven.

Mrs. Bayonetta leaned lazily against his strong chest, her cheek pressed against his still-wet skin, her long, smooth hair floating like seaweed on the water, entwining the two of them.

She exuded a satisfied and alluring aura, like a cat warmed by the sun, even her fingertips felt soft. Her eyes were half-closed, tiny water droplets clinging to her long eyelashes, trembling gently with her breath, and a contented, almost naive smile played on her lips. Her body and soul felt completely soothed by the warm water and the man's scent beside her, all worries gone.

"It seems you encountered something extraordinary this time you went out?" Her voice was slightly hoarse afterward, like a feather gently brushing against the tip of her heart, her fingers unconsciously drawing circles on his chest underwater.

"A giant dragon that's been sleeping too long and has a bad temper, and a bunch of bones that make a racket." Su Li closed his eyes, his large hand idly stroking her smooth, delicate back, his tone lazy, as if he were talking about a trivial matter, "It's so noisy, it's much more comfortable at home."

Bayonetta chuckled softly, a slight vibration emanating from her chest: "But our lord, this time you return, seem like forged steel, even more dazzling." Her tone carried undisguised pride and a hint of barely perceptible infatuation.

"Oh?" Su Li opened his eyes, looked down at her, and a playful smile appeared on his lips. "Madam is quite observant. So... do you like it?"

Bayonetta looked up, her gaze as gentle as water through the misty steam, yet tinged with a hint of cunning: "Of course I like more than just this..." She deliberately drew out her words, her fingertips slowly moving downwards, "I like even more... that my lord can return safely and continue to enjoy this 'cultivation' in the Bauhinia Palace."

Upon hearing this, Su Li burst into laughter, the water rippling with his sound. He pulled her closer again, feeling the warm, soft flesh in his arms and the steadily growing power within him, and sighed, "My lady understands me best. The joy here truly surpasses even slaying a dragon."

Indeed, this was the life the Lord of Blackforest should live—a warm and comfortable lair, a stunningly beautiful companion, and, amidst this ultimate enjoyment, a sense of security and pleasure as he watched his power grow steadily like spring seedlings. What could be more perfect than this?

He is now the happiest farmer, with the body of an ox that never tires of plowing. As long as he works diligently, he can reap a rich and visible harvest every time he works.

This kind of farming life was irresistible to his very genes, filling him with joy.

Lady Bayonetta nestled in Su Li's arms, feeling the steady, powerful heartbeat beneath his chest and the surging, dormant strength like a volcano. A faint shadow fell over the peace and contentment in her heart. Her slender fingers unconsciously traced circles on his skin, enjoying the brief tranquility after the storm, yet knowing full well that this tranquility might soon be shattered.

She sighed softly, her breath warm and carrying a hint of indescribable worry, as it brushed against Su Li's skin.

Su Li keenly sensed the slight stiffness in the delicate body in his arms and the almost inaudible sigh. He didn't open his eyes, but tightened his arms around her slightly, his voice carrying a languid aftertaste and unmistakable concern: "What's wrong? My wife. This doesn't seem like you're completely relaxed."

Bayonetta shifted in his arms, lifting her head. The misty steam made her eyes look wet, the joyful languor fading, replaced by a clear melancholy. She bit her lower lip, seemingly hesitant. "Speak," Su Li opened his eyes, his deep gaze falling on her face, carrying a soothing strength, "No matter what, I'm here for you."

Bayonetta took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind: "I... didn't want to disturb your good mood so soon after your return, but I feel I must let you know about this immediately." Her voice was low, carrying a hint of caution even in the security of the palace.

"I heard... the Holy Crusade may be coming to an end soon."

Su Li paused slightly as he stroked her back.

Bayonetta continued in a low voice, "During the days you were away on campaign, several groups of wandering knights and free mercenaries returned from the front lines to the taverns and inns of Blacksend City."

She paused, searching for a suitable metaphor: "They are like... the first migratory birds to fly south when they sense the changing seasons. The early return of these scattered soldiers often means that the large-scale war is nearing its end and the main army is about to return. From their scattered conversations, it can be pieced together that the strategic objectives of the conquest of Mount Oka seem to have been basically achieved."

The water temperature seemed to drop a few degrees as a result. Bayonetta's voice carried a deeper worry: "And once the Holy Crusade officially ends, Joachim von Gorge, the lord of Maleburg, one of the legendary pillars of the Allied Forces, will probably be returning." She paused, her voice almost inaudible.

Her words were like an ice cube thrown into warm water, instantly cooling the ambiguous atmosphere around them. When she mentioned that name, her body instinctively pressed closer to Su Li, as if seeking protection. Her golden eyelashes drooped, unable to conceal the fear that stemmed from the past and was buried deep in her heart.

Yes, Lady Bayonetta, the stunning beauty who is now languidly nestled in the arms of the Lord of Hessen, is also the legal wife of the legendary strongman who is about to return in triumph—Marquis Joachim von Gorge, Lord of Maleburg.

She secretly eloped with Su Li to the Black Forest Territory from Maleburg, a secret that had been overlooked in the past due to distance and war, but suddenly became clear and imminent with the end of the Great Expedition.

Su Li remained silent in thought, the pool water rippling gently against his chest, reflecting the flickering firelight from the fireplace. The languid, relaxed expression on his face gradually faded, replaced by a deep calm, like the sea before a storm. His arm around Bayonetta remained firm and strong, without the slightest tremor.

A moment later, his deep voice broke the silence, without panic, but with a strange, almost pre-hunt calm: "Migratory birds... are indeed the first to sense the cold wave. Is the news reliable?"

“The excitement those knights showed when discussing their spoils and experiences didn’t seem fake, and the details corroborated each other,” Bayonetta replied softly. “It should be… pretty much true.”

Su Li slowly exhaled, the white steam merging into the pervasive mist. He didn't speak immediately, but simply pulled Bayonetta tightly into his arms again, his chin gently resting on the top of her head.

"You're back...that's good." His voice was calm and even, with a hint of sharpness that was hard to detect.

His return will cause a huge uproar in Maleburg, and this is also the best opportunity for Su Li to enter Maleburg.

As far as a qualified politician is concerned, Lord Joachim is definitely not the kind of person who would rather love a beautiful woman than his country. Lady Bayonetta has already confirmed this several times in her conversations with Su Li.

Therefore, Su Li can be certain and assure that after Lord Joachim returns, he will definitely not come to Black Forest Territory immediately. His first priority will definitely be to compete with the council for control of the city.

After Mrs. Bayonetta's disappearance, the two sides have completely broken off relations.

Su Li's fingers gently combed through Bayonetta's wet blonde hair, his voice calm and composed: "Joachim's return is by no means a triumphant feast for Maleburg, but the beginning of a power storm."

A relaxed and cheerful smile curved his lips: "You and I both know that your 'disappearance' has completely torn apart the last vestiges of civility between him and the old council nobles in the city. When he left, he was a hero of the expedition, commanding a large army and enjoying unparalleled prestige. But now he returns to face a city whose power structure has quietly changed due to the long absence of its lord, a city where the council has already taken the opportunity to consolidate its own power."

“His first priority will never be finding out the whereabouts of a ‘deceased’ lady,” Su Li’s gaze was sharp, as if he could see through thousands of miles of border princely territory and see the power struggle that was about to unfold in Maleburg. “He must immediately and with all his might rush to the parliament to regain, or rather reaffirm, his absolute control over that city. Purges, compromises, deals, even bloodshed… it will be a huge political vortex that can swallow everyone’s attention.”

He gently lifted Bayonetta's chin, looking into her still worried eyes: "And this vortex is our opportunity. A chaotic, internally strife-ridden Maleburg is far easier to... be infiltrated, influenced, and even manipulated than a monolithic Maleburg ruled by legendary figures."

His words contained no urgency, only the patience and calculation of a hunter waiting for his prey to step into his trap.

The conversation naturally turned to another card in his hand that was about to be played. “Speaking of the army,” Su Li’s tone softened, with a hint of genuine anticipation, “the five thousand men we sent out to participate in the expedition should indeed be back by now.”

He also dispatched the handsome Gilles and Constantine, the Grand Master of the Crown Knights, to personally lead 5000 troops in response to the Empire's sacred call, and they were the first to arrive at Maleburg.

These 5000 men were not all his direct elite troops; a large number were rangers and knights who answered the lord's call, harboring dreams of military exploits and adventurers seeking opportunities. In his name, they joined the torrent of the Holy Great Crusade.

"The Sacred Expedition is the cruelest crucible, but also the most effective sieve." Su Li's eyes gleamed. "Those who return alive are undoubtedly veterans tempered in fire and blood. Their combat power, experience, and willpower will far surpass what they left behind. More importantly..."

He paused, thinking about the army's departure, which was named after the Goddess of the Sun, and included a large number of priests from the Church of the Goddess of the Sun.

"In the shadow of war and death, the light of faith always shines brighter. The missionaries of the Church of the Blazing Sun will never miss such an opportunity. I look forward to seeing how many of these five thousand returnees have had their hearts warmed by the Goddess's teachings, and how many, after experiencing tribulations, are willing to regard the Black Forest Territory, and me, their lord, as their true home and the guardian of their faith."

This will be a powerful and loyal new bloodline, enough to bring about another qualitative leap in his strength.

Feeling the still unsettled expression on the face of the woman in his arms, Su Li lowered his head and kissed her forehead, temporarily putting aside the heavy topic.

“However, that’s all for the future.” His voice became languid and seductive again, carrying a reassuring power.

“Now,” he tightened his arms around them, leaving no gap between them, the warm water enveloping them, “we have plenty of time. Joachim has his mess to clean up, and my army is still on its way home. Until then…”

His voice was like the finest wine, with an intoxicating magnetism: "Let's first enjoy a period of... undisturbed, leisurely, peaceful, happy and stable... 'farming' life."

He pronounced the last two words with exceptional clarity, carrying a strong double meaning and undisguised anticipation, referring both to the development of the territory and to the ultimate tenderness and cultivation before him.

The rising steam seemed to temporarily shut out the outside world's disturbances, leaving only the pool of spring water and the gradually emerging enchanting atmosphere in the room.

This is the life he likes: undisturbed, peaceful 'farming' where he can improve his strength.

Moreover, this improvement is comprehensive, encompassing both individual strength and territorial strength!

Because as long as the territory remains stable, with the assistance of the intelligence system, his army and servants will have more opportunities, and the artisans in his territory will be able to produce more powerful equipment!

It can be said that, given time, he could easily conquer Maleburg and even the entire border princely territory with the fruits of his farming.

The current strength of the Black Forest Territory is enough for him to maintain this stable life. As long as there is no legendary invasion, the territory is as stable as Mount Tai.

(End of this chapter)