Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 513 The Glorious Achievements of the Expeditionary Force
News of the expeditionary force's imminent return spread like wildfire throughout every corner of the Blacksin Territory. Nearly two years of waiting and worry transformed into jubilant joy and unparalleled pride. When the massive, weary yet awe-inspiring army finally appeared at the end of the territorial road leading to Blacksin City, the entire territory trembled.

The massive square in front of the Forbidden City and the main road leading to the palace gates were already packed with surging crowds. People, dressed in their finest clothes, stood on tiptoe, craning their necks, eager to catch a glimpse of the heroes. A unique atmosphere, a blend of festive clamor and solemnity, permeated the air.

On the square, the order of the Black Forest Territory was elevated to the highest level.

The Black Forest Guard knights stood like steel statues, forming the innermost ceremonial aisle. Their armor was polished to a gleaming shine, their purple robes and the bauhinia insignia on their shoulders were strikingly bright, and the tips of their halberds formed a cold, metallic forest, gleaming with a chilling yet glorious light in the sunlight.

Following the Imperial Guards was a contingent of provincial standing troops from various towns and cities within the territory. Holding shields and spears, they stood tall and straight, offering the highest military salute to their comrades who were about to return.

At various high vantage points, members of the Dwarven Engineers Guild operated meticulously tuned and gleaming cannons—specially designed cannons loaded with extra gunpowder and a minimal amount of metal shavings, intended to create a celebratory effect of maximum boom and flash, rather than to inflict damage.

The court musicians formed a drum and bugle corps that stood on both sides of the palace gate, with huge bull horns and brass war drums silently awaiting commands.

Lord Su Li of the Bauhinia did not remain seated on his throne. He stood personally before the magnificent bronze gates of the Bauhinia Palace, clad in a military uniform combining ceremonial plate armor and a deep purple velvet tuxedo, draped with a cloak embroidered with intricate gold thread. To his left were the territorial civil and military officials, led by Marshal Orstein, and to his right were the high-ranking members of the Sunfire Church, represented by Patriarch Rong En. All eyes were fixed on the distant avenue gradually shrouded in dust.

The deep, penetrating sound of bugles came first from afar, a signal from the vanguard of the expeditionary force.

Immediately following, the heavy, orderly, thunderous sound of horses' hooves approached from afar. The first thing that caught the eye was an enormous banner fluttering in the wind—the Bauhinia Battle Banner of the Black Forest Territory. The banner was stained with the dust of battle and some dark brown mottles, which only made it appear more majestic, having endured countless battles.

Beneath the banner, the vanguard of the expeditionary force appeared.

Leading the way were the two sharpest spearheads of the expeditionary force—the Crimson Night Knights and the Sun Crown Knights.

The Crimson Night Knights, true to their name, wore predominantly dark armor etched with hidden runes. Their robes were a deep crimson, almost black, and they rode equally sturdy black warhorses. They moved silently, their eyes sharp as eagles, carrying a cold composure and deadly efficiency honed by survival of the most brutal wars of attrition. They were the sharpest blades in battle, the most reliable assault force on the battlefield.

The Knights of the Sun, following closely behind, presented a stark contrast. Their armor gleamed as if it had absorbed the sunlight, their breastplates and shields adorned with the emblem of the blazing sun and shimmering ray patterns, their crimson robes like burning flames. Their bearing was even more resolute, imbued with religious fervor and a sense of mission; each knight seemed like a fragment of the sun walking on earth. Their return was not merely a military victory, but a triumph of faith.

These two elite units, with their unparalleled military bearing and powerful aura, instantly ignited the passion of the onlookers, and cheers erupted in the first wave like a tsunami.

Following them came an even larger and more impressive contingent of elite knights, full-fledged knights, and apprentice knights. Their armor might not have been as ornate as the former, and their equipment might have differed slightly, but without exception, they all exuded the fierce aura of battle-hardened warriors. Their ranks were perfectly aligned, and the thunderous sound of their horses' hooves resonated in unison, shaking the very core of every knight. They were the solid backbone of the Blacksin knightly class, the very pillar of the army.

Following the torrent of knights came a massive infantry force.

The elite armed squires formed a tight square formation, armed with halberds or swords and shields, well-equipped, and with resolute expressions. Years of expeditions had tempered them from green squires into true veterans, and many of them now had eyes as sharp as the regular knights ahead.

The most eye-catching and enthusiastically cheered group in the procession was the spontaneously formed combat pilgrimage group. They were not regular soldiers; most were devout followers of the Sunfire Cult or free citizens eager for glory. Clad in a motley collection of armor, carrying various weapons and sacred banners, many bore wounds, yet their expressions were fervent and proud. They sang war hymns praising the gods or impromptu ballads glorifying their lord and the Blacksin territory, their voices booming, even drowning out the bugle calls. Their presence testified to the righteousness of the expedition and its broad popular support.

At the very heart of this massive army, the three commanders rode side by side on horseback.

Commanding the entire operation was Gilles, a handsome man deeply trusted by Su Li and renowned for his striking good looks and exceptional tactical skills. He had taken special care of his appearance today; his short, golden hair gleamed in the sunlight, and a gentle yet dignified smile graced his handsome face as he waved to the crowds on both sides, eliciting cheers. His composed demeanor perfectly embodied the bearing of a victorious commander.

To his left was Sir Connor, a long-serving retainer of Su Li's family, known for his composure and loyalty. His expression was calm, his sharp gaze sweeping over the ranks and their surroundings, always on guard, like a steadfast shield for his lord.

To the right stood Constantine, Grand Master of the Knights of the Sun. This fanatical believer was clad entirely in dazzling golden armor, gripping a massive warhammer topped with the emblem of the blazing sun. His helmet was tucked under his arm, revealing a devout and solemn face. Occasionally, he would raise his arm, adorned with metal gauntlets, in a gesture of blessing to the crowd, causing believers to kneel in fervent prayer wherever he went.

The army halted in front of the square. Gilles, Connor, and Constantine dismounted and walked the last distance to the foot of the palace steps, where they knelt on one knee before Su Li.

"My lord!" Gilles's clear and passionate voice carried far and wide, "Thanks to Violet's favor and your leadership, your loyal army has completed its sacred expedition and has returned! Five thousand soldiers have lived up to your trust!"

Su Li stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the three commanders and the silent, powerful steel legion behind them. His voice, amplified by magic or the carefully orchestrated terrain, echoed clearly and powerfully throughout the plaza:
"Rise, my generals, welcome home! The Black Forest is proud of you! You have endured blood and fire, cleansed evil, and defended the glory of the empire and the order of humanity! Your names will be engraved in the Hall of Honor of the Forbidden City, and your deeds will be sung here for a thousand years!"

He raised his right hand high.

"Fire the cannons! Play the music! Cheers to our heroes!"

The next moment, a huge sound wave engulfed everything.

The dwarf cannons roared deafeningly, one after another, as if the mountains themselves were paying homage.

The court orchestra's horns and war drums played the stirring "Victory Triumph Song".

The loudest sound came from the almost frenzied cheers and shouts of countless Black Forest citizens! Flowers were thrown into the air and fell like raindrops.

Amidst this deafening roar, Gilles, Connor, and Constantine stood up, and the expeditionary soldiers behind them responded in unison by punching their chests or slamming their weapons on the ground.

The cheers in the square reached their peak.

"In Violet's name!"

"Long live the Hessian Territory!"

"Long live Lord Su Li!"

"Glory to the Expeditionary Force!"

The roar was deafening, as if it would pierce the clouds. The glory of victory belongs to every returning warrior, and to this land they swore to protect.

As the deafening cheers subsided and the grand triumphant ceremony moved to its next stage, the handsome Gilles stepped forward and bowed to Su Li once more. His voice was clear and resonant, intended to ensure that as many nobles, generals, and messengers as possible near the platform could hear the summary of this glorious expedition:

"Your Excellency, my lord!" Gilles' voice carried the composure and pride of battle experience: "We obey your orders, responding to the Empire's call, and the entire army marches to the front lines of Mount Oka. It is a treacherous land deeply corrupted by evil forces; the mountains seem to groan in agony, and the air is forever thick with the stench of sulfur, decay, and blood."

"Our army mainly followed the Empire's main force, responsible for clearing out the 'Bone-Cracking' Valley and surrounding areas on the southeast side of the main ridge of Mount Oka. The ferocity of the battle far exceeded expectations. But our army also forged its glorious achievements with blood and fire!"

"In this battle, our Hessian Expeditionary Force fought dozens of battles, large and small, and captured more than 12,000 heads!" The number he reported drew gasps of surprise.

"Among them, the Greenskins alone defeated four large warbands and no fewer than twenty medium and small tribes. They killed the Greenskin chieftain, the Orc general Gruddog the Skullbreaker, and his Black Orc guards, annihilated three Goblin Shamans, destroyed two Orc warships, and countless other Goblin slaves and ghouls. The number of heads confirmed alone exceeded eight thousand, enough to form a small mountain."

"And we encountered and repelled a Chaos warband favored by Nurgle, the 'Rotten Walkers.' They were entrenched in the ruins of an ancient dwarven outpost, spreading a terrible plague. After a fierce battle, our army purified the filthy land, burned the mutated corpses, and slew seventeen Chaos warriors, one Chaos wizard, and countless mutated beings. Our army also paid a heavy price; many valiant warriors were corrupted by the plague and ultimately had to... have Commander Constantine personally perform the purifying fire on them." Gilles' voice deepened here, while Constantine solemnly drew a sun emblem.

"Furthermore, we also wiped out a Skaven squad (suspected to be a scout team from the 'Mordell Clan') entrenched in the mines, and slaughtered several mutant tribes and Beastman warbands roaming the mountains. It can be said that the evil forces in the southeastern region of Orca have been largely eradicated by our army."

Gilles' tone carried the coldness of a warrior: "All captured Chaos Marks, Beastman Totems, Greenskin trophies, and undead remains have been disposed of or burned in accordance with Imperial military regulations and church rites, ensuring there are no future problems."

"During the expedition, our army captured a great deal of spoils!" he continued, the contents of which were both practical and enticing. "These included: complete metal armor and weapons of various kinds, which could be melted down or purified for use, enough to equip two full-strength infantry corps; forty large boxes of gold and silver coins, gems and valuables (already registered); more than five hundred high-quality packhorses and warhorses; and a large amount of grain, leather and other military supplies, which greatly replenished our army's consumption during the expedition, and we even had enough to bring back."

"All spoils of war have been transported back with the army and are awaiting Your Lordship's judgment!" After reporting the spoils, Gilles' face revealed a genuine, glorious smile of victory: "However, my lord, the greatest gain is not these cold numbers and supplies, but the transformation and sublimation of our soldiers themselves!"

"My lord, the expedition is not only about killing and plundering, but also the harshest crucible!" Gilles' tone became extremely solemn. "Our soldiers have been tempered in the fires of blood like never before. Countless people have proven their courage and loyalty, and have received the divine favor of the goddess Violet and been promoted in strength!"

"More than 470 armed squires and freemen warriors (including many members of the Battle Pilgrims) who displayed bravery and skill in combat were promoted to apprentice knights and obtained formal knighthoods for their merits."

"Two hundred and eighty-seven apprentice knights have accumulated enough merit and passed the test to be promoted to full knights."

"One hundred and twenty-two seasoned knights, who demonstrated extraordinary courage and leadership in key battles, were promoted to elite knights."

"Furthermore, seventeen of the most outstanding elite knights, after their heroic acts of slaying powerful enemies or deciding the course of battle, have gained the recognition of the gods and broken through to become champion knights!"

Finally, he delivered the most exciting news, his voice rising slightly with excitement:
"And in the climax of this expedition—the Battle of Mount Oka Pass—Captain Constantine and I, under the personal attention and grace of the Sun Goddess Violet, bathed in holy light, defeated the counterattack of the Chaos army amidst a vast army, and were thus... promoted to Chosen Knights!"

Every figure reported by Gilles was like a drop of water thrown into a pot of boiling oil, stirring up a new wave of even more fervent cheers in the square!

When the "12,000-level" achievement was announced, the crowd roared with a mixture of shock and bloodlust; when they heard about the slaying of the Green-skinned Warrior and the purification of the Chaos War Gang, the devout believers excitedly drew the Holy Sun Emblem and shouted the name of the goddess; and when the astonishing list of promotions was read out one by one, the entire square was completely engulfed in a sea of ​​excitement!

"Long live! Long live the Hessian Territory!"

"Goddess's protection! Glory belongs to the expeditionary force!"

"Look! That's my son! He's become a full knight!" an old woman cried, pointing at a young figure in the procession.

“And my husband! He’s an elite knight now!” another woman exclaimed, hugging her child tightly.

The families of those combat pilgrimage members were overjoyed. Their loved ones had not only returned alive, but had also achieved great success, stepping into the threshold of the knight class!
This was a victory for the entire Hessian territory, and every family seemed to share in the glory. The crowd waved their arms, scattering more flowers and ribbons; songs, cheers, cries, and shouts mingled together, forming a surging torrent of emotion that washed over every corner of the square.

This fervent scene perfectly illustrates why, every time the Empire launches its Holy Crusade, countless young people, believers, and warriors, yearning for glory and a change of destiny, flock to it, even knowing the arduous path ahead. It is not merely a conquest of evil, but a glorious path to power, status, and recognition!
Standing on the high platform, Su Li listened to the thunderous cheers and looked down at the transformed army below, especially the two chosen knights whose bodies exuded a divine radiance and whose aura was completely different. His heart was filled with surging emotions and countless feelings.

"As expected of... the Holy Great Expedition..." he murmured to himself, his voice filled with amazement and a hint of barely perceptible "distress".

He witnessed firsthand everything Gilles reported. A single expedition, in just over two years, had produced over 750 newly recruited apprentice and full-fledged knights! More than 100 elite knights! And like an explosion, 17 champion knights emerged, capable of serving as pillars of the army, along with two Chosen Knights who could be considered strategic forces!
The scale and quality of this promotion were unprecedented in his dozens of battles, large and small, fought in the border princely territories. In ordinary wars, a few apprentice knights being promoted to full-fledged knights, or one or two elite knights managing to break through to the champion rank, would be enough to warrant a three-day celebration. Only the Holy Great Expedition, which gathered the strength of the entire empire, received the deep attention of the gods, and clashed head-on with the main force of Chaos, could bring about such an exaggerated "baptismal" effect, allowing so many warriors to break through their bottlenecks and achieve a leap in life under extreme pressure and the fervor of their faith.

The achievement is so brilliant it's dizzying.

But the next moment, an extremely realistic and urgent thought squeezed into Su Li's mind, causing the corners of his mouth, which had turned up in joy, to twitch slightly.

“Too much…too much…” He could almost picture the face of the official in charge of personnel and fief allocation, on the verge of tears.

Thousands of new riders!
what does this mean?
This means that the Hessian Territory needs to immediately provide thousands of corresponding salaries and equipment maintenance allowances! It needs to immediately allocate enough manors and land to support the decent lives of thousands of knightly families! It needs to provide these newly rich with commensurate social status and positions!

In the past, after a war, filling the vacancies with a few dozen or a hundred knights was manageable for the ever-expanding Blacksem Territory. But this time, it was thousands! It was as if a completely new gear system had been crammed into an already well-functioning machine!

Su Li could almost see his council chamber soon filled with groups of newly recruited, passionate knights eager to prove their worth and reap rewards. Each of them had rendered meritorious service and awaited the lord's rewards and appointments.

"Are we going to have dozens of knights vying for the position of patrol captain? Or have a newly crowned champion knight in charge of training new recruits?" Su Li thought to himself with a wry smile. "I'm afraid even the position of stable master will now have to be filled by an elite knight!"

This happy trouble came too overwhelmingly.

Of course, this powerful, newly formed force of knights is undoubtedly the cornerstone of Blacksin's future expansion, an iron fist that can sweep away all obstacles. But how to properly settle them, meet their expectations, and at the same time not disrupt the territory's existing structure and finances will be a crucial and extremely difficult issue that he must immediately confront.

The victory of the expedition brought unparalleled glory and a powerful army, but it also brought a lord a "sweet burden."

Gilles' report was not yet finished. He continued excitedly, "My lord, in this expedition, my Blacksene Legion not only won rich material rewards and tempered our army, but also gained great prestige within the Empire! The bravery and discipline of my Blacksene Expeditionary Force have won high praise from the commanders of the Empire's main legions."

"The names 'Blackforest Iron Wall' and 'Blade of the Sun' have spread throughout the southern borders of the Empire. Many wandering knights who lost their lords or homes on expeditions, free warriors eager to make a name for themselves, and even some second sons of minor nobles have expressed their willingness to follow our banner and come to Blackforest to seek opportunities. More importantly..."

He looked at Constantine, "The fame of the Sunbeam Faith has spread far and wide with the valiant efforts of Commander Constantine and the Knights of the Sun. Large numbers of people along the way have converted, and many clergy have requested to study at the church in the Hessian territory. What we have brought back is not just a powerful army, but also unparalleled glory, a resounding reputation, and a continuous stream of talent."

"At the same time, the prestige of the Church of the Sun also rose sharply because of this battle. The heroic deeds of Grand Master Constantine and his Crown Knights attracted a large number of new believers, and people in many places even spontaneously built small altars for the goddess Violet. The Church's influence and appeal have spread to a much wider area than Black Forest Territory along with the expeditionary force."

After finishing his report, Gilles bowed again and presented a thick parchment scroll sealed in leather with both hands: "This is the victory and glory that my expeditionary force brought back for you and for the territory of Hessian! All the details of the achievements and the detailed battle reports have been copied here and are available for your reference at any time!"

Su Li accepted the heavy battle report, feeling its weight. Listening to the string of exhilarating figures and achievements, his smile was as radiant as the summer sun. This was not merely a cold battle report, but a resounding declaration—a declaration that Black Forest Territory was no longer a marginalized border force, but a truly powerful force with a significant presence on the imperial map!
He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the travel-worn yet spirited Gilles, and Constantine, whose face was solemn and devout, seemingly still surrounded by holy light. He reached out and patted the two commanders heavily on the shoulder, the force filled with unquestionable admiration and trust. Sensing their lord's expectations, the two straightened their backs simultaneously, their armor clanging crisply, their military posture as straight as pine trees, displaying the strength and heroism of battle-hardened elites.

"Good! Well done!" Su Li's voice was loud and clear, filled with undisguised joy. "What you brought back was not only the glory of victory, but also the indestructible foundation for the future expansion of Black Forest! Such a glorious achievement deserves a grand celebration!"

He surveyed the jubilant crowd in the square, spread his arms wide, and his voice boomed like a bell: "Issue my order! From this moment forward, the entire territory of Blacksin will celebrate for three days! All ale and brandy in taverns will be tax-free. Furthermore, on this tax day, nineteen percent of the tax will be reduced by eighty percent, allowing eleven percent of the tax to be shared by our warriors and all citizens!"

Immediately afterwards, he looked intently at the victorious soldiers and announced an even greater honor: "At the same time, tonight, a triumphant banquet will be held in the main hall of the Forbidden City! I will personally entertain all the heroes who have returned from the expedition with a whole roasted beef made with top-grade brandy that has been stored for many years and rare spices transported from the south! This is the highest honor you deserve!"

This announcement immediately brought the atmosphere to a new climax. The city-wide celebration meant that everyone could participate in this grand event, while the palace banquet was a unique and supreme recognition of the meritorious soldiers.

Then Su Li's gaze returned to Gilles and Constantine, his tone becoming warm and expectant: "Especially you, my generals. At tonight's banquet, I want all the ministers and generals of the territory to hear you recount firsthand every thrilling battle and every magnificent engagement on the expedition! I want to hear how our newly crowned champion knights slayed the enemy chieftain, and I also want to hear how those ordinary soldiers created miracles with their courage!"

He waved the battle report in his hand and laughed, "The numbers on these reports are certainly inspiring, but I'd rather hear the heroic stories behind them! I want everyone attending this banquet to feel the smoke of battle on Mount Oka and the bravery of our soldiers!"

"Let the entire territory know," Su Li's voice rose again, echoing in all directions, "that the great deeds of all those who have fought for the Black Forest Territory and rendered meritorious service shall not be forgotten by time!"

"The messenger and scribe must inscribe in detail the glorious achievements of this expedition on the merit stele in front of the Forbidden City, so that everyone who passes by can witness the might of the warriors of Black Forest!"

"Command the church's preachers and readers to include in every sermon and every prayer a verse praising the piety and bravery of the expeditionary force! Proclaim to all believers the expeditionary force's bathing in God's grace and ascension to God's elect as the latest miracle of the Goddess's power!"

"Hire wandering poets and playwrights at great expense, and send them to every town and every tavern! I want to hear epic tales of expeditions composed with the most stirring melodies, and I want to see heroic dramas performed with the most moving lines! The bloody battle of Mount Oka, the slaying of the Greenskins, and the defeat of Chaos shall all become stories that are widely known and sung for generations to come!"

"We will display the most representative enemy battle flags, shattered armor, and twisted chaotic marks we have captured in major towns! Let our people see with their own eyes how we defeated the enemy, let fear be deeply rooted in the hearts of any potential villains, and let pride fill the hearts of every citizen of Hessen!"

"Their names and deeds shall not only be recorded, but also proclaimed! From the lowest serfs to the noblest knights, everyone should know who won respect and fear for the Hessian Territory at Mount Oka! I will let this glory shine like the sun in every corner of the territory, inspiring those who come after to follow in their footsteps and win even greater glory for the Hessian Territory!"

(End of this chapter)