It felt so good to be close to the witch!

Recovering from his daze, Roy smiled and shook his head. Then, under the gaze of thousands of eyes with varying emotions, he strode forward and ascended the high platform.

The knights automatically dispersed, forming a protective circle around the platform. Along with Roy, besides Red, there was another figure wearing a hooded gray robe and a white cat mask.

It is the healing witch Shanika.

As for the other witches, the Ice Witch Ais is currently by Roy's side. In her "Grand Elementalization" state, she is not visible to ordinary people.

The Shadow Witch Lilia, merging into the shadows, looked around with a nostalgic and wistful gaze.

As for the two little ones, Vivian the Light Witch and Elena the Illusion Witch, Roy originally wanted to ask Ais the Ice Witch or Lilia the Shadow Witch to help cover their bodies, but unexpectedly, Vivian the Light Witch patted her chest and confidently said that she could handle the task of covering their bodies.

Then, under Roy's gaze, the Light Witch Vivian reached out and took the small hand of the Illusion Witch Elena, and the two little ones slowly disappeared into thin air.

Vivian, the Witch of Light, possesses the talent of controlling light. Since human vision is essentially the image formed by light and shadow, she can achieve invisibility by controlling the refraction of light.

Of course, Vivian the Light Witch's invisibility only affects vision; a powerful knight with enhanced senses would be able to detect it. But how could a knight of such strength possibly appear at the Blackrock Territory's Fertile Festival? Even if one did, the Ice Witch Ais would be able to detect it first and issue a warning.

……

It was nearly six o'clock in the evening, and the sky had completely darkened.

The upcoming Feast Festival signifies that autumn is in full swing, with shorter days and longer nights.

The blazing campfires dispelled the darkness and provided a steady source of light. The leaping flames were like the hearts of the people gathered here, warm and joyful.

Roy climbed onto the high platform, where the firelight illuminated the raised, mottled faces and pairs of expectant eyes that shone with a faint light.

Facing the gazes of thousands of his subjects, Roy felt an unexpected calm.

Since arriving in this world, crises have come one after another, leaving him no room to breathe. Even now, he can hardly be considered safe. But it is precisely these crises that have spurred him to rapidly change his mindset, becoming resolute, decisive, and calm.

After looking around, Roy slowly began to speak:

"Blackrock Territory, Iron Mountain Territory, and all my subjects, I am your lord, Lord Blackrock, Roy Tulumbel."

"This year is special because Blackstone and Iron Mountain have merged. Many of you are meeting me for the first time and don't know much about me. So, let me give you a brief self-introduction."

"I am a person who rewards and punishes fairly. I will reward those who have made contributions and punish those who have made mistakes. No one is exempt."

“I like law-abiding people, but in Blackrock Territory and Iron Mountain Territory, my words are the rules and the laws.”

"As long as you abide by the laws I set, I can guarantee that everyone's life will be better next year."

"Those who violate my rules will be severely punished!"

As the word "punishment" fell, the knights around the platform drew their weapons from their waists, the sharp humming sound sending shivers down the spines of the people.

"Today is the Feast Day, and also the celebration of the first expansion of the Turenbel family's territory. I won't say anything more."

"Now, everyone, please enjoy this wonderful celebration!"

Roy glanced around again and saw the awe in the eyes of his people. Only then did he nod in satisfaction.

As a manager, one cannot be overly kind; a combination of kindness and severity, a firm hand followed by a sweet treat, is the way to ensure the long-term operation of one's territory.

Especially since he had just become a lord, his authority was more important than his end.

After Roy finished speaking, the entire square was silent for a full five seconds.

"call out!"

At that moment, several streaks of light shot into the sky and exploded into a dazzling display of fireworks.

"oh--!"

The silence was ignited, and cheers erupted.

The dazzling fireworks illuminated the eyes of every resident, instantly bringing their emotions to a peak.

The maids and peasant women around the square began to busily fill bowls with the rich broth from the pots and distribute it. Every citizen could freely take food from the rows of wooden tables without wasting or hoarding it, and could also enjoy wine and juice to their heart's content.

Amidst the boisterous noise, Roy walked down from the platform with a smile and came to a special area prepared for him deep in the main square—a small area surrounded by tarpaulins with only one narrow entrance, which he had specifically instructed Red to prepare beforehand.

This arrangement is naturally intended to prevent outsiders from seeing what's inside.

This is the venue he prepared for himself to spend the Feast Festival with the witches.

“Uncle Red, I’ll trouble you to maintain order at the celebration.” Standing at the entrance, with the healing witch Shanica, who was wearing a gray hooded robe and a white cat mask, beside him, Roy turned to Red, who was a step behind.

"Lord Roy, please rest assured."

Red nodded, his gaze sweeping across the area enclosed by the tarpaulin. He saw the various foods that had already been prepared inside, nodded slightly in approval, and then turned to lead a group of knights to patrol the main square.

With thousands of people involved, disputes are inevitable, especially since some people with low alcohol tolerance like to act out when drunk, and the Cavaliers need to handle these situations.

Watching Red leave, Roy walked into the tarpaulin area, closed the door, and then said with a smile, "Everyone can show themselves now. Don't worry about anyone seeing you here."

As Roy's voice fell, azure light particles appeared beside him, and then the Ice Witch Ais's perfect, slender figure slowly emerged.

The crimson-purple dress was bathed in a hazy glow by the firelight, and with the surrounding azure light particles that had not yet completely dissipated, she looked like an elf in the snow, beautiful and ethereal.

After the Ice Witch Ais appeared, the Light Witch Vivian and the Illusion Witch Elena also appeared.

The two little girls held hands, and because they were close in age, they quickly became familiar with each other in just a few days.

Vivian, the Witch of Light, wore a simple, pure white halter dress. Her fair skin, with a hint of pink, was the best among all the witches. Coupled with her timid eyes, she was simply an angel descended to earth.

Meanwhile, the Phantom Witch Elena wore a leather blouse and skirt that allowed for easy movement. The cuffs and collar of the blouse were covered with soft white fur, and the waist of the skirt was tied with a delicate openwork metal belt, which accentuated her slender waist. Her slightly plump thighs and slender, straight calves were exposed to the air, dazzlingly white.

Her golden fox ears stood straight up, her fluffy tail swayed behind her, and her eyes were filled with eager anticipation as she looked at everything around her.

Behind Roy, the healing witch Shanica took off her hooded robe and mask, revealing a very special outfit—a black and white maid outfit.

When Roy found Shanika in the afternoon, she was wearing a plain yellow dress, but now she's changed into this outfit!

A white apron with ruffled lace trim, a long black dress with a white collar, and a large apron bow tied at the back, swaying slightly with the wearer's movements.

Of course, what is most eye-catching is the hem of her dress, which is stretched taut by her large frame. The heavy, thick fabric makes one worry that the buttons on the dress might burst open under the strain of being pulled too tight.

Shanika, having removed her grey hooded robe, took a white maid's headband from her pocket and put it on. Two small, white-gold ram's horns looked delicate and adorable. She smiled at Roy, her eyes glistening with moisture, and said, "Young Master Roy, let me grill some food for you and everyone~"

Most of the food on the wooden table was already cooked, but dishes like chops were best enjoyed freshly grilled with honey.

Roy sat down on the deck chair set up by the campfire and let out a comfortable sigh: "Then I'll leave it to you, Shanika."

"I'm your head maid, so this is what I should do." Shanica smiled gently, went to the campfire, and began to skillfully grill the ribs.

Beside the chaise lounge where Roy lay, shadows flowed backward like a liquid, forming the shape of the shadow witch Lilia's delicate body, dressed in a black, tight-fitting matte leather suit.

Strong, powerful thighs, flowing from bottom to top, curve fully before suddenly tightening, a sight to behold.

Roy lay back in his chair, gazing up at the full, bright crimson moon, a hint of relaxation in his eyes.

Surrounded by witches, this is arguably his safest moment yet.

"This is the first Fertility Festival we've spent together this year."

Roy's eyes were slightly unfocused, and his tone was leisurely.

“Yes.” The Shadow Witch Lilia’s eyes were filled with complex emotions.

Her gaze swept over the two little ones who had run to the campfire and were watching the Healing Witch Shanika grill ribs with great interest, and also over the Ice Witch Ais, who was sitting quietly in a chair, elegantly drinking a glass of juice.

The sounds of a lively crowd drifted from afar, including children's laughter, farmers' hopes for the coming year's harvest, and the mundane chatter of farm women. These ordinary sounds stirred a complex mix of emotions within the Shadow Witch Lilia.

After hesitating for a moment, she strode over to the table and picked up a beer.

This is a wine made from wheat, with a low alcohol content. Given that the witches are at least Silver Knights in strength, this level of alcohol would not make them drunk.

The beer went down her throat, initially bitter, then a hint of sweetness spread through her. Under the influence of alcohol, a faint blush appeared on the cheeks of the Shadow Witch Lilia.

As a wandering witch, Lilia couldn't remember the last time she had drunk alcohol.

Drinking it again now, it's still bitter, but the confusion in my heart is gone.

"so good……"

Looking at the witches around him, immersed in the festive atmosphere, Roy sighed inwardly. Then, his resolve hardened even more—Blackrock Territory was his home in this world, and he would never allow anyone to destroy it.

Whether it's the second prince, the border duke, or the empire and the temple.

I need to become stronger...

Roy closed his eyes, his uniquely rhythmic breathing swirling around his mouth and nose.

The inner peace he found gave him a deeper understanding of the "Explosive Breathing Technique".

When first practicing the Explosive Breathing Technique, practitioners are required to imagine themselves experiencing intense anger, which is beneficial for the explosive release of power.

However, as one's practice deepens, it begins to require the practitioner to maintain inner peace and not allow negative emotions such as anger to control their mind.

The essence of the Explosive Breathing Technique lies in the physical anger and the mental peace.

Roy knew this in the past, but knowing and being able to do are two different things.

Now, in the special context of the Fulmination Festival Night, he has gained a deeper understanding of the core essence of the Explosive Breathing Technique.

As this feeling deepened, Roy's "Explosive Breathing Technique" began to operate spontaneously, condensing his battle qi.

This method of condensing battle qi is far slower than when focusing on cultivation, but you should know that it is done automatically.

Feeling the "changes" within his body, Roy smiled sincerely.

His deeper understanding of the "Explosive Flame Breathing Technique" has transformed his battle qi cultivation from something that required active participation to something that now combines active and passive methods.

Even without deliberate cultivation, the amount of battle qi condensed by the breathing technique that operates spontaneously within his body is quite considerable in a day, almost a third of what he actively cultivates!

It's important to understand that even the most diligent person cannot practice continuously 24 hours a day.

Humans are made of flesh and blood; they need to eat and sleep, and this time is inevitably wasted.

However, even when he is not actively cultivating, the breathing technique that runs automatically in his body can still enhance Roy's fighting spirit.

This means that his already fast cultivation speed of battle qi has increased further.

By the time Roy emerged from his trance, a considerable amount of time had passed.

The campfire beside me had been replenished with new firewood several times, and the thick soup in the pot was still boiling hot, only the broth was much shallower.

Roy's eyes darted around and he noticed that the two little girls, Vivian the Light Witch and Elena the Illusion Witch, were squatting in a corner not far away, doing something. Meanwhile, the Ice Witch Ais and the Shadow Witch Lilia were sitting at a table, drinking and chatting, and their relationship seemed to have improved considerably.

Suddenly, a gentle touch came from both temples.

"Young Master Roy, you're awake."

The soft, soothing voice of the healing witch Shanica reached Roy's ears as she gently massaged Roy's head with her hands on either side of his head.

“Shanika…” Roy tilted his head slightly, but did not see Shanika’s face; instead, his vision was obscured by her astonishing undulations.