Lord: Starting with Summoning the Regular Army of Earth

Chapter 137 Returning to the Wind-Eroded Highlands

Before Matthew finished speaking, many people's eyes instantly reddened and their bodies trembled slightly.

Mick clenched his fists tightly, Eloi straightened his back, Ella covered her mouth, tears silently streaming down her face, and Lina and Ark held their mother's hands tightly, their little faces flushed with excitement.

The onlookers couldn't help but stir up a commotion and murmur among themselves.

"Quiet," Will said loudly, and the scene quickly quieted down, with only suppressed sobs and heavy breathing.

Matthew smiled and continued, "Becoming a formal citizen is a new beginning, not an end."

"Starting today, you can use your work points to apply to the territory for standard housing. Each household can apply for housing of different sizes depending on the family size. The property rights belong to the territory, and you will have permanent residency and usage rights, only needing to pay a small maintenance fee on time."

"From this day forward, you and your descendants will automatically gain priority in cultivating the land. The specific reclamation policies and land tax rates will be announced in detail by Will later."

"From today onwards, your children who are six years of age or older will have priority access to the soon-to-be-established elementary school," to learn literacy, arithmetic, and basic knowledge.

"From today onwards, you will be incorporated into the territory's militia system, receive basic training, and work together to protect our homeland. Those with special talents may be admitted to the standing army or various technical workshops after passing an assessment."

With each announcement, the eyes of the audience shone even brighter.

Housing, land, education, and security—things that were once out of reach or even unimaginable—are now clearly laid out before them, within their grasp.

Will stepped forward and began to read aloud detailed documents such as the "Rules of Rights and Obligations of the Residents," the "Housing Exchange and Management Regulations," and the "Reclamation Regulations."

The system is well-organized, with clear rewards and punishments, providing tangible benefits while also defining the responsibilities that must be borne.

No one felt it was harsh; on the contrary, they felt incredibly at ease.

The clearer the rules, the more hopeful the future will be.

After the reading was finished, Will took out a wooden box containing newly made oval wooden identification tags engraved with the emblem of Ember Ridge—a crossed hammer and ears of wheat—with a mountain outline in the background, and a number.

"Those whose names are called, come forward and receive your identity tags. This is your proof of being official citizens of Emberstone Ridge; please keep it safe."

"Stonemason, Mick!"

Mick took a deep breath, strode forward, and under the watchful eyes of countless people, took the plaque, which still carried the fresh scent of wood, from Will's hand.

The plaque feels slightly heavy in the hand, with clear lines carved on it.

He ran his rough fingers along the texture, as if he could feel its heavy weight.

He turned to face Matthew and bowed deeply, deeply, remaining there for a long time.

"Aloy, former soldier of the Northern Legion and reserve instructor for the militia!"

Eloi stepped forward with perfect strides, took the wooden plaque, held it tightly in his palm, then straightened his body and gave Matthew and Conrad on the stage an impeccable military salute.

The iron hook reflected a cold, hard light in the sunlight, but it no longer appeared broken; instead, it became a symbol of power.

One by one, the new residents were called forward to receive their identity cards. This solemn ceremony filled them with a sense of honor and belonging.

"Ella, and her family members Lina and Ark!"

Ella led her two children forward and accepted the three wooden plaques representing her family of three.

She carefully held them to her chest, tears blurring her vision once more.

She looked at Matthew, wanting to say something, but choked up and couldn't make a sound. She just pulled the children and bent down deeply.

One name after another was read out, and one soul after another that had struggled on the brink of death seemed to take root at this moment, feeling that they had found a true haven, a "home".

After the last identification tag was distributed, Matthew spoke again, his voice warm and firm in the sunlight: "From today onwards, Emberstone Ridge is your home. Every inch of this land, every brick, embodies the sweat of all of us. The road ahead is long, and we will face many more difficulties and challenges. But I believe that as long as we unite as one, build with our own hands, and create with our own wisdom, Emberstone Ridge will surely become a true paradise, a home where our descendants can live and work in peace and contentment, holding their heads high!"

"For our homeland!"

"For our homeland!!"

Below the stage, 156 new residents, along with all the onlookers, whether they were new temporary residents or original inhabitants, shouted this sentence from the bottom of their hearts and with all their might.

The sound surged into the sky, echoing through the valleys of Jinshi Ridge, startling birds flying in the distant forest.

The sun was shining brightly, illuminating everyone's excited and hopeful faces, and bathing this vibrant land in its light.

After the ceremony, the new residents, led by Old Sam, visited the "model rooms" of the first batch of standard houses.

There were rows of neatly arranged single-story or double-bay brick and tile houses. Although simple, they were sturdy, dry, and bright, with stoves, kang beds, and small courtyards.

People stroked the bricks, looked at the bright windows, and their faces were filled with happiness and anticipation. They had never lived in such a nice house before.

The crowd began to discuss animatedly which school they wanted to apply to and how they planned to live their lives thereafter.

Not far away, Matthew, Will, Conrad, and others stood side by side, watching this lively scene with smiles on their faces.

I also felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment.

"The hearts of the people are the most solid foundation of the territory," Matthew said softly, a relieved smile on his face.

The first batch of seeds has taken root and begun to sprout.

Next, we must carefully nurture them and wait for them to grow strong and eventually become towering trees that support the prosperity of this land.

Just then, a messenger jogged over, stood at attention, and saluted. It turned out that a message had come from the forward outpost: several cavalrymen were approaching from the direction of the Wind-Eroded Heights, carrying the banner of White River Valley.

"Very good, Will, prepare to receive them immediately." Matthew knew that it must be Sharna who sent someone to deliver the message to him. It seemed that White River Valley had completely taken control of the Wind-Eroded Highlands.

Shortly thereafter, Matthew received the White River Valley envoy in front of the Lord's manor.

Arriving was a centurion and three elite riders, covered in dust but in high spirits, their eyes carrying the sharp edge of victors and a hint of respect for Ashstone Ridge.

"Greetings, Your Excellency Lord Matthew!" The leading centurion placed his right hand on his chest in a standard barbarian salute, his voice booming, "By order of our chieftain Sharna, I have come to report our victory and present you with a personal letter and invitation from her!"

"Well done, warriors. It seems Chief Sharna has brought good news?" Matthew smiled and gestured for a servant to bring water. "Great news, Your Excellency!" The centurion's face beamed with pride. "Thanks to you, and with the divine weapons and strategies you left behind, our warriors fought bravely, and after seventeen battles, large and small, we have completely wiped out the remaining forces of the Giant God Tribe! Their vassal tribes have either surrendered or scattered, and those who resisted have all been executed. Now, the entire Wind-Eroded Highlands are entirely under the jurisdiction of my White River Valley!"

He paused, then continued, "Our tribe has now returned to its former homeland of White River Valley to recuperate. People from various scattered tribes have come to join us upon hearing the news. In addition, we have absorbed some former members of the Giant God tribe and other small tribes from the surrounding areas. Now, our tribe has recovered to eight thousand soldiers capable of fighting, and over thirty thousand archers! On the wind-eroded highlands, from now on, there will only be one voice: White River Valley!"

"Chief Sharna said that your help and that of Emberstone Ridge were crucial to our victory in this battle, our return home, and the unification of the Highlands. Your contribution is indispensable. The Highlands' current state is also thanks to you."

As he spoke, he solemnly took out a roll of letter paper made of fine sheepskin from his bosom and presented it to Matthew with both hands.

Matthew unfurled the parchment scroll, revealing Sharna's slightly bold yet elegant handwriting in Common: "Dear Baron Matthew: Greetings. The Highlands are secured, our enemies vanquished. Our people have returned to White River Valley, and all is well. This is all thanks to your and Elmstone Ridge's righteous assistance, which Sharna and all our people will never forget. We have sent this messenger to inform you and cordially invite you to return to the Highlands for our people's victory celebration. Firstly, to celebrate our victory together; secondly, to express our gratitude in person; and thirdly—to discuss important matters concerning the previously agreed-upon territorial division and the details of our long-term cooperation and mutual support between our two regions. The wine of White River Valley is ready, and the roast lamb is at its fattest, awaiting your arrival. Sharna, from White River Valley."

At the end of the letter, a simple totem of the White River Valley was also drawn.

After reading the letter, Matthew smiled sincerely.

Sharna did not disappoint him; she not only quickly quelled the situation but also firmly seized the initiative.

The unified wind-eroded highlands are a force to be reckoned with, and a strong, stable, and friendly White River Valley is crucial for the future development of Ember Ridge.

"Please reply to Chief Sharna." Matthew put away the letter and said to the centurion, "I have accepted her invitation. I will soon travel to White River Valley, firstly to congratulate her and the White River Valley tribe on their glorious victory, and secondly to discuss matters of mutual concern. May our friendship and cooperation, like the rock of the wind-eroded highlands, be strong and enduring."

Upon hearing this, the centurion bowed respectfully: "I will certainly convey your reply! The entire White River Valley eagerly awaits your arrival!"

After seeing off the White River Valley envoy, Matthew stood at the gate of the lord's manor, gazing at the lush riverbanks in the distance and the faint silhouettes of mountains further away, his thoughts churning.

Based on the previous exploration team's findings, the wind-eroded highlands are rich in mineral deposits. Now that the wind-eroded highlands have been completely controlled by the White River Valley, it's time to work with Sharna to clarify the land boundaries and plan for the future.

Of course, he also missed the tender moments he shared with Sharna.

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