King of the North: My Lord's Diary Weekly Summary

"So, the next step is to explain his appearance to the cadres."

The purple card engraved with Raymond the Knight of the Fortress was already in Wayne's hand—he could conjure people up with a mere thought!

……

The midday sun pierced through the sparse clouds above the village—a rare clear day in the North.

Wayne stood in front of the house, with Ronald and Wright beside him.

All three of them turned their gaze toward the path at the village entrance—where a tall figure was walking steadily toward them.

The man wore a faded gray-blue knight's robe, covered by worn but well-maintained chainmail, with a heavy tower shield almost as tall as him on his back and a broad-bladed sword hanging at his waist.

His steps were steady and powerful, and his movements were orderly.

As he got closer, Wayne saw his face clearly—about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, with a square face, thick eyebrows, and a carefully trimmed short beard on his chin.

What's most striking are his eyes; his grey-blue pupils hold a calmness that only a seasoned veteran possesses.

"Baron Wayne Lancaster?"

The newcomer stopped five paces away, clenched his right fist against his chest, and gave a standard royal knightly salute: "I am Raymond Stonefield, the knight who wrote to me before and came to seek refuge."

His voice was deep and clear, even carrying a slight accent characteristic of the central government.

After all, they had discussed it during the night—Raymond's identity was that of a knight under a baron from the Central Plains who died in the North.

Wayne stepped forward and returned the greeting: "I am Wayne."

Welcome to Frostraven's Lair, Knight Raymond.

But I want to know—why did you choose to come here?

This is a necessary question.

Ronald and Wright exchanged a glance, both tensing up slightly.

They received a message from Wayne this morning—that a knight, supposedly skilled in defense but who had failed to protect his former lord, had come to surrender.

They could be described as scornful of this knight they had never met, but the proper procedures still had to be followed.

Raymond was prepared.

He took off the heavy shield from his back, stood it at his side, and held the edge of the shield: "I once served as the border guard captain in the territory of Baron Louis in the West."

Two months ago, he died in battle helping the border troops resist the barbarian invasion, and we who were loyal to him... have nowhere to go.

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the village—houses still under reconstruction, but the villagers' expressions showed no despair, only hope amidst their busy work.

"I traveled eastward and heard about your deeds in the news within the country."

Raymond continued, his voice now tinged with respect: "Exterminate the mountain bandits, confront the northern barbarians, and forge a path to survival for our people in dire straits."

More importantly, I have heard of your treatment of your subordinates and subjects—a tax of one-fifteenth of the harvest, and your deployment of troops to guard your territory.

His gaze returned to Wayne's face: "I need a lord I can serve, and you seem to be that kind of person."

If you are willing to accept me, I will build a strong wall for you with my shield.

These words are reasonable.

In the North, power shifts are frequent, and it is common for the former subordinates of disgraced nobles to wander the world.

Although Raymond's equipment was slightly damaged, it was still well-maintained, and combined with his physique and imposing presence, he was clearly a truly experienced warrior.

Wayne paused for a few seconds, feigning an assessment. Then he extended his hand: "Frostraven Territory welcomes capable warriors."

But let me make this clear first—this is not some wealthy territory.

We are short of food and manpower, surrounded by enemies on all sides, and winter is just around the corner.

Staying means sharing life and death with me and all my people.

Raymond knelt down on one knee and took Wayne's hand: "This is exactly what I've been looking for, sir."

His palms were broad and calloused, with a firm but not intimidating grip.

"So."

Wayne helped him up and turned to Ronald and Wright: "This is Knight Raymond Stonefield, who will be joining us from today."

Raymond—

The two were surprised, but did not reveal anything—they were clearly preparing to confirm the situation with Wayne privately.

Wayne looked at his new subordinate: "I need you to be in charge of the territory's defense for the time being."

Ronald, Wright, and I will be leaving for a few days the day after tomorrow to carry out an important mission.

For the time being, the territory is in your hands.

Ronald, Wright, show him around the territory and get him to meet up with Emma and the others.

Raymond did not hesitate at all: "Yes, sir."

As long as I stand, I will not let the enemy set foot in the village.

His tone was calm, yet it conveyed a convincing certainty.

however.

Wright's eyes looked strange.

Ronald finally couldn't hold back any longer and spoke up: "Lord Stonefield, please forgive my rudeness—but how can a knight who failed to protect his lord prove that he can protect the new lord?"

His tone carried an undisguised skepticism.

Raymond slowly turned around to face Ronald directly—his nearly two-meter height was extremely imposing.

But his expression only held a deep weariness: "I cannot prove it, Sir Knight."

All I can say is that Baron Louis's death was not due to my cowardice.

That night, we were surrounded by an enemy three times our size. I held the east wing, while the Baron was ambushed and shot while trying to break out on the west wing.

By the time I changed my strategy, fought my way through the enemy lines, and arrived, he had already…

He took a deep breath: "Some failures cannot be avoided by martial arts skills and courage, and are also difficult to predict in advance."

But failure is failure, and I have no intention of arguing about it—but my professional competence can prove it to you.

If the adults are unwilling to take me in, I will continue eastward and go over there to take another look.

"Ronald."

Wayne suddenly spoke up.

"grown ups?"

The Knights captain glanced sideways.

"If you were in that situation, what would you do after your lord dies in battle?"

Ronald paused for a moment, then said decisively, "I will fight to the death by your side, or I will kill all my enemies and then commit suicide."

That's your choice.

Wayne looked at Raymond: "But it's not everyone's choice."

Some chose to die for their country, some chose revenge, and some... chose to find new meaning.

He walked up to Raymond, so close he could see the bloodshot in Raymond's eyes: "I have only one question."

If you were faced with the same situation again—your lord is in dire straits, and the front you are responsible for is also in imminent danger—what would you do?

Raymond did not hesitate for a moment: "I will hold the line until the lord is safely evacuated, or until I die in battle."

If the defenses fall and the lord is in danger, it must be because I am already dead.

Ronald and Wright might not believe these two sentences—but Wayne knew that they were based on his real experience.

Wayne turned to Ronald and Wright: "I know you have doubts, and so do I."

However, Frostraven Territory is short of people, especially experienced warriors.

Whether Knight Raymond is trustworthy or not, let time and his actions prove it.

He paused, then emphasized, "And now, as the lord, I've decided—to give him a chance."