Medieval: Kingdom Come: Deliverance

As darkness fell, Peter's horsemen, along with a group of over thirty artisans led by Nebakov, escorted the dejected Sir Nebakov back to the new camp, where the cleanup work was nearing completion.

The open space in front of the campsite presented a spectacular sight.

The captured supplies piled up like mountains: sacks of grain, bundles of weapons, armor in varying degrees of damage, four strong warhorses, eight packhorses, numerous tents, pots and pans… and even some cloth and miscellaneous items “contributed” by the merchants who accompanied the army. The prisoners were divided into several groups and guarded: dejected mercenaries, terrified militiamen, and the guards of the young lord of Borgo.

Although exhausted, the militiamen in the camp were beaming with the joy and pride of victory as they excitedly counted and carried away their spoils.

"The lord is back!" the sentry on the watchtower shouted.

The camp gates opened, and Peter led the way, followed by a long line, as even more enthusiastic cheers erupted from inside the camp.

"Victory belongs to Peter, glory to Griffin!"

"Victory belongs to Peter, glory to Griffin!"

..........

Cheers erupted one after another.

Just then, a fiery red figure rushed out from one side of the camp like a whirlwind, heading straight for Peter.

"Peter!"

It's Marika! The Gypsy girl's face was flushed from the long run, her long, fiery red hair was a little messy, but her bright eyes were full of excitement and joy.

She rushed to Peter's horse, tilted her head back, and cried out, "I'm here! I knew you would win! My stubborn old father, who said Gypsies couldn't participate in lordly disputes, locked me up! But I still escaped! Peter, let me stay! I want to follow you!"

Peter reined in his horse, looking at the passionate and energetic girl before him. Her courage and determination moved him. He smiled slightly and dismounted.

"Marika, welcome," he said gently. "However, I don't have a Ranger Commander position for you."

Marika's eyes lit up: "It's okay! I'll do anything as long as I can stay!"

Peter thought for a moment: "We've captured quite a few horses, and the camp needs people to take care of them. I know you Gypsies are good at dealing with horses. How about you go to the agricultural group and be the head of the horse-raising team, responsible for herding, feeding, and basic maintenance of all the horses in the camp? What do you think?"

"The head of the horse-breeding team?"

Marika paused for a moment, then broke into a radiant smile and nodded vigorously. "Great! That's wonderful! I love horses! I'll definitely raise them to be plump and healthy!"

Overwhelmed with joy, she jumped up, opened her arms, and pounced on Peter, planting a loud kiss on his cheek!

"Thank you, Peter!" she exclaimed.

This sudden act of enthusiasm caught Peter off guard; the soft touch on his cheek made him pause slightly. The surrounding soldiers, seeing this, let out good-natured laughter and whistles.

Just then, a cold voice, tinged with jealousy, rang out:

"Looks like... I've come at the wrong time?"

Peter looked in the direction of the sound and saw Pavlena standing quietly nearby. She had changed into a clean dress, but her face was still pale. She had participated in the previous defense and acted as a medic, treating the wounded, and was exhausted. She looked at the obvious lipstick mark on Peter's face, then at the passionate Marika, her eyes filled with complex emotions, and her lips were slightly pursed.

Peter, seeing Pavlina's feigned calm despite her obvious concern, and feeling the soldiers' expectant gazes, suddenly recalled a classic scene from his past life. He thickened his skin, showing no embarrassment whatsoever, and instead flashed Pavlina a bright smile, mimicking the carefree tone from his memory, and said loudly:

"No, Pavlena."

He opened his arms and looked sincerely at the two beautiful girls, who were very different in style but equally beautiful.

"You've come at just the right time."

The moment those words were spoken, the scene fell silent for a second. Then, an even louder burst of laughter and whistles erupted! The soldiers exchanged knowing glances, the atmosphere incredibly lively.

Pavlina was taken aback by Peter's shameless response. A blush appeared on her pale face, and she glared at him fiercely. However, the hint of sourness in her eyes quietly disappeared, replaced by a helpless and amused reproach.

--------

The campsite in the mountains was bustling with activity, and preparations were underway for an evening bonfire party.

The merchants who accompanied the army from outside the mountains were overjoyed.

They originally intended to make money off the lord's army, but unexpectedly, they actually made a fortune off these people.

Peter's army only took the essential supplies, leaving the miscellaneous items for the merchants. As for the corpses scattered everywhere, Peter didn't waste the camp's manpower; instead, he hired merchants and bathing women to dispose of and bury them for a few silver coins. After all, the bodies couldn't be left to rot in the wilderness.

Night fell.

As the battlefield was cleared, the outcome of the battle spread rapidly through the words of a few fleeing soldiers, merchants accompanying the army, and spies from other regions. Everyone knew that the arrogant and conceited young master Borgo had fallen into a trap, been captured, and his entire army had been wiped out. The Red Griffins, having gathered their prisoners, had greatly increased their strength.

"No, it can't be! I must be dreaming."

Inside Trossky Castle, the castle steward Ulrich, who remained behind, heard the news of the defeat and shouted in disbelief, "Merciful God, if I am having a nightmare, please wake me up with the purest urine of a child."

"Master Steward, please don't be like this. You are the only person we can rely on in the castle right now. Please calm down."

Just as Ulrich was completely distraught and grief-stricken, Thomas, the former captain of the castle guard, said, "The most urgent thing right now is to write to the Count of Prague and send someone to the Red-Haired Camp to discuss the young master's ransom."

"Yes, yes, yes, Thomas, you're absolutely right. I'll write to the master immediately, as for discussing the ransom..."

Writing letters is fine, but old Ulrich is unwilling to go to discuss the ransom. What if Red Peter detains him too? How can I protect my castle, no, my master's castle!

"I will handle the ransom matter."

Captain Thomas bravely took on the task.

"Well done, Thomas, as expected of our captain of the guard. I'm not only reinstating you as captain, but also entrusting you with handling the young master's ransom. You can agree to anything under 2000 Grossens. Anything over that can be discussed, but we'll have to wait for the master to return."

Ulrich was very grateful to the man who had stepped forward in his time of need and quickly granted him authorization.

"Thank you for your trust. I will set off immediately to negotiate the ransom as soon as possible and welcome the young master back."

Thomas bowed respectfully and left.

"How loyal!"

Ulri sighed as he watched the other person's departing figure.

But they didn't see the hidden hatred on Thomas's face as he turned his back.