Is this cheat code from Bika? Just do it!

Sofia nodded silently. She knew that given Safina's sensitive identity and the thousand-gold-coin bounty, finding a trustworthy protector was essential for her to live peacefully in the long run. Otherwise, if things went wrong and her identity was exposed, the consequences would be disastrous. With someone to protect her, things would be completely different; at the very least, it would buy her the buffer time needed to escape.

“No, we’ll just remind her tomorrow to be careful,” Lydia said softly, a hint of worry in her eyes. She understood that Sofia was right; Safina worked in a restaurant, which increased her chances of being exposed. If the city became several times more prosperous and the population increased further, the risk would be even greater.

Sofia gazed at the sky, recalling Safina's joyful expression, and a strange emotion welled up within her. Asking her to change jobs was out of the question; Safina was likely already deeply entrenched in this comfortable life, unable to break free.

"Don't overthink it, everything's fine now." Lydia gently hugged Sophia's arm, trying to change the subject. "Where should we go next? Any recommendations for fun places to visit?"

“Hmm, over there.” Sophia snapped out of her reverie and pointed to a street across the street. “I heard there’s a new perfume shop that opened over there. I want to go check it out.”

As she spoke, Sofia led Lydia to the other side of the street, her blue eyes scanning the surroundings as she searched for the legendary perfume shop. Soon, she found her target and dragged Lydia towards it.

"Huh? That carriage? Isn't that the one we rode in yesterday?" Sophia suddenly stopped and pointed in surprise at a larger carriage parked in front of the shop. She remembered this carriage very well; it was the one that had picked them up that day. Could it be that Link had come to the shop too?

"Huh? This is a perfume shop? Is it a perfume buying and selling shop?" Lydia also noticed the carriage, but her attention was quickly drawn to the perfume shop, and she asked in surprise.

"You're overthinking it." Sophia rolled her eyes and chuckled. "They sell perfume, they don't acquire it."

"Huh?" Lydia stared wide-eyed at Sophia, looking at her with a "don't kid me" expression. "Opening a perfume shop in this remote place? Aren't you afraid of going bankrupt? And do you really think perfume is water? You can just open a shop and claim to sell perfume, and you actually have perfume to sell?"

Lydia remembered hearing news from other cities that people were diluting perfume with water to create inferior perfumes and selling them to deceive consumers. She didn't believe that a perfume shop in this remote little town could possibly have any good products.

“We’ll find out once we go in.” Sophia pulled Lydia along and pushed open the door, eager to see what was so special about this shop.

"Welcome!" A sweet greeting greeted them as soon as they entered. Looking over, they saw a young waiter standing at the door, smiling as he greeted them.

Sophia glanced around and found that although the shop was small, its decorations were exquisite, several times more beautiful than the perfume shops in the capital. Aside from its small size, it was almost flawless. She only saw two people busy inside, but didn't see any familiar faces. She looked towards the stairwell—could they be on the second floor?

"Do you really sell perfume here?" Lydia asked hurriedly, still somewhat incredulous that this shop actually sold perfume.

"Yes, we have several perfumes for you to choose from," the waitress said politely with a smile. Her voice was gentle and pleasant, making it very comfortable to listen to.

"Do you have this perfume?" Lydia took a piece of animal hide from her pocket, carefully placed it on the counter, and then slowly opened it, revealing two black ceramic bottles. She smiled at the stunned salesperson, secretly pleased with herself: No, right? This is obviously a counterfeit shop, located in this remote little town, to fool those ignorant nobles.

Sofia covered her face. Before she could even stop her, this silly woman had already pulled out her perfume. Habitual thinking can be so misleading! She sighed inwardly.

"Um, sir, we don't have this perfume in our store." The waitress looked puzzled. She carefully examined the two black ceramic bottles, wondering to herself: Are these ugly black bottles filled with perfume?

"Huh? Mine is genuine perfume. How come you don't have any when you sell perfume?" A sly glint flashed in Lydia's golden eyes. She had a feeling these two bottles of perfume would sell today. The ones in this shop were obviously fake. If the customer knew she was selling real perfume, they would definitely buy them eagerly. That was her strategy.

"Authentic perfume?" The saleswoman paused, giving Lydia a strange look before glancing down at the two bottles of perfume on the counter. She was unsure; the two people in front of her were clearly very wealthy, and they didn't seem like they were lying.

"Excuse me, I'll go and fetch our store manager," the waitress said softly, leaving another waitress to watch the shop before heading upstairs. The city lord and store manager Della were also here today; she needed to inform them quickly.

The remaining sales clerk stood smiling to the side, quietly awaiting the manager's arrival. Lydia and Sophia exchanged a glance, both filled with anticipation and curiosity. What secrets did this seemingly ordinary perfume shop hold?

On the bustling street, sunlight filtered through dappled leaves, casting shimmering shadows. A gentle breeze stirred, fluttering the shop signs. Lydia and Sophia stood before a perfume shop, its interior filled with a delicate fragrance. Yet, Lydia's face was filled with suspicion, her brow furrowed, her eyes brimming with disdain.

"Lydia, what are you doing?" Sophia gently tugged at Lydia's sleeve, leaned closer to her, and whispered with a hint of anxiety and helplessness, "The perfume they're selling is genuine. I overheard my father mention it yesterday; this shop is quite famous and has an excellent reputation among the nobility."

Lydia raised her chin, her eyes radiating confidence and certainty. A slight smirk played on her lips as she scoffed, "Impossible. Any noble with a modicum of status knows that perfume is a rare commodity, sold only in the capital. How could a small shop in this remote place possibly have genuine perfume? Hmph, once I expose this shop owner, I'll sell him my authentic perfume, so he'll have real perfume to sell in the future. Maybe he'll even be grateful to me then."

Sophia was speechless upon hearing this, her lips twitching slightly as she sighed inwardly. If she hadn't heard what her father said, she might have shared Lydia's opinion, but in fact, the perfume sold in this shop was far more authentic. She opened her mouth, about to offer another word of advice, but was interrupted by the sound of footsteps.

"Tap..."

The footsteps approached from afar, their rhythm steady and powerful, as if striking Sophia's heart. She instinctively covered her face, inwardly thinking, "It's over, the real perfumer has appeared."

Just then, a figure slowly walked up the stairs. It was Link. He was tall and upright, with a composed gait. His neat short hair made him look particularly energetic, and his deep eyes revealed wisdom and composure. He raised an eyebrow, his gaze falling on Lydia and Sophia, a faint smile playing on his lips: "Oh? Isn't this Miss Lydia, and Miss Sophia? What rare guests."

Link was upstairs waiting for Della to calculate the income and expenses when he heard a waiter rush in, looking anxious, saying that someone had brought genuine perfume to the door. Curious, he came down to investigate, only to find it was these two. Looking at Lydia, he frowned slightly, thinking to himself: Is Lydia still not fully recovered? And she's already out here? Isn't she afraid of a relapse?

"It's you?" Lydia's golden eyes widened, a flicker of surprise and panic crossing her face. A blush instantly spread across her cheeks, like a brilliant sunset. Her hands unconsciously gripped the hem of her dress, her body twisting slightly, her heart pounding like a deer's. After all, this man had seen her bare bottom before, and she always felt a little awkward and shy in his presence.

"Yes, it's me." Link nodded, his gaze curiously shifting to Sophia, who was covering her forehead. He wondered what was wrong. Was she dizzy? Or was there something she couldn't tell him?

"You own this perfume shop?" Lydia frowned, staring blankly at Link, a complex emotion in her eyes. She didn't know why, but she felt uneasy; subconsciously, she hoped that this fraudulent perfume shop wasn't owned by Link.

"Yes, I opened it. What's wrong?" Link glanced at the two ceramic bottles on the counter, then suddenly realized what was going on. A strange smile appeared on his lips as he asked softly, "Is there a problem?"

"I have two bottles of genuine perfume here. Do you buy them?" Lydia puffed out her chest and said, feigning composure, a hint of pride in her eyes. "These are perfumes from a perfume shop in the capital. They are of superior quality and absolutely genuine."

Link's face was full of strange expressions. He glanced at Sophia, whose lips were twitching, and immediately understood what was going on. He pondered for a moment, then a gentle smile appeared on his lips: "May I take a look first?"

“Okay.” Lydia nodded confidently, her eyes filled with anticipation, as if she could already see Link praising the perfume in her hand.

After obtaining Lydia's consent, Link slowly picked up a bottle of perfume and examined it closely. The stopper was made of oak, with clearly visible grain, and emitted a faint woody scent. He forcefully opened the stopper, and instantly, a slightly pungent odor wafted out, mixed with a hint of fragrance, like a strong perfume mixed with pungent alcohol, making it somewhat unpleasant to smell.

"How is it?" Lydia's golden eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky, her face beaming with anticipation, as if she could see the four-stringed lute beckoning to her.

"Wait a moment." Link chuckled, a hint of mystery in his eyes, and turned to the waiter, instructing, "Bring a bottle of women's perfume number four."

"Yes," the waiter replied, turning around and quickly retrieving a bottle of fourth-tier perfume from the shelf behind him. The perfume was exquisitely packaged, with smooth lines and exuded an elegant aura.

Link took the perfume, gracefully opened the box, and, under the curious gazes of Lydia and Sophia, took out a white ceramic bottle. The bottle was as white as snow, with a delicate texture, and emitted a soft glow in the sunlight. He gently handed the bottle to Lydia and said gently, "This is a perfume from my shop. Why don't you compare it?"

"Uh..." Lydia took the bottle blankly, her eyes full of surprise. The clean white ceramic bottle looked much better than her black one, like the contrast between the ugly duckling and the swan, making her heart skip a beat, and an ominous premonition welled up in her heart.

"Boom!"

Lydia suppressed her unease, took a deep breath, and slowly uncorked the bottle. Instantly, a fresh fragrance wafted out, like a spring breeze blowing through a sea of ​​flowers, carrying a faint scent of flowers and grass, making one want to take a few more sniffs, as if transported to a dreamlike world.

"This... how is this possible?" Lydia's golden eyes widened in disbelief, as if she had seen her four-stringed lute grow wings and fly away. This fragrance was so delightful; it was a gentle, natural, and comforting scent, not a pungent aroma that made one feel dizzy.

“Miss Lydia, this is the fourth tier perfume in my shop. It’s only one gold coin a bottle. What do you think?” Link placed his hands on the counter, leaned forward slightly, his eyes gentle and sincere, and a faint smile on his lips. “It has a shelf life of six months. You deserve it.”

"I'll buy it!" Lydia pouted, her golden eyes glaring at Sophia who was smirking, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed. She took a gold coin out of her pocket and handed it to Link, but her hand moved very slowly, as if the coin weighed a ton.

"Alright, consider this a trade." Link chuckled and shook his head, a hint of goodwill and teasing in his eyes. He picked up the black ceramic perfume bottle, carefully re-corked it, and then put it in his pocket, secretly thinking that he would take it back to study it and see what was so special about this so-called "authentic perfume."

"Oh!" Lydia pouted, feeling extremely embarrassed. The genuine perfume she had brought turned out to be a cheap one, and she had confidently claimed it was authentic. How humiliating!

"Lord Link, it's alright." Just then, Della spoke up. She had sneaked down earlier, afraid of disturbing Link's conversation with the two ladies. Luca was standing beside her, his face serious, with a hint of wariness in his eyes.

“Okay, let’s go see how their training is going.” Link nodded, then turned around and smiled at Lydia and Sophia, saying, “I have something to do, so I won’t keep you company for now.”

“Yes, you’re busy,” Sofia replied quickly, her eyes showing understanding and gratitude.

Link nodded and led Della and Luca out of the perfume shop. He was thinking about the army's training; the army had been conducting field training for the past few days, so he could go and check on the soldiers' progress.

"Ta Tata..."

Lydia and Sophia watched Link and the others leave, then looked down at the perfume in their hands, each lost in their own thoughts.

"Sophia, you knew from the beginning, didn't you?" Lydia put one hand on her hip, her cheek close to Sophia's face, her golden eyes narrowed, and said angrily, "You didn't tell me, and I got into such an embarrassing situation. Are you still my good friend?"

“Uh…” Sophia rolled her eyes, pressed her hand against Lydia’s face, and said irritably, “I was just about to say it, but you didn’t give me a chance. You took out your perfume as soon as you came in, like a little firecracker. Who could stop you?”

"Who knew there would be such good perfume here?" Lydia stared at the perfume in her hand, her eyes filled with dejection and regret. "I've really embarrassed myself this time. I wonder if he'll laugh at me."

"Him? Who is he?" Sophia narrowed her blue eyes, a hint of wariness and doubt in them, and said in a deep voice, "You're not talking about Lord Link, are you?"

"H-how could it be? No, it wasn't him." Lydia waved her hands hastily, her cheeks flushed, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes. She stammered, "You're overthinking it. Even if he saved me, I only have feelings for him... uh..."

Sophia felt a little irritated for some reason. She frowned and warned seriously, "Lydia, you must calm down. If the Duke finds out, it could be a big problem. The Duke is always strict and values ​​the family's reputation very much. You must not let him know about your thoughts."

"I..." Lydia's mouth gaped open, and a wave of fear washed over her as she thought of her stern father. She stamped her foot and said defiantly, "If he dares, I... I'll elope with him."

"Cough cough cough..." Sophia choked, her eyes widening as she stared at Lydia, who was pouting and had just uttered something shocking. She was utterly astonished. Lydia, usually such a well-behaved girl, would actually say something like that; it was truly unexpected.

211. Comparison

"Ta Tata..."

The sound of hooves, like a rapid drumbeat, pounded the ground with force and speed, like the booming of war drums, carrying a heart-pounding rhythm. A simply decorated yet imposing carriage sped along the wide, flat official road, its wheels rolling and kicking up clouds of dust, like a giant yellow dragon churning behind it. The surrounding scenery rushed past, the once tranquil air ruthlessly shattered by this sudden commotion, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples. Even the birds that had been quietly roosting in the woods were startled by the noise, flapping their wings and flying away in fear, their cries echoing in the air, seemingly expressing their displeasure at the sudden disturbance.

Suddenly, a group of guards in identical uniforms, their eyes sharp as eagles, appeared like ghosts from their hiding places on both sides of the road. Their movements were swift and synchronized, as if they were walking as one person, quickly and orderly dispersing to form a tight protective circle, firmly shielding the carriage. Each person gripped a weapon tightly, its blade gleaming coldly in the sunlight, as if warning of any potential threat. They vigilantly scanned their surroundings, their eyes sharp and unwavering, not missing a single subtle movement, as if no rustling of leaves could escape their eagle-like gaze.

This elite guard squad, normally responsible for the city lord's safety, consists of carefully selected members. They possess not only exceptional martial arts skills but also calm minds and keen insight. However, two familiar figures are missing—Raven and Swift. These two are among the squad's best, not only highly skilled and agile but also exceptionally intelligent, always able to calmly handle complex situations and devise ingenious solutions. They are deeply respected and trusted by their teammates and are the core members of the squad. But now, entrusted by Lina, they have gone to the training grounds to help train the new recruits. It turns out the guard squad is supposed to have three days off, a rare period of rest for them. During these three days, they could handle personal matters or reunite with their families, enjoying precious time together. However, after internal discussion, everyone unanimously decided that the entire squad would rest for one day to recharge, and then the remaining two days would be spent on a rotating shift system. After all, the safety of the city lord is of paramount importance, and they cannot afford to be negligent in the slightest. Even during their rest time, they must remain vigilant at all times to ensure the safety of the city lord.

Escorted by the guards, the carriage sped along, quickly emerging from the gates of Winterfell. Winterfell, this sturdy fortress standing tall against the cold wind, resembled a majestic giant, protecting this land. It was an important city on this land, and the residence of the city lord. The city gates were tall and heavy, adorned with exquisite carvings, showcasing the city's long history and glorious past. Outside the gates, a wide avenue stretched eastward, winding like a giant dragon into the distance. There lay the headquarters of the Military and Political Affairs Bureau, and the training ground for new recruits. On both sides of the avenue were vast, boundless fields, the crops swaying gently in the breeze, as if greeting passersby. In the distance, rolling mountains met the blue sky, creating a beautiful picture.

"Ta Tata..."

The carriage continued its swift journey along the road, the sound of hooves echoing in the silent air. Ten minutes later, they finally arrived at their destination. Link sat inside the carriage, and through the narrow crack in the window, he could faintly hear the distant roars and synchronized chants. The sounds were like surging waves, one after another, full of power and passion. He gently pushed open the carriage door, and a rush of fresh air, carrying the fragrance of earth and grass, made him take a deep breath, savoring the breath of nature. He stepped down from the carriage, his feet firmly planted on the soft earth, feeling the pulse of the ground, as if he had become one with this land.

"One two one, one two one..."

"Get running, you little rascals! Don't you want lunch?" A familiar, booming voice rang out—it was Lina roaring. Lina, an instructor in the Military and Political Department, was known for her strictness. Tall and imposing, with a resolute face and eyes that exuded an undeniable authority, her voice, like thunder, echoed through the air, making the hearts of the new recruits tense. She knew that only through rigorous training could these recruits become true warriors, able to defend their country on the battlefield, and survive in this cruel world. She treated every recruit equally, demanding the same high standards and allowing no laziness or slackness whatsoever.

"I'm telling you, I'm not giving you so much meat to eat so you can get fat. Anyone who dares to slack off, I'll send them to work in a coal mine for a month, so they'll know what hardship is!" Lina's voice continued to echo in the air, striking the recruits' hearts like a heavy hammer. Hearing this, the recruits couldn't help but shudder. They knew that although Instructor Lina was strict, her words always carried weight. They couldn't bear to give up the good food in the barracks, and they certainly didn't want to go to that dirty and exhausting coal mine. In the barracks, although the training was tough, the food was quite good, with meat and vegetables, and very nutritious. But in the coal mine, the environment was harsh, dust filled the air, and the work intensity was extremely high; at the end of the day, you'd be completely exhausted and collapse on the ground. Therefore, they all secretly resolved to train hard and not slack off.

"Don't think you're safe now that you've been selected. In a month, anyone who fails the assessment will be kicked out of the Military and Political Department and go back to eating their own wheat!" Lina's words struck each recruit like a hammer blow. Their faces grew serious, their hearts filled with pressure and motivation. They knew they had to train hard to stay in this unit, to have a chance to become true soldiers, and to realize their dreams. On this land, becoming a soldier was the dream of many young people; they longed to achieve great things on the battlefield, winning honor and respect for themselves and their families. Therefore, they gritted their teeth and persevered in training, never giving up even when their clothes were soaked with sweat and their legs ached.

Link stood aside, quietly observing everything. He saw the recruits' sweat and effort, their young faces etched with determination and perseverance; he also saw Lina's strictness and care, a deep love for her soldiers hidden beneath her stern exterior. He knew that this army was his future main force, and their growth and progress were directly related to the future and fate of Winterfell. In this land full of competition and challenges, only a powerful army could protect Winterfell's safety and ensure its survival in this chaotic world.

“Let’s go, let’s go down and take a look,” Link said, turning to the two people behind him. Rael, Hill, and Quill were members of the Royal Guard squad, responsible for protecting Link at this moment. Their eyes, sharp and vigilant like hawks, scanned their surroundings, not missing a single potential danger. They gripped their military knives in reverse, the blades gleaming coldly, ready to deal with any possible threat. At this moment, the Royal Guard squad consisted of only a few of them, making them extremely cautious. After all, the military camp was a diverse place, filled with people from different places with different backgrounds and purposes. If an assassin had infiltrated, the consequences would be unimaginable. They knew the weight of their responsibility and could not afford the slightest carelessness or negligence.

"Don't be nervous, it's alright." Link noticed their tension and wariness, gently patting their shoulders to reassure them. His voice was gentle and steady, giving them a sense of security. With his current strength, he was more than capable of handling most dangers. After years of training and honing his skills, he possessed exceptional martial arts prowess, remarkable agility, rich combat experience, and keen insight. Even if there were assassins among them, he was confident he could subdue them and protect himself and those around him.

“Yes!” Rael and the others nodded in response, but their expressions remained tense. They knew their duty was to protect Link's safety; it was their mission and responsibility. In their words, if Lord Link had to intervene again, it would be a disgrace, a dereliction of duty. They had received rigorous training from a young age and had a deep understanding of loyalty and responsibility. They were willing to give their lives to protect Lord Link.

Link shook his head and smiled, offering no further advice. He walked towards Lina, his gaze fixed on the recruits running while carrying large logs. This was a field training exercise, a crucial way to train the recruits' physical fitness and teamwork. Carrying large logs, seemingly simple, was actually quite difficult. It required not only individual strength to bear the weight of the logs but also seamless teamwork and coordination. During the log-carrying process, everyone had to find their place, exert their strength, and maintain harmony with the others. If anyone exerted less effort, the logs would become heavier, affecting the team's progress; if they couldn't carry the logs, the entire team would have to drink porridge while others ate large chunks of meat. This combination of punishment and incentive forced the recruits to give their all, daring not to slack off in the slightest.

Link gazed at the recruits, his heart filled with anticipation. He knew these recruits would become his future main force. They would wear armor he designed—armor that was not only sturdy and durable but also ingeniously crafted to maximize protection for the soldiers; they would wield sharp weapons, meticulously crafted and incredibly powerful on the battlefield; they would become the guardians of Winterfell, defending its dignity and safety with their lives and blood. This training was precisely to make them stronger, more united, and invincible in future battles.

“Lord Link, you’ve arrived.” Lina saluted as Link approached. Though her expression was stern, her eyes revealed respect and trust for him. She knew Link was a visionary leader with exceptional leadership skills; every decision and plan he made was for the future of Winterfell. In her heart, Link was Winterfell’s hope and pillar.

"How's it going? Anyone feeling like giving up?" Link asked calmly. His voice was steady and composed, yet it revealed a deep concern and expectation. He was concerned about the recruits' training; after all, they were his hope for the future, the future guardians of Winterfell. Only when they thrived could Winterfell have a brighter future.

“No, still 350,” Lina said, shaking her head. When selecting new recruits, she focused on choosing young people with good physical strength and potential. She knew that only young people with excellent physical fitness and potential could undergo rigorous training and become outstanding soldiers. Training had only been going on for a short time, and the high-intensity training hadn't even begun yet, so no one had fallen behind. However, she also knew that as the training intensity increased, some people would inevitably give up because they couldn't handle it. But she believed that as long as they persevered, those recruits who remained would become the pride of Winterfell.

“Yes, the veterans’ necessary training can’t be stopped,” Link instructed. He knew that veterans were the backbone of the army, possessing rich combat experience and proficient military skills. Their training was equally important; only when veterans and new recruits progressed together could a powerful army be built. On the battlefield, veterans could play a leading role, guiding new recruits to quickly adapt to the combat environment and maximize their combat effectiveness. Moreover, veterans could pass on their experience and skills to new recruits, allowing them to grow faster.

“Yes, the veterans are training in addition to their necessary patrols,” Lina said earnestly. She knew how much Link valued the military, so she had always strictly followed Link's requirements in training the soldiers. She personally supervised the veterans' training every day to ensure they didn't slack off or become lax. She knew that only by keeping the veterans in good training condition could they play their role effectively in crucial moments.

"Start armored training next month. The horses will arrive in six or seven days; they need to be fed and cared for then. Have them practice equestrian skills next month too," Link instructed. He had a clear plan in mind. He knew that to build a powerful army, training in every aspect was essential. Physical fitness was fundamental; only with good physical fitness could soldiers withstand high-intensity combat on the battlefield. Discipline was the guarantee; only strict discipline could ensure soldiers obeyed commands and fought in coordination. Equestrian skills were crucial; in the era of cold weapons, cavalry possessed powerful mobility and striking force, making them a vital force on the battlefield. Tactics were the soul; only by mastering correct tactics could the army maximize its advantages in battle. No aspect could be neglected; only comprehensive training could create an invincible army.

These new recruits would become his main force. Combined with the veterans and the armor he designed, they wouldn't be able to sweep across the land, but they could certainly handle a thousand-strong knightly unit. In this era, a thousand-strong knightly unit was at least at the level of a marquis or duke. Link harbored grand ambitions; he believed that given enough time and resources, he could build an invincible army and make Winterfell the undisputed ruler of this land. He envisioned a future Winterfell: a powerful army, peaceful and prosperous people, a thriving city, a shining jewel of this land.

"Next year's monetary gains will arrive, allowing me to expand the army again. We also need to build up the navy for escort duties; the current few ships aren't enough," Link thought to himself. He knew that while the maritime gold route was prosperous, it was also fraught with danger. Those city lords were no benevolent people; in their pursuit of profit, they might attack Winterfell's caravans at any time. The caravans were a vital pillar of Winterfell's economy; if they were attacked, Winterfell's economy would be severely impacted. Therefore, he had to build a powerful navy to protect Winterfell's interests. This navy not only needed strong combat capabilities but also excellent navigation skills and tactical proficiency to operate in complex aquatic environments.

“Yes,” Lina nodded in response. Although she didn’t know the specifics of Link’s plan, she knew that Link always had a far-sighted vision and profound thinking. She just needed to do as Link instructed, and she believed that Link’s decisions would be correct and would surely lead Winter City to a more glorious future.

"How did today's training objectives go?" Link focused his attention on the army. He looked at the soldiers; although they didn't seem to be struggling, Link knew it was far from enough. In this fiercely competitive era, only by constantly surpassing oneself and continuously improving one's strength could one remain invincible on the battlefield. He had very high expectations for the soldiers; he hoped they could become the best warriors, winning honor and dignity for Winterfell.

"The morning run and sparring are over, and the five extra laps carrying the log are also finished," Lina quickly reported. She knew Link was very strict with training, so she had been closely monitoring the soldiers' progress. She recorded their training data daily, analyzed their training effectiveness, and adjusted the training plan accordingly. She hoped the soldiers could make the greatest progress in the shortest amount of time, cultivating more outstanding warriors for Winterfell.

"Is the wood dry?" Link asked in a deep voice. He knew that the weight difference between dry and wet wood was significant, greatly impacting the soldiers' training effectiveness. Dry wood was relatively light and easier to move, requiring less physical exertion from the soldiers; wet wood, on the other hand, was heavier and much more strenuous to move, better training the soldiers' physical strength and endurance. If they continued training with dry wood, the soldiers would find it difficult to achieve the desired training results.

“Yes, all dry wood,” Lina replied. She knew why Link would ask that, but she hadn’t expected him to make such a request. She had originally thought that training with dry wood was sufficient, given the recruits’ relatively weak physical condition; training with wet wood from the start might be too much for them. But she also understood that Link’s intention was to provide better training for the soldiers and improve the army’s combat effectiveness.

"Too easy." Link frowned, squinting as he pondered. He turned to look at the distant Monster Mountain Range, and an idea suddenly came to him. The Monster Mountain Range was a mysterious and dangerous place, rich in resources and teeming with powerful magical beasts. At the same time, it also contained many large, heavy logs, perfect for training the soldiers' physical abilities.

“Have them go to the Monster Mountain Range to move timber in a couple of days, three trips a day,” Link said. His voice was firm and decisive, leaving no room for argument.

"Lord Link, are we moving them here?" Lina asked, her eyes wide. She knew the logs in the Monster Mountain Range were large and heavy, and the journey was long and arduous. The route from the Monster Mountain Range to the military camp involved rugged mountain paths and dense forests, fraught with danger and challenges. The recruits were already undergoing rigorous training; making them carry such heavy logs would be exhausting! She couldn't help but worry about them.

“Move it a little further up to the dock. They’re building a shipyard there, so it’ll be a good opportunity for them to move timber and get some training at the same time. A month’s work should be enough,” Link said softly. The place he was referring to was a spot on the dock with a large gap in the wall. With a little preparation, it would be perfect for building a shipyard. Link had chosen this location long ago; he was just waiting for Sophia’s shipwrights to arrive before he could arrange for people to cut timber and begin construction. A shipyard is a crucial facility for shipbuilding; only with a shipyard can ships be built and repaired more efficiently. He was building a wooden shipyard first; concrete construction would have to wait until next spring when it warmed up. Otherwise, the concrete would freeze before it hardened, and all the work would be wasted. Moreover, the process of moving timber would allow the soldiers to improve their physical fitness and teamwork skills—a win-win situation.

"Yes." Lina breathed a sigh of relief. Moving to the dock area was manageable; three trips a day was just right. Looking at the group of shouting recruits, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for them. It wouldn't be so easy in a couple of days; wet logs were much heavier than dry logs. She could almost see the recruits struggling to carry the wet logs, but she also knew that this was a necessary trial in their growth. Only by weathering the storms could they become true warriors.

"How's the comparative training on compressed rations going?" Link asked. This was something he was particularly interested in today. He knew that an army's combat effectiveness depended not only on the soldiers' physical fitness and skills but also on their logistical support. On the battlefield, logistical support was crucial; it determined the soldiers' survival and the effectiveness of their combat. Compressed rations were a new type of food he had developed to improve the army's combat effectiveness. Compressed rations had advantages such as small size, light weight, rich nutrition, and ease of carrying and storage, making them ideal for soldiers to eat on the battlefield.

"Lord Link, the troops that ate compressed rations are training 20% ​​faster than those eating regular food," Lina said seriously. She was quite shocked when she received this data. She hadn't expected the effects of compressed rations to be so significant. Initially, she had been skeptical of compressed rations, thinking they were just ordinary food and wouldn't have much of an effect. But through this comparative training, she completely changed her mind. She witnessed the outstanding performance of the troops who ate compressed rations; their stamina was higher, their spirits were more energetic, and their training progress was noticeably faster.

“Very good.” Link nodded in satisfaction. That 20% improvement was already quite remarkable, demonstrating the significant potential of reducing military rations. In war, time is life. A 20% faster training pace means faster formation of combat capability on the battlefield and a better ability to respond to various contingencies. It's a bit pricey, but it's worth it. After all, the army's combat effectiveness is paramount. In the development of Winter City, the army is crucial for ensuring the city's safety and growth.

212. Worries

"Whoosh..." The biting wind howled like a raging beast in every corner of the castle, whipping up the remaining snow and hurling it around. Inside the castle's study, the warmth contrasted sharply with the harsh cold outside, yet Link seemed unaffected by the comfortable environment, still lost in his own thoughts.

He stood tall and straight at the window, clad in a long black robe that fluttered gently in the cold wind like drifting clouds in the night sky. He gazed silently at the white expanse of the city outside, the entire Winter City blanketed in snow, like a vast white dream. In the distance, a few pedestrians bundled in thick coats hurried past, leaving deep footprints that were quickly filled in by newly falling snowflakes. The cold wind blew continuously, causing his long, flowing black hair to dance wildly in the air, adding to his air of dashing freedom.

Today marks the third day since he observed the army's training exercises. Ever since witnessing the troops' training, he has been pondering how to generate revenue for Winterfell during this challenging winter season. Winterfell is located in a remote area, and its long, cold winters severely restrict many commercial activities. How to keep the city's economy running during this difficult time has become a major challenge for him.

"Jin Meiting, how many gold coins does Winter City have left?" Link frowned slightly, pressing his finger lightly to his brow, where a deep, unyielding worry seemed to linger. Payday was approaching again, and every year at this time, he worried about the city's finances.

"Lord Link, the castle treasury has 1,223 gold coins remaining." Jin Meiting's clear and melodious voice immediately rang out in the study. She was a young and intelligent woman with long, dazzling golden hair, as radiant as the sun. At this moment, she sat at her desk, a lollipop dangling from her mouth, her sweet appearance creating an interesting contrast with the serious financial discussion. Many open notebooks were laid out on the desk, densely filled with records of Winterfell's financial income and expenditure; every account was clearly visible, like a detailed map of Winterfell's economic lifeline.

Upon hearing the number, Link's brow furrowed even more, a worried expression appearing on his face. Twelve hundred gold coins might seem like a large sum, but in reality, they would be consumed at an alarming rate by the city's various expenses. He couldn't help but think of Johnson's majestic warhorse. Johnson was an excellent general in the Winter City army, and his warhorse was crucial to enhancing the army's combat effectiveness. However, purchasing a warhorse would cost at least half of the gold coins. Moreover, the wages for the workshops also needed to be paid on time. The workers in the workshops toiled diligently, producing various goods for the city, and their efforts deserved appropriate compensation. But now, the income and expenditure were clearly unbalanced, mainly because Winter City lacked a stable trade route. Currently, the city's trade relied entirely on caravans and small merchants from nearby cities; their scale was limited, and their transaction volume was small, failing to drive significant economic development.

Most importantly, many of Link's trade plans require time. The capital city is a bustling market, and in his mind, it's the place where he can quickly generate substantial profits. The capital has a large population and strong purchasing power, creating a huge demand for various goods produced in Winter City. However, the journey from Winter City to the capital is long, and road conditions are extremely poor in winter, making transporting goods very difficult. According to the current plan, it will be around next spring before he sees any gold coins arriving from the capital. Only when the capital's revenue arrives can he fully implement his long-planned development strategies; otherwise, it will be difficult to act freely and unleash his full potential.

Link knew very well that he had spent the most on three areas. First, infrastructure. Under his plan, Winterfell was undergoing a large-scale transformation. The originally dilapidated city walls were reinforced and heightened, the streets were widened and paved with neat stone slabs, and new houses sprang up like mushrooms after rain. These infrastructure projects not only improved the city's image and defensive capabilities but also laid a solid foundation for future development. However, the amount he invested in transforming Winterfell so quickly would be enough to make some nobles grieve for years. The food consumption alone was staggering. A large number of workers and soldiers needed to be fed, and to meet their needs, large quantities of food had to be transported from various places every day, which was undoubtedly a huge expense.

Secondly, there's the army. Link deeply understands the importance of the army to Winterfell. In this world full of conflict and danger, only a strong army can protect the city's safety and maintain the stability of its residents' lives. Therefore, he invested heavily in military research and development, focusing on creating new weapons and tactics. He also paid close attention to the soldiers' well-being and nutrition, providing them with excellent training conditions and living environments. He hoped his soldiers could be in peak condition for battle, winning honor and dignity for Winterfell. However, all of this required a large amount of gold coins, and every expense felt like a heavy mountain weighing on his shoulders.

Thirdly, there are the workshop wages. Link now owns many workshops. In the spinning workshop, the spinning wheels turn constantly, humming as workers skillfully spin cotton into fine threads; in the weaving workshop, the looms work rhythmically, shaping exquisite pieces of cloth in the workers' hands; in the ceramics workshop, artisans focus intently on creating various ceramic vessels before firing them in the kiln; in the steelmaking workshop, the roaring furnaces illuminate the resolute faces of the workers as they refine iron ore into high-quality steel. The workers in these workshops create wealth for the city with their own hands and wisdom, and their wages are also a significant expense.

The warehouse was already piled high with goods, all the fruits of the workers' hard work in the workshop. There were exquisite textiles, practical ceramics, sturdy steel tools, and more. However, these goods could only generate revenue if they were sold. Only when these goods successfully entered the market and were purchased by consumers could Winter City's economy achieve a virtuous cycle, and only then could he become a true tycoon and realize his grand ambitions.

"What is the daily revenue of the large market now?" Link asked calmly, his voice conveying an undeniable authority.

"Lord Link, the market's output is very low right now, averaging only eight gold coins per day, twelve fewer than before winter," Jin Meiting said, frowning, a hint of worry in her eyes. She was well aware that Winter City's financial situation was far from optimistic; if things continued this way, Winter City's finances would be in grave danger. The biggest crisis would be if workers couldn't be paid in a month—not just an economic crisis, but a crisis of trust. If workers didn't receive their due wages, they would lose faith in the city's administrators, potentially triggering a series of social problems.

"Looks like those merchants aren't shipping much either," Link sighed, a hint of helplessness in his voice. Winter, like an invisible shackle, brought many things to a standstill. In this cold season, merchants rarely shipped goods to sell, worried about damage during transport and insufficient market demand to sell their products smoothly. However, in Winter City, production was in full swing, with workshops busily and efficiently producing goods. This contrast resulted in mountains of inventory piling up, and warehouse space becoming increasingly strained.

But the workshop couldn't shut down, Link understood this perfectly. If the workshop stopped operating, next year's major development would be disrupted. The current downturn was merely due to winter; once they weathered this winter and spring arrived, when the earth revived, those merchants would be like sharks smelling blood, recklessly scrambling to buy goods from him. Moreover, once Sophia sold her goods in the capital, it would surely attract some major merchants to Winter City. Sophia was a clever and capable woman with an excellent business acumen and extensive connections. Link believed she could definitely open up the market in the capital and secure a place for Winter City's goods. At that time, he feared the goods would be in short supply; his only worry was that there wouldn't be enough to sell.