Become their wicked yet gentle lord.

Heflian was now clung to Ryūka like an octopus, her strong, sexy legs desperately clamping around his waist, trying to slow him down. But this only fueled his onslaught, the gentle friction escalating into a frenzied, relentless assault, leaving her in a state of frenzied stimulation…

And only after she begged for mercy again and again, and was repeatedly sent to unbearable heights, did the boy's actions finally stop.

Ha...ha...finally...it's stopped...but it's not over yet...

Hefren felt the still-erect penis inside her, her body pressed tightly against Ryuka's, already covered in sweet-smelling sweat. Just as she was worrying about when the next wave would come, Ryuka whispered a devilish voice in her ear:

"Can you feel it? This spot is touching the opening of your colon! That means it's right next to the room where you're pregnant!"

Ryuka laughed and pushed upwards twice, causing Hafulen to tremble as if a switch had been flipped. Then she heard the most terrifying words she had ever heard in her life...

"I wonder what would happen if I used my battle aura here, specifically a high-frequency vibration derived from your sonic battle aura~"

"No, no... wait a minute... ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch~~~~"

After that night, all memories vanished from Hefren's mind... She only remembered that for about a month afterward, her legs would go weak whenever she saw Ryuka, and her lower abdomen would begin to ache faintly...

Chapter 12 The Cold Wind Blowing from the North (Part 1)

The weather grew colder day by day, but the people of Linhu Town were filled with warmth. The reason was simple: the Lunar New Year was approaching. This was the first New Year for many people where they could eat their fill and stay warm, so every household was brimming with joy.

However, Ryūka couldn't smile. He held a report presented by Zona, his face grim. This was the first victory she and Kania had achieved through their extensive intelligence network, but it wasn't good news…

"A report submitted to the Emperor by nobles from the Third Prince's faction stated that the blood of Earl Duke's grandson had been found to be of heretical lineage, and that he should be stripped of his lands and earldom. The Emperor ordered a delegation to Sochi to verify the claim, but the delegation responsible for the verification died in Sochi..."

When Ryusha read these words aloud, everyone's expression changed, and they all looked at Heflian.

"Why are you looking at me like that..." Heflian said, a little angry, trying to defend herself, "I didn't know Quaid and the others had extracted blood. I'm no longer under their jurisdiction after that kid was transferred to the 'Midnight Pearl'..."

“The blood sample is only indirect evidence. The key is that the mission sent to conduct a follow-up examination died in Sochi…” Hetia’s tone was solemn, and everyone knew what this meant.

The investigation team personally dispatched by the Emperor died on the land of Earl Duke, who was suspected of heresy. It was easy for them to be accused of murder to cover up the crime and plotting a rebellion!

Ryusha didn't believe Earl Duke was responsible, as it was too foolish; in her memory, Ronald Duke was a cunning old fox. But regardless, this was a classic case of mud falling into his pants—there was no way to clear his name now.

Kira, standing nearby, seemed puzzled: "Why are you all so serious? Our cooperation with Sochi is at most a commercial partnership, not a military alliance. Even if they're labeled as rebels, we just need to distance ourselves. They can't possibly come to fight us while facing the Empire's encirclement..."

Ryuga looked at Kira, who was still kept in the dark about her origins, and hesitated for a moment whether she should tell her that Earl Duke was her father...

Heflian sat to one side, her long legs crossed, her newly customized armor and gleaming combat boots swaying gently. She had recently been favored by Liu Xia, and her strength was nearing a breakthrough, hence her good mood. She nonchalantly explained, "If war breaks out, this will be a trigger. When the entire eastern part of the empire is engulfed in war, do you think Linhu Territory can remain uninvolved?"

"The entire eastern part of the empire... isn't that a bit of an exaggeration? Sochi is a behemoth to us, but not to the entire east..."

Kira still didn't understand. Although she was outstanding in business, she didn't understand war after all.

Hetia glanced at Hafren. Although they had both recently been thoroughly disciplined by Ryūka and outwardly there was no longer any conflict, both were just one step away from becoming Grand Knights. Whoever received one or two more buffs from Ryūka would be promoted first, so their rivalry shifted from fighting to other things. While this pleased Ryūka immensely, it didn't mean their relationship had improved. So, seeing Hafren's smugness, Hetia couldn't resist stepping in and showing off her knightly intuition.

"If His Majesty orders a campaign against the Duke family... given the Third Prince's faction's instigation and this investigation incident, it's almost certain. Furthermore, the Empire has suffered from years of financial hardship, the Central Army hasn't fought a war in many years, and His Majesty himself is advanced in years and was recently injured. Therefore, the most likely outcome is..."

"With a certain adult prince as commander, a coalition of nobles will be assembled~" Heflian interrupted Hetia's speech, proudly boasting:

"And this whole affair was instigated by the Third Prince, so it's most likely that he went to war in place of his father, and his biggest supporter is naturally the Payne family in the north. What did I tell you?"

If the world changes, the Payne family, which dominates the north, will seek opportunities to move south and east, expanding the empire's eastern border from north of Otus to the southeast...

Seeing Heflian's smug expression and her wink at Ryusha, clearly wanting praise, Hetia was furious, but she had no time to argue with Heflian. "You Lin, you're thinking of something else... are you even here yet...?"

Once we acquire the most fertile grain-producing region in the eastern part of the empire, the problem of abundant mineral resources and a powerful army, but with a harsh climate and inability to be self-sufficient in food, will be solved.

If they then use the pretext of military campaigns to control the nobles along the way, and ultimately seize some lands in the eastern part of the empire, they will control one-third of Ottus' territory. Furthermore, the Payne family is related to the third prince by marriage... so it's quite obvious who the next emperor of Ottus will be...

Although Hetia was already in the shape of Ryukyu, she still hoped that the thirteenth princess Tipalotura would ultimately win the position of heir to the royal family.

Kira finally understood, and her expression became tense. Kania, on the other hand, looked at Ryusha. Her little lover wasn't paying attention to the beauties on the field, but was deep in thought, seemingly pondering things more profoundly than the two female knights.

A great war... a great storm is coming... Count Duke and Tipalotura were right after all.

Ryūka didn't believe things would unfold as Hetia and Hafren had described. If they could predict it, others certainly could too. Not to mention the other princes and princesses, and even His Majesty the Emperor himself…

Will they just watch the Third Prince and the Payne family become the dominant family?

If a civil war were to break out in Otto, and this were to affect the overall situation, how would Otto's vassal states treat this aging and vast empire?

Not to mention, if their neighbor were the Payne family, surrounded by their vast territory and the endless sea to the east, Linhu Territory, as the thirteenth princess's domain in the eyes of others, wouldn't have an easy time...

Kania watched as Ryūka remained expressionless, lost in thought. This demeanor of her little darling was far more terrifying than anger, because it meant the situation he was facing was truly serious.

Kania was about to get up and pat Ryusha on the head when she was interrupted by a hurried knock on the door. Baron, the dutiful older knight, entered after receiving permission.

"Your Excellency, someone requests an audience..."

"At this time? We're discussing important matters..."

Kania gently massaged Ryukyu's temples, knowing that Ryukyu liked it when she was thinking and didn't like being disturbed. But Ryukyu's eyelids twitched, and she asked Baron:

"Are they from the Duke family?"

The people in the conference room looked at Ryuuka in surprise, wondering why he was so certain. They then looked at the stunned Baron, who nodded under everyone's gaze, looking at Ryuuka with some admiration.

"Yes... it was Count Ronald Duke himself."

The young ladies wore varying expressions; some were nervous, others intrigued. They wondered why the count, destined to be labeled a traitor, had come, regardless of what would happen next. The Duke family had close ties with Linhu Territory, and they were much closer to Linhu Territory than the punitive expeditionary force was to Sochi Territory.

Are they here to recruit Ryūka? Of the group, Hetia was the most worried. She knew Ryūka and Kania were ambitious. And for some reason, Hetia felt that if Ryūka joined forces, Sochi might be able to withstand this invasion. Although Hetia understood that Ryūka's fighting strength was insignificant in a large-scale war, she always felt that Ryūka's greatest strength lay not in his individual abilities, but in his role as a commander.

But what would happen to the princess far away in the capital? If her nominal subordinates were involved in the rebellion, her situation would be quite precarious…

"understood."

Ryuu nodded, stood up and said to everyone, "You all should leave first. Kira, stay and help me receive Earl Duke."

For some reason, only Kira was allowed to stay, but they obediently followed Ryūsha's orders to meet with Earl Duke alone.

Even Kira herself couldn't help but ask, "Ryuka, why..."

"You'll see soon enough, if I'm not mistaken..."

Ryūka sighed. Regardless of Earl Duke's intentions, this would be a major event affecting his future. He straightened his clothes and began the meeting with some trepidation…

Surprisingly, Earl Duke arrived alone, leaving all his entourage outside. The old man showed no anxiety, seemingly unconcerned about his current predicament. He shook his frost-covered cloak and gave Ryūsha a slight smile:

"It was really cold on the way."

When he saw that Kira was also present, a hint of tenderness appeared in his eyes. He seemed quite pleased with Ryūka's arrangement and spoke in a gentle tone, like an elder:

"At my age, this is the first time I've ever been so far from Sochi."

“You flatter me, Earl. It’s only a few days’ journey by carriage.”

Ryuka smiled and exchanged pleasantries, but the more understated the conversation, the more somber the atmosphere became.

Although Linhu Territory currently has a small population, it possesses astonishingly elite combat power, far surpassing the Duke family, which only has one Grand Master. If the Sochi Territory's army were led by their own forces, it would be able to unleash several times its strength. Unless the Empire sends a Heavenly Rank expert, no family would be willing to risk such a huge sacrifice to attack.

But Ryuga knew that the people around him would not be willing to become Earl Duke's allies.

Hetia's heart is with Princess Tipalotura, and Melanie and Hafulane's families are still in the capital; she can't possibly ignore their positions. However, Count Duke is also Kira's father, and she has had several interactions with him. If he plays the emotional card, she'll be in a difficult position…

But Ryuga knew that the people around him would not be willing to become Earl Duke's allies.

Hetia's heart is with Princess Tipalotura, and Melanie and Hafulane's families are still in the capital; she can't possibly ignore their positions. However, Count Duke is also Kira's father, and she has had several interactions with him. If he plays the emotional card, she'll be in a difficult position…

Count Duke, he should understand this. Ryuga looked at the seemingly ordinary old man, wondering how he would begin…

“Let’s get straight to the point.” Count Duke seemed to understand Ryūka’s concerns, and with a gentle smile, he said something that surprised Ryūka.

"I hope you can attack Sochi Territory and take over all the lands near Linhu Territory, the ones I promised you..."

"If possible, let's take Sochi as well."

Chapter 13 The Cold Wind Blowing from the North (Part 2)

Count Duke's words left Ryusha momentarily speechless. He looked at the old man in front of him to make sure he hadn't misheard.

"Attack Sochi territory, you mean... me?"

Ryūsha initially thought that Earl Duke had come to request an alliance, or to contact the thirteenth princess through the Linhu Territory to speak to the emperor, or perhaps to entrust his family with something...

He considered many possibilities, but he never imagined that Earl Duke would order him to attack his territory.

There wasn't much questioning between the old man and the young man. Ryuu wasn't used to asking too many questions about other people's thoughts, which was something Earl Duke appreciated about this young man.

After a moment's thought, Ryūka tentatively asked:

"The Emperor's investigation team wasn't killed by your men, was it? Was it by the Third Prince's men?"

"Probably, but they won't leave any obvious evidence. They've gone to greater lengths than I thought, and their next move will likely be swift..."

Count Duke's words confirmed Ryusha's suspicions: this incident was part of the Third Prince's entire plan to launch a war. And Count Duke's "next move" was likely the mobilization of a large army.

The enemy wouldn't wait for this news to reach the capital, or for His Majesty the Emperor to issue an order before beginning preparations. If I'm not mistaken, the noble coalition led by the Payne family has likely already started preparing. They're just waiting for the opportune moment to advance from the northwest of Sochi...

The opportune moment hinges on two factors: the imperial edict from the capital's palace and the melting of the snow and ice, which would create favorable weather for the army's departure. In that case, it would likely be two months from now…

Ryūsha estimated the mobilization capacity of Linhu Territory within two months, and at the same time inquired about Earl Duke's intention for him to attack Sochi Territory:

"Is it a charade for me to attack Sochi Territory? To bring it under the 13th Princess's name before the Third Prince occupies it? And at the same time, to use me to protect you and your family, is that right? But no matter how much I hold back, the idea that the small Linhu Territory will conquer Sochi City is probably not convincing."

“I knew I hadn’t misjudged you…” Seeing that Ryūka had quickly guessed his plan, Earl Duke smiled happily and nodded, saying:

"Yes, His Highness the Third Prince, or rather the Payne family, has long desired the Sochi Plain. It's a vast plain with fertile soil, a suitable climate, and crisscrossing rivers—a prime grain-producing region, a coveted granary for the iron cavalry armies of the harsh northern lands. Of course, they didn't initially intend to do it openly..."

The Earl's arranged marriage in his youth, with Lady Mara of the Payne family, coupled with the previous division in Sochi caused by the discord between the lord and his wife... Ryusha finally understood that this was a long process that had lasted for decades. However, Ronald Duke, who was not even a knight in the eyes of people back then, was a tough nut to crack. He never became a puppet of the Payne family and, with his own skills, further transformed Sochi into a formidable fortress.

"However, you've made a few mistakes. First, I don't intend to cede the territory to the thirteenth princess, but rather to give it to you to govern... Second, this isn't just an act; there's a real war to be fought..."

Hearing Count Duke's words, Ryusha remembered that a large portion of the nobles in Sochi Territory were followers of the Payne family. These people wouldn't easily relinquish their land and would definitely hold out until the punitive army arrived. These were the people he truly needed to eliminate.

"Thirdly, you're a very smart young man, but sometimes being too meticulous isn't a good thing. You think that the small Linhu territory's capture of Sochi City seems like an over-the-top performance to outsiders, but you're overlooking a fact..." (The rest of the text appears to be nonsensical and unrelated to the previous sentences.)

Earl Duke looked at the young man who still had much to grow and said earnestly:

"That is to say, reality is not always reasonable. There are many things in history that can be called miracles, especially on the battlefield... The creation of epics is always thrilling and unexpected. You may think that this play is going too far, but only smart people, and smart enemies, will care about that..."

Ryusha understood what Earl Duke meant: to the general public who were unaware of the truth, a miraculous victory would become a story, an exciting topic. As for the centrist nobles, even if they saw through Earl Duke's plan, they would only turn a blind eye, because it was not in their interest, and no one wanted to see the Payne family become the sole dominant force.

Even if the Third Prince understood that Earl Duke was deliberately giving away the territory, there was nothing he could do.

What? You can quell a rebellion, but your sister's people can't?

Ryusha understood. In Count Duke's script, once the Duke family was defined as traitors, they would inevitably fall from grace and their followers would scatter. With the people in a state of panic and the morale of his subordinates low, it was understandable that the recent Linhu Territory launched an offensive with lightning speed, resulting in an unstoppable momentum.

Once Sochi is under their control, the rebellion will be quelled, and the Payne family will have no legitimate reason to act. Given their inability to counter the Payne family's schemes and massive army, this solution might indeed be worth trying.

At least Earl Duke could disappear into the background after his 'defeat,' and then continue to govern Sochi Territory by virtue of his 'good son-in-law.' That's what Ryūka thought; he didn't believe Earl Duke would relinquish his family territory to him simply because of his relationship with Kira. But that didn't matter, because Ryūka could gain the nominal recognition of his subjects, which was worthwhile for acquiring the power of the [Proof of Leadership].

After all, the population of Sochi Territory is several times that of Linhu Territory!

“Then we need the princess’s help…at least to have her speak to His Majesty the Emperor and fight for the right to send troops to Linhu Territory…Judging from the Emperor’s proposal to re-examine bloodlines, I guess he doesn’t want to see his third son’s family become too powerful, so he should agree to this suggestion of checks and balances…”

Ryusha muttered to herself, immediately preparing to write a letter in Hetia's name to Tipalotura, who was far away in the capital.

“See? What did I tell you? You’re always so calculating. And didn’t I say I wanted to give the territory to you, not the thirteenth princess?” Earl Duke looked at the young man before him and smiled, speaking slowly.

"The traitorous rebels came demanding an alliance, threatening to send troops to annihilate them otherwise. So a certain young and impetuous governor took the initiative to attack, catching the enemy off guard... Isn't this explanation convincing?"

Ryūka was dumbfounded... Could this really be done? To fabricate a claim without actually sending troops—that's the kind of thinking only old-fashioned nobles have!

Is Earl Duke determined to mold his son-in-law into a famous young hero of Autus? This approach feels like creating a star and crafting a persona.

Wait a minute! If we follow this line of thinking, what if I created a character in another world, built a star, or did fandom evangelism? Would that make my [Leader's Certificate] level up very quickly?

Ugh... This is so shameful and despicable!

Ryuka even blushed and felt embarrassed, tapping her toes as she asked:

"What about Sochi? Although Linhu Territory has several high-ranking officials, it's too unbelievable that someone could conquer a city guarded by only a few thousand people with sheer force... Also, I don't understand..."

The young man stared intently at the old man before him. From the first moment he met Earl Duke, the old man had shown him exceptional care and appreciation. But even if Kira was his daughter, and his other two sons were disliked by him, the care and trust he received was still excessive.

No matter what, she was an outsider, and besides, she had more than just Kira as a woman...

This matter was so significant that Ryuka had no choice but to ask:

"Why me? Just because..."

Ryuu hesitated, glancing at Kira beside him and then at Count Duke, deciding that the matter should be addressed by the Count himself. Kira hadn't participated in the conversation from the beginning, feeling completely lost and confused as to why Ryuu wanted her to stay, but she still obediently agreed to his request.

Count Duke understood Ryūsha's doubts. He hesitated, his white beard twitching, and then spoke to the young man before him:

“There are many reasons. As I told you before, one is that I value your abilities and want to bet on you. But many of the things you've done in Linhu Territory are things I've always wanted to do but haven't been able to, and that's especially important. In particular, the fact that you don't care about your heretical bloodline…”

Earl Duke's pupils dilated slightly, as if recalling something from a very distant past. Although it lasted only a moment, the emotion he revealed was one of profound sorrow.

He grinned, looking at Ryusha and Kira in front of him: "So I trust my intuition. Besides the talks, there's something else I need your help with..."

"What is it?"

“Well, we’ll talk about that later. Let me answer your question first, about how to take Sochi…” Count Duke winked mischievously like a child and said to Ryūsha and Kira: