Become their wicked yet gentle lord.

"horses."

Heflian smiled smugly. The Sochi Plain was located in the eastern part of the Otus Empire, not a region known for producing high-quality horses. However, further northwest, bordering the northern snowy regions, was a major horse-producing area. The horse trade was much more prosperous in the area between there and the Sochi Plain than in Sochi City itself. Therefore, the number of horses was much higher in the various passes of the Abyss Mountains and in the noble territories beyond the Sochi Plain at the end of the mountains.

Even among ordinary soldiers below the rank of apprentice knight, the proportion of cavalry was much higher, as were the common horses in the countryside. What Hafley and Megan were after wasn't the borrowed soldiers, but the horses that came with them. Of course, they would pay for it, otherwise the minor lords wouldn't have been willing to part with them. As for their unauthorized purchase of horses from their own people, they wouldn't dare interfere with the actions of the two great knights even if they had ten lives.

"I promised them that once we've defeated the rebellious Sochi, the borrowed troops will be returned. But how many will be willing to go back, and how many will claim to have lost their warhorses—these things are uncertain. After all, we're willing to pay them more in military pay, aren't we?"

Heflian said with a wicked smile, while Hetia couldn't help but retort, "Isn't this fraud? If you don't go back, won't it cause a diplomatic incident?"

"No, I think they did a great job."

Liu Xia pondered for a moment. At first glance, Haifulian's behavior seemed to be sacrificing her reputation and credibility for short-term gains, but upon closer inspection, that might not be the case.

After all, these territories between Sochi and the northern snowfields would eventually fall under the control of the Third Prince. And once his army arrived, his first priority would undoubtedly be to seize various military resources from these minor lords.

What Hafulian did could be considered a preemptive reduction in the amount of resources they could obtain. Although it wasn't enough to cripple them, it was still a good thing for their side.

After all, the Third Prince's army is the number one threat right now, and this army will be on the border in less than half a month. Conflicts with other territories have to take a back seat.

"You've done well. I'll forgive you for now and won't punish you."

Ryusha lowered his arm and spoke to the two female knights, but the word 'forgive' made Hefren's eyes widen in surprise.

"Forgiveness? Punishment? What are you talking about? We've clearly accomplished great things!"

"I'm referring to the fact that you two captured Sochi ahead of schedule."

Ryūka was somewhat annoyed. In his plan, leading the siege was extremely important. After all, he needed to make the people of Sochi believe that he was the powerful commander who wouldn't harass the civilians after the city fell. Only in this way could he gain their approval and support immediately, and also allow the [Proof of Leadership] to garner a large amount of recognition and support.

But now, the limelight has been stolen by those two female knights... and my presence has become much less noticeable...

"Forget it, let's hurry up and pacify the south before the Third Prince's army arrives."

Chapter 3 Taking Over Sochi

Despite this, Hetia's outstanding performance in managing the people earned the tens of thousands of refugees a high degree of trust in Ryūsha. Sochi City also had tens of thousands of inhabitants; even though the outcome wasn't exactly Ryūsha's best expectations, a significant number still held him in high esteem. After all, due to previous rumors circulating in the streets, many commoners had long hoped that Ryūsha would become the next ruler of the Sochi Plain because of this achievement.

Well, with a formidable enemy at hand, even if I gained more Faith Points, it wouldn't be enough to break through to the Heavenly Rank within half a month. Since personal strength can't influence the battle, I can only rely on my subordinates and strategy to fight the enemy.

Thinking this through, Ryuka decided to use most of her accumulated points to strengthen several of the women under her command, and the remaining points to apply group buffs to ordinary soldiers. So she asked Bran:

"Where's Melanie? Didn't she arrive in Sochi ahead of time?"

"Miss Snowfield, Father entrusted her with suppressing the rebellion of the southern nobles. A few days ago, the southern lords who were under house arrest in Sochi were assassinated, and then their families..."

"Alright, I understand, Mr. Bran. I have something to discuss with the ladies privately."

Ryūka immediately understood, while the others were somewhat surprised; Ryūka's reaction suggested that she had known this would happen all along. Bran shrugged at Ryūka's cold attitude and tactfully withdrew. Although Ryūka had let go of her past grievances with him because of her father and sister Kira, he clearly hadn't gained Ryūka's trust.

Never mind, let's just consider it paying off a debt...

Once the outsiders left, Ryusha waved her hand, strengthening Heflian and Megan in front of her. A surge of powerful energy erupted from their impressive bodies.

[Follower Development]

Strengthening Battle Qi Reserves...

Battle aura precision enhancement...

Combat skill specialization enhancement...

Physical strength enhancement...

The two women's hair danced in the burst of fighting spirit, and the beautiful muscle lines under their armor and body fat were taut at this moment. An indescribable feeling of comfort made them tremble from their hair to their toes!

This! This feeling!

Hafulen and Megan achieved in an instant what it would take nearly half a year of training to make! Hafulen was especially overjoyed, after all, she had only become a Grand Knight a month ago with Ryūsha's help, and she didn't expect the second enhancement to come so quickly!

At this rate, wouldn't we reach the threshold of becoming a Celestial Knight within a few years? Am I really not dreaming?

To reach the Heavenly Rank before the age of thirty... This is an achievement that only epic heroes from the ancient heretical war a thousand years ago could attain!

She and Megan looked at Ryusha with excitement, but Ryusha's somewhat cold and helpless gaze made Hafley feel as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her heart.

"If you follow my plan, your reward will be even greater."

Ryuka's cold snort instantly turned the two female knights, who had just been so spirited, into docile kittens who lowered their heads in embarrassment.

"What about me? What about me?"

When Hetia saw that the other two had been enhanced and their strength had visibly surpassed her own, she jumped up and down with anticipation.

"Don't rush, it will be your turn, Hetia. Just wait a few more days..."

Hetia was a little confused that she was the only one who hadn't received any enhancements, but remembering that Ryusha had personally praised her for her contributions, she simply put her mind at ease, didn't compete, and just nodded obediently.

Her performance greatly pleased Ryusha, who did not strengthen Hetia because he had other plans.

That means upgrading Hetia, who has SR aptitude, to SSR! Raising all her growth stats from A to S!

As the female knight who has followed him the longest besides Kania, Hetia has gone from feeling humiliated and resentful at the beginning to being proud and arrogant, and now to being completely obedient. A year of getting along with her has earned Ruka's trust enough.

Even if it were a full 100,000 hero points, Liuxia was willing to give them to her.

Aside from using the points earned as rewards for the girls over the past few months, Ryuga had saved up a considerable amount of points specifically for leveling them up. He was quite curious about what would happen if Hetia, a Bloodline Knight, only had an SR aptitude, and were to level up.

After all, the only UR witch, Kania, possesses a level of magical ability, even in her basic talents, that far surpasses that of ordinary knights and mages. Whether it's charm, familiars, or the ability to rewrite people's perceptions through playwriting, she fundamentally crushes other mages and knights who rely on numerical strengths in combat.

Even if she hadn't broken through to the level of a Grand Mage, with her witch-like qualities alone, she would never be at a disadvantage against an ordinary Grand Mage.

Although the points for upgrading Hetia are not enough yet, the recognition of tens of thousands of people has been gained, which has increased the speed at which Ryūka's [Proof of Leadership] gains power by nearly ten times. Moreover, it is still increasing over time, and Hetia will be able to undergo a qualitative upgrade by the time the final battle is held!

If the Southern Plains are conquered, the speed will be even faster.

"That's all for today. Everyone go back and regroup for a day. After arranging for the refugees tomorrow, we'll prepare to pacify the southern part of the Sochi Plain. Time is of the essence; we only have a week to select the elite cavalry. The rest of the manpower will stay in Sochi to strengthen the city's defenses and prepare for war."

Hearing Ryuka's words, Hafren raised an eyebrow: "Isn't there a 'that kind' reward segment?" (The rest of the text appears to be gibberish and unrelated to the previous sentences.)

This little vixen has been completely unleashed since I started strengthening her. Liu Xia watched as Haifulian's previously shattered white hair was transformed into a dashing shoulder-length bob, which had a unique charm.

But there was no time for pleasure now. Liu Xia coldly dismissed her and threatened her with a tough attitude that she couldn't handle it herself.

We must focus all our efforts on the military!

"Well... this time it's turned into abstinence play."

Hafley, speaking in a carefree manner, spouted the crude jokes she'd picked up from Ryusha. Since cutting her hair short, she'd become even more of a tomboy. Her words made Hetia and Megan both scoff and spit out their own slurs…

If you don't want to do it, then don't do it. Why call it 'abstinence play'? Doesn't that just make it harder for people to endure?

But the thought of enduring the itch to the bone and then being thoroughly toyed with by Ryusha until they lost their minds made the female knights' eyes water, a stark contrast to their fierce expressions when charging into battle. They huddled together, legs tightly pressed together, to complete their respective tasks.

But Ryūka also has important things to do.

He climbed the stone steps inside the castle, step by step, to the tower. This ancient castle was now his property. Feeling the magical protection emanating from the walls, Ryusha couldn't help but marvel at how quickly fate had changed. Just a year ago, he was hunting in the cold wind, drawing leadership power from a few children in Linhu Town; a few months ago, he was nothing more than a shadow lord of a poor, remote territory.

Now, he has captured most of the most fertile plains in the eastern part of the Otus Empire, and the city of Sochi, the heart of the plains, is easily under his control. His name now resounds throughout the entire eastern part of the empire, and everyone is speculating whether he will become the next Earl of Sochi.

"Is this the tide of the times...?"

Ryuga couldn't help but smile bitterly. The root cause of everything was the infighting among the heirs of the Autus royal family, which gave him the opportunity to rise to power. Nevertheless, Ryuga still felt that the title of 'Earl' would not fall into his lap.

Firstly, his official identity was merely that of a consul chosen by Hetia, a commoner without any noble title.

Secondly, once this turmoil ends, the Sochi Plain will inevitably be divided between him and the Third Prince. Half the territory alone is not enough to produce a count.

Thirdly, there would naturally be heated discussions among the powerful figures in the capital, with factions hindering each other. Ryuuya estimated that he would be lucky to be granted a viscount title and a fifth of the territory. After all, he also needed to appease the other nobles, and Hetia and the others, as nobles, would naturally receive corresponding rewards.

But those things don't matter. As long as he has actual control over the remaining territory, it's not a problem. What he needs to do now is expand his actual control. If the third prince eats less, he can eat more.

When Ryusha arrived at Count Duke's room, the old man, who had been declared dead in the castle siege, was dressed in simple civilian clothes and wearing a cotton hat, instructing his servants to tidy up the room.

"What is this...?"

When Ryusha saw Ronald Duke completely lose his former airs and act like a lively old man, telling the servants, who were dressed in equally simple clothes, "Take this lightly" and "Don't bother with the vase, just take your clothes," she couldn't help but be a little surprised.

"Can't you tell? Of course he's retired!"

Earl Duke, or rather Ronald Duke, smiled and winked at Ryūsha. Beside him, Clemur, dressed in ill-fitting groom's clothes, looked at his master with a displeased but helpless expression.

In addition, Ronald's eldest son, Tavis, the clerk, Linton, and his grandson, David, were also helping to pack things up. The Duke family had completely lost their former aristocratic demeanor and looked more like nouveau riche from the countryside.

"Oh~ you've come, my child~"

Upon seeing Ryūsha, Ronald Duke warmly offered her a cup of tea, his friendly demeanor appearing to Ryūsha almost identical to that of the coachman, Old John.

"My lord, where are you going? And what's next?!"

Liu Xia looked at Earl Duke with a blank expression, clearly not in the mood for tea.

"Next? That will naturally be our trip to the hot spring resort in your Linhu Town. Although there's still some distance between us, Kira has reserved a room for me... Please don't call me Earl anymore. Earl Duke is dead, isn't he?"

Ronald winked at Ryuka, and even Ryuka couldn't help but shout because of her father-in-law's shameless behavior.

"This isn't the time to mend our father-daughter relationship! Are you asking me to face the Third Prince's army of 100,000 men all by myself?!"

"You're in more danger if I stay here, aren't you? What if someone finds out I'm still alive?"

Ronald laughed at Ryūka's speechless surprise, then comforted her:

"Don't worry, I've already given the orders. The old guard and commanders from Sochi will all obey your commands. Those who remain are all loyal, honest, and good-natured people. After all, those with ulterior motives have already gone to meet the goddess. Bless them..."

"I've already had all the detailed information on Sochi territory, including its population composition and the backgrounds of those families in the south, taken care of by my people. And Bran will stay behind to help you, wearing a mask. You can ask him for any specific matters. This is his own request. Unlike us, who have long wanted to get rid of the struggle, that kid still has a competitive spirit. Although you don't like him, he's already aware of this, so just use him to train him as you see fit. After all, it's his own choice."

Ronald glanced at Ryuka's somewhat speechless expression, then stretched comfortably out on the recliner, as if he had never felt so relaxed in his life. He looked at Ryuka with the same comforting gaze one would give a junior, student, or close friend:

“I know you’re surprised, but the abilities and methods you’ve demonstrated recently have made me realize that there’s nothing I can do to help you; in fact, I’ll only hold you back.”

“But that’s an army of 100,000.” Liu Xia picked up her teacup, looked at the tea stalks floating in the cup and smiled bitterly. “I’ve never seen 100,000 people gathered together in my life.”

"It's said to be an army of 100,000, but the logistics and laborers alone will require 50,000 to 60,000. You currently have an army of 5,000 men, and after reorganizing the garrison in Sochi, you'll have 10,000. Once you subdue the southern nobles, there will be even more... And the southern part of Sochi is much larger and more densely populated than the north, with a population of 100,000 to 200,000. You will be able to recruit enough militia and logistics personnel."

Ronald's words startled Ryusha. How could that be? The refugees Hetia brought from the north numbered only tens of thousands. How could the population of the south exceed that of the north? According to relevant intelligence, the population south of Sochi was only two or three times that of the north.

Seeing the incredulous look in Ryūka's eyes, Ronald took out a black ledger and placed it in front of her, then began to explain:

"As you know, firstly, the plains north of Sochi are only one-third the size of those in the south, with fewer towns and more rural areas. Moreover, it's not all agricultural land; there's also forestry and mining related to the Abyss Mountains. Unlike the north and your hilly Linhu Territory, the south is entirely an endless agricultural plain... so towns are densely packed and the population density is very high. In particular, there are many large farms, and you should know what that means, right?"

These words made Ryūka's eyes light up. He looked at Ronald and murmured:

"serf……"

“That’s right.” Ronald nodded. “The local noble and manor houses have a large number of slaves, and in order to pay less tax, these slaves are not included in the commoner population reported by the lords. So the actual population there is far greater than you imagine, and now is the most difficult winter for them. What you did in Linhu Territory is exactly what they have been looking forward to.”

Ryūsha flipped through the black notebook Ronald had handed him. It contained detailed records of intelligence and actual population figures from various parts of the south, which were indeed several times larger than the official population statistics of Sochi Territory.

"You've always known?"

"Of course, but I won't say it out loud, otherwise what do you think I used to win them over and make them willingly follow me to fight against my wife's family?"

It's nothing more than turning a blind eye and collecting less tax, Ronald smiled slightly, the simplest method is often the most effective.

"But I only have one week."

Closing the notebook, Liu Xia still frowned and stared intently. Having a large population was certainly a good thing, but she was afraid she wouldn't have time to process everything.

“You don’t need to worry about that. I’m not going to leave you with a mess and just go soak in the hot springs. I’m still waiting to hold my grandson. Have you forgotten? I’ve already asked the Snowfield girl to go ahead. And, Clemerson…”

Following Ronald's command, Kramer approached with a cold expression, seemingly quite dissatisfied with his groom's attire; he preferred the light, close-fitting armor of an assassin. He pulled a purplish-black crystal from his groom's coat, adorned with gold ornaments at both ends, its shimmering, flowing patterns revealing unusual magic.

"This is... a secret technique of loyalty used by the Dark Elves?"

Ryuga looked in surprise at the flowing patterns in the crystal. Each thread that made up the pattern was a secret technique, just like the one Zona used when she became his loyal slave.

“That’s right.” Ronald nodded. “This crystal can store the Shadow Guard’s contractual secrets, allowing them to remain loyal even without using the secrets. Depending on the situation, they can be freed or their control transferred to someone else, but once the secrets are bound, they cannot be changed.”

"Assassins are not very useful on the front lines, but they are very useful in daily governance. So I have deployed most of my Shadow Guards to the territories of the southern nobles to monitor their every move. Moreover, these Shadow Guards, who have been lying in wait for many years, have developed their own teams and informants in the noble territories, and many of the nobles' officials are even their own people. With their cooperation, you can quickly take over most of the territories."

Ryuga looked at his shrewd and calculating father-in-law, and a chill ran down his spine. No wonder the Duke family had been raising half-blooded dark elves for one or two hundred years, yet he hadn't seen many of them in Sochi.

He possessed the strongest power at his disposal, yet he didn't keep it by his side; instead, he dispersed it all. No wonder this ordinary old man was able to steadily suppress the Sochi territory for thirty years…

He didn't give the key to controlling this power to his two sons, but to himself...

This excessive trust made Ryuka feel uneasy and unreal, while Ronald, sensing Ryuka's doubts, put on an exaggerated crying face and said to Ryuka:

"My child, you don't doubt me, do you? People often say I'm an old fox, but I'm completely honest with you."

"Is it because of my relationship with Kira? Or is it, as you said before, simply because you appreciate me? Would that be enough to make you hand over the entire foundation of your family?"

Although somewhat embarrassed, Ryūka still asked the question frankly. Ronald Duke, however, was not offended at all by the question; on the contrary, he thought Ryūka's cautious thinking was a good thing, and then said:

"There are all those reasons, but I'd also like to add one more: I think you're a good person."