Become their wicked yet gentle lord.

As golden waves of wheat rippled across the land, the first batch of students at Linhu Town School quickly graduated. These fifteen- and sixteen-year-old boys and girls, though only having mastered the most basic alphabetic spelling and still inseparable from their thick dictionaries, set off with excited smiles to various towns and villages in Linhu territory, where they took on the responsibility of continuing to spread basic knowledge.

The newly built, simple lord's mansion in Linhu Town was also covered with vines. As night fell, enthusiastic cheers erupted in the bright magical lights.

"Happy Birthday, Ryukatsu (Mr.) (Governor) (Ryukatsu-nii-san) (Ryukatsu-kun)!!!"

Ryuga was pulled into the conference hall, which had long been decorated like a banquet venue. Almost everyone he knew was there, and faced with such a grand scene, Ryuga seemed somewhat at a loss.

"Birthday? Didn't they say they wanted me to come to a meeting?"

Kania gently poked Ryusha's head with her finger, placed a gold foil crown on his head, and pushed him forward.

"You've been working so hard you've forgotten the date, haven't you? Atina reminded us that today is your sixteenth birthday, otherwise we would have completely missed it!"

Ryūka watched as Atina pushed a small dining table over, on which sat an exquisite cake. Two sheaves of golden wheat stalks flanked the cake, adorned with fresh fruit, and a sentence was written in dark cream:

To our beloved Consul

Above the word 'respect' is the word 'cute', and next to it is a simple funny face, clearly the work of Kania.

Atina rarely showed a faint smile as she handed over a dinner knife. Since becoming a teacher at the school, her emotions seemed to be gradually melting and revealing themselves.

There's no custom of lighting candles and making wishes in this world. Ryuka took a knife and symbolically cut a slice into the cake, which marked the start of the birthday party.

Suddenly, the scent of roses wafted from behind, and Ryuka felt two hands, along with Kania's, pressing her down. Hetia's loud voice rang out behind her:

"Alright! Time for the next segment, Anjaberg!"

"Received!" Anyaberg suddenly appeared out of nowhere, holding a tape measure, and rushed to Liuxia's side, pulling it open from head to toe.

"Hmm~ 168 cm! Damn it! He's already taller than me!"

"You've grown 8 centimeters in a year..." Kania squinted her eyes and patted Ryuka's hair with a smile.

"Still a short guy, but seems to have a bright future~" Melanie said in a teasing tone, sitting in a chair at the table, legs crossed, swirling a cold wine glass in her hand.

"If it's Master's word, you'll definitely grow taller than me in the future." Megan stood respectfully to the side, speaking flattering words. She had become much more obedient, but it was unclear whether it was out of genuine kindness or simply because she had been subdued.

"I hope it doesn't grow any more there..." Kira muttered softly, only overheard by Sister Lindsay beside her. Lindsay blushed instantly and stammered to herself.

"Where...where?! Could it be..."

Ryusha was caught off guard by a series of events. Not long ago, he was reviewing plans for building defensive castles throughout the Linhu Territory, but now he was surrounded by a large group of people celebrating his birthday. He had no idea how these people had managed to secretly arrange everything in the same building without his knowledge.

But considering everyone's been busy with construction projects lately, it seems like this kind of activity is a good way to relax. After all, winter will be here in a few days after the autumn harvest.

"Um... Anyway, thank you everyone? And have fun?"

As soon as Ryūka finished speaking, a burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted in the conference hall. Vitris, whom they hadn't seen in a long time, immediately rushed to the dining table, waving a roasted lamb leg at Ryūka:

"Ryuka! This is delicious! Here you go!"

This once possessive snow spirit girl is now sharing food with others.

Meanwhile, the two sisters, Evelyn and Elena, held up the report cards graded by Atina, presenting two bright red A+ grades to Ryusha, hoping for praise.

Sister Lindsay rushed to Luminova's side in the distance and snatched the wine glass from the white-haired nun's mournful face. She glanced at Ryusha every now and then, her face turning rosy again, probably thinking about something the goddess forbade.

The others, including Zanni who had just joined the Linhu territory, were also invited and were cautiously tasting the snacks. Meanwhile, the magician Glenn was raising a glass with Baron and talking about something; the two middle-aged men seemed to be getting along well.

"What's wrong? You look so lost and dejected. You can't possibly say something as unromantic as 'This is affecting my work schedule!'"

Seeing that Ryukatsu was still standing in the same spot, Kania brought over two glasses of fruit wine and started talking to Ryukatsu with a smile.

"No, I'm quite happy. It's just... a little unexpected, I don't know what expression to make." (The rest of the text appears to be unrelated and possibly machine-generated gibberish.)

"My Ryuka~ What an insincere guy~"

Liu Xia took the fruit wine, grinned, tilted her head back and drank it all in one gulp. She then followed Kania to the balcony outside the conference room, overlooking the drastically changed Linhu Town.

"One year... no, it's not even been a year yet, but it feels like so many things have changed."

Looking down at the neatly arranged houses of the town, with fertile fields stretching to the foot of the distant mountains, and streetlights powered by magic stone powder illuminating the streets, the well-dressed townspeople saw Ryuka and Kania on their balconies and bowed warmly in respect.

"It's all thanks to you~" Kania took a sip of fruit wine, her gaze also fixed on the distance.

Ryuka shook her head: "It's all thanks to everyone."

"So you're not being honest." Kania nudged Ryuka with her elbow, abandoning her usual clingy and ambiguous demeanor and acting more like an old friend.

"Different perspectives, perhaps," Liu Xia smiled faintly. All her actions began simply because she had gained extraordinary power and was unwilling to settle for mediocrity. But looking back on her journey and achievements, her heart grew heavy.

Behind the mountains shrouded in night, the vast territory of Sochi still harbors enemies. Further west lies a massive empire that it believes is nearing the end of its history.

Ryuga glanced at Kania beside her. The little witch's fate was irreconcilably intertwined with the bloodline of the Otus royal family and the legendary King Kranar. Meanwhile, there had been no news from the mysterious princess far away in the capital for a long time. Was she preoccupied with the political infighting in the capital and had forgotten about the remote town where she had laid her plans, or was there some other reason?

At the bottom of Dongtian Lake, high in the eastern mountains, lies the secret of heretical ruins. And on the more distant shore of the 'Endless Sea,' ancient legends of heresy still exist.

"The more you gain, the more you fear losing. But the world is vast, and there are still challenges waiting for us to explore and conquer..."

Ryuka suddenly uttered such a sentence, which drew a sidelong glance from Kania beside her.

"What? Why are you suddenly getting so serious?"

"It's nothing." Liu Xia grinned, took Kania's hand, and pulled her into the hall.

"If we don't go back soon, those girls will eat and drink everything!"

Chapter 19 Peaceful days don't last long.

"Ouch... my back hurts so much."

The day after Ryūka's birthday party, Kania didn't wake up from her soft bed until the sun was high in the sky. The witch rubbed her aching back and looked at Hetia and the other three lying sprawled around her, thinking that Ryūka had really had a good time last night.

"Although we've all improved a lot following his guidance, it's probably Ryuka herself who's progressed the fastest. Honestly, I've never heard of a heretical bloodline stronger than a witch..."

From summer to autumn, Kania and the others all increased their strength by about 30% to 40%. Although Ryūka hadn't undergone any testing, judging from his physical condition, Kania felt that Ryūka was only one step away from becoming a Grand Master.

Kania recalled the exhilarating six-person battle of the previous night, the surge of desire leading to an increase in her magic power. In the past, she would have felt incredibly satisfied, but since Ryusha strengthened her power, she could hardly appreciate such simple pleasures anymore; they had simply become a hobby.

Kania changed her clothes, but still couldn't find Ryuka. Considering it was almost noon, she figured the workaholic was probably off somewhere busy again.

"Auntie, have you seen Liuxia?"

After circling the lord's manor without finding anyone, Kania had no choice but to ask the older maid who was sweeping in the courtyard.

"The Consul, he hurriedly left with Lord Baron early this morning. Oh, and he said he left a letter for you on the table..."

On the main road leading to Sochi Territory, Ryuka and Baron were galloping at full speed on horseback. The smooth, repaired road greatly shortened the time to reach the border, not to mention that both of them were using knightly riding techniques and their battle aura to enhance the power and speed of their horses.

They used the post stations built in the villages and towns along the way to constantly change the energetic horses, almost running them to death each time, and expected to reach the border between the two territories by noon.

Ryuka's expression was heavy. Just that morning, Baron brought him some worrying news.

Several villages near Sochi reported that recently, some suspicious individuals have been frequently inquiring about various news in Linhu Territory, inspecting the various defensive projects that Linhu Territory has built on the border, and even probing the distance between the beacon towers on the hilltops.

There are always some blabbermouths in the territory who carelessly boast about their achievements. But some who have received the 'Linhu Love Education' sensed something was wrong and sent the message by fast horse through the nearest post station in Sanhe Town.

This is very likely a scout team disguised and infiltrated into Linhu territory. Liuxia was grateful for the benefits of widespread education and the construction of post stations, and decided to go there himself to investigate quickly.

On the main road, Liu Xia and Balen bumped into a small caravan that had come to Linhu to purchase furs and mountain goods. The bearded leader was one of the "suspicious individuals" mentioned in the intelligence. (The rest of the text appears to be unrelated and possibly machine-generated gibberish.)

"These are the people. Mr. Ryūka, what do we do?"

When they were still 300 meters away from the caravan of fewer than ten people, Baron asked a question.

"What should we do? Why not just give it a try?"

Liu Xia smiled coldly and urged his horse forward. Although he did not draw his spear or sword, he unleashed a fierce and conspicuous battle aura that could be clearly seen even by ordinary people.

The two men traveled in plain clothes, without using any flags or banners. If an ordinary merchant had encountered them, he would have been unable to discern their intentions and would have been terrified.

After seeing Liuxia charging towards them from afar, the caravan panicked for a moment, but immediately organized the carriages to block the roadside. The group of people cautiously hid behind the carriages, and several caravan guards also set up their long spears.

Baron, a former soldier, immediately realized that although they were deliberately feigning the panic of merchants, their movements were very organized, and they completed the formation change in a few seconds, clearly indicating that they were also from the military.

The bearded man boarded the car and shouted, "We are ordinary businessmen! Who are you two gentlemen?! What is your purpose?!"

With a whoosh, Baron saw Ryusha draw his longsword. Crimson battle aura surged from the blade, making it resemble a lance several meters long!

Was this too hasty?! Baron was still somewhat hesitant. What if the other party was just an ordinary caravan composed of retired soldiers? If word got out that Liuxia's attack had been leaked, it wouldn't sound good for Linhu Territory's reputation.

But after a few months, Baron's trust and recognition of this young governor led him to draw his longsword as well, and white, attribute-less battle aura erupted from it.

Damn it!

The bearded man looked at the two menacing figures, completely bewildered. But if he did nothing, the two knights' charge could easily wipe them all out in one go!

Even a carriage lying sideways couldn't withstand such fierce battle energy!

"Fire arrows! Fire arrows!"

The already drawn crossbow strings loosened, and a volley of bolts came hurtling towards them. Liu Xia fiercely swung his longsword, and a crimson storm easily shattered the bolts in front of him. The bearded man's expression changed upon seeing this, and he also unleashed his battle aura, forming a shield-like protection on the carriage.

Defensive combat technique! The opponent is also a knight! The consequences of crashing into him are unknown! Baron's pupils contracted, and he quickly reined in his horse! His battle aura sword pierced the ground, changing speed and direction like an anchor, and the battle aura protected the horse's hooves, making a drifting motion.

As Liu Xia leaped onto his horse, his already skilled riding techniques and battle aura propelled the horse over the vehicle's protective barrier. The horse then tumbled down from mid-air, crashing into the center of the caravan like a heavy boulder falling to the ground!

Boom! The crimson storm that descended from the sky easily shattered the bearded man's aura shield, instantly sending dust billowing as the other guards scattered for cover. When the dust settled, they only saw Ryuka standing on the bearded man's chest, a longsword already pressed against his throat.

Despite being a knight, Ryuka had the upper hand in every aspect, and the outcome was decided in an instant.

"Sir! If you're after money, you can have both our goods and our cash!"

"Don't worry, I just want to ask you all a few questions. If I've made a mistake, I'll provide you with reasonable compensation."

Ryuga glanced at the subtle expressions on the faces of everyone in the caravan, and he already had a pretty good idea of ​​what was going on. He smiled faintly, and his left hand, brimming with purple magic, slammed the bearded man's head to the ground.

"Aaaaaah!!! What is this?! Don't come any closer!! No!!! My goddess!!!"

"Captain!" A young caravan guard rushed forward fearlessly upon seeing this, but was easily captured by Baron, who rushed in from the side.

Baron struck first at the weak spot before disarming, and as the young man fell onto his shoulder, Baron glanced at the sharp gaze directed at him by Ryūka and immediately realized that if the young man rushed forward, he would likely lose his life.

The pitiful wails lasted for more than a minute, shocking everyone present. When Ryūka stopped, the bearded man, though unharmed, immediately fainted.

"Members of the Third Scout Squad of Sochi, will you walk the rest of the way on your own, or shall I invite you to do so?"

Ryūka turned to the rest of the caravan and said something that made their expressions change.

Baron, however, cast a shocked and questioning look at Ryuka. Judging from the reactions of those around him, Ryuka was right! But how could he...?

"I already politely asked this 'caravan leader' about it, using magic~"

Seeing Baron's gaze, Ryuka gave her answer before he could ask.

Chapter 20 Counter-Investigation

Inside the dark and gloomy dungeon of Sanhe Town, the scout team was separated and interrogated.

Although Ryuka has achieved the result she wanted, necessary notes still need to be taken, which is also for future preparation.

"Name, affiliation, Mr. Hu De."

Ryuka sat across from the interrogation table, tapping the paper lightly with her pen, and asked the question she already knew to the restrained bearded man.

The bearded man called Hu De trembled, looked at Ryūka with some fear, and respectfully spoke:

"Hood, captain of the third scout team in the Sochi territory..."

"Who sent you, and what is your purpose?"

“It’s my superior, Baron Jason Wall, a military commander in the territory of Sochi. The order is to conduct the most detailed reconnaissance of the Linhu territory.”

"Is there an order?"

"There was no written order, but he produced a letter from Mrs. Mara, which he then burned..."

"Besides you, have there been any other military operations by the Sochi territory?"

"I...I don't know...but there seems to be some unrest in the military camp and on the ground these past two days. Something might be happening behind the scenes, but I don't know...I'm just following orders..."

Although he was not physically tortured, Hood recalled the nightmarish hallucinations he had experienced, the various terrifying methods of which he would never forget and felt as real as if they were real.

Hu De had always considered himself a tough guy, and in the past, he had never been afraid of the various instruments of torture hanging on the wall behind Liu Xia. But now, just looking at them made his body ache.

Liuxia smiled and asked a bunch of questions, then had Hu De sign and put his fingerprint on the record.

“Captain Hud. I could execute you and your men on charges of espionage, and I doubt your superiors would admit it. However, we in Linhu have a rule of treating prisoners of war well, so you and your men will be kept here for 'labor reform'.”

Ryuka's smiling face sent shivers down Hood's spine. Treating prisoners well? What was that mental torture compared to that? At least he hadn't suffered any physical abuse; he hadn't been reduced to a human stump like in the illusion…

Ryuka left the cell and met Baron outside.

"The others have also been interrogated, and their testimonies are largely the same; they all say they were acting on the captain's orders."

Liu Xia nodded and handed Hu De's confession and a letter to Baron: "Send them back to Linhu Town by fast horse. Then arrange for all the patrol teams in Sanhe Town to conduct a search and arrest operation. If you find any other scouts, do not rush into a conflict. Wait for reinforcements. Do not cause any casualties. We are currently very short of manpower."