Four or five days after the wedding, Laurist brought Princess Sylvia and his four concubines to Cherry Blossom Ridge Manor. It was reasonable to say that the moment of marriage was when the feelings between husband and wife were as thick as honey, so it was somewhat unreasonable to bring a concubine. However, Princess Sylvia had no choice. Her body was too sensitive, and she could not withstand Laurist's conquest at all. Oftentimes, when Horned Dragon Lolist was in high spirits, Princess Sylvia would be in a complete mess, limp as mud, unable to even move a finger. In the end, she had no choice but to seek help from her four concubines before Lolist could release her.
Laurist minded his own business and went to Cherry Blossom Ridge Manor, leaving all the administrative matters to Fatty Shi. He was free and unfettered until the end of December, braving the heavy snow to rush back to Bearfury City. The New Year's celebration was about to begin. This was the second time the Norton Family had held a New Year's celebration, and this year, there were even more nobles attending. Whether they were nobles with territories or honorary titles, they all brought their families to Bearfury City. The streets were filled with people, adding a trace of warmth to the cold winter.
The most important part of this New Year's celebration was the conferring of titles. Now that the Iberian Kingdom had fallen, the Winston Province was firmly in the hands of the Norton Family. The promise that Laurist had made to the nobles of the Delemark Province could now be fulfilled. A total of nineteen nobles from the Madras Duchy would be transferred to the Winston Province, while the seventeen nobles from the Winston Province who had submitted to Laurist would be transferred to the Delemark Province.
Compared to the dejected nobles from the Madras Duchy, the nobles from the Winston Province were in high spirits. They had defected early, and when the hundred thousand barbarian army besieged Pitro City, they had sent out their private army to reinforce the city. Moreover, Delimuk had always been the granary of the Krisen Empire. The land was fertile, and the output was two to three times higher than other places. No one would object to the transfer of their territory there. The nobles from the Madras Duchy, on the other hand, had chosen the wrong side. Moving to the Winston Province was not only a reduction in their titles, but also made their territory even more barren.
In addition, Laurist also had to announce a list of the Norton Family's honorary nobles. Most of them were merchants who had spent money to buy their titles, followed by a dozen or so officials who had been recently promoted. For example, Butler Boris, who went to the Haneabada Archipelago to serve as the governor; Professor Bob, who was in charge of the gunpowder laboratory; Criston, who was in charge of the family town's security; and so on. However, this time, Laurist did not confer the title of nobility to the family. It was not that there were no candidates, but that these candidates either did not have enough contributions or had not served the family for many years.
The New Year's celebration usually lasted for three days, but the nobles who came to participate had basically bought residences in the wealthy district of Bearfury City. Duke Gammus had bought a large house near the Archduke's Mansion as his residence, which was practically next to the central castle. After the New Year's celebration, they held a banquet and dance party at home. Just as he had said to Laurist, Laurist liked peace and quiet, while he liked liveliness. The money he earned from the Snow Salt Merchant Guild was the most suitable for such activities, rather than for the development of his family's territory or the military.
After staying in the central castle for a few days, Laurist could no longer stand the noise from Duke Gammus's Mansion. He brought Princess Silvia and four of his concubines back to the Cherry Blossom Ridge Manor on a sleigh. They stayed until the rainy season was over and it was time to harvest the winter wheat. Only then did they pack up and return to Bearfury City.
Laurist stayed in Bearfury City until the spring ploughing was over. Only then did he bring Princess Silvia and four of his concubines to patrol the territory. This time, it was not like last year, where they only went around in a hurry. Instead, they had to inspect every place. This was especially true for the seven areas in the north that had already been developed. At the same time, they had to let Princess Silvia show her face and receive the cheers of her subjects. This was to let everyone know that Princess Silvia had become the matriarch of the Norton Family.
This was also a money-giving trip. It was as if every member of the garrison in each town had received a large silver coin from Princess Silvia. It was estimated that after this inspection, the reward for the family's armed forces alone would reach 200,000 to 300,000 gold coins. However, this reward was originally included in the cost of the wedding, so there was no need to pay anything else.
Because there were many places to inspect, the journey was very slow. They only arrived at Northsea City in July. Then, they boarded a ship of the Northsea Fleet and headed to Cilowas Island. While on the ship, Laurist received another detailed report from Moriente City.
The war between the Commerce Alliance and the South-Central Kingdom was still in a stalemate. However, the armed forces of several countries in the South-Central Kingdom's Alliance had suffered heavy losses at the frontlines. Unfortunately, three of these countries were near the Chigda Kingdom, which meant that they were not far from the Chikder Merchant Guild's territory. At this time, the Commerce Alliance made a surprise attack. Several legions attacked from the Chikder Merchant Guild's territory by sea, attacking the three kingdoms and duchies that lacked troops.
The commander of the South-Central Kingdom's Alliance, Duke Fausta, was shocked. He hurriedly counterattacked. Although he managed to repel the Commerce Alliance's legions, the royal families of the three kingdoms and duchies had already been wiped out by the Commerce Alliance's legions. Other than the little princess of the duchy who survived, there was no other heir. Duke Fausta had no choice but to personally station his troops in the three countries to prevent another attack from the Chikder Merchant Guild's territory …
In addition, the war between the southernmost Romon Empire and the Havestan Khaganate was getting more and more intense. Both sides had engaged in three large-scale battles involving more than 100,000 people. They had suffered heavy casualties and were fighting with all their might. Now, it was impossible to call a truce. Both sides were mobilizing their troops and fighting on the frontlines. It was as if they were ready to settle the grudge that had lasted for more than 200 years in one go …
Laurist rubbed his chin and pondered. The onlooker sees the game more clearly. There really is a conspiracy! This seems very familiar. He recalled his ex-girlfriend's territory of the Windsor Family. Wasn't this the same? The nobles from the surrounding four territories besieged the Windsor Family's territory. When the veterans were exhausted, they would launch a surprise attack and wipe out the four lords in one fell swoop. They would then take over the territories effortlessly. Now, the war between the Commerce Alliance and the South-Central Kingdom's Alliance was the same. The three kingdoms' armed forces would be exhausted at the frontlines. Then, the Commerce Alliance's legions would sweep through the three kingdoms. Duke Fausta would then lead his troops to recapture the territories. As a result, the royal families of the three kingdoms would be wiped out. Duke Fausta could only station his troops to guard the territories. Laurist believed that the three kingdoms would soon be incorporated into the territory of the Chigda Kingdom if the troops were stationed there …
What great teamwork! Looking at the war between the Romon Empire and the Havestan Kingdom in the south of the continent, Laurist suddenly had doubts. Why did these two powerful kingdoms coincidentally start a war? Why did they destroy the Kingdom of Kaelia first? These three kingdoms each had a Sword Saint. Although the Kingdom of Kaelia was small, it was the balancer of these two powerful kingdoms. No matter who started the war, the Kingdom of Kaelia would side with the other side. This was why the two powerful kingdoms had maintained peace for decades. After all, no one wanted the two Sword Saints to join forces against them.
But this time, it was very strange. The Romon Empire and the Havestan Khaganate both sent their troops to destroy the Kingdom of Kaelia at the same time, forcing the Storm Sword Saint to go missing. Only then did the two powerful countries start to fight with all their might. If they did not start a war, then the war between the Commerce Alliance and the South-Central Kingdom's Alliance would have attracted the attention of these two powerful kingdoms. Even the Kingdom of Kaelia would want to expand its territory to the South-Central Kingdom. But now that the two powerful kingdoms were at war, it was a good opportunity for the ambitious people in the South-Central Kingdom to expand …
The timing was too good. Just like what Duke Fausta had done, the nobles of the three kingdoms that he sent troops to guard would definitely have no objection to being incorporated into the Chigda Kingdom. In fact, they might even be eager to do so. Their enemy was the Commerce Alliance. It was the Commerce Alliance that cut off their royal lineage. Only Duke Fausta of the Chigda Kingdom had the ability to save them. Therefore, it was time for them to ride on someone's coattails. There was nothing to hesitate about switching sides.
Laurist shook his head and smiled bitterly. This plot was too ingenious. First, it provoked the Romon Empire and the Havestan Khaganate to kill each other. With the grudge between the two kingdoms that lasted for more than 200 years, it would be difficult to determine the winner in a short period of time. Even if there was a final result, it would be nothing more than a lose-lose situation. This would remove the worries of the Chigda Kingdom. Then, it would start a war between the South-Central Kingdom and the Commerce Alliance. It would take advantage of the situation to annex the surrounding kingdoms so that the Chigda Kingdom could become one of the powerful kingdoms on the mainland.
Laurist had already determined that this plot was set up by the commander of the South-Central Kingdom's Alliance, Duke Fausta. It was conceivable that after the war between the Commerce Alliance and the South-Central Kingdom's Alliance ended, the situation on the Galinthia Continent would change drastically. However, Laurist did not know how big Duke Fausta's appetite was. How many of the remaining 20 kingdoms in the South-Central Continent would he have to swallow before he was satisfied?
He picked up another folder on the table. After opening it, Laurist's gaze froze. It contained some information about the South-Central Kingdom's Alliance. The first one was the commander of the South-Central Kingdom's Alliance, Duke Fausta.
Duke Roffe Fausta, a member of the Chigda Kingdom's royal family. He was the commander of the kingdom's military and was in charge of 80% of the kingdom's armed forces. His family's territory even exceeded the direct jurisdiction of the royal family. In the Chigda Kingdom, he was called the king who was not the king, or the shadow king.
His first wife, Rafina, had passed away a long time ago. Now, the second wife, Windsor Bilina, was in charge of the family. She and the duke had three sons and a daughter. The couple loved each other very much …
F * ck! Laurist dropped the folder in his hand weakly. His face looked like he was crying and laughing at the same time. He could not tell what he was feeling. His mind once again recalled that hazy moonlit night. In that dark room, the girl sat on the floor and cried. She talked about how she had to agree to Marquis Fausta's marriage proposal for the sake of her family. Laurist recalled his sadness that night and the curse hidden in his heart. He cursed this hypocritical young lady to suffer a series of misfortunes after leaving him and falling into Marquis Fausta's arms … Unfortunately, the truth was not what he imagined. It was obvious that the girl who was his first love was living a very happy life now …
Forget it. After such a long time, that young lady might have already forgotten about me. Now that I have Sylvia, Delia, Fina, Jalie, Daisy, and Maria by my side, why should I be entangled in a relationship that happened more than 10 years ago …
Laurist laughed at himself. He picked up the folder again and carefully read through Duke Fausta's personal information, family information, and some hearsay stories. He could not help but wonder. Since Duke Fausta was so powerful in the Chigda Kingdom, why didn't he usurp the throne and make himself king? Was he really that loyal to protect the Chigda Royal Family? Or was there something he had to hide?
He was on the ship, and there was no one around to discuss it with. Laurist could only put this question in his heart. He left the documents and battle reports for Genolio to tidy up, and went out of the cabin to the deck. He saw Princess Sylvia and her four concubines yelling at the guards to throw a net into the sea to catch fish. Although the warship was moving, it did not prevent them from throwing a net behind the ship. Sometimes, there would be some surprising gains, such as large sharks attracted by the beef …
Three days later, the warship arrived at Ciloas Island. The Gold-ranked Knight Paciko and Governor Hikkend were already waiting at the dock to welcome them. After inspecting the four guard battalions on the island, Paciko reported a piece of news that surprised Laurist. Great Swordsman Seuss, who was originally training behind closed doors in Seaview Manor, said that he felt that the time had come for his promotion. He carried his sword and entered the volcanic area of Ciloas Island alone. He said that no one should be sent to look for him. If he successfully became a level-2 great swordsman, he would come out. If he failed, he would not appear again.
Laurist knew that it would take a long time to become a great swordsman, at least a year. Moreover, every promotion was a kind of summary of their previous training. They would find out their own shortcomings, sort out their past training, and explore the direction of their swordsmanship. Thus, many great swordsmen went to uninhabited places or places with harsh natural environments. Not only was it a kind of training, but it also allowed them to better experience the changes in the world and understand the opportunities to improve their swordsmanship. It seemed that Great Swordsman Seuss had also chosen this path. Laurist could only wish him well.
They stayed on Ciloas Island until the end of August, and Laurist brought Princess Sylvia and her four concubines back to the north. This time, they were going to inspect the Hunting Cavalry Regiment in the Eastern Region of the North and the Flying Tiger Regiment stationed in the Winston Province, as well as the Monolith Regiment stationed at the border of the Southern Province. Unexpectedly, the soldiers of the Hunting Cavalry Regiment did not have any conflict with Princess Sylvia. They even treasured the Love Medal that Laurist had created as a joke. Of course, who would not treasure a gold medal? They could even trade it for two or three gold medals.
By the time they returned to the Furious Bear City, it was already November. However, this was November of year 178 of the Galinthia Continent's common calendar. A year had passed just like that. One could only blame the Norton Family's territory for being too large. Before Laurist could rest for two days in his study, he saw Fatty Shi rush into the study. "Your Highness, the second prince has come out of seclusion …"
"What? How did I come out of seclusion?" Laurist did not hear clearly and was confused.
"No, I'm not talking about you." Fatty Shi took a breath before replying, "I'm talking about our king. He has come out of seclusion. He has become a level one great swordsman!"
… …
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