Chapter 87: Return to Vanguard Valley

Amidst the firm oath of the young Falco, a formless power of contract quietly permeated the air.

"Young Master, I, Falco, swear here by my future Knight's path!"

His voice trembled slightly with excitement, but every word was exceptionally clear.

"I am willing to become your sword, to break through the thorns for you!"

"I am willing to become your shield, to defend you against the wind and frost!"

"I am willing to offer my loyalty, until the end of my soul!"

"If I violate this oath, heaven and earth will not tolerate it, and my soul will fall into the endless void, never to find peace!"

As Falco's last syllable fell, a breeze seemed to blow through the room.

A faint, almost invisible golden light emerged from Falco's forehead, flashed, and merged into Roko's forehead.

The contract was established.

Roko could clearly feel a subtle soul connection between himself and the boy in front of him.

This feeling was very wonderful, as if he could perceive the other party's most basic emotional fluctuations.

Fula stood behind Roko, her heterochromatic eyes, interwoven with deep blue and broken gold, flashing with curiosity and understanding.

The Flame Griffin slave mark on her forehead was another form of binding, but the Guardian Knight's oath seemed more sacred and pure.

Hart remained calm, but there was a hint of approval in his eyes as he looked at Falco.

Good talent, plus this loyalty regardless of the cost, this boy had a promising future.

"Very good."

A smile finally appeared on the corner of Roko's mouth.

He reached out and patted Falco on the shoulder gently.

"From today on, you are my, Roko Raymond's, Guardian Knight."

"Your glory is also my glory."

A brilliant smile instantly bloomed on Falco's face, and the previous tension and anxiety were swept away.

"Yes! Young Master!"

His voice was full of joy and firmness.

Butler Hank was moved to tears, hurriedly stepped forward, and bowed deeply to Roko.

"Thank you, Young Master! Thank you for your grace, Young Master!"

Roko helped Butler Hank up.

"Butler Hank, Falco is my person from now on, I will treat him well."

"As for the manor's affairs, I still need you to put in more effort."

Butler Hank nodded repeatedly.

"I understand! I will definitely manage the manor well for you, Young Master!"

Having completed this important matter, Roko's mood also became quite good.

An S+ level talent Guardian Knight, this was truly an unexpected joy.

He didn't stay too long at the Red Flame Fruit Manor.

Early the next morning, Roko took Fula, Hart, and the newly promoted Guardian Knight Falco and left the manor.

Butler Hank took the servants of the manor and sent them off for a long way before returning reluctantly.

Falco rode on a slightly thin horse, following closely behind Roko.

He looked back at the receding manor frequently, his eyes filled with anticipation for the future.

From now on, his life would have a great change.

To return to Xin Feng Province, even using the teleportation array in the province, it would take at least three days.

Along the way, Roko was in no hurry.

He could just use this time to get a preliminary understanding of Falco's character and ability.

"Falco, have you systematically learned Knight combat techniques before?"

Roko's voice was easygoing, breaking the silence during the march.

Hearing this, Falco straightened his back and answered respectfully.

"Back to Young Master, my father once hired a retired Knight to teach me some basic swordsmanship and horsemanship when I was young."

"But it wasn't systematic, just some fur."

Roko nodded.

This was also within his expectations; after all, Butler Hank was only a manor butler, and being able to hire a retired Knight to teach his son was already not bad.

"Hmm, basics are very important."

"After returning to the territory, I will have Captain Hart personally guide you."

Hearing this, Hart glanced at the slightly immature Falco beside him and nodded slightly.

Being able to get personal guidance from a Great Knight peak powerhouse was a dream opportunity for any fledgling Quasi-Knight.

A look of surprise appeared on Falco's face.

"Thank you, Young Master! Thank you, Captain Hart!"

Hart just gave a faint "Hmm" in response.

Fula still rode her horse quietly, her silver-gray cat ears occasionally twitching slightly, as if listening to the movement around her.

She didn't have much emotional fluctuation toward this new boy, just feeling that there was one more person beside the master who could be trusted.

Three days later, at dusk.

The familiar silhouette of Vanguard Valley finally appeared on the horizon.

Compared to when Roko left, Vanguard Valley now had quite a few changes.

The city wall that was destroyed in the orc invasion had been rebuilt; although it still bore the traces of new masonry, it appeared taller and sturdier.

On the city wall, patrolling soldiers could be vaguely seen, their armor shimmering with a cold luster in the setting sun.

At the valley entrance, it was no longer the previous ruins; some simple wooden houses and tents had been set up, forming a small living area.

One could vaguely hear the noise of people and the clanging of labor.

The entire Vanguard Valley exuded a resilience and vitality after the disaster.

"Young Master, we are back."

Hart looked at the scene before him, his tone carrying a hint of emotion.

This was the place where they had once fought bloody battles.

Now, it had regained its vitality.

Roko nodded, feeling quite gratified in his heart.

Martina's management ability was indeed worthy of praise.

Falco was visiting Vanguard Valley for the first time, his eyes filled with curiosity and shock.

He had heard of Young Master Roko's heroic deeds here, resisting the orc vanguard with his own strength and winning precious time for the entire Allied Forces.

Seeing this land with his own eyes now, he could feel that indomitable spirit even more.

"Let's go, let's enter the valley."

Roko urged his warhorse and led the way toward the valley entrance.

The soldiers guarding the valley entrance clearly recognized Roko and his party.

"The Lord is back!"

A cry of surprise broke the silence at the valley entrance.

Soon, soldiers ran up to greet them and bowed respectfully.

"Welcome back to the valley, My Lord!"

Roko nodded slightly, signaling them not to be formal.

Just then, a beautiful figure rushed out from the valley like a gust of wind.

Her long snow-white hair drew a beautiful arc in the air, and her snow-white fox ears twitched slightly.

It was Martina.

Seeing Roko, a flash of surprise first crossed her snow-white eyes, then she tried hard to straighten her pretty face, seemingly wanting to maintain her dignity as Chief Administrative Officer.

"Roko, you're finally back."

Her tone carried a hint of imperceptible resentment, but more of it was relief.

Roko couldn't help but smile at Martina's feigned indifference.

He knew this little fox was actually thinking about him.

More accurately, she was thinking about the delicacies in his space ring.

"Hmm, I'm back."

Roko dismounted and took out a large food box he had prepared long ago from his space ring.

"Here, as promised, the latest pastries from Mu Guang City, and all kinds of snacks."

Martina's eyes instantly lit up.

She almost subconsciously reached out, wanting to take the food box.

But then she seemed to remember something, coughed lightly, and tried to make her expression look less eager.

"Well, at least you still have a bit of conscience."

She took the food box, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but rise slightly, outlining a moving curve.

Her snow-white fox ears also twitched happily.

Fula watched this scene, her deep blue eyes also carrying a shallow smile.

She knew Martina's temperament and also knew that the master could always easily handle this tsundere fox.

Hart and Falco were not surprised, or rather, Falco was seeing it for the first time, his eyes filled with novelty.

"Let's go in first."

Roko smiled and led the way into the valley.

Martina hugged the food box and followed closely behind him, looking as if she were afraid someone would steal her treasure.

Entering the interior of Vanguard Valley, the scene before him made Roko's eyes light up.

Inside the valley, clear areas had been replanned.

Residential areas, commercial areas, training grounds, and the workshop area under construction were all in good order.

A large number of refugees were busy at their respective posts.

Although their faces still carried a hint of fatigue and confusion, there was a glimmer of hope for the future in their eyes.

The air was filled with the fragrance of soil and the aroma of food.

Vanguard Valley was regaining its vitality at a speed visible to the naked eye and becoming more prosperous than before.

"Martina, you did a great job."

Roko praised sincerely.

To be able to manage a territory that had almost become ruins in such a short time so well.

Hearing Roko's praise, Martina's pretty snow-white face couldn't help but show a hint of proud blush.

"Hmph, of course."

"Don't look at who I am."

She raised her pointed chin, her tone full of confidence.

The group arrived at the rebuilt Lord's Mansion.

Entering the reception hall, Martina couldn't wait to put the food box on the table and open it carefully.

Instantly, alluring aromas permeated the entire room.

Exquisite pastries exuded a sweet fragrance.

Various flavored meat jerky shimmered with an oily luster.

And some specialty snacks he couldn't name, just looking at them made one's appetite grow.

"Wow!"

Martina's eyes instantly turned into stars.

She picked up a piece of Hundred Flower Cake that exuded a rich milky fragrance and took a light bite.

The soft, sweet taste instantly bloomed on her taste buds.

"Mmm, delicious!"

Martina narrowed her eyes happily, and her pair of snow-white fox ears swayed joyfully.

Roko couldn't help but find it funny watching her like this.

This little fox always shed all her disguises in front of food.

"Eat slowly, there's plenty more."

Roko took out a few more specialties brought from Mu Guang City and filled the table.

Martina instantly fell into an ocean of food, eating non-stop, her cheeks bulging.

Fula also picked up a fruit tart and tasted it in small bites, a satisfied smile on her face.

Hart and Falco also got some meat jerky and snacks.

For a time, the reception hall was filled with the aroma of food and a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

After enjoying the food, Martina finally remembered the business.

She wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin and resumed the capable look of a Chief Administrative Officer.

"Roko, during the time you were away, our territory had quite a big change."

Roko nodded.

"Go ahead."

Martina cleared her throat and began to report.

"First is the population."

"According to the arrangements of Legion Commander Steven and Duke Auston, we received a total of fifty thousand refugees."

"Among them, thirty thousand were settled in Vanguard Valley."

"Mainly responsible for the construction in the valley and the surrounding agricultural reclamation work."

"The other two newly granted baronial territories, Maple Leaf Territory and Porter Valley, each settled ten thousand refugees."

"The terrain there is relatively flat, more suitable for large-scale grain planting."

Roko listened quietly.

Fifty thousand refugees, for a territory just starting out, were both an opportunity and a challenge.

How to transform these refugees into effective labor and make them feel a sense of belonging to the territory was a daunting task.

"How is the settlement of the refugees?"

"Did any trouble occur?"

Roko asked.

Martina shook her head.

"So far so good."

"We adopted the method of exchanging work for food, providing them with basic food and shelter, while organizing them to participate in the construction of the territory."

"For those refugees with special skills, such as carpenters, stonemasons, blacksmiths, etc."

"We all gave them preferential treatment and incorporated them into the corresponding workshops."

"However, with more people, management is indeed a bit strenuous."

"Especially in terms of food, the pressure is relatively high."

"Although we received a batch of aid from all sides, fifty thousand mouths consume too fast."

Roko frowned.

The food problem was indeed the top priority.

Without enough food, everything was empty talk.

"The Red Flame Fruit Manor side also needs to send people to contact."

"Once the output there stabilizes, it should be able to relieve some pressure."

Roko said.

Before leaving the Red Flame Fruit Manor, he had already arranged some things for Butler Hank.

Let him organize manpower as soon as possible to transport the first batch of ripe Red Flame Fruit and the grain stored in the manor to Xin Feng Province.

"That's good."

Martina nodded.

"Secondly, in terms of territory construction."

"The city defense of Vanguard Valley has been initially repaired, and it will continue to be reinforced later."

"The residential areas and commercial areas in the valley have already taken shape."

"Several important workshops, such as blacksmith shops, carpentry shops, and tailoring shops, have also started to operate."

"It's just that what we lack most now is professional craftsmen."

"Especially blacksmiths, which are severely insufficient."

"If the territory wants to develop, the upgrading of weapons and equipment and the forging of farm tools cannot do without blacksmiths."

Roko's heart stirred upon hearing this.

"I'll find a way for the blacksmiths."

He had received a reward of 100,000 gold coins at the merit-rewarding conference before.

This money could just be used to buy a batch of slaves to enrich the territory's craftsman team.

"And Maple Leaf Territory and Porter Valley."

Martina continued.

"I have dispatched capable people to manage those two territories."

"Currently, it is mainly based on reclaiming wasteland and building water conservancy."

"Striving to plant the first batch of crops before next spring."

Roko nodded.

Maple Leaf Territory and Porter Valley were his future granaries and must be valued.

"Thank you for your hard work, Martina."

Roko looked at the little fox who was clear-headed and managed the territory's affairs in an orderly manner and said sincerely.

Martina's pretty face flushed, and she turned her head away somewhat embarrassedly.

"Hmph, this is all what I should do."

After reporting the situation of the territory, Vanguard Valley ushered in a rare period of peaceful development.

Every day, besides cultivating the 【Flame Griffin Breathing Method】, Roko inspected the territory and handled some important affairs.

Under Hart's guidance, Falco underwent arduous Knight training.

Time flew by like water.

In the blink of an eye, the weather gradually turned cool, and the bleakness of autumn was gradually replaced by the severe cold of winter.

The biting cold wind whistled through the valley.

The sky also began to drift with sporadic snowflakes.

The winter in Xin Feng Province came exceptionally early and was exceptionally cold.

This day, at dusk.

In the Lord's Mansion, a warm fireplace was lit.

Roko summoned several core members of the territory and held a small banquet.

One was to reward everyone for their hard work during this period.

Secondly, it was also to discuss the preparations for the territory to spend the winter.

The long table was filled with rich food.

Roasted golden and crispy magic beast meat exuded an alluring charred aroma.

Delicious and rich mushroom soup was steaming.

And various fresh vegetable salads, as well as Martina's favorite desserts.

"Everyone, during this period, everyone has worked hard."

Roko raised his glass and said loudly.

"Vanguard Valley being able to have today's scene is inseparable from everyone's joint efforts."

"I toast everyone!"

Hart, Martina, Bake, Ron, Joven, and others raised their glasses one after another.

Even the usually taciturn Minotaur Talos honestly raised the large wine glass in his hand.

"To the Lord!"

Everyone said in unison, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

Everyone's face carried a relaxed smile.

Just then, the steward Yor, who was responsible for the territory's daily procurement, suddenly stood up with a difficult expression.

"My Lord, I have something to report."

Roko put down his wine glass and looked at Yor.

"What is it?"

Yor hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"My Lord, a batch of slaves we bought from the slave market some time ago went missing on the way back to the territory."

Roko raised his eyebrows.

"Missing?"

"What exactly happened?"

Yor wiped the sweat from his forehead and hurriedly explained.

"That batch of slaves, a total of two hundred people, were all carefully selected blacksmiths."

"According to the original plan, they should have arrived at Vanguard Valley three days ago."

"However, until now, there has been no news."

"The guard team responsible for escorting them has also lost contact."

"I am worried that they have probably met with misfortune."

The atmosphere in the banquet hall instantly became much heavier.

Two hundred blacksmith slaves, this was not a small number.

For Vanguard Valley, which was in urgent need of developing military equipment and farm tools, this batch of blacksmiths was crucial.

"Do you know who did it?"

Roko's voice sank.

In his territory, someone dared to touch his things, simply looking for death.

Yor took a deep breath, his tone carrying a hint of anger and helplessness.

"According to some scattered clues we have mastered so far, as well as rumors from surrounding caravans."

"Those who kidnapped our blacksmith slaves are likely the 'Black Fire Bandit Group' that has recently become famous in Xin Feng Province."

"Black Fire Bandit Group?"

Roko was a bit unfamiliar with this name.

Hart explained from the side.

"Young Master, this Black Fire Bandit Group is an emerging force that has only popped up in Xin Feng Province recently."

"They act fiercely, specifically picking on caravans and small territories with weak defensive forces."

"Moreover, they act extremely quickly, coming and going like the wind, very cunning, and very good at hiding."

"It is said that their leader has good strength, and there is also a group of desperate people under his command who are not afraid of death."

"During this period, many nobles and caravans have already fallen into their hands."

"However, this Black Fire Bandit Group's whereabouts are mysterious; several big nobles in Xin Feng Province, although they have organized several clean-up operations,

have had little effect, instead making them more rampant."

Martina also added.

"I heard that this Black Fire Bandit Group also seems to have some special channels to get the movements of the clean-up troops in advance, so they can always turn danger into safety."

Roko frowned upon hearing this.

Hart stood up and said solemnly.

"Young Master, please allow me to lead a team to investigate the whereabouts of the Black Fire Bandit Group and try to rescue that batch of blacksmiths!"

Roko looked at Hart, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes.

He knew Hart's strength and also knew Hart's loyalty.

However, it was currently the dead of winter, with heavy snow blocking the roads, making marching difficult.

Moreover, the enemy situation was unclear, and attacking rashly carried too much risk.

"Hart, I understand your mood."

Roko spoke slowly.

"However, it is currently freezing cold, with heavy snow blocking the mountains, which is not conducive to our large-scale operations."

"Moreover, our understanding of the Black Fire Bandit Group is limited to hearsay."

"We know nothing about their strength or where their stronghold is."

"Sending troops rashly will only alert the enemy, and may even put our people in danger."

Hart calmed down upon hearing this.

He knew the Young Master was right.

He was a bit impulsive.

"Young Master, what should we do then?"

"Are we just going to let those bandits go unpunished and swallow our blacksmiths?"

Hart's tone was full of unwillingness.

Roko pondered for a moment, his gaze turning to the scout captain Bake.

"Bake."

Bake stood up immediately.

"Subordinate is here!"

"You immediately dispatch the most elite scouts to secretly investigate the movements of the Black Fire Bandit Group."

"Yes! Young Master!"

Bake took the order and left.

The atmosphere of the banquet became a bit dull because of this sudden bad news.

Although Roko was angry in his heart, he remained calm on the surface.

He knew that the more this happened, the less he could lose his composure.

After pacifying everyone's emotions, the banquet ended hastily. ===== CHAPTER 88 =====