Chapter 132: A Perfect Spot to Set Up Camp!

{Info 4: In the Caravan District, the Braveheart Tavern features an exciting dance performance by dancers from the Western Marches—just spend ten copper coins on a mug of beer to watch!

{Info 5: Baron Oakley and Baron Kree will quarrel today over who gets to escort the dancer, escalating into physical violence; both will be injured and taken away by the Kingdom's Battle Oversight Unit.

{Info 6: Today, Baron Farrio will also arrive at Lei Dun Fortress. His father, who serves under the Viceroy of the Southern Marches, used connections to secure him a place in the expeditionary force, hoping to earn merit and secure a land grant to become a true lord.

Moreover, he will bribe thirty gold coins to obtain the position of Battle Oversight Officer for the Southern Marches border nobles' contingent—thus, he will claim a share of every merit earned by all Southern Marches border nobles during this royal campaign!

{Ding, today's intelligence report has concluded…}

With the ding in his mind, today's intelligence arrived.

Since the expedition began, Gervas's intelligence network had subtly shifted its focus.

Of course, this wasn't a bad thing.

After all, on the march, even if there were treasures, Gervas likely had no time to claim them.

But intelligence about surrounding changes—or what was about to happen—could very well aid his expedition.

For instance, today's report contained one very important piece of news.

That bastard Farrio had come too.

And he would serve as Battle Oversight Officer for the Southern Marches border nobles' contingent.

Didn't that give him authority over all these nobles—including Gervas?

For Gervas, who had sabotaged Farrio's schemes, this was certainly not good news!

Though stealing Rose could never be discovered, eliminating the Scorpion Bandits wasn't a secret.

Even if Catherine and his vassals stayed silent, over a thousand soldiers and serfs had witnessed it—impossible to silence them all.

So Gervas believed that, as long as Farrio wasn't an idiot, he would find out eventually.

"My lord, look—what a magnificent city!"

As Gervas's thoughts drifted, a shout came from ahead of the carriage.

Gervas sat up in the bumpy carriage and saw the column crossing a hill; when they reached the summit, the view opened wide.

In the distance, a mighty city built against the mountains came into view.

It had been fourteen days since they left Stormhold.

Ahead lay their destination: Lei Dun Fortress!

"Ha! We've finally arrived!"

This grand city was built after the Kingdom conquered the western tribes, to better govern this territory.

Beyond its towering walls, a fortress—renowned as impregnable—had been constructed on the steep cliffs behind the city.

And thus, the city bore the name Lei Dun Fortress.

Outside Lei Dun Fortress, countless tents had already been pitched.

Colorful banners fluttered atop them—each the war standard of a different noble house.

Clip-clop! Clip-clop!

At that moment, a mounted knightly patrol rode swiftly toward them from Lei Dun Fortress.

Moments later, they drew near; upon seeing the towering steeds beneath Gervas and his men, the eleven armed knights were startled.

"Greetings, sirs. We are the Western Marches Lei Dun Knights. I am Sergeant Jock, ordered to patrol the three-li perimeter of Lei Dun Fortress. Which house do you represent?"

Jock was puzzled—this noble contingent was clearly not the size of a major house.

Yet the seven towering warhorses beneath them, even draped in linen cloaks, were unmistakably top-grade mounts.

Their height surpassed his own mounts by half a head.

Only major noble houses could afford such steeds.

"Sergeant Jock, we are from the Southern Marches' Stormhold. This is our lord, Gervas Gale, Baron of Stormhold!"

Lei Meng produced the Kingdom's conscription order.

"Stormhold? I think I've heard that name before…" Jock pondered, but couldn't recall.

Still, it didn't matter—he now treated Gervas as a scion of a great house.

Though major house heirs usually arrived with their family's contingent ahead of time, perhaps this year's timing was tight.

Having verified their identity, Jock should have resumed patrol.

But out of respect for Gervas's presumed noble lineage, Jock politely said, "Lord Gervas, you've traveled far. The muster ahead is complex—let me guide you to the Southern Marches' registration point."

"Then thank you, Sergeant Jock!"

Gervas would never refuse.

Soon, under Jock's guidance, Gervas's party reached the Southern Marches' muster registration point.

"My lord, I've informed Master Dona. Once he finishes registering the noble contingent ahead, he'll come personally to register you."

"Thank you, Sergeant Jock!"

Gervas was a man of manners; no matter what Jock truly thought, the man had helped him—he was happy to return the favor.

He reached into his robe and handed over a silver coin.

"This…"

"Sergeant Jock, it's not much, but consider it my treat for your men—don't refuse," Gervas said.

"Then thank you, my lord!"

Jock departed with a broad smile, promising he could be found at the Lei Dun Knights if further aid was needed.

No sooner had Jock left than Master Dona, having finished the previous registration, arrived.

"My lord, I am Dona, registration officer for the Southern Marches' encampment. Welcome to you all!"

He must have been briefed by Jock—his demeanor was equally cordial.

Gervas was pleased with everyone's attitude.

He handed over another silver coin.

Instantly, Master Dona beamed, his posture growing even more respectful.

"My lord, here we are—this is your encampment for tonight. I hope you find this location satisfactory!"

More than ten minutes later, they reached a bustling area.

It was bustling because, beyond the camp fence, lay the crowded caravan gathering zone.

It was still morning, yet many knightly nobles and drunkards had already begun drinking.

"My lord, if you need anything else, feel free to find me. I must be off now!"

Master Dona hurried away—he had personally escorted Gervas only because he assumed him a scion of a great house.

Gervas surveyed the area and silently exclaimed: Damn!

He had imagined a good location as spacious and quiet.

But these bastards' idea of a "good location" was clearly a place for revelry!

With Master Dona already gone, Gervas couldn't change it.

He could only order his men to set up camp on the open ground allotted to them.

In truth, there was little open ground left.

Gervas examined the crests on the flags of neighboring camps and found that, aside from a few belonging to viscount families, nearly all were earl houses.

So this really was a prime location!