Chapter 347

Intelligence Four: This afternoon, a team from Eagle City will arrive in Stormhold, carrying the kingdom's latest conscription order.

Yes, you ultimately couldn't escape this royal conscription.

Because someone wants you to join this northern campaign.

For instance, Fenil and Daur, or even the Eagle City cabinet officials!

Of course, this time it's not just you who's been manipulated.

Your neighbors, Mil and others, also seem to have caught Wilard's attention.

Because Wilard has long heard that the killers behind the Wolf Gang's destruction have never been caught.

Having lost his heir, his mind has twisted, and he's begun indiscriminate retaliation.

Intelligence Five: Tonight, Storm Castle will welcome an unwelcome guest.

She is a dangerous entity who has long roamed in the shadows.

Her attitude toward you remains uncertain.

Because she has been drawn here by something in your territory.

Intelligence Six: The Austin family has also received the conscription order.

As the future heir, Adams's recent conduct has greatly pleased Duke Austin.

To secure Adams's position as heir more quickly, Duke Austin has decided to take him along on this campaign this year.

Upon hearing the news, Adams felt excitement, but mostly unease.

Because he's heard of the dangers of combat!

So he even sent men to seek you out, hoping for some advice on whether to join this year's northern campaign.

Ding! Daily intelligence update complete!

Time flies—over ten days have passed since you helped Catherine drive away those noble suitors.

Of course, despite the time that's passed, Gwys has been savoring it ever since.

He savors not just the sweetness, but also regrets his own impatience.

Back then, after he wrapped his arms around her slender, elastic waist, he wanted to go further—to climb the peak.

But just as he began climbing, Catherine woke up, reacted violently, and shoved him away.

Gwys knew exactly why he failed—he was too hasty.

From Catherine's clumsy technique, it was clear this cold goddess was a complete novice.

With a novice like that, you need to give her time to adjust.

Or help her lower her guard.

For example, during prolonged oxygen deprivation, when she's dizzy and disoriented.

But Gwys launched his assault in just one minute—of course he failed.

"Next time, I should wait at least ten minutes—after all, Catherine is a Bronze Knight; her breath-holding ability is excellent!"

Gwys made this plan.

Because, fortunately,

from Catherine's final attitude, Gwys knew:

His seduction had already succeeded in large part—because that night, Catherine hadn't thrown him out of the castle.

Although she didn't meet him again during that time,

the next day, as he led his team to leave, he spotted Catherine secretly peeking from behind her bedroom window.

Of course, as a lord, romance doesn't need to be rushed.

As the ding sounded, Gwys knew he was about to get busy again.

And again, he'd been manipulated.

This time, he was on the conscription list too.

Indeed, ideals are full-bodied, but reality is bone-thin.

Still, knowing that Fenil of the Hernand family and Wilard were behind this, Gwys didn't feel unfairly targeted.

Their motives for manipulating him were entirely reasonable.

But Mil and the others being caught up too? That's just terrible luck.

All because I once saved Rose and her daughter, killing the Wolf Brotherhood.

First, they were conscripted to the western frontier.

After barely surviving and returning home just a few months ago,

now they're being conscripted again—to the northern frontier.

"Guys, don't blame me—how was I supposed to know Wilard, like his dead son, was so petty? He's still holding a grudge over something so long ago!"

"Wilard and Farrio—those father and son are truly dogs!"

……

"Captain, are you sure we haven't gotten lost?"

"Yeah, Captain! This desolate landscape—if not for the lack of border markers, I'd swear we've left the kingdom entirely!"

"True, this place is supposed to be noble land? How does the lord even collect taxes? Does he tax wild boars in the wilderness?"

On a dirt road within Stormhold, a group of over thirty men was advancing.

"It shouldn't be wrong—everyone we asked said to follow this dirt road straight ahead to reach Stormhold!"

"Then Captain, could you have misread the address? Maybe the note didn't say Stormhold, but Rainstorm Hold or Heavy Rain Hold?"

SLAP!

Columbus struck his subordinate squarely on the head.

"You idiot, I told you to learn reading from the first mate—but you refused!"

"Ask the first mate—did I misread the characters?"

"Waaah, Captain, I'm sorry!"

The subordinate bowed his head, crestfallen.

This group was Columbus's adventuring team.

Sea adventures are far less convenient than land ones.

On land, even a lone adventurer with enough courage can set out.

But at sea, you need a ship—so Columbus's team has thirty-two members.

Even this number is small by today's standards, after the decline of sea adventuring.

Decades ago, during the golden age of sea exploration, a single ship would carry over a hundred men.

"Look! We're here!"

At that moment, the group crested a hill and saw before them a vast plain, along with a castle and a town.

Columbus's eyes flickered with doubt and concern—but he hid it, ordering his men to hurry toward the town and castle.

The nobleman who gave this address wouldn't be wrong—after all, those hundred gold coins were real.

Since that distinguished nobleman gave this address, it must be correct.

After all, the hundred gold coins were real.

……

"My Lord, the guards report that a group of thirty men has arrived at the town gate, claiming they're adventurers you funded for sea voyages!"

Gwys, awakened by the ding, lost all sleepiness.

After being dressed by two lovely maids and enjoying a hearty breakfast,

before he could even instruct Thomas to keep an eye out for Columbus, the guard reported Columbus's arrival.

"So they've finally arrived? Notify Raymond—prepare to depart!"

Soon, Gwys arrived at the town gate, escorted by knights and cavalry.

His grand procession was visible from afar—Columbus's group could see it clearly.

Seeing the familiar figure at the front, Columbus's anxiety and unease vanished completely.

The nobleman really was here.

His adventure plan wouldn't be derailed.

Perhaps this land belonged to the nobleman's friend or subordinate.

"My lord, Gwys!"

Before Gwys's horse had even stopped, Columbus rushed forward and bowed deeply.

"Columbus, I'm glad to see you again!"

"Also, don't call me 'lord'—just call me Lord Gwys. I am the lord of Stormhold!"

"This… Lord Gwys… you're really the lord here?" Columbus's face was filled with disbelief.