A Woman with a Broad Back and a Strong Waist

Setting up a Gatu camp was actually quite simple, as long as someone who had seen one was present, everything was easy.

Gatu camps usually lacked decorations and didn't have walls or fences that would hinder cavalry. Their daily necessities were no different from those in other continental nations, because they were all looted.

The only part that required some effort was using wood to support the dome-shaped tents and adding wheels.

The Gatu people lived in mobile tents mounted on wheels, which was their most distinctive feature.

They were less like tents and more like large carts with tents on them—this wasn't unfamiliar to Li Ang; it was how the Xiongnu lived in another time and space.

When migrating or encountering danger, these large carts could be directly pulled by oxen or horses, making them very efficient for moving or fleeing.

Everything was proceeding in an orderly fashion, with his subordinates all busy.

Meanwhile, the lord, Li Ang, had become idle...

He ambled over to look at the carpenters making wheels but was unceremoniously sent away. With nothing else to do, Li Ang lay down on one of the large carts and pulled a crumpled book from his pocket.

This was a spoil of war that Ansen had found in the camp last night—fortunately, Ansen was educated; otherwise, Kloze would have almost used it as scratch paper.

Before Li Ang set out, Ansen had solemnly handed it over to him.

According to Ansen, it was a masterpiece that could enhance personal abilities, titled Memoirs of a Pendor Officer.

As an upright young man full of knightly spirit, Ansen had handed the book to Li Ang with a very serious expression, as if this crumpled handwritten copy was an incredibly important treasure.

Based on his knowledge as a hardcore player of the Mount & Blade game, Li Ang figured it was probably a skill book, perhaps one that could improve his skill level after reading it.

Judging by the title, was it likely a textbook that could improve tactical skills?

He opened the first page of the book.

"The first melee battle took place in the Countess's bedroom..."

Huh?

It really was a treasure!

Li Ang recalled Ansen's expression when he handed the book to him... it seemed to be a mix of reluctance and relief, with a hint of goodwill within the relief?

Did he really think this lord's needs were that frequent, and seeing Sarah wasn't in the party, he was sending him some comfort?

Alright, he appreciated the thought, he appreciated it very much. He'd give the doctor a raise later...

Li Ang hugged the book and began to read with great relish, quickly becoming engrossed in profound academic research and unable to extricate himself...

"Sir... Sir!"

Even after two mercenaries called out to him several times, there was no reaction. The engrossed lord's eyes remained glued to the book.

It wasn't until one mercenary waved his hand in front of him several times that the lord was pulled back from the ocean of knowledge into reality...

"Ahem, have you eaten?" Li Ang swallowed, and with a speed that surpassed his 500 proficiency level, he swiftly tucked the handwritten copy into his pocket.

"Sir, we have enemy contact..."

Huh? There was enemy contact in this desolate place?

Li Ang stood up and looked around. A few small figures were standing about a hundred meters away, seemingly confronting a few mercenaries.

But looking at the weapons in their hands... they were either pitchforks or rakes...

Were they some farmers?

"Let them come over."

A few farmers couldn't pose any threat to him; Li Ang was confident about that.

The mercenaries formed a circle, escorting the two trembling individuals over.

Only then did Li Ang get a clear look. The one in front was actually a woman.

A strong woman, not tall, with an ordinary appearance, but a very unique build—generally belonging to the category of broad-shouldered, stout, and strong-backed.

"Your Excellency, you appear to be a brave Pioneer Lord..."

Although still clearly nervous, the woman spoke first, her eyes fixed directly on Li Ang.

This woman, dressed like a commoner, spoke with a noble tone.

But Li Ang found it rather unnatural...

He looked at her; she wore a leather jacket and carried an iron sword. She didn't look like a noble at all.

Well, maybe it was an issue with her looks.

"Is there something you need?" Li Ang didn't want any trouble at this juncture, his intention to dismiss them quite obvious.

"I am the daughter of a Count... We... I mean, my villagers and I are being pursued by some... rebels. Fortunately, we discovered your caravan... If possible, I would like to join your group."

Daughter of a Count?

What noble lady would introduce herself like that?

A group of commoners being chased by rebels?

But this was all wasteland... There were no villages within a hundred miles. Where did these farmers come from?

Li Ang felt a deep sense of caution.

"What's in it for me if I take you in?"

Li Ang asked slowly, his hand already reaching for his sword hilt.

"My family was once famous in the weapons trade... I'm very familiar with the movements of bandits and robbers in this area. No matter where you're going, we can act as guides. Moreover, I can cook for your party. My cooking is so good it could make you swallow your own tongue..."

Cooking?

That was certainly needed!

No one wanted to gnaw on tough, dry rations. Maybe this would be a good solution.

The woman seemed to gain confidence as she spoke, her words flowing more smoothly. For a moment, Li Ang found it hard to tell if she was telling the truth.

"I am Li Ang Griffin. May I ask your name, madam..."

If she really was a noble in distress, Li Ang felt he should at least be polite.

"My name is Liwa, Liwa Fletcher."

Hmm!

Fletcher!

Could this be Oden's daughter?

Li Ang was shocked. He took a closer look at the woman's appearance—short stature, small eyes, and a large nose. She did bear some resemblance to Count Oden!

She lacked noble bearing, which was also fitting. Oden had risen to a high position from being a Pioneer Lord due to his military achievements, not from being part of an old, established aristocratic family. It was normal for his daughter to be lacking in etiquette and demeanor.

Thinking about her words again—she probably meant she was being pursued by some knights, within the territory of Duke Alma in Lion Lake City. That was quite possible...

The daughter of such a powerful figure in the eastern territories had ended up like this?

And he had stumbled upon her while she was in such a state?

He even found the burly woman much more pleasing to the eye now.

The Goddess was favoring him, no doubt!

Li Ang, finding it incredible, became somewhat agitated, even overlooking the name Liwa, which he should have recognized. It was like going out to relieve himself and finding a huge pile of gold, forgetting whether he had even peed or not!

"Madam, of course, you can stay here. We will be heading towards Long River Town soon..."

Li Ang changed his form of address—Oden's daughter was Lord Ryman's wife, so she should be addressed as Madam.

"That's wonderful! I was indeed planning to go to Long River Town. Thank you for your help, Lord Li Ang!"

Liwa also seemed very excited, looking at Li Ang as if he were family. She even adjusted her leather jacket and performed a clumsy squatting bow.

Though it looked rather odd.

"Wait a moment, Madam. You said someone was pursuing you? Where are the pursuers approximately, and how many are there?"

Li Ang had not forgotten the trouble this woman might bring.

Liwa tugged at the hem of her leather jacket and thought seriously, "About a dozen or so. I'm not sure exactly where. Lord Li Ang, this place is vast..."

Fine, how could he expect a noblewoman to provide clear military intelligence... and those few timid farmers were even less likely.

Never mind, as long as she could cook, that was enough.

Li Ang sent out a few mercenaries to expand the scout's range. Dealing with enemies was something he would have to handle himself.