Viscount Miles

Viscount Miles

"The Black Goat Tribe is cruel and evil."

"But at the same time, to many dim-witted orc tribes, they are symbols of wisdom. Goats themselves symbolize wisdom, and Black Goats certainly do not lack it."

"This is troublesome."

"The Empire is not afraid of large-scale orc migrations southward. Every year, the orcs of the Northlands enter the warm South because of the harsh winter, and the Empire is humanity's first line of defense."

"But if the orcs invade intelligently, the Empire's nobles will suffer heavy losses as well."

"Northwind Province... I wonder if it can hold."

"This should be the first time the Black Goat Tribe has appeared in Northwind Province."

In the darkness, Ryan could already imagine the terror on the faces of Northwind Province's nobles when they heard that the Black Goat Tribe had appeared.

"Brandt, make preparations. Tomorrow, we're heading to Zero Crossing City."

After saying that, Ryan returned directly to the Baron's Castle.

Early the next morning, when Ryan got up, Brandt was already training the new Knight Retainers.

That was right. The appearance of the Black Goat Tribe had given Ryan a sense of urgency. Although food was scarce, he still chose to bless another fifty people, bringing the Frozen Earth Territory's army to around ninety men.

Any more than that, and their grain supplies truly would not be able to support them.

"On this trip, I'll bring back some blacksmiths. Leaving those several thousand pounds of Refined Iron sitting around isn't a solution. If we forge it into armor and Knight's Greatswords, Brandt and the others' combat strength can increase tenfold."

"We also need to purchase a batch of grain. The territory's population is growing, and we must at least make it through this winter."

"I'm leaving those fifty new soldiers in the Frozen Earth Territory with you. If the orcs truly launch a large-scale attack or raid, abandon everything outside and hold Rhino Horn Mountain. If even this place cannot be defended, then find a way to escape."

Beard meticulously arranged Ryan's baronial attire. Listening to Ryan's words, the old man could not stop tears from streaming down his face.

"Young Master Ryan, rest assured. Even if this old servant dies, I will defend your territory."

"If it truly cannot be defended, this old servant will perish together with the orcs and send someone to escort the viscountess to Northwind Province."

"Huh?"

Ryan looked at Beard, wondering what medicine the old fellow had taken.

"I'll leave this place to you. In the entire territory, you're the only one I can trust."

Ryan walked out of the Baron's Castle and looked over the frozen, snow-covered world. With yesterday's abruptly ended celebration over, the people of the territory had once again thrown themselves passionately into development. They wanted to become the next Bane.

As for Ryan, he led the great horned deer and ten ox carts toward Northwind Province once more.

Thirty soldiers, Brandt, and more than twenty slaves set out lightly.

As they traveled through mountains and forests, Ryan could not help but ponder the news of the orcs heading south.

"Perhaps it's a good thing not to build the road for now. That way, even the orcs can only appear in the Frozen Earth Territory in small numbers."

Thinking of his Frozen Earth Territory, it was still quite easy to defend and difficult to attack. The surrounding terrain, like a giant bowl, was a natural safeguard. If that failed, there was still Rhino Horn Mountain, a place where one man could hold off ten thousand. If Brandt grew stronger, then building a low wall halfway up Rhino Horn Mountain would make those orcs seem far less frightening.

Besides, for so many years, the orcs had attacked the warm South every year, yet the Empire had never shown signs of decline. Perhaps his worries were unnecessary.

After spending a day traveling through the Mountain Forest and reaching the frozen Swampland, the road gradually became flatter, and the convoy's speed increased considerably.

Passing through Baron Hatton's territory, Ryan exchanged greetings with the baron, then could not help wondering what choice he would make after the orcs moved south.

He did not tell Hatton about the Black Goat Tribe. Their relationship was not that good, and Ryan intended to sell the information for a good price.

"Ryan, my friend, is that bear pelt rug really not negotiable?"

Hatton could not help asking again. He had taken a liking to the flawless bear pelt rug in Ryan's possession. A bear pelt without a trace of mixed color would fetch an astounding price even within the Empire.

Hatton wanted to intercept the deal, because owning such a rare collectible would give him great prestige among the barons.

Recently, Hatton had finally caught on and begun mingling within noble circles, which was why he desired it so badly.

"Lord Hatton, I intend to sell it to the merchant guilds in Zero Crossing City. What price can you offer?"

Hearing Ryan's words, Hatton deflated. He knew he could not offer more money than the merchant guilds.

"If you have anything good next time, make sure to sell it to me first."

"Next time, definitely."

The convoy continued toward Zero Crossing City. At sunset on the second day, Ryan saw the only city in Zero Crossing Prefecture. Its walls, two or three stories high, had allowed the city to remain unharmed through many orc attacks.

As for the exquisite collectibles in the convoy, they were naturally Viscount Whitman's property. Items from the Other Plane, combined with a viscount's collection, would undoubtedly be worth an enormous sum.

Before news of the orcs moving south had spread, no one had any reason to force down his prices.

Of course, upon arriving in Zero Crossing City, the first thing Ryan needed to do was not act as a merchant, but visit Viscount Miles.

That was the custom among nobles, and visiting the viscount would allow the value of his goods to rise another level.

However, Ryan had not expected Viscount Miles to put on even greater airs than he had anticipated.

At noon the next day, Ryan finally received Viscount Miles's steward at a manor borrowed from a baron's property in the city. The steward informed him that the viscount would receive the Baron of the Frozen Earth at midday.

"Please give Baron Barnes my regards."

Ryan handed the manor's steward a valuable feather pen along with its case, then continued.

"I will certainly convey Baron Ryan's sentiments to my master."

Zero Crossing City had only several tens of thousands of residents, yet Viscount Miles's own estate occupied nearly one-fifth of the city.

Of the remaining four-fifths, much belonged to other nobles and merchant guilds. In other words, those tens of thousands of people actually lived on only about half of the city's land.

After passing through a towering iron manor gate, walking more than a hundred meters along a stone-paved path, entering the ancient, history-laden residence, and winding through another three or five smaller doors, Ryan finally arrived before a massive dining table. There, he met the white-haired Viscount Miles and the Miles Family's seven descendants.

"You are Ryan Clayton?"

The elderly Viscount Miles studied Ryan's youthful face as he spoke.

Ryan's spring-breeze smile immediately won the favor of the women present. He slowly performed a standard noble's salute, then lowered the hand that had been clenched over his chest.

"Ryan greets Viscount Miles. I had long heard that the Miles Family descended from the ancient Falcon Hero. Seeing you today, I finally understand why the Miles Family is worthy of being an old noble house that has endured for three hundred years."

"Hahaha! The Clayton Family is no less impressive—you are descendants of the Dragon Slayer, after all. Come, Ryan, sit beside me."

Clearly, the friendly flattery exchanged between nobles greatly pleased Viscount Miles.