A Father and Son's Nighttime Talk

Cornwall County, the Ironwire City.

Count Lloyd received an urgent letter from his son and rushed back to Ironwire City from the Northern Frontier overnight.

"Father, you're back!"

When Lenster learned that his father was returning to Ironwire City from the Northern Frontier, he led his men to meet him at the north of the city early in the morning, carrying torches.

Count Lloyd did not bring many people with him when he returned home this time, only a dozen or so riders.

Upon seeing his father, Lenster immediately led his men to greet him.

Count Lloyd was clad in armor, with a fur cloak over it, making him look very heroic.

Compared to the end of last year, Count Lloyd's mental state has improved considerably, and his posture has become more upright.

Seeing Count Lloyd in such a state, Lenster couldn't help but shed tears. Afraid of being seen by others, he quickly wiped them away with his hands.

Count Lloyd noticed Lenster's subtle movements, but he didn't say anything. He simply led Lenster through the city gate and headed straight for the Lord's Mansion.

Along the way, Count Lloyd carefully observed the situation inside the city. Ironwire City, which had been damaged in the fierce siege at the end of last year, had now been fully repaired.

The morale of the city's residents was also much better than last year. Count Lloyd nodded in approval. Even during his absence, Lenster had managed the territory very well.

Count Lloyd and his entourage arrived at the Lord's Mansion. He immediately dismounted and handed the reins to a servant who was already prepared.

Then he said to his subordinates behind him, "You can go home and rest for a while. You've been following me around for so long, haven't you? It's been a long time since you've been home!"

The dozen or so knights looked at each other in bewilderment, but they quickly realized what was happening, bowed to Count Lloyd, and left the Lord's Mansion.

Everyone was happy when they left, just as the Count had said, they hadn't been home in a long time.

"Lenster, come with me. As for them, let them go back first. I want to rest for a while and deal with government affairs tomorrow."

Lenster was very obedient. He immediately dismissed the officials behind him and followed Count Lloyd into the study of the Lord's Mansion.

After the servants removed the outer garments from the two men, Count Lloyd's armor was also removed.

Count Lloyd sat down in a chair wearing only a military uniform, and he gestured for Lenster to sit down as well.

Lenster looked at Count Lloyd, who was still emitting white steam, and was about to say something when Count Lloyd stopped him.

"The fireplace is lit in the house, it's very warm. You don't need to change your clothes yet. It's been a long time since I've been back, let's have a good talk."

After saying this, Count Lloyd dismissed his servants. Lenster pursed his lips and remained silent.

"Thank you for your hard work during this time, Lenster."

You did a great job. The supplies for the troops on North and South Fronts were very adequate. When I came back this time, I also saw that the villages and towns that were originally destroyed had begun to recover.

You did an excellent job; even I couldn't have done better!

Count Lloyd looked at his eldest son with satisfaction. Although the territory had entered a truce period, the military pressure it faced had not diminished.

Although the Sixth Legion withdrew to the western region on the northern border, the private armies of independent nobles from the Central Region were immediately dispatched there.

Six noble families and three detachments were stationed in the north for more than two months. The Northern Frontier could not be neglected at all, and Count Lloyd dared not leave. Therefore, the administration of the entire territory was entrusted to Lenster.

Lenster did an excellent job, ensuring logistical support on North and South Fronts and replenishing lost troops.

They also quickly adjusted the industries within the territory, using a work-for-relief approach to enable displaced Freemen of the territory to repair and rebuild damaged cities and towns, ensuring that these people did not suffer from cold or hunger even in winter.

At most, the territory's finances were somewhat strained, but thanks to the spoils plundered by Count Lloyd from the Cornwall County Coalition of Nobles, the territory's normal production was not affected.

When Lenster heard his father say this, he felt that all his hard work over the past few days had paid off. He looked at Count Lloyd with red eyes, his lips trembling, unable to utter a single word.

Seeing Lenster's expression, Count Lloyd laughed heartily, "You're so grown up now, why are you still acting like a child? Be strong, you are already an excellent nobleman and a qualified heir to the lord, I am proud of you."

"Thank you, Father."

Lenster quickly composed himself and asked after a while.

"Father, how is the situation on the Northern Frontier? Do we still need to send reinforcements?"

As per your orders, I previously arranged for the training of a regiment of regular soldiers and a regiment of Serf Soldiers. If needed, you may take them back to the north this time.

"You needn't worry about the Southern Frontier," Viscount Ferry wrote in his letter. "The Coalition of Nobles has withdrawn a significant portion of its forces. Now, only a portion of the Fourth Legion and a small number of Coalition of Nobles remain on the other side, less than four regiments."

"No need. The situation on the northern border is stable, and Kadok is helping me there. Let these troops remain in Ironwire City."

By the way, was the information in the letter you gave me accurate?

Lenster knew why his father asked that question. He was prepared and took a letterbox from the bookshelf and handed it to Count Lloyd.

"This information came from the Iron Birch Family. It contains our and the Iron Birch Family's secret marks, so I think the source of the information is credible."

Lloyd took the letter, opened it, and read it carefully. After a while, he put down the letter.

"Father, what do you think?"

After a moment of silence, Count Lloyd spoke up, "It seems that our Grand Duke doesn't take us seriously. They intend to deal with Colt and his followers first."