Sheriff had barely arrived in the Northern Lands when he set out again without resting for even a day.
It was not that Derek was exploiting him; they simply had to prepare in advance.
Once winter passed, the Holy Cross Kingdom would definitely return in force.
When that time came, the situation might be even worse.
Within the Locke Kingdom, regional politics had clearly reached a breaking point.
This could actually be glimpsed from the attitudes of nobles across the realm.
In the end, the conflict still stemmed from the distribution of power.
He believed that if the right opportunity arose, the Southern Nobles and the Royal Capital Faction would definitely take the chance to wear down his strength.
For special reasons, Saint Myra Province had no Governor and no nominal common commander. This year would likely be difficult.
Under such circumstances, Derek did not dare place his hopes in others.
He had no intention of swearing to die for the King, but his territory happened to stand right on the front line.
If advancing west from the Holy Cross Kingdom, Birch Castle would certainly be one of the best routes.
Some might say that the Holy Cross Kingdom had already suffered enough at Birch Castle and would surely choose another route.
But there were countless ways for people to screw you over, and no one knew what ridiculous stunt their allies might pull.
Besides, someone might want to prove something in the name of Birch Castle, wouldn't they... Earl Connor, the Sword of God?
Braving light snow, Sheriff set out eastward with a group of attendants.
The Holy Cross Kingdom and the Locke Kingdom shared the same roots, though they went to war from time to time.
Yet private dealings between the nobles of the two kingdoms had