Ch. 161Count Bristle-Wolf's Mobilization Order
Key Plot Points and Events
- Count Bristle-Wolf convenes his vassals to discuss a military campaign against Girislav, who is invading Frost Wolf Forest.
- The Count plans to send his knights first, followed by the vassals' knights within three months, aiming to occupy part of the forest before July.
- The Count reveals his strategy to target a specific Minotaur-led Beastmen tribe with around 20-30 members, with the help of Count White-Owl's knights.
- The vassals are promised an intermediate potion for the family that contributes the most.
- Landen is invited to a private meeting with the Count, who purchases Iron Armor and Black-Scaled Horses from him, and advises him to stay away from the Palace Front Department.
Character Developments
- Count Bristle-Wolf shows strategic thinking and resourcefulness in planning the campaign and managing his finances.
- Landen demonstrates his confusion and bewilderment at being involved in the meeting and the Count's plans.
Significant Themes
- Responsibility and Duty: The Count emphasizes the responsibility of lords to defend their lands and protect their people, even in the face of hardship.
- Alliances and Power Struggles: The Count's eagerness to curry favor with King Dusen's main house (Count White-Owl) is evident, highlighting the political intrigue among noble families.
- Resource Management: The Count's shrewdness in managing resources, such as buying old grain and exchanging Magic Plants for salt, showcases his financial acumen.
Character Interactions
- The Count interacts with his vassals, displaying a mix of authority, confidence, and manipulation to secure their support for the campaign.
- The Count meets with Landen privately, treating him with respect and offering him business opportunities, while also providing him with a warning about the Palace Front Department.
- The vassals interact among themselves, expressing their dissatisfaction and concerns about the campaign, but ultimately agreeing to participate due to the promise of an intermediate potion.