"Greetings, my lord!"
"Greetings, Divine Maiden!"
When the barbarians gathered outside the camp, Nalant led Vini straight up onto the wooden palisade.
The barbarians were also very cooperative, immediately dropping to their knees in salute.
"Everyone, rise. Have you all been doing well this winter?" Vini, who had long since been instructed, spoke first. She was preparing to play the emotional card.
When Nalant had returned to the castle, he had left Vini behind at this camp, where she stayed for more than half a month.
Throughout those weeks, she had continuously treated the barbarians' wounds and illnesses. Whether fresh injuries or old ailments, she treated them all with gentle care.
Thus, in the eyes of these grassland barbarians, she was a lofty divine envoy, a being bestowed upon the mortal world by the gods to bring blessings to the barbarians.
"Thank you, Divine Maiden! We have had a very good winter. We can eat our fill and no longer need to fear the bitter cold!"
The barbarians below, having risen to their feet, immediately responded enthusiastically.
"Good. As long as you have been well, I am relieved! Everyone, Lord Nalant of Storm Territory now wishes to say a few words to you!"
Vini gave a sweet smile before handing the matter over to Nalant.
Upon hearing this, the barbarians all looked toward Nalant, somewhat uneasy about what exactly he intended to say.
Though they were straightforward by nature and had little guile, a few barbarians could guess that Nalant's arrival today might concern something they were unwilling to mention.
"My fellow barbarians, it has been an honor to work with you throughout this winter, and I have seen your diligence and hard work with my own eyes!"
"Now, the harsh winter has passed. The earth is beginning to warm,