Key Plot Points and Events

• The cavalry battle between the Northern and Onyx Principalities is interrupted when the warhorses suddenly turn and race back and forth through the valley.
• The horses' strange behavior continues for over an hour, exhausting both horses and riders.
• Reinforcements from the Onyx Principality arrive, signaling the end of the Northern Principality's cavalry.

Character Developments

• Boris, initially confused, attributes the horses' behavior to a blessing from the God of Glory and prays for their survival.
• Commander Bache of the Northern Principality becomes desperate as the situation worsens, realizing their plan may fail.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictable nature of war and divine intervention.
• The importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of unexpected events.

Character Interactions

• Boris and Nalant interact, with Boris seeking confirmation that he's not dreaming and Nalant punching him to prove he's not.
• Boris and Rell discuss the possible divine origin of the horses' behavior.
• Commander Bache and the Northern Principality's knights become increasingly desperate as the Onyx Principality's reinforcements approach.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Onyx Principality's reinforcements arrive, causing the Northern Principality cavalry to stop their retreat.
• Nalant, Boris, and Rell descend the mountain to capture warhorses as spoils of war.
• Nalant and his group capture and kill Northern Principality direct cavalrymen, seizing their warhorses.
• Catherine and her guards join Nalant to help capture more warhorses.

Character Developments

• Nalant shows his cunning and opportunism, seizing the chance to gain spoils for himself and his group.
• Boris and Rell display their eagerness for personal gain, following Nalant's lead.
• Catherine demonstrates her initiative and strength, joining the fight to help Nalant.

Significant Themes

• Greed and opportunism: Nalant and his group are driven by the desire for personal gain, seizing the opportunity to capture warhorses despite the ongoing battle.
• The chaos of war: The Northern Principality cavalry are disorganized and confused, making them easy targets for Nalant's group.

Character Interactions

• Nalant, Boris, and Rell work together to capture warhorses, showing a level of cooperation and camaraderie.
• Nalant and Catherine join forces, with Catherine providing additional strength and support to Nalant's efforts.
• The Northern Principality cavalrymen are disoriented and scared, struggling to react to the sudden threat posed by Nalant's group.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant quickly harvests the direct cavalrymen, knowing the Onyx Principality's reinforcements are near.
• Bache, the Northern Principality's commander, decides to retreat after realizing they can't outrun the reinforcements. He abandons the warhorses to slow down the enemy.
• Nalant seizes around 180 direct cavalry warhorses and decides to cling to Stella's influence to keep them.
• Stella approaches Sherry, intrigued by Little Gray, and tries to persuade the girl to let her see it.

Character Developments

• Nalant shows his opportunistic and cunning side, prioritizing his gains over the ongoing battle.
• Bache demonstrates responsibility and care for his troops, choosing to retreat rather than face certain defeat, and even considers the lives of ordinary cavalrymen.
• Stella shows a rare, approachable side, trying to befriend Sherry to see Little Gray.

Significant Themes

• Opportunism vs. Responsibility: Nalant's focus on personal gain contrasts with Bache's duty towards his troops and king.
• Power Dynamics: Stella's attempt to befriend Sherry highlights the power imbalance between them, with Stella using her influence to try and persuade the girl.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Stella: Nalant's actions show he's willing to use Stella's influence to keep his spoils, while Stella is intrigued by Little Gray and tries to befriend Sherry to see it.
• Bache and his troops: Bache shows concern for his troops' lives, even considering their feelings when deciding to retreat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Stella realizes Nalant's unique relationship with his subordinates, especially Sherry.
• Stella tries to extract information from Sherry about the warhorses' abnormalities but fails.
• Nalant calls Stella down from the hilltop to ask her to protect his warhorse spoils.
• Stella agrees to help protect the spoils but demands Nalant agree to three conditions.

Character Developments

• Stella shows her strategic and diplomatic skills by negotiating with Nalant.
• Nalant demonstrates his leadership and resourcefulness in managing his spoils.
• Sherry displays her loyalty and obedience to Nalant's instructions.

Significant Themes

• The value of loyalty and obedience (Sherry's loyalty to Nalant).
• The importance of strategic thinking and negotiation (Stella's approach with Nalant).
• The power dynamics and politics within the nobility (Stella's concern for her family's position).

Character Interactions

• Stella interacts with Sherry, trying to extract information but ultimately failing due to Sherry's loyalty.
• Stella and Nalant negotiate, with Stella using her influence to protect Nalant's spoils in exchange for his agreement to her conditions.
• Boris and Rell interact with Nalant, expressing their regret over the warhorses they couldn't save.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Stella agrees to help Nalant on the condition that he assist her in the future, without specifying the terms yet.
• Stella places the ballista under her family's name to protect Nalant and secure the weapon's ownership.
• The Onyx Principality's forces, including the king and counts, arrive to find their children safe and the Northern Principality's men fleeing due to their warhorses running amok.
• The king and counts are baffled by the strange event and attribute it to the God of Glory's favor.

Character Developments

• Nalant: He becomes more cautious and perceptive, realizing the potential implications of Stella's actions.
• Stella: She demonstrates her strategic thinking and willingness to protect her allies, even at potential cost to her family.
• Tony: He regains his composure after the battle and shows cunning by tying the strange event to the God of Glory's favor.

Significant Themes

• Alliances and Protection: Stella's actions highlight the importance of alliances and protecting one's allies, even when it may not be immediately beneficial.
• Unpredictability: The strange event with the warhorses emphasizes the unpredictable nature of war and life, challenging the characters' expectations and plans.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Stella: Their interaction shows a growing trust and understanding between them, with Stella taking steps to protect Nalant.
• The Onyx Principality's forces: The king and counts interact with their children, displaying concern for their safety and seeking explanations for the strange event.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bernard learns that Stella is nearby and that she has captured the Northern Principality's direct cavalry warhorses.
• The king and counts are interested in the powerful weapon (Siege Crossbow) used by Stella to rescue the young heirs.
• Bernard, Stella, and Nalant keep the origin and details of the Siege Crossbow hidden.

Character Developments

• Bernard: Shows concern for Stella's safety and maintains secrecy about the Siege Crossbow.
• Stella: Demonstrates intelligence and strategic thinking by emphasizing the weapon's usefulness and claiming the warhorses as spoils.
• Nalant: Shows trust in Stella's ability to handle the situation.

Significant Themes

• Secrecy and power: Families keep their powerful weapons hidden to maintain an advantage.
• Spoils of war: Stella ensures the Tulip Family claims the captured warhorses.

Character Interactions

• Bernard and Stella: They show a father-daughter bond, with Bernard concerned for Stella's well-being and Stella keeping Bernard informed about the situation.
• Stella and the king/counts: Stella subtly manipulates the king and counts' interest in the Siege Crossbow and the warhorses to benefit the Tulip Family.
• Nalant and Stella: Nalant trusts Stella to handle the situation and doesn't intervene, showing their strong partnership.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bernard claims all the warhorses as spoils for the Tulip Family.
• Earl Rakoff and Batman challenge Bernard, demanding an even split.
• Nalant reveals that the Tulip Family captured many direct cavalrymen, strengthening their claim to the warhorses.
• Nalant publicly insults Earl Rakoff, leading to a tense standoff.

Character Developments

• Bernard: Shows assertiveness in claiming spoils but also displays concern for his family's reputation and honor.
• Rakoff: Demonstrates greed and shamelessness in trying to seize spoils that aren't rightfully his.
• Nalant: Proves himself cunning and resourceful in defending the Tulip Family's claim, but also shows cowardice in hiding behind Stella.

Significant Themes

• Greed and ambition: Rakoff and Batman's desire for the warhorses leads them to challenge Bernard and question his family's honor.
• Loyalty and honor: Bernard and Nalant stand up for the Tulip Family's claim, highlighting their loyalty and commitment to their family's honor.
• Courage and cowardice: Nalant shows courage in speaking out against Rakoff but also displays cowardice in hiding behind Stella.

Character Interactions

• Bernard vs. Rakoff and Batman: A power struggle ensues between Bernard and the other earls over the warhorses, testing their resolve and honor.
• Nalant vs. Rakoff: Nalant's public insult of Rakoff leads to a tense standoff, with Bernard stepping in to protect Nalant.
• Stella vs. Nalant: Stella shows mild annoyance at Nalant's cowardice in hiding behind her but doesn't openly rebuke him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Tulip Family captures warhorses from the Northern Principality's southern roaming cavalry.
• Nalant uses his Siege Crossbows to defeat the enemy, impressing King Carlfer and the other counts.
• King Carlfer decides the warhorses belong to the Tulip Family but scolds the other counts for their lack of initiative.

Character Developments

• Nalant proves his military prowess and strategic thinking, earning respect from King Carlfer and Bernard.
• Bernard realizes the value of Nalant's Siege Crossbows and understands that other counts will want the technology.
• King Carlfer shows his strategic mindset, prioritizing land over warhorses and reprimanding the counts for their infighting.

Significant Themes

• The balance of power among the counts and the king is a crucial theme, with Nalant's invention threatening to upset it.
• The importance of strategic thinking and initiative in warfare is highlighted, with Nalant and King Carlfer demonstrating these qualities.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Bernard discuss the potential value and sale of the Siege Crossbow technology.
• King Carlfer reprimands the counts, including Bernard and Rakoff, for their squabbling and lack of initiative.
• The counts, including Bernard and Rakoff, show deference to King Carlfer, acknowledging his authority.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant's army defeats the Onyx Principality's forces, with minimal losses.
• Earl Bernard realizes he was manipulated by Nalant and Stella into fighting over warhorses that were already Nalant's.
• The main force arrives, and the nobles react to the news of their heirs' deaths.
• Nalant hosts a victory feast for his men.
• Natasha arrives to see Nalant, causing Boris and Rell to question the nature of their relationship.

Character Developments

• Earl Bernard: Realizes he's been played by Nalant and Stella, feels manipulated.
• Nalant: Proves his military prowess, gains more respect and influence.
• Natasha: Shows interest in Nalant, causing confusion among his friends.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and power dynamics (Bernard's realization, Nalant's strategic moves).
• Friendship and loyalty (Boris and Rell's concern for Nalant, their jealousy regarding Natasha).
• Business partnerships and romantic entanglements (Nalant and Natasha's relationship).

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Earl Bernard: Tense, with Bernard feeling played by Nalant.
• Nalant and Boris/Rell: Comrades-in-arms, with Boris and Rell suspicious of Nalant's relationship with Natasha.
• Nalant and Natasha: Business partners, with Natasha showing interest in Nalant, causing confusion among his friends.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natasha and Stella visit Nalant's camp, causing tension due to their interest in him.
• Natasha asks Nalant to sell the superior warhorses to her family.
• Stella asks Nalant to call her by her name instead of 'Miss' and to stay away from Natasha.

Character Developments

• Boris becomes infatuated with Natasha, acting like a simp.
• Natasha shows her seductive side, trying to captivate Nalant.
• Stella reveals a competitive streak, aiming to outdo Natasha in Nalant's affections.
• Nalant maintains a cautious and respectful demeanor towards both women.

Significant Themes

• Competition and rivalry between Natasha and Stella for Nalant's attention.
• The power dynamics between nobles and the importance of alliances.
• The consequences of being too open about personal feelings (as seen in Boris's infatuation).

Character Interactions

• Natasha and Stella's tense exchange highlights their rivalry and different approaches to gaining Nalant's favor.
• Boris's interactions with Natasha showcase his infatuation and naivety.
• Nalant's interactions with both women demonstrate his diplomatic skills and caution in dealing with their advances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Natasha, a representative of the Frank Family merchant caravan, tries to buy Nalant's warhorses but is refused.
• Stella, representing the Tulip Family, also attempts to buy the warhorses and succeeds in purchasing a barrel of Grape Wine from Nalant.
• The Onyx Principality's army enters the Northern Principality's borders and travels through its territory without encountering any resistance.
• The army arrives at a deserted noble territory, finding nothing left to levy.

Character Developments

• Nalant remains steadfast in his refusal to sell the warhorses, even when tempted by Natasha.
• Stella shows interest in Grape Wine, possibly on behalf of her father, Earl Tulip.
• Nalant learns about the autumn levy's nature and the nobles' strategy from Boris.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of the autumn levy, where commoners and serfs suffer while nobles profit.
• The power dynamics between the Onyx and Northern Principalities, with the latter's nobles able to protect their interests even during invasions.

Character Interactions

• Nalant interacts with Natasha and Stella, showing resistance to Natasha's advances and a friendly rapport with Stella.
• Nalant and Boris continue their camaraderie, with Boris acting as Nalant's guide and mentor in the ways of the nobility.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nalant arrives at Baron Belom's castle in the Northern Principality, witnessing the king's "protection fee" collection from minor nobles.
• The army advances through two earl territories, collecting fees and facing no resistance from minor nobles.
• The army reaches Maple Leaf City, the great city of Brock's Earl Territory, ready for the main siege.

Character Developments

• Nalant learns about the underhanded dealings of the Onyx Principality's autumn campaign, broadening his horizons.
• Boris and Rell become eager to earn military merit and plunder during the siege of Maple Leaf City.

Significant Themes

• Greed and corruption among nobles, as seen in the king's "protection fee" collection and the minor nobles' eagerness for plunder.
• The disparity between the powerful and the powerless, with minor nobles being exploited and minor commoners being displaced.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Boris: Nalant warns Boris and Rell not to let greed cloud their judgment, while Boris shares his knowledge about the autumn campaign with Nalant.
• The king and minor nobles: The king treats the minor nobles with cordiality, but his actions reveal his exploitative nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Onyx Principality's main army sets up camp outside the city and begins preparing for the siege.
• Nalant and his group are assigned to provide cover for the laborers filling the moat.
• Nalant brings his medical squad, consisting of twenty women, to the battlefield, causing a stir among the nobles.

Character Developments

• Nalant shows initiative and responsibility by training a medical squad to aid wounded soldiers.
• Bernard, the count, is puzzled but not angry about Nalant's actions.
• Rakoff, a count, is skeptical about Nalant's claims and believes the medical squad is a mere pretext.

Significant Themes

• The role of women in medieval society and warfare.
• The importance of medical care in battle.
• The dynamics between nobles and their vassals.

Character Interactions

• Nalant interacts with Bernard, explaining the purpose of his medical squad.
• Rakoff questions Nalant's claims, leading to a tense exchange.
• The king and other counts observe the situation with interest.

Chapter Summary: "Flowers Planted in Cow Dung?"

1. Key Plot Points & Events

• Nalant requests needle-and-thread stitching supplies from Bernard (for treating wounded after battle), demonstrating his unorthodox but practical medical approach. Bernard grants it; Rakoff mocks Nalant's all-female medical squad but Nalant completely ignores him.
• The earth-loading operation (100+ carriages) finishes, signaling the start of the river/moat-filling assault on Maple Leaf City. Battle horns sound and the allied army advances.
• Nalant's troops stand out: neat ranks, uniform marching, unlike the ragged, undisciplined allied forces. The King notices and praises Nalant; Bernard proudly explains Nalant's "casual" training method and recounts how Nalant's troops once beat Rakoff's elite "Heartless Ones" mercenaries.
• The King observes that Stella is likely lost to the Second Prince, essentially conceding that Nalant (the "cow dung") may win the "flower." This angers the envious nobles' sons.
• As the army nears 1,200 meters from the walls, enemy catapults begin firing. Nalant orders a dispersed charge, pushing the five Siege Crossbows forward behind barbarian escorts.

Chapter ends as the battle officially begins.

2. Character Developments

• Nalant: Shows calm competence, tactical awareness (protecting ballistae, anticipating catapult fire), and emotional maturity—refusing to engage with Rakoff's insults.
• Rakoff: Frustrated and humiliated; his mockery "lands in empty air," and Bernard reopens his old wound about the Heartless Ones defeat.
• Bernard: Fiercely proud of Nalant; openly hints he would welcome Nalant as a son-in-law, conditional on Stella's own choice.
• Stella: Slightly flustered by the marriage discussion but maintains her aloof composure.
• The King: Pragmatic, acknowledges Nalant as a rising figure; accepted the loss of Stella for his son.

3. Significant Themes

• "Flowers planted in cow dung" (chapter title): class prejudice versus proven merit—a low-born noble outshining high-born rivals.
• Order vs. Chaos: Nalant's disciplined, uniform troops contrasting with the beggarly, disorganized allied levy.
• Siege warfare realism: catapult threat, dispersed formations, terrain approach, use of cover and speed.
• Court politics & marriage: marriage as political currency; royal and noble maneuvering over Stella.

4. Character Interactions

• Nalant ↔ Bernard: Trusting vassal-lord relationship; Bernard grants strange requests without question.
• Nalant ↔ Rakoff: Silent contempt—Nalant's non-response frustrates Rakoff more than retaliation would.
• Bernard ↔ King: Friendly banter; Bernard defends and praises Nalant; the King concedes the marriage stakes.
• Andrew (father) ↔ Nalant: Paternal warning—urging Nalant to speed up once within catapult range, showing genuine concern for Nalant's first siege.

Author's note: The chapter title refers to the common saying comparing a beautiful woman (Stella) to a flower, and an undeserving man (Nalant, in the eyes of nobles) to cow dung.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Onyx Principality's army begins its assault on the city.
• The city's catapults fire on the charging army, causing significant casualties.
• Nalant's forces reach the city walls and set up positions for ranged attacks.
• Nalant attends to a severely wounded barbarian guard using Vini's healing talent.

Character Developments

• Nalant demonstrates strategic thinking and leadership, prioritizing his troops' safety and quickly responding to threats.
• Vini showcases her healing talent, which can significantly improve wound recovery when used optimally.
• Barbarian guards display their resilience and strength, enduring catapult attacks and continuing to fight despite injuries.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic planning and adaptability in warfare.
• The value of individual talents and skills in critical situations.
• The resilience and determination of soldiers in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Vini work together to heal an injured barbarian guard, demonstrating their teamwork and mutual trust.
• Nalant gives clear orders to his subordinates, showing his leadership and command over his troops.
• Barbarian guards support each other, forming shield walls to protect one another from enemy fire.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vini uses her innate power to heal a severely wounded barbarian guard, Burning Cow Dung, in a matter of seconds.
• Nalant orders Burning Cow Dung to keep the incident a secret.
• Nalant arranges medical treatment for the wounded, including those from other nobles' units.

Character Developments

• Vini demonstrates her powerful healing abilities, gaining respect and awe from the barbarians.
• Nalant shows compassion and strategic thinking by arranging medical treatment for the wounded, earning gratitude from other nobles.

Significant Themes

• The power of innate abilities and their impact on those who witness them.
• The importance of medical care in war and the lack of it in this world.
• The strategic value of gaining loyalty and respect from subordinates.

Character Interactions

• Vini and Nalant work together to heal and protect the wounded.
• Nalant interacts with the lesser nobles, earning their gratitude and respect.
• Burning Cow Dung shows reverence and gratitude towards Vini and Nalant after being healed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The battle continues until noon, with both sides pausing for lunch.
• Earls report their casualties to the king. Rakoff's family has 68 killed and 163 wounded, while Bernard's has only 21 killed and 170 wounded, a significant difference.
• Rakoff suspects Bernard of falsifying numbers and requests to inspect Bernard's camp.

Character Developments

• Rakoff: Becomes increasingly hostile towards Bernard and Nalant, questioning their methods and results.
• Bernard: Maintains confidence in Nalant's medical squad, showing faith in his subordinates.
• The King: Shows curiosity and concern about the low casualties in Bernard's family.

Significant Themes

• Competition and Rivalry: The tension between Rakoff and Bernard highlights the competitive nature of their relationship.
• Efficiency vs. Quantity: The debate over the effectiveness of Nalant's medical squad raises questions about the value of quality over quantity.

Character Interactions

• Rakoff and Bernard: Their ongoing feud escalates as Rakoff challenges Bernard's reported casualties.
• The King and Earls: The king and other earls are surprised and curious about Bernard's low casualties, leading to a tense interaction between Rakoff and Bernard.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bernard leads King Rakoff and the counts to the Tulip Family's camp to witness Nalant's medical treatment of wounded soldiers.
• Andrew and several vassal nobles visit Nalant's camp to express gratitude for his treatment of their subordinates.
• Nalant accepts gifts from the nobles and forgives their heirs for previous disrespect.

Character Developments

• Nalant demonstrates maturity and generosity by accepting the nobles' gifts and forgiveness without ego or resentment.
• Andrew shows pride and support for Nalant's accomplishments.
• Baron Aubein reveals his displeasure with his heir's inferiority to Nalant.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and reciprocity: Nalant's actions earn him respect and gifts from the nobles.
• Importance of treating the wounded: Nalant emphasizes the value of caring for injured soldiers.
• Hierarchy and power dynamics: The nobles' deference to Nalant highlights his growing influence and status.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Andrew: Father and son share a warm, supportive relationship.
• Nalant and the vassal nobles: Nalant's actions earn him respect and gifts from the nobles.
• Baron Aubein and his heir: Aubein expresses frustration with his heir's lack of accomplishment compared to Nalant.

Plot Points and Events

• The king and counts visit Nalant's camp, impressed by his medical squad's techniques.
• The king orders the assault on Maple Leaf City, with the main attack led by several counts and himself, and feigned attacks on the flanks by other vassals.
• Nalant and Boris notice strange activities on the city walls, suggesting Maple Leaf City might be abandoned.

Character Developments

• Nalant gains respect from the king and counts due to his medical squad's skills.
• Boris shows curiosity and concern for the battle's outcome and spoils.
• The First Prince displays irritation towards Nalant's actions.

Significant Themes

• The importance of medical care in warfare.
• The strategic value of siege engines and tactics.
• The potential for deception and strategic retreat in warfare.

Character Interactions

• Nalant and Boris discuss the battle and notice anomalies on the city walls.
• Nalant reports his findings to the First Prince.
• The king and counts visit Nalant's camp, leading to an exchange of knowledge and respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Northern Principality's army leaves Maple Leaf City, planning to lure the Onyx Principality's forces into a trap.
• The Onyx Principality's army approaches Maple Leaf City, with the First Prince leading the left flank.
• Nalant, a minor noble, suspects an ambush within the city and tries to warn the First Prince, but he is dismissed as a fool.

Character Developments

• Earl Brock shows determination to reclaim Maple Leaf City and expand his territory.
• The First Prince demonstrates his impulsiveness and lack of strategic thinking, dismissing Nalant's warnings without proper consideration.
• Nalant shows concern for the soldiers' safety and takes initiative to warn others, displaying courage and responsibility.

Significant Themes

• Greed and temptation can cloud judgment and lead to poor decisions (as seen with the soldiers and nobles eager to take Maple Leaf City).
• The consequences of dismissing valid warnings or ignoring potential risks (the First Prince's refusal to listen to Nalant's concerns).

Character Interactions

• Earl Brock and his second son Kerry discuss the strategic retreat from Maple Leaf City.
• The First Prince and Nalant clash over the potential danger within the city, leading to Nalant's arrest attempt.
• Nalant warns the other minor nobles and young heirs about the possible ambush, causing an uproar among them.