The snowfall had eased, but a heavy tension still hung over the border.
At the gates of all seventy-three Border Guard Villages, identical groups appeared at almost the same moment.
Members of the knightly order wore long cloaks bearing the Red Tide Coat of Arms, followed by administrative officials carrying document cases.
"Everyone must attend."
The voice was quiet, but no one dared refuse.
Before the abandoned totem stone at the village entrance, an interpreter unfurled a parchment and read aloud.
"Red Tide Fief Administrative Decree No. 347: 'Provisional Terms for Barbarian Self-Governance, First Revision,' effective immediately."
He read through the provisions: "First, military household status shall be confirmed. All surrendered Barbarians shall be assigned numbers and registered, and shall swear the military household oath. Hereditary status shall be abolished and replaced with a role-based system, with annual assessments, merit reviews every three years, and advancement or demotion based on performance.
"Second, advancement shall be open to all. Anyone with military achievements, academic qualifications, or technical skills may take the examination for selection as a Red Tide official, regardless of birth or tribal affiliation.
"Third, self-governance review shall be introduced on a trial basis. Each village shall establish a self-governance review group, which may send representatives to observe regular Red Tide border military and administrative meetings, and raise questions and appeals.
"Fourth, a mixed training camp shall be established in Red Tide, with instruction provided jointly by the Red Tide Knights and veteran Barbarian soldiers. Selected youths shall attend trial training at the Red Tide Military Academy. Outstanding candidates may enter the guard, engineering, or command tracks..."
The official read quickly, as though he had no intention of giving the villagers time to absorb it.
But after finishing, he paused, changed his tone, and slowly added, "The lord has