On this day, as the sky gradually lit up, the morning sun had not yet risen, and the distant village of Mako had just begun to echo with the crowing of roosters.
Knight Host was already early at the training ground, starting morning exercises with his team.
"Ho!"
"Ha!"
First, each person swung their long sword a hundred times. At that moment, shouts echoed in the training ground.
Then, Knight Host arranged for everyone to practice together, using real swords and knives. If someone got injured, they had to seek treatment from Physician Lim.
This caused a headache for Lim. Every day, people came to his medical room seeking treatment.
In the castle's study, Ryan heard the familiar sounds of training, realizing that Host was once again conducting morning exercises.
Initially, for the first few days, Kane thought he was just putting on a show, especially since Host had come to help him with military training.
Little did Kane know, while his troops were still in training, Host had already organized his own forces, and it had been going on for a whole month.
Kane stood by the window, watching the figures training vigorously below. He didn't understand what Host was planning.
Especially those few days before he left the medical room, the way Host looked at him carried a peculiar feeling.
Kane shook his head, deciding to avoid conflicts for now. He couldn't compete with Host's strength, and after the significant loss of troops a month ago, his territory's security and defense were quite fragile.
While Kane was assessing the differences with Host, a knocking sound came from the door.
"Come in." Kane, aware of the visitor's identity, said.
Subsequently, Marcus and Catherine entered the study.
Impatient Catherine, after a bow, immediately asked, "My lord, what is Host actually doing? He has been staying in our territory for a month now."
Kane frowned, sighed, and said, "This is one of the reasons why I summoned you here."
"I thought we could have a peaceful time during this period, but it seems I was overly optimistic."
Marcus speculated, "My lord, with his current military strength, if he wants to seize Eagle Castle..."
"Indeed, it's a possibility. Marcus, arrange to reinforce the defense of the castle in the near future," Kane nodded in agreement.
"Yes, my lord."
After instructing Marcus, Kane turned to Catherine and asked, "How are the matters I assigned you regarding recruiting new soldiers and distributing compensation going?"
"My lord, I have already gone to Mako Village. I recruited 23 villagers willing to enlist, all within the age range of 20 to 35, as you specified. In addition, compensation has been distributed to the families of the fallen soldiers."
Hearing Catherine's response, Kane, pleased, said, "Very good."
This could help fill the gaps left by the losses of the deceased soldiers, though training new soldiers would take some time.
After considering for a moment, Marcus spoke again, "My lord, what about tonight's banquet? Will it proceed as usual?"
Just as Kane was about to answer this question, the study's door was suddenly opened.
Host entered without prior notice, seemingly having something to say.
"What's going on? Having a meeting? Didn't I disturb you?" Host asked apologetically.
Kane smiled, "There's no such thing as disturbing. Coincidentally, Uncle Host, we were discussing the plans for tonight's banquet. Do you have any suggestions?"
Host shook his head, "I don't have any suggestions. Kane, you decide. I'll come find you later."
With that, he walked out of the room, leaving Kane and the others stunned.
An indignant Catherine exclaimed, "This guy, he doesn't show any courtesy to my lord. He comes and goes whenever he wants."
Marcus also agreed, "Indeed, my lord, he seems to want to undermine your authority in our hearts."
Kane contemplated and said, "If it's just these minor actions, it's fine. I'm afraid he's planning something bigger. Marcus, Catherine, during the banquet tonight, we need to remain vigilant at all times."
"Yes, my lord."
After that, the council of three disbanded. Marcus and Catherine went to the barracks to train new soldiers, and Kane went to the lord's training ground for morning exercises.
As the afternoon approached, in the castle's study, Kane was scrutinizing the pending documents related to the territory.
During the month in the medical room, Kane had mostly relied on steward Jis to handle these matters. Today was finally an opportunity for him to review them personally.
Suddenly, the door of the study was opened again.
Host knight walked in unceremoniously, seemingly having something to say to Kane.
Seeing this, Kane couldn't help but touch his forehead and said, "Uncle Host, is this how you act when you go to visit Count Mandeville?"
Host was first startled at Kane's words, then burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, our young Master Kane is in a mood today." With that, Host made a polite salute, "Please forgive my rudeness, Lord Baron Kane."
"No, I didn't mean it... I didn't mean that..." Kane, feeling a bit helpless, quickly waved his hand.
Then, Kane asked, "Uncle, is there something you need this time?"
Host put away his playful expression, seeking Kane's opinion, "Kane, I came over after seeing that your injuries have almost healed. I'd like to ask for your help in training the soldiers."
"Oh, so that's it. Uncle, if you want to train new soldiers, I'm naturally willing. Let's start tomorrow. I will inform Catherine," Kane said, satisfied.
Host nodded in satisfaction, "Good, the sooner we start training, the better. Tomorrow, I'll bring the new recruits and my squad for training."
Seeing that things were settled, Host walked out of the study on his own, not taking Kane's previous complaints seriously.
Kane, in the study, remained thoughtful for a long time after Host left.
Kane was contemplating Host's intentions behind this. Could he be planning to gain military authority? Kane decided to remind Catherine about this.
In the evening, Eagle Castle.
To celebrate the successful subjugation of the goblin tribe, Kane held a feast in his territory, inviting all the soldiers and nobles to attend.
Steward Jis divided the venue into two parts: soldiers gathered mainly in the reception hall for dining, while nobles and supernaturals stayed in the dining room.
Soldiers arrived in small groups to join the evening feast, either humming tunes happily or chatting with companions.
Soon, it was time for the feast. The reception hall was crowded with invited soldiers, lifting their glasses and boasting about past experiences.
At that moment, Kane, accompanied by Catherine and Marcus, arrived at the center of the reception hall.
Kane gently coughed and loudly said, "Welcome, everyone, to tonight's feast."
"Raise your glasses to our successful subjugation of the goblins."
"Cheers!!" The soldiers cheered.
"Raise your glasses to our fallen brothers."
"Cheers!!" Seemingly moved by the scene, many soldiers' eyes turned red.
Drinking a glass of red wine, Kane continued speaking.
"Enjoy the feast tonight, everyone."
With that, he left the reception hall with Catherine and Marcus.