After about ten days, Ryan finally led his army back to his territory.
It was mid-October, and autumn was almost over. In about two to three weeks, the first snowfall of winter was expected in Baron Jean's domain.
The army from the Duchy of Winford had also arrived near Jean Town.
It was time to part ways.
"Alright, this is where we part, Ryan. I want to thank you again. It was your command that ensured most of us returned home safely," Francois coughed a few times, expressing his gratitude to Ryan. "I won't say much more. After a war, you and your soldiers need rest. If there's anything, feel free to come to Helen Hilde to find me."
"Thank you very much, my duke, Julius, and Miss Surya." Ryan also sincerely thanked the duke's family. Without their efforts, his task wouldn't have been so smooth.
The Knightly War had left Ryan and his troops exhausted. He himself could endure, but his army couldn't.
For the foreseeable future, Ryan decided to focus mainly on recovery and development.
In fact, the war potential of the medieval feudal system was just like this. Apart from the elves, few powers could sustain continuous warfare. On the other hand, humans could endure the consumption of population. Serf population could recover quickly, and though it took a long time to train knights, human reproduction was easier than that of elves.
Ryan said his farewells to Julius and Surya, as well as the many knights of the Duchy of Winford who had participated in the war. Despite some losses, the knights and serfs had gained much from the war, with full military salaries paid, everyone left with smiles on their faces.
Surya shook hands with Ryan to say goodbye: "I look forward to our next meeting. And don't forget my invitation."
"I won't forget, but I think I need some time to consider. This is my first year here," Ryan smiled. "Perhaps I need to stabilize my subjects first."
"Regardless, Helen Hilde welcomes you."
"Thank you. Please take good care of Emilia."
"Don't worry. Whatever condition you sent her in, she'll return in the same. She's still that lovely child." The female knight smiled radiantly and winked at her maid: "Right, Sylvia?"
"Uh, this has nothing to do with me, miss!" The serious maid blushed and hastily explained.
Francois just smiled, watching everything without any intention of stopping it.
Eventually, the Duke of Winford left with his army, and Ryan and his men remained.
After several months, the town of Jean had undergone significant changes. More wooden buildings were erected, and tall stone walls were gradually replacing the low wooden ones. The thriving town and numerous jobs attracted many freemen to settle, bringing a lasting impact on quality population growth.
After distributing the military salaries and spoils of war, the serf army gradually disbanded. After more than two months of campaigning, they finally returned home, their substantial earnings and decent spoils lighting up their faces. Some, weighing the silver coins and small amount of silver in their bags, thought of enjoying a roasted chicken during the holidays.
Meanwhile, two serf infantrymen were fortunate to be promoted to sergeants. The ranger knight Hex read the list aloud: "Amede from Gumwood Village? Bare from Dufang Village?"
"Yes, knight lord!" The two serf soldiers quickly stepped to the front of the formation.
"Amede from Gumwood Village, who killed two unicorns, twelve lesser unicorns, and one razor beast in the Knightly War, is promoted to sergeant by the baron's order and will move into the castle on an appointed day!"
"Bare from Dufang Village, who killed one centaur, five lesser unicorns, and injured a great unicorn in the Knightly War, is promoted to sergeant by the baron's order and will move into the castle on an appointed day!"
"Yes!" The two serfs knelt excitedly, holding back tears and bowing: "We are willing to die for the baron!"
Ryan nodded in acknowledgment: "Show your true capabilities."
After the brief ceremony, tax officer Gaspar approached: "My baron, this year's harvest was good. According to the one-seventh tax you set, we collected about 650 gold kroner worth of grain."
Olivier, wounded, went to rest, and Hex handled the aftermath of the army's dissolution. Ryan and Gaspar entered the castle.
Most of the castle's interior was still under construction, but the lord's room was completely refurbished, and the craftsmen were temporarily dismissed. Welcoming Ryan was his personal maid, Orica. His head maid, Emilia, was still studying at the Winford Academy and could only return occasionally.
With waist-length black hair, wheat-colored skin, a black-and-white lace maid outfit, and white thigh-high stockings, Orica with her amber eyes was waiting in his bedroom: "Welcome back, master."
"Orica?" Ryan began to remove his outer garment. In the two months since they last met, the dark elf's face seemed to have less hostility and resistance: "You actually took the initiative to manage things, quite unusual."
"The hot water is ready, and I need to show my worth as your maid," the dark elf walked gently to Ryan, her black high heels stepping on the red carpet: "Master, please take a bath. Do you need a nap?"
"Of course, I need to rest for a few days first, then consider the next steps."
"Then let me serve you."
"Alright!"
... Bathing segment ...
After the bath, the baron changed into pajamas. The dark elf, having closed the curtains and locked the door, blew out the candles: "Master, do you need me to wake you up?"
"No need." Ryan sat on the soft velvet bed, eyeing Orica strangely: "Why do you seem different after I returned from the campaign?"
"Uh? Really?" The dark elf carefully sat on the bed, her black maid skirt spreading on the blue bedsheet, her face slightly flushed and helpless: "Master, isn't this what a maid should do?"
"Haha, hard to imagine that the dark elf who struggled and screamed, who adamantly refused, would become like this." The baron laughed heartily, seemingly recalling their days in Marinburg.
"Um~" Orica blushed, standing up to leave, but Ryan grabbed her hand, gently pulling her into his embrace: "Confess! Or I'll have to punish you!"
In the quiet afternoon, the castle was peaceful. Orica struggled a bit, knowing she had no power to resist Ryan's advances, and allowed herself to be lifted by the baron.
Her black high heels fell to the ground, her curvaceous figure covered by the thick quilt. With her beautiful amber eyes shyly looking at Ryan beside her, she softly said: "Master, the Lady of the Lake appeared after you left. She found me."
"What did my lady want with you, dear Orica?" Ryan also lay on the bed, pulling the dark elf into his arms, feeling her softness and the fragrance of her hair.
Leaning on her master's chest, the dark elf whispered: "Master, the Lady of the Lake hopes I obediently serve as your maid, or she will drive me away from your side."
Ryan frowned subtly, feeling the Lady of the Lake was interfering too much. He hugged the trembling dark elf tighter, seemingly casual: "And then?"
"I agreed." The dark elf said helplessly, knowing she had no other choice with the soul contract in Ryan's hands: "Master, I just ask you not to abandon me."
"But that's not what you truly want." Ryan stroked Orica's delicate face, his blue eyes twinkling: "To this day, I still can't trust you, Orica. You seem shrouded in an unseen fog, and no one knows what you truly want."
"I want to stay by your side, my master." The dark elf continued: "Master, has anyone told you that you're surrounded by a very pure energy? Any caster likes this pure energy, and everyone wants to be close to you, including me."
"I know." Ryan nodded, aware that as the genetic prototype of the Grey Knight, he could extract the purest subspace energy from chaos-infested subspace. Any caster would love this energy, even the Lake Witch Morgianna, who detested being touched, didn't feel repulsed by him.
Various signs indicated that Orica had once been a caster.
In the dim master bedroom, all was silent.
After a long silence, Ryan felt an impulse holding Orica but had strong self-control. After pondering, he shook his head: "Orica, your agreement with the lady has nothing to do with me. I've always only asked you to be a good maid, and I will protect you, nothing more."
The dark elf bit her lip unhappily, sensing Ryan's interest.
She wanted to heal her soul, and Ryan's pure energy was exactly what she needed. To obtain Ryan's energy, she needed to use the most primitive and simple method.
She was ready, but at the crucial moment, Ryan backed out?
"Master!" The dark elf spoke anxiously: "I still..."
"Wait, I haven't finished, dear Orica." Ryan's hand gently slid down her smooth back: "But I'm willing to give you a chance."
"I..." The dark elf was both angry and annoyed, about to speak: "You this..."
"Um...!" Her mouth was sealed, as Ryan kissed her sweet lips.
... (The rest is omitted) ...
The next day, the sun rose from the east, and the baron was in good spirits, even caring for the dark elf, who couldn't even turn over in bed, resembling a mud puddle.
"Come on, Orica, eat something," he helped her sit up, leaning her on his shoulder.
"Mm, master~" The dark elf's face was glossy and moist, her expression complex.
"Knock knock~" Inopportunely, someone knocked on the master bedroom door: "My baron, are you there? There's something that needs your attention."
"Carsonberg? Aren't you in Jean Town?" Ryan was displeased with the disturbance: "What's the matter?"
"It's like this, my baron. A witcher has come to Jean Town, and he says he wants to see you."
"It's related to Duke Baldro."
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