The nearby mountain wildlings have become more active, as reported by villagers.
Gallen, who habitually seeks perfection, originally intended to let the troops train together for a few more days and make some improvements.
But as the people of the domain became increasingly restless, Gallen realized that he couldn't delay any longer and had to go to war.
Any further delay, and the people would think Gallen was afraid of the wildlings.
After inspecting the Thorn Corps' volley training, Gallen led the way to the lord's council chamber of Whispers, his steps steady as ever.
.....
Whispers, Lord's Council Chamber.
Gallen sat high, the back of his lord's chair adorned with House Crabb's marsh marigold emblem.
Gallen took the wine glass handed to him by Karliah, frowned, and took a sip of red wine.
Not bad, this sour red wine, once you get used to it, it's quite invigorating!
The Crabb family's retainers stood on either side of the hall.
Knight Mayson spoke first: "My lord, negotiations with the wildlings are complete. The time is after sunrise tomorrow."
"How many people have they gathered?"
Knight Phillip, in charge of the Reconnaissance Corps, replied, "Estimated at a thousand."
Gallen chuckled with his hand against his cheek. "Heh."
Hearing the lord's sarcastic laughter, the hall fell silent for a moment before everyone began to mock the wildlings in various ways.
Disdain for the wildlings was strategically necessary and would invisibly boost morale.
This was a custom that had long been established in the domain.
But tactically, Gallen would not underestimate the wildlings.
Gallen signaled for everyone to be quiet. "Hershel, are the shields ready?"
Hershel, the steward, remained respectful in tone. "Yes, my lord. There are 30 shields wrapped in iron in the storeroom, plus 70 oak shields made by the carpenters, for a total of 100, all of which have been handed over to Sir Mayson."
Gallen handed the wine glass back to Karliah. "Well done."
Hershel bowed.
"I'll reiterate the battle plan."
"The 120 longbowmen of the Thorn Corps, each with two quivers, arrows ready in advance."
"The range of the Crabb longbows is long enough, as everyone has seen."
"When the wildlings charge us, the first thing they'll face is the volley from the Thorn Corps."
"Mayson, in the first phase of the operation, your task is to use 100 shields, lead the soldiers to hold the line and protect the Thorn Corps until you receive the next order, without taking a step back."
"The volley from the Thorn Corps marks the completion of the first phase of the operation."
"After enduring several waves of arrow rain from the Thorn Corps, I wonder how much ridiculous courage the mountain wildlings will have left? Remember to see if they've wet themselves."
There was hearty laughter in the hall.
Gallen continued, "In the second phase of the operation, the plate armored warriors will lead the advance, all soldiers advancing steadily, engaging in close combat, and thoroughly defeating the wildlings."
"At the same time, the Thorn Corps will remain in place for rest and await my command."
After speaking, Gallen had each responsible person repeat their part of the battle plan.
Gallen's strategy meetings were quite different from the usual customs of the domain. As the lord, Gallen needed to have enough patience, communicate repeatedly, and ensure that everyone truly understood his intentions.
You always have to take the first step. Time is Gallen's ally.
Gallen tapped his knee with his fingers, feeling inwardly satisfied. It should be enough.
The first formal joint operation between the various branches of the Crabb domain was hastily prepared due to time constraints.
.....
Gallen's lunch consisted of roasted lamb with onions, vegetable soup, honey bread, and a pot of malt liquor.
Gallen took a sip of the malt liquor and frowned.
Awful, bitter.
Why does the taste of malt liquor keep changing? I remember it was quite good last time!
Gallen didn't want to drink anymore, but as a poor lord, he didn't want to waste it either. He reached out and took the jug, pouring the remaining malt liquor back into the cup.
Gallen's smile was gentle as he turned to Karliah. "The malt liquor today is excellent. Hershel has been working hard lately. Give this jug to Hershel."
Hershel, broad and stout, felt the lord's care.
Karliah nodded faithfully and carried out the lord's command.
In the hall, Hershel, the steward who dined with everyone else, received the jug from Karliah amidst the admiring gazes and applause of others.
Hershel had indeed been working hard these days, being directed by Gallen all the time, his legs nearly worn out.
This was the lord's affirmation of his abilities, and Hershel's fatigue was swept away, replaced by a newfound strength.
.....
Because of the malt liquor, Gallen thought of Mermaid's Harbor during the meal.
Gallen thought of the importance of alcohol as one of the main sources of income at the port.
Relying solely on imported alcohol could lead to problems in the future.
It would be best to have a self-produced and self-sold famous wine, like the wine from Greenfield Island.
Given the resources of the Crabb domain, developing malt liquor was the preferred option.
Gallen had long noticed that apart from the castle, there was virtually no concept of hygiene elsewhere.
Gallen predicted that the fluctuating taste of his malt liquor was closely related to hygiene management.
Sometimes Gallen was grateful that lords didn't need to explain some laws.
Otherwise, just explaining what constitutes a hygiene issue would exhaust Gallen.
For example, hygiene management in brewing could be solved through strict regulations, and no one would openly disobey the rules set by the lord.
There would certainly be various problems in implementation, so effective supervision and oversight mechanisms must keep up.
Thinking of this, Gallen felt that the malt liquor just now was given out very well, and Hershel the steward's task was just increased by one.
The malt liquor also needed a loud and elegant name, a good name was half the battle won.
Mermaid Malt Liquor?
Not enough connection, too far-fetched.
Marsh Marigold Malt Liquor?
This could work, as malt liquor itself belongs to the golden color spectrum.
Just remove the marsh, it affects the dignity.
Let's call it - Marigold Malt Liquor.
.....
After lunch, Gallen, who had been somewhat drowsy, received a reply from King's Landing, and his spirits lifted at once.
After repeatedly reading the contents of the letter, Gallen couldn't help but let out a triumphant chuckle.
According to the letter, around mid-year, about two months from now, Her Grace the Queen would depart King's Landing for the royal hunting ground, and Gallen would be responsible for part of the escort.
For the escort, Gallen would gather the manpower within his domain himself, with a quota of twenty people.
Gallen's goal was to gain an opportunity to make an appearance at the Red Keep through Queen Cersei.
The Game of Thrones was about to begin, and Crackclaw Point was too far away.
Seeing Gallen, who rarely showed much expression, so happy, Karliah couldn't help but be affected, and her mood became very good. "Lord Gallen, since you're in such a good mood, would you like a glass of red wine?"
Gallen's gaze shifted. "Sure, have one for yourself too. Let's have a toast to celebrate."
Gallen raised his glass to Karliah in a gesture of invitation and drained it in one gulp.
Thanks to Her Grace, Queen Cersei.