...
...
"Itās not a simple matter, my dear."
Avril heard about the body modification witchcraft, her brow slightly furrowed,
"Necromancy can be very dangerous, especially for us, and a slight mistake could result in irreversible consequences."
"We can try with animals first and then test on those condemned prisoners once weāre confident."
Luo De insisted,
"The process of enhancing physical fitness can take its time, but stability must be absolutely guaranteed."
"Dear, Iām not questioning your decision,"
Avril chose her words carefully,
"But I know that Black Pine Ridge is growing stronger every day, everything is advancing,"
"Perhaps we donāt need to consider such high-risk witchcraft research?"
"No, Avril, we need it."
Luo De looked at Avril, patiently explaining: "We need more powerful knights, Avril,"
"If they just rely on their own training, Black Pine Ridgeās strength will always be limited."
"Even the knights of the Frost Winter Knights are only a bit stronger than those elite old soldiers."
"If they encounter knights with better weapons or more battle experience, they canāt compete."
"Like that Senior Knight Madre."
"Dear, the Empire doesnāt have that many senior knights..."
Avril wanted to say more but seeing Luo Deās increasingly serious expression, she ultimately nodded.
"Alright dear, Iāll seriously study these topics and find feasible solutions."
Avrilās gaze returned to the open journal on the table, "It mentions organ modification enhancement and organ transplantation."
"There might be methods that meet your requirements."
Avril added, "But Iām not sure."
"Thank you, dear."
Luo De said seriously, "I donāt know exactly what to do, but perhaps you can help Durant with his broken hand issue."
Luo De originally wanted to create an iron hand for Durant, but with Black Pine Ridgeās current strength, it would only be a fake hand or a blade.
This is also why Luo De hadnāt given it to Durant.
"Alright, Iāll research it." Avril nodded.
Luo De embraced Avril, speaking softly with a hint of apology, "I understand what you meant earlier, but I think we canāt always focus on the immediate."
"I sometimes have nightmares, dreaming of dreadful enemies invading our territory, slaughtering people, and pillaging, plunging everyone into a shadow of death and flames."
Luo De sighed slightly, holding Avrilās face, "Even you were taken away."
Luo Deās previous life on Blue Star had a deeply humiliating history.
If one doesnāt possess world-overwhelming strength, thereās always an unease in the heart.
But Luo De couldnāt say it that way, only using dreams as an explanation.
"Iām sorry, dear, I didnāt know the lordās responsibilities would bring you such pressure."
Avril comfortingly hugged Luo De, then let go, seriously looking at Luo De,
"Is this a prophecy?"
"I donāt know."
Luo De shook his head, "But I swear, Iāll never let anyone hurt you or our people."
"Having a lord like you is a blessing for all of us."
Avril looked at Luo De, gently kissing his lips.
"Lord, Durant requests an audience..."
The Fox Girl just walked in, immediately turning away, "Sorry, my lord, I shouldnāt have come in."
"Itās alright, Fisher."
Luo De released Avril, commanding: "Let Durant in."
"Yes, my lord."
The Fox Girl nodded in response, quickly stepping out to convey the order.
"Baron."
Durant bowed in salute, reporting: "Gang Le captured one senior knight, two junior knights, seventeen soldiers, and various weapons and armor, all brought back by Sao."
"Gang Le is now awaiting your next instruction."
Luo De nodded satisfactorily, "After this battle, I estimate they will all be alerted."
"Indeed, my lord,"
Durant nodded, "The news from the front indicates the other army is being very cautious from the west, while the villagers in the east have started moving to nearby towns."
"Itās a shame we canāt directly send the army in, or else we could have gained more."
Luo De was a bit unwilling to let Madreās momentum stop here.
A name with such value shouldnāt be wasted like this,
"Let Gang Le rest for two days, and then head west."
Luo De instructed Durant: "Donāt forget that Madre is cultivated by the Cold Blade Clan, we canāt let only the Hawk Clan suffer."
...
...
Eagle Ridge returned to tranquility.
But the atmosphere in Eagle Castle grew increasingly heavy.
In the castle reception hall, the sharp reprimanding voices made the servants outside tremble.
"Why has the Hawk Clan lost so many elites, yet he is still standing here?"
Lurice pointed at Knight Cook with trembling fingers.
Her eyes burned with rage, her voice sharp and piercing,
"Tell me, Silo, is this the help you mentioned?"
"Bringing a bunch of useless wastes to consume the Hawk Clanās food?!"
Knight Cook slowly stepped forward.
"Baron, your accusations would make a senior knight feel very upset."
Cookās face remained calm, his lazy voice carrying an inexplicable sarcasm,
"At least, my decision saved more of your soldiersā lives."
"If your decision was truly correct, my soldiers wouldnāt have lost their lives!"
Lurice furiously walked forward, her finger almost pointing at Cookās nose,