The Lich of Glory Knight Spirit: Moving towards Krimasha!-Chapter 666 - 27: Territory

It was about ten days later when Yilin led the grand army to Kapu.

Although she had already set off when Erwin hid in the cellar, the speed of the army’s movement was ultimately slower than that of a traveler, especially when crossing mountainous terrain.

Halfway there, she had received news from Erwin that everything had been dealt with properly. By the time she arrived at Kapu, Erwin had already taken on the responsibility of rebuilding Kapu. Although it was still full of scars, everything was orderly.

Riding on horseback, leading the army through the mountain roads, Yilin was taken aback. Not only Yilin, but also the knights under her command, including Huoersi, Mike, and Pas, were stunned.

They were shocked by the damage caused to Kapu by the brief turmoil. They could hardly see a single intact building, everywhere were charred remnants and broken walls. One can imagine this was once a human purgatory.

And they were also astonished at the orderliness of Kapu post-chaos, people living in shanties yet working diligently, each face filled with smiles, courteous and polite.

The wind blew gently, and farmers planting rice in the fields removed their hats to salute her.

The trees swayed, and children running past cheered for the army.

Women were busy preparing lunch, and elders sat under large trees smoking pipes.

Although it was broken, though everything awaited rejuvenation, vitality was everywhere.

One had to admit, this was a peculiar kind of harmony.

In the distance, the castle finally appeared in Yilin’s sight. The banners of the Silver Moon Knight Order and the Beishier Duchy had already been hoisted on the castle.

Erwin, clad in knight’s armor, stood with George, Matthew, Miller, Sean, and more than a dozen other cavalrymen in front of the castle’s drawbridge. His gaze was incredibly steadfast.

Around them, there was a large crowd of onlookers.

Yilin stepped away from the army, riding her horse to Erwin, and dismounted.

Erwin saluted respectfully, "Kapu welcomes your arrival, my Duke."

"You did an excellent job, Erwin," Yilin smiled, reaching out to support him. "In fact, I only tasked you with reconnaissance, yet you resolved everything. I even feel my arrival was unnecessary."

"Not at all." Erwin looked at the distant farmlands and said, "There’s still a lot to be done in Kapu, a great deal. I even wonder if I can finish it all in my lifetime."

Hearing this, Yilin froze for a moment, staring at Erwin in a daze.

"Uhm... Do I have a problem?" Erwin asked.

"Nothing?" Yilin began leading her horse step by step toward the castle, smiling and saying, "I just suddenly feel like you’ve changed somewhat since you came."

"Changed?" Erwin followed with the others.

"Yes, when you came, you were extremely spirited. Uhm... I’m not saying you’re not spirited now, just that there’s a calmness in your eyes. I think it’s nice."

"Is that so?" Erwin paused for a step, then hurried to catch up.

Soon, Erwin settled Yilin in a room atop one of the tower buildings. Yilin’s attendants began unloading her personal luggage from the carriage, delivering items one by one to the tower.

Taking the opportunity while Yilin inspected the room, Erwin stood aside and reported: "The turmoil is over, all the rebels have been completely purged, and order has been largely restored. Next..."

Looking out the window, Yilin suddenly asked, "What about the Demon Envoy?"

"The Demon Envoy?" Erwin was taken aback.

"Yes, wasn’t there talk of a Demon Envoy?" Yilin turned and asked, "Moreover, I heard the Demon Envoy wasn’t killed. Where is she?"

"Uh... Do you wish to see her?"

"Of course."

"Alright, please wait a moment." Erwin saluted respectfully again.

He did not, as expected, lead Yilin to the castle’s prison but instead had her wait in place.

In no time, Dovna appeared before Yilin. She had reverted to her original appearance—long hair coiled at the back of her head, a slightly round face, dressed in a plain orange-yellow outfit. The hand severed by Erwin had been reattached with Simon’s help. Just like... an ordinary little girl.

Yes, perhaps it was indeed this way, as it was from the start.

Seeing her, Yilin was stunned. After scrutinizing her for a long time, she whispered to Erwin, "Is this the Demon Envoy?"

"Yes." Erwin nodded, "As you see, the Demon Envoy might just be an exceptionally ordinary child."

"But she is ultimately the Demon Envoy, isn’t she? You not only let a Demon Envoy survive, but you didn’t even put shackles on her?" Yilin was astonished.

"Honorable Duke," Erwin replied respectfully, "It’s not necessarily demons that turn someone into a Demon Envoy; it could also be the environment around them. She will dedicate her life to Kapu to atone for her sins. I’ve already talked with her. If she’s shackled, she won’t be able to serve Kapu’s people properly. I hope the Duke can understand and forgive the decision I made on my own."

For a moment, Yilin didn’t know what to say and could only stare blankly at Erwin.

Erwin met her gaze.

After a while, Yilin waved her hand, signaling to Dovna that she could leave.

Dovna respectfully lifted her skirt and curtsied, then turned and left.

As the attendants moving things left with her, the door closed, leaving only Erwin and Yilin in the room.

Yilin sat by her desk, quietly watching Erwin. It took a moment before she smiled helplessly. She closed her eyes and then gently opened them, saying, "You remind me of him."

"Who?" Erwin asked.

"Gray," Yilin said softly, resting her chin on her hand: "When you spoke those words, it was as if he were standing in front of me. Only he would be so naive. I used to want to stop him, but later, I realized he was right. Therefore, I don’t intend to stop you. You can proceed entirely as you wish."

"Thank you." Erwin once again bowed respectfully.

Following that, Erwin led Yilin to inspect the areas around the castle.

All the wandering bandits were incorporated by Erwin, even the mercenaries brought by George were brought into the fold. However, few people were left in the castle, as most were sent out by Erwin.

Sent out to do what?

To help rebuild, to farm.

"The most crucial thing for Kapu now is recovery, especially in agriculture. It’s spring now, and if we don’t quickly resume farming, there will undoubtedly be a famine come autumn. Many people went missing during the previous chaos and haven’t returned to their original homes yet. Therefore, I have to send people to fill in the gaps for now."

"Actually, regardless of the measures taken, a food shortage is inevitable. Kapu isn’t purely agricultural, but if the shortfall is too large, we probably won’t have enough Gold Coin to buy food. After all, food prices will rise. Therefore, I’ve already sent people to surrounding cities to purchase food. First, store some for later."

"Duke, we’ll need your help with the White City, or food prices might rise to a level Kapu can’t afford. My father was a merchant, so I’m familiar with this part."

"The trials related to the previous disturbances are ongoing, but I don’t wish to imprison anyone. All those found guilty will compensate victims based on the severity of their crimes through labor."

"Regarding this, I hope the Duke, when appointing new overseers, will remind them to continue this. Kapu has already suffered disaster; the most important task now is rebuilding. I also hope for appropriate tax reductions."

They rode horses through the countryside, welcomed and watched by countless locals. The respect they had for Erwin was almost visible in their expressions, with everyone addressing Erwin as "Commander."

"Duke Beisher!" a farmer standing in the field shouted to Yilin, "Please let Commander Erwin stay! I think he would make a great lord!"

"Yes, Duke! Please grant Commander Erwin to Kapu!" someone echoed.

"We want a leader like him; we truly hope you will fulfill our wishes!" countless people voiced their agreement.

Numerous eyes were gazing hopefully.

Erwin was taken aback, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Yilin, however, laughed, comforted by the sight, "It seems you’re very popular."

"I... I’m just doing what I can." Erwin stammered in response.

"Noted, I’ll consider it!" Yilin turned her face towards the crowd and shouted: "Seriously consider!"

After saying that, Yilin drove her horse forward at speed. Erwin quickly followed.

While galloping, Yilin asked Erwin, "Have you thought about what you’ll do next?"

"You mean me?" Erwin asked.

"Of course, I’m talking about you. What are your plans?"

"If the Duke issues new tasks, I’ll naturally carry them out. If not, I’ll stay here temporarily with our comrades. The people here need confidence, they need me standing by them."

After a pause, Erwin continued: "Like I said before, ’Not only demons make people turn into Demon Envoys, it can also be the surrounding environment.’ To eradicate evil, the best approach is to improve people’s lives. Defeating Demon Envoys is important, but preventing their emergence is what the Silver Moon Knight Order should really focus on."

"It seems you’ve gained deep insight during this time." Riding her horse along a mountain path, Yilin smiled, gazing at the distance and said, "Considering this, I’ll waive Kapu’s three-year tax as part of the Beishier Duchy and entrust this territory to you. You can treat it as the base for the Silver Moon Knight Fifth Squad."

Upon hearing this, Erwin slowly widened his eyes.

Matthew and George, following behind, also froze.

Turning her head back, Yilin continued: "I’ll write to Richie and Shelley, and unless something unforeseen happens, they will grant you the title of Baron as Gray’s wife and heir, making you Baron Schmidt of Kapu. This way, you can resolve the funding issue the Fifth Squad has faced all this time."

Smiling, Yilin added one last remark: "Your contributions merit such treatment."