Chapter 428: Fish and Foes
Fortunately, after the region had been reclaimed, the natural environment had flourished once again. Lush greenery stretched in every direction, and even the ruins were now covered with wild grass and creeping vines.
"This soil is incredibly fertile. It would be perfect for growing crops."
A cool breeze drifted across the fields as Phield breathed in deeply, feeling completely refreshed.
"It’s a shame the Empress isn’t exactly fond of the Ross family. There’s no way to earn more territory through military merit alone."
"So what do we do then?"
Ashina pouted, looking thoroughly disappointed.
Such a situation was completely unfamiliar to wolf demi humans.
"It’s a minor problem. We’ll continue expanding into the northern frontier while building up our strength. Once we’re powerful enough to defeat the one truly controlling Bull Domain, along with his allies, we can force them to cede their territory through a noble war. The law of strength applies everywhere."
Phield smiled calmly.
"As long as we follow legal procedures, no one can object. Unless the Empress is willing to risk the hostility of every noble in the Empire by personally ordering the confiscation of a noble’s land."
Of course, if the Empress still had objections after that, then it would be her turn to play the defeated heroine.
"I thought that if you conquered a territory, it automatically became yours."
"In a way, that’s true. The problem is that defeating a minor faction doesn’t mean you can actually hold the land afterward."
Phield shrugged.
"Let’s not talk about that today. We haven’t even met Bull Domain’s new ruler yet."
"Lord Phield."
Charlotte couldn’t ride a horse, so she had spent the journey happily skipping through the grasslands.
The moment she spotted the river, she pointed excitedly toward it.
"I want fish! I haven’t eaten fish in three... four... um... a lot of months!"
"Fish?"
Phield immediately perked up.
"Perfect! Leave it to your lord. Fishing is one of my greatest talents. Catching a few fish will be easy."
"Really? You’re amazing, my lord!"
Charlotte’s eyes sparkled.
"I want to watch!"
Phield smiled mysteriously before giving an order to the accompanying troops.
"Set up camp and take a break."
This trip had been intended as a chance for everyone to relax.
The only unfortunate part was that someone still had to remain behind to guard the territory, so everyone had to take turns.
The cavalry immediately spread out to inspect the surrounding area while the slaves and laborers began setting up camp.
Before long, tents and campfires had been established.
Wooden barricades were erected around the perimeter for protection.
As the lord, Phield naturally didn’t need to sleep in a tent.
Instead, he stayed inside the enormous four horse carriage.
At night, the horses would be unharnessed, allowing the carriage to be fixed firmly in place as a temporary cabin that was far more comfortable than any tent.
The accompanying maids busied themselves making his bed.
Fishing rod in hand, Phield found a promising spot by the river and patiently cast his line.
"My lord, when can we eat fish?"
Charlotte carried over a small stool and sat obediently beside him.
Her long silky hair flowed gently over her shoulders, making her resemble an exceptionally well behaved kitten.
"Very soon."
Phield rested against the fishing rod and gently rubbed her head.
"Did you eat fish often back in your homeland?"
"Mhm."
Charlotte stared quietly at the scenery before her with a gentle smile.
"My hometown was close to both the sea and several lakes. Ribbon like rivers stretched across the land."
She paused for a moment.
"People have to live for something."
"Thank you."
"Because of you, I can still feel that I have value. Life finally gives me something to look forward to."
Her expression gradually became clouded.
"But I’m always afraid that one day invaders will once again set foot upon our homeland."
She feared history repeating itself.
The destruction of her country.
The loss of everything.
"No."
Phield gently pinched her cheek.
"I should be the one thanking you."
"Don’t think about it so much. If enemies ever come, I’ll deal with them."
"And me too."
Ashina raised her fingers into a heart gesture, something Phield had taught her.
"Thank you for providing bread for everyone."
"Even though I only like eating meat."
"Mhm! Okay!"
Charlotte was deeply touched.
She immediately stood up and nodded earnestly.
"I’ll go get everything ready!"
"Huh?"
Phield blinked.
"Ready for what?"
His thoughts instantly wandered.
Don’t tell me...
Is this girl actually planning to throw herself at me?
Out here in the wilderness?
Isn’t that a little too exciting?
What about the mosquitoes?
"Obviously I’m going to prepare my signature fish dish."
Charlotte winked playfully before dashing away like the wind.
"Oh."
Phield sighed in relief.
"That’s fine then."
Speechless, he continued fishing while Ashina patiently watched every ripple on the surface of the river.
Time slowly passed until evening approached.
The fishing rod never moved once.
"I knew it."
Phield finally lost his patience and angrily threw the rod aside.
"This river doesn’t have a single fish."
"Those damned rebels must have poisoned the river before leaving Bull Domain."
Ashina burst into laughter, nearly doubling over.
"My lord, fishing is far too inefficient."
"I’ll just go catch a couple myself."
After secretly checking to make sure nobody was watching him cheat, Phield finally nodded.
"All right. Thanks for the hard work."
Ashina slipped off her coat before diving into the water with the speed of an arrow.
Only moments later, she resurfaced.
A bass hung from her mouth while each hand gripped two enormous fish.
"As expected of you."
Phield raised a thumbs up without hesitation.
"You’re incredible."
Ashina tossed the fish onto the shore.
Her wolf ears twitched, scattering the droplets clinging to them into a mist.
The hazy veil of water reflected against her snow white skin, making her seem almost ethereal.
"Of course."
"I’m an expert hunter."
Before she could finish boasting, her expression suddenly sharpened.
"My lord, someone’s coming."
She stared toward the distance.
"I hear cavalry. They’re moving far too fast for ordinary travelers."
"Get ashore and prepare for defense."
Phield frowned slightly before giving a sharp whistle.
Then he let out a helpless sigh.
"I try to take a single day off and still end up getting attacked."
The cavalry at the camp immediately mounted up upon hearing the whistle.
"Hide inside the woods on the right."
"When you hear my signal, charge straight into the enemy’s rear."
"Yes, my lord!"
The cavalry responded in unison before disappearing into the forest.
Only after a short while did another mounted group finally appear.
A company of knights and retainers dressed in brightly colored uniforms rode forward on white horses, escorting a heroic looking woman at their center.
These were clearly the charging cavalry Ashina had detected.
The woman possessed lightly curled golden hair and carried a white banner emblazoned with a crimson fleur de lis.
The moment she spotted Phield’s group, anger flashed across her face.
"Those who have trespassed upon the property of House Hill are unforgivable."
"Capture them!"
The knight retainers immediately lowered their lances while others drew swords.
They advanced toward Phield at a steady pace, waiting until they closed the distance before beginning their charge.
"Oh?"
Phield remained perfectly calm as he drew the slender sword from his waist.
"So we’ve finally met Bull Fortress’s new owner."
"She doesn’t seem very polite."
"Wait."
Before the knights could launch their assault, the woman suddenly raised her voice.
"Stop."
"I made a mistake."
"Come back."
The knight retainers looked completely confused.
Even so, they could only obey the order and turned their horses back toward the formation.
"So it’s my dear distant cousin, Phield."
The woman smiled brightly.
"It’s been a long time."