Chapter 35: The Plan to Reclaim the Territory

"Master David, the total number of gray wolves is 132," the Grey Wolf Knight reported from the refugee camp.

Although David had successfully tamed the Gray Wolf King, managing the pack of gray wolves was still a pressing issue.

These wolves were already in a state of hunger. Even with the Gray Wolf King keeping them in check, extreme hunger could push the pack beyond its control.

Feeding them was another problem. The sheer amount of food required was far beyond what Frost Wolf Ridge could supply.

"Don't worry, I already have a plan."

"While Frost Wolf Ridge may not have enough food, my domain is not limited to this ridge alone," David said with a meaningful smile.

The Grey Wolf Knight froze momentarily before his eyes lit up in realization.

Indeed, the Frost Wolf Duke's domain extended far beyond Frost Wolf Ridge.

In fact, most of the northern region originally belonged to the Frost Wolf family.

However, due to the Frost Wolf family's decline, the nobles who were granted portions of the land had gradually drifted away from the family's control.

Over the past century, the Frost Wolf family had lost its grip on the northern territories.

But during the old duke's time, the family still held dominion over the entire Frost Wolf Forest and its surrounding lands.

Moreover, while these local nobles had distanced themselves from the Frost Wolf family, their independence was never officially recognized by the Silver Moon Kingdom.

Thus, David was still the nominal lord of the Frost Wolf Forest and its surrounding territories, with his claim officially acknowledged by the Silver Moon Kingdom.

In the past, David's strength had been insufficient to contest these nobles' actions, forcing him to tolerate their secession.

But now, with his strength as an Earth Knight, reclaiming these lands would not be difficult!

"Uncle Ole," David called out.

"Have the municipal hall compile a report on the overdue taxes owed by each territory. It's time for them to pay back every penny—with interest."

A sly smile played on David's lips.

He was in dire need of funds, and this would be the perfect way to rebuild Frost Wolf Ridge.

"Yes, my lord!" the Grey Wolf Knight responded enthusiastically.

After the Grey Wolf Knight left, David instructed the Gray Wolf King to lead the wolves back into the forest, ensuring they were settled before returning to the castle.

---

Back at Frost Wolf Castle, the number of people awaiting David had grown from two to three.

Seeing their lord return, the three women—Leah, Amy, and Rena—all breathed a sigh of relief and came forward to greet him.

"Don't worry, I'm fine," David assured them with a smile.

Also present were the Grey Wolf Knight and several territorial officials.

These officials had recently learned of David's breakthrough to Earth Knight status and were still elated by the news.

As David glanced at them, he noticed their morale was high, their excitement evident.

After reassuring the three women, David led the officials to the first-floor council chamber.

"Rena, come with me," he said, pausing at the chamber's entrance.

Rena froze, her heart racing as she processed his words.

She knew this was a gathering of Frost Wolf Ridge's core decision-makers, where important matters would be discussed.

For the Duke to invite her into the council chamber—regardless of whether it was just to serve tea—was a clear display of trust.

The other officials in the room turned their gazes to Rena as well.

They were aware that their lord had brought several beautiful women into the castle, hoping to produce heirs with Frost Wolf family bloodlines.

However, they hadn't expected him to allow one of these women into the core decision-making circle—a gesture that spoke volumes.

Seeing Rena hesitate, David stepped forward, took her hand, and led her inside.

Once inside, David sat at the head of the table, and Huo Wu brought in a chair for Rena, placing it beside his.

The officials, though curious, remained composed, their expressions unreadable.

These officials had served the Frost Wolf family for generations and were of exceptional quality.

As Rena sat down, her gaze lingered on David's profile.

When David turned to look at her, their eyes met. Flustered, Rena quickly turned her head away.

The council session began shortly thereafter.

The Grey Wolf Knight outlined the main agenda: reclaiming the territories that rightfully belonged to the Frost Wolf Duke.

Hearing this, the officials' eyes lit up with excitement.

They had once served under the old duke and had long felt remorse for failing to protect the family's lands.

With their lord now an Earth Knight, they had been eagerly anticipating this moment.

As the discussion continued, David instructed the officials to provide reports on the surrounding territories.

Winter's heavy snowfall had isolated most regions, effectively cutting them off from each other.

Historically, wars were rare during winter in the northern territories, as the snow made large-scale military campaigns nearly impossible.

Under normal circumstances, Frost Wolf Ridge would also avoid launching a campaign during winter.

However, David now commanded nearly a hundred gray wolves. With their agility and adaptability, the snow posed no obstacle to his forces—it was, in fact, an advantage.

The snow would allow Frost Wolf Ridge to strike isolated territories, using the wolves to great effect.

However, with winter nearing its end, time was limited.

Even with the gray wolves, David knew he couldn't reclaim all the territories in such a short time.

Instead, he decided to target the strongest, most hostile, and most threatening territory first—setting an example for the others.

"What do you all think?" David asked after outlining his plan, looking to the officials for their input.

The purpose of a council was to hear different perspectives, and David prided himself on being open to advice.

"My lord, are the gray wolves reliable?" one official asked hesitantly.

The nearly hundred gray wolves were a formidable force, comparable to a knightly order. However, if they were to lose control of the wolves during an operation, it could be disastrous.

David smiled confidently. "Don't worry. The Frost Wolf family has its own method of taming wolves."

Reassured, the officials began discussing which territory to target.

Ultimately, they decided on Eagle Wing Fortress.

The lord of Eagle Wing Fortress was a Tier 3 Knight and had ties to the Ice Bear family, making him the greatest threat to Frost Wolf Ridge. He had even been involved in orchestrating the recent refugee crisis.

Moreover, the lord of Eagle Wing Fortress was notoriously cruel. This operation would not only neu

tralize a major threat but also remove a ticking time bomb from the vicinity of Frost Wolf Forest.

It was the perfect first target.