Chapter 48: Territorial Development

With the reclamation of various territories, Frost Wolf Ridge became unusually bustling.

David spent his days balancing affairs of governance with his dual cultivation sessions with his wives.

Despite the workload, the sight of a steadily increasing treasury brought him no small amount of satisfaction.

With these funds, he could purchase more materials for alchemical potions and enhance the defenses of Frost Wolf Ridge.

David wasted no time dispatching the Gray Wolf Knights to procure essential alchemical components and to arm the knights with better weaponry.

"Lord Duke, here's the tax report from White Deer Town," a scribe said, presenting a parchment.

David, absorbed in another administrative document, didn't look up. "Submit it to Advisor Rena for review."

The scribe nodded and glanced at Rena, who sat beside the Duke, diligently organizing decrees.

Over time, the presence of the Crystal Song Princess in administrative matters had become a familiar sight to the castle's staff.

After handing the parchment to Rena, the scribe retreated.

Rena filed the parchment, stealing a glance at David as he reviewed papers. A sweet smile played across her lips, reflecting her contentment at being entrusted with such important duties.

To her, this role signified the Duke's absolute trust, an acknowledgment of her belonging to the Frost Wolf family.

Sensing her gaze, David looked up, catching her eyes.

Like a startled fawn, Rena quickly averted her gaze, her face flushing red.

"What's this? Want something?" David teased with a knowing smile.

"N-No, I don't!" Rena stammered, her cheeks burning brighter.

David chuckled, refraining from further teasing. Finishing his work was the priority before indulging in matters of the heart.

Rena exhaled in relief, sneaking another glance at the confident man before her.

David was unlike any man she had ever met. He carried the wisdom and pride of nobility but was unbound by their rigid conventions.

At times, he resembled a carefree commoner or an adventurous wanderer, eager to break from monotony and embrace risk.

Yet, his vision and ambition far surpassed that of any peasant or rogue, even leaving her—a princess—awed by his resolve.

She often recalled David's words about wealth:

"These glittering coins, resting quietly in the treasury, symbolize power and fortune. But unused, they are mere hollow tokens.

"Gold's true worth lies in its circulation—feeding the hungry, healing the sick, or fortifying our defenses.

"It is only when invested in commerce, infrastructure, and the people that it transforms into tangible strength, fueling progress and prosperity."

The Duke's perspective had shattered her ingrained views, revealing the essence of a true ruler.

Unbeknownst to David, his modern ideas about economics had deeply impacted the Crystal Song Princess, reshaping her understanding of governance.

For now, his focus was on converting Frost Wolf Ridge's newfound resources into military strength to address the looming crises.

The end of winter brought an influx of refugees to Frost Wolf Ridge, significantly bolstering its manpower.

Among them were militia who had proven themselves during the trials. With proper training, they could become a formidable addition to the Ridge's forces.

In addition to expanding the Frost Wolf Knights, David planned to establish a Gray Wolf Cavalry Corps.

With over a hundred gray wolves under his command, they represented one of the Ridge's greatest assets.

To maximize their potential, David sought to pair the wolves with knight apprentices, enabling better coordination and bolstering the knights' effectiveness.

Wolf cavalry had existed during his father's era but had been limited to a ten-man unit. Despite its size, their combined charge was devastating, capable of overwhelming even full-fledged knights.

Now, with David's Frost Wolf Contract granting him control over the gray wolf king and Cynthia's ability to communicate with animals, training wolf cavalry had become a feasible goal.

Reviewing the personnel roster submitted by the Gray Wolf Knights, David made his decision.

Summoning the Knights' Captain, he ordered a full assembly at the manor's training grounds the next day.

The Captain's eyes widened in astonishment.

Wolf cavalry!

This had been the dream of every Frost Wolf Knight under the old Duke's leadership.

Now, they had a chance to fulfill that dream once more.

"Understood, Lord Duke!" The Captain knelt on one knee, his excitement palpable, before hurrying off to spread the news.

With this matter settled, David felt a wave of relief.

Rena's expertise in governance had saved him considerable time.

While her worldview lacked the modern insights he possessed, her competence in managing this world's bureaucratic affairs far surpassed his own.

In truth, entrusting a princess capable of ruling a kingdom to administer a single territory was overkill.

Without her, David's territorial expansion would have consumed far more of his energy.

"Rena, thank you," he said sincerely.

"You're the one I should thank," Rena replied shyly, her tone earnest.

Their eyes met, and David suddenly swept her into his arms, placing her on the Duke's chair.

"Now, behave and lean back a little."

"..."

"Ah, I must say, white suits you better than black."

[You have completed a cultivation session. Snow Fairy's Soul +101.]

This time, perhaps moved by the depth of their bond, their cultivation yielded unexpectedly fruitful results.

[Snow Fairy's Soul: Tier 3 (2707/5000)]

Unknowingly, David's progress with the Snow Fairy's Soul had surpassed the halfway mark. He felt confident about breaking into Tier 4 soon.

Just as he contemplated continuing their cultivation, Rena suddenly looked up in astonishment.

"Lord Duke... I think I've... advanced to Tier 2 Knight?"

The proud princess's eyes brimmed with confusion.

She had struggled to break through for so long, and today, without even proper training, she had suddenly achieved it.

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