Chapter 78: Chapter 78: Recognition and Rewards

The northern war finally paused slightly in the autumn wind.

With the Empire’s army advancing step by step, Duke Edmund had achieved his strategic objectives.

Eliminate the remnants of Snow Swearers within the Empire’s control zone, consolidate the northern defense line, and gradually drive the enemy to Ice Sea County and Snowfall County.

Those two counties will become the main battlefield for the decisive battle next year.

And now it’s time to summarize the achievements and confer honors.

All dukes, generals, and noble lords gathered at Frost Halberd City to put a period on this two to three months-long war.

Louis arrived at Frost Halberd City a day earlier than scheduled.

As soon as he entered the city, he was summoned directly to the conference hall of the main castle.

This was his second meeting with Duke Edmund.

The last time was half a year ago when he came here to register territory information and followed protocol.

Back then, Edmund had only entertained him casually.

In his heart, he just thought of this young noble as an ambitious little guy, only slightly better than those useless offspring from the South.

But this time, the atmosphere was completely different.

Even though the lad in front of him hadn’t changed in appearance, and his cultivation was still low.

But when he stepped into the hall, Edmund smiled with satisfaction, “The battle at Qingyu Ridge was beautifully done.”

He personally walked up to Louis, rare as it was, and patted him on the shoulder.

This gesture was something he usually reserved only for legion commanders or trusted advisors.

“Leading over a hundred knights, you launched a night raid on a stronghold, annihilating eight hundred Wolf Riders. They were the elite of the Snow Swearers.

Luring the enemy, setting ambushes, using Magic Explosion Bullets, collapsing mountain bodies, your tactics are more ruthless than the other.”

He said this with a bit more laughter in his tone, “It’s not something typical of someone your age.”

And in the face of such praise, Louis did not display any excitement or show the exuberance common among young people.

He merely bowed slightly, “If Qingyu Ridge were lost, the rear would surely descend into chaos. I only did what was necessary.”

His attitude was humble, but the confidence in his bones couldn’t be hidden.

This aspect made Edmund even more satisfied.

“Bond and Gibson both praised you in their letters as ’the future pillar of the Northern Territory.’ I originally thought they were currying favor.

But now I admit,” he nodded slightly, his expression turning serious, “even if I were in your position, I might not have done better.”

Edmund paused for a moment, a smile accompanied by a tinge of reflection tugging at his mouth.

“It seems my old eyes are really going blind, almost lumping you in with those pompous soft-boned nobles.”

“Baron Calvin—this time, you’ve truly been a great help to me.”

Saying this, he once again reached out and patted Louis on the shoulder, “I think you’ll like the reward I’ve prepared for tomorrow’s recognition ceremony.”

……

The banquet hall of Frost Halberd City is splendidly arrayed today.

All around the walls hang the war banners of the major Northern nobles, fluttering in the air, silently proclaiming their respective glory and heritage.

The sound of the horn echoed, the hall doors slowly opened.

Silver Armored Knights filed in from outside, marching in unison into the hall, pushing the atmosphere to the peak with their solemn rhythm.

Duke Edmund walked into the hall under the gaze of the crowd, his tall figure like a city wall.

He slowly ascended to the main platform, and everyone instinctively stood to salute.

The recognition ceremony officially began.

And in the front-row seat below the platform, a young man sat quietly.

Louis Calvin, a Baron of Expansion from the South.

The only young noble in the front row of the hall who does not belong to the Northern Noble Families.

Amidst a group of veteran nobles, counts, and viscounts with large territories and extensive qualifications.

Thus Louis seemed exceptionally conspicuous.

“Who is that? A kid from the South?”

“An Expansion Baron? Can he sit there?”

Whispers flowed like dark tides among the seats.

Some Northern nobles cast measuring glances.

Some were contemptuous, some were skeptical, and some even bore a hint of undisguised disgust.

They were unwilling to admit that a young man with no foundation in the North was arranged to sit on equal footing with themselves.

However, facing all the attention and murmurs, Louis’s expression did not waver in the slightest.

He merely sat there quietly, without any ostentation.

Edmund stood on the high tier of the main platform, his voice echoing through the banquet hall:

“In the name of the Empire, in my capacity as Governor of the North, I thank every commander, every soldier, every citizen who has never retreated.

With blood and iron, you defended the Northern Territory.”

He slowly advanced, his tone gradually rising in intensity.

“The Snow Swearers have torched cities and looted people, slaughtering the innocent, attempting to awaken the dead of Old Snow Country, tear the borders of the Empire.

But they were wrong, it was you who told them with swords and blood that the Northern Territory would not yield!

It is you who, through unity and battle, continue to make the Empire’s banner fly on the snowfield.

I’m proud of you!

Next year we shall end them completely in Ice Sea County and Snowfall County!

And today we must remember those who were brave, debate merits and issue rewards.

Because the Empire will not forget the warriors who fought for it!”

As Duke Edmund took his seat, a military officer stepped onto the steps, unfurling a long scroll of parchment, loudly announcing:

“According to the military review committee of Frost Halberd City, we now declare the phase recognition list for the campaign to exterminate the Snow Swearers!”

The hall immediately became quiet, everyone held their breath, eyes turning toward the main platform.

The military officer loudly declared: “First merit—Count Albert.

Led the 3rd Corps to eradicate Snow Swearer guerrilla forces along the southern line, annihilating 3,700 enemies, breaking through three enemy strongholds, consolidating the Wind Cape Canyon defense line…

Specially awarded the ’Shield of the North’ Medal, a reward of thirty thousand gold coins, an additional fief of two thousand square kilometers, and 1,600 warhorses…”

The forty-something, burly Count Albert rose from his seat, expressionless as he climbed the steps.

He knelt on one knee, as Edmund personally pinned the Shield of the North Medal on his chest.

The entire hall fell solemn, and no one questioned his achievements.

Because he utilized as many as four thousand people, sweeping the remaining enemy forces, his contributions were magnificent.

Then the military officer continued to announce: “Second merit—Count Grant.

Cooperated with the local army and the first border corps to eliminate the Snow Swearer forces lurking in Wusong County, destroying seven enemy strongholds, capturing twenty-one traitors…

Specially awarded the ’Shield of the North’ Medal, a reward of fifteen thousand gold coins, an additional fief of fifteen hundred square kilometers…”

This time it was an elderly nobleman with snow-white hair who stood up, his expression solemn as he slowly ascended the steps, bowing to receive the honor.

He is highly respected in the Northern Territory, having personally mobilized a county’s forces to stabilize the northwestern front.

Be it in terms of qualification or merit, his place on that step was well-deserved.

The room erupted in applause.

Just then, the military officer raised his head and uttered the third name.

Which left everyone in the room astonished and confused.

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