Chapter 131: A Ray of Light in the Gray World

“Unfortunately, the Elven War is about to break out, and The Kingdom of Franveria is eyeing the Empire’s prosperous southern regions with greed. The Imperial army cannot be deployed.

Her Majesty the Empress has also learned of your solitary struggle in Nightfall Domain. She has expressed her approval and plans to allocate funding as support.

Please write back as well and tell me the story of Nightfall Domain.

In honor of our friendship.

Signed,

Sherry Gassina and Valtteri.”

“Huh? My lord seems to have quite an impressive network.” Charlotte beamed brightly, swaying her head happily like a sunflower. “I’ve heard of the Gassina family before. They’re a very active military family.”

“Yes. They once stayed at my manor,” Phield said, turning the letter over in his hands for a moment. “Adventurers? Now that’s interesting. If more of them come, Nightfall Domain’s economy could start moving.”

Once a guild, taverns, and inns were built, adventurers alone could bring in a fortune.

As for the Empire’s funding—better not place too much hope in that.

The other letter came from Simon, and its contents were concise.

In short, he invited Phield to an underground ball that would be held a month later. The event would feature not only exquisite beauties, but also all kinds of rare treasures for sale—including the giant wolves Phield had been longing for.

Simon reminded him to bring plenty of gold coins, as well as a new batch of “joy pills.” He urgently needed them.

“It’s Vigor Elixir, not joy pills.” Phield was extremely dissatisfied that these people kept privately changing the brand name. “Their awareness of intellectual property is far too weak. In the future, products from Nightfall Domain must have exclusive labels.”

Otherwise, one day counterfeit goods might run rampant, and his genuine products would lose their competitive edge.

“I need to form a giant wolf cavalry. Looks like I have no choice but to attend this underground ball.”

Phield put the letter away and did not linger idly.

That very day, the group reached the border. Before them stretched endless gray mist. Within it, shadowy corpses moved, and dreadful wails echoed everywhere.

“Th-this can’t be right, can it?” Charlotte slapped her forehead, shocked. “Is this the Northern Province—the province swallowed by the deathly fog?”

“Yes.” Seeing the disbelief written all over Charlotte’s face, Phield comforted her gently. “Don’t be afraid. I’ve traveled this road many times. My territory isn’t that bad.”

He had expected Charlotte to burst into tears or start shouting in anger. Instead, she shook her head.

“When you first began reclaiming this land, it must have been very difficult, right? If there’s anything I can help with, that would be wonderful.”

“I managed well enough, but Ashina truly had it hard.”

Ashina had already rushed into the gray mist to slaughter the corpse hordes. Otherwise, hearing Phield say that would have made her soar with happiness.

Charlotte trembled with fear, yet still encouraged herself.

“I’ll help build the territory too. I won’t lose to anyone.”

“Oh? Looks like you’ve got the right mindset,” Phield chuckled. “Just stay in the carriage and rest. Once we reach the territory, that’s when you’ll have your chance to shine.”

Phield lifted his spear and swept it forward. The army of Nightfall Domain slowly advanced.

With Divine Chosen and soldiers clearing the path, the group suffered no losses. Five mornings later, they arrived at Starnight Manor.

Phield had worried countless times that the territory might be destroyed. When he finally saw it enter the marked range of the mini-map, he let out a long breath of relief.

According to the mini-map, only half of Starnight Manor was now covered by gray mist. Starnight Castle was already connected to Windrise Town. Even without the mist-dispelling lamps, passage was possible.

The outer edge of the mist-free zone had even extended three or four meters beyond the manor walls.

They arrived at the gate.

In front of the heavy wooden doors stood wooden chevaux-de-frise and deer antler barricades, with dried intestines hanging from them.

The holes in the walls had been patched with stone. The repairs looked terribly ugly—the old mottled stone wall clashed awkwardly with the newly built sections. Behind the walls stood wooden watchtowers.

The guards on top suddenly saw the approaching group and were clearly startled. They immediately raised their crossbows and aimed.

“Lord Phield?”

After recognizing him, the soldiers quickly lowered their weapons and waved excitedly. One of them shouted down from the watchtower:

“You lame mangy dogs down there, stop sitting around like idiots! The Baron is back!”

“Huh? My lord is back? Open the gate!”

Creaaak—

The heavy wooden doors opened. Ben and the others rushed out excitedly to greet them.

“How’s the territory? Has it been hit by corpse tides? Any losses?”

The moment he spoke, Phield asked the question he cared about most.

“No problems. Everything in the territory is fine. There have been some scattered small corpse groups, but…” Ben hesitated. Seeing Phield nod for him to continue, he added, “But the corrupted corpses are becoming fewer and fewer. It’s strange.”

“They might be raising pigs—waiting to release a big wave later.”

Ever since Rosalia advanced, Phield had realized many things.

The corrupted corpses were waiting for his territory to gather more people, so they could devour everything in one massive feast. Of course, they were not targeting him specifically—they were targeting every territory along the border.

According to Sherry’s intelligence, the corrupted corpses would launch their full offensive in one or two years.

Phield’s speculation was very likely to come true.

Yet he showed no fear at all. A smile rose at the corner of his lips.

“Then we’ll see when the time comes—whether their heads are harder, or our walls.”

After entering the gate, the view suddenly opened up, and the light above their heads noticeably brightened.

One major change in Starnight Manor was that all the corrupted trees had been cut down. Though the place now looked somewhat barren, the air actually felt much fresher.

The wheat had already sprouted. Each stalk looked thin and weak, like weeds, drooping lifelessly. But the faint gray-green color still gave people hope.

Peas, cabbages, and onions had also begun to grow. These crops had relatively short growth cycles—another month or two, and they could be harvested.

“Even if the yield is small, as long as something grows, that’s already the best news.”

The primary industry was the foundation of the secondary and tertiary industries. Without agriculture, everything else was just a dream.

Phield walked slowly along the fields, appreciating the rare patches of green within the gray mist as he led the army toward Windrise Town.

When the army of Nightfall Domain arrived before the great winery, cheers immediately erupted. Villagers and slaves lined both sides of the road to welcome them.

“Long live my lord!”

“You’re finally back! Waaaah—”

“Food rations have been getting smaller and smaller lately. Thank goodness… thank goodness.”

It wasn’t because everyone had exceptional discipline. It was because the army had brought back enormous amounts of food, replenishing the territory’s reserves.

Phield had been gone for two months, and the territory’s food supply had dwindled to barely a month and a half. Kaor and Tate had no choice but to reduce rations, leaving everyone anxious. Even the slaves had begun to miss their lord.

Now that Phield had returned with food, all worries instantly vanished.

Who would hate an army carrying piles of food and wealth? Phield thought with amusement.

The steward Kaor practically crawled over, stumbling as he ran. Looking at Phield was like seeing his own father.

“My lord! Please don’t go on long journeys again in the future. We were worried sick! For the past two months I couldn’t sleep at night. Even when I went to take a dump I… ahem. Anyway, it’s good that you’re back, my lord.”

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