"My Lord, I still don’t understand why you’ve come here yourself." Durand brushed the snow from his clothes.

Winter had come a bit earlier than usual this year.

Or perhaps it was more accurate to say that for the past few years, the first snow had been arriving earlier and earlier.

But that wasn’t what was strange. It was just an early snow, after all.

What truly puzzled him was his Count’s attitude toward this trip.

Ever since Count Valentino returned from her visit with Marquis Oscillate, she had seemed distracted and prone to spacing out.

If not for his absolute trust in the Marquis, Durand might have suspected Marquis Oscillate had done something to her.

And now, to deliver a reward of supplies and Soldiers to Sir Robson, Valentino had insisted on coming herself.

Although her presence at Mold Castle wasn’t strictly necessary, this seemed like making far too big a deal of things. At least, that’s what Durand thought.

"It’s nothing. I spent all my time in the Southern Kingdom before, so I’m still not used to the way this kingdom wages war.

For Baron Robson to have achieved such a victory, he must be an extraordinary man.

My grandfather also told me to get familiar with military affairs as quickly as possible. This is a perfect opportunity to come and learn a thing or two, to understand the art of leading troops firsthand." Valentino was clad head-to-toe in plate armor, even her face concealed by an iron mask, which made her voice sound slightly muffled.

This style of armor was typical of the standard-issue armor of the Algeria Kingdom. With a domain that was half plains and half mountains, the kingdom was rich in iron ore and had considerable expertise in smithing plate armor.

’After returning from her visit with Marquis Oscillate, Valentino had asked around and discovered that, by the standards of the kingdom, she was already considered an old maid.’

’Back at the academy, she often thought of the stories her mother used to tell her as a child. She later learned that they were mostly based on her own parents.’

’It wasn’t some melodramatic story, though it had its ups and downs. But for both sets of parents, it was the best possible outcome.’

’She just never expected her turn would come so soon.’

’Valentino was in a slightly better position; as a Count with real authority, she had the power to choose.’

’Coming here this time was a chance to meet him, to see what he was like.’

’If there were no major issues, it would probably happen just like that: Marquis Oscillate, in his capacity as an elder, would propose a marriage alliance to The Odogin Family.’

’And she, just like that, would marry a stranger she had barely met, bear his children, and spend the rest of her life with him.’

’It wasn’t that she found the idea repulsive. This was the fate of most nobles. Finding a decent man was, in itself, a happy story.’

’It was just that she often thought of that afternoon, when she received a plea for help from one of her father’s old subordinates and hastily set out on campaign.’

’A single thought in that moment had decided her fate.’

"Halt! Sir, the logistics area is that way. This is the military camp."

The speaker was an Officer on duty. As for why he said "Sir"...

...well, when someone like Valentino was clad head-to-toe in armor, faceplate and all, it was hard to tell if they were a man or a woman—even if she was renowned as the "Northern Pearl" and possessed a stunning figure.

’Arriving at the military camp, Valentino hadn’t expected to be stopped.’

"You are..."

"Go find your Commander, Baron Robson, and tell him Valentino is here to see him."

Durand was about to scold the Officer when Valentino cut him off.

’She was just here to take a look, not to cause trouble.’

’Although it was indeed embarrassing for a Count to be stopped like this, she hadn’t given any prior notice of her arrival.’

"Yes. Please wait a moment."

...

Meanwhile, Robson was in the military camp.

Contrary to Viscount Fuman’s stereotype of him, Robson was not poring over maps. Instead, he was on the training grounds practicing the Eight Knightly Arts of the Deriman Family.

Robson had always been an incredibly self-disciplined person. He had clawed his way up from poverty through his own efforts, and now that he had something like a Mount & Blade system, he had of course become the ultimate grinder.

This was also why his Soldiers were all training so hard; a leader who led by example had an enormous impact.

In this day and age, it was rare to see a noble lord doing the same things as a commoner. Their lord not only kept them well-fed and warmly clothed but also led them in training from the front. This motivated them even more.

"My Lord, My Lord, there is a noble lord outside who says he’s here to see you," Ais said, jogging up to Robson’s side.

"To see me? Who is it?" Robson asked, puzzled.

The only major event he remembered for today was that the promised supplies from Valentino were due to arrive.

Valentino had also arranged for some grain, but of course, the main things Robson had requested from her were a batch of Magic Crystals and Divine Water.

And, of course, the new recruits that Lord Robson had been longing for.

Right now, Robson’s army only had a little over 2,500 men in total. The new recruits were all provided by the nobles from Qimo Fortress. There was still no news from Viscount Luke.

"He said... Valentino," Ais said.

"Valentino?!" Robson had a strange expression.

’What was Count Valentino doing here? In this situation, shouldn’t she be staying put in Mold Castle?’ 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"My Lord, has something happened?"

Bo Yang heard the commotion and came over to ask.

"It’s nothing... Never mind. You come with me. Ais, you lead the training for now," Robson said.

"Yes, My Lord."

...

Not wanting to keep the Count waiting, Robson equipped his sword and walked out of the training grounds.

Outside the training grounds, there was indeed a large contingent of troops. They had the look of an elite force, and most importantly, their ranks included a considerable number of Cavalry!

’A Marquis is a Marquis, after all!’ Robson mused.

Ever since parting ways with the Northern Nobles, Robson had rarely seen proper Cavalry. This army before him was most likely the reinforcements the Marquis had mentioned.

Right now, what Robson lacked most were new recruits. If there was anything he lacked more, it would be Cavalry.

The upcoming battles would mostly be fought on the great plains, where Cavalry was of paramount importance.

"Earl, forgive me for not coming to greet you."

Robson stepped forward, faced the iconic Full Armor Knight, and saluted.

"There is no need for such ceremony, Baron," the Knight replied.

It was only then that Bo Yang realized the person on horseback was a woman.

’On the entire Western Front, who else could it be? A woman with the authority to lead a large army?’

After speaking, Valentino swung herself off her horse, with Durand following closely behind.

Valentino removed her helmet and visor, shook out her blonde hair, and smiled at Robson.

"Sir, it has been a while." Without the helmet and faceplate, Valentino’s voice instantly became melodious.

"It has been a while, Count," Robson replied.