Chapter 144: Chapter 136: The Compassionate Lord

For a while now, the Lord had been arranging for his veterans to lead the new recruits out into the Wilderness, hunting for foolhardy natives to gain experience and raise their Levels.

But first came the attack of the Giant Dragon Corps. No sooner had that ended, the negotiations with the Minotaurs failed. Then, they had to scramble to welcome Liya’s arrival.

Only now was Levi able to arrange for the troops to be trained again.

More and more Bandit Corps were coming south from the depths of the Wilderness, so there was certainly no shortage of targets.

This made the Bailiu City Guard Team, currently stationed at High Cliff Castle, quite curious about something. Every day, the High Cliff Castle Guard Team would depart at the crack of dawn, only to return at sunset, covered in blood and looking utterly exhausted.

They didn’t know exactly what the High Cliff Castle Guard Team was doing, but they figured they were just clearing out the bandits that had gathered near High Cliff Castle.

What they really couldn’t fathom was how, despite returning utterly exhausted each night, they would be brimming with energy the next day, as vigorous as wild boars in heat.

"My Lord, if I may be blunt, as the Kexianri Tribe draws nearer to High Cliff Castle, the bandits will only grow more numerous. Having the Guard Team go out to clear these ’weeds’ every day is, frankly, a wasted effort."

In the Lord’s great hall, Knight Si Kai offered his opinion.

Even a complete military novice would know that hunkering down and defending is the best strategy at a time like this.

This Lord’s impressive string of victories proved he was at least well-versed in military matters, so there was no way he didn’t understand this simple principle.

Yet, Si Kai simply couldn’t understand why, at this critical juncture, Lord Li would send out every single Warrior from his Guard Team, leaving only the sentry Guards behind.

"Si Kai, these Bandit Corps of various sizes coming south may be insignificant to High Cliff Castle, but to the villages near the border, they are like man-eating tigers." Levi’s face was a mask of compassion, like a Kind-hearted Priest who, fearing a hungry tiger might devour others, would choose to feed it with his own flesh. "I don’t expect to stop them all, but I can at least reduce their numbers and give those villages a fighting chance."

In the stories circulating around Bailiu City, this Lord was already known as a Bloody Butcher, one who supposedly enjoyed cleaving his foes in half, both at the waist and from head to toe.

But right now, he showed no trace of the figure depicted in those tales.

It just went to show that stories passed around the world were a mix of good and bad, with many having no basis in reality.

Si Kai was filled with solemn respect. He had to admit his previous assessment of the Lord of High Cliff Castle had been far too one-sided.

Lord Li might be blunt, unceremonious, and at times, roguish as a Mercenary, but none of that could hide the fact that he possessed a kind heart.

"Levi, there are very, very few nobles like you, who worry so for commoners with whom you have no connection."

Liya’s small hands cradled a warm teacup, her face filled with admiration.

"If you joined the Church Court, you could probably become a Holy Son, beloved by the common folk for spreading the way of peace."

In her memory, this Knight had fought his way out of Kolon with her, showing absolutely no mercy in the process. He had even sliced off half the arm of a young stable Apprentice who was trying to capture her for Damon.

She never imagined he had this other side to him.

It seemed her understanding of Levi was still far too shallow.

"Haha, you’re too kind." Even with his thick skin, Levi couldn’t help but blush at the praise. "Anyone with a compassionate heart wouldn’t just stand by and do nothing in a situation like this."

Only Baisitina, who stood nearby and was familiar with her Lord’s true character, was struggling. She wanted to laugh but didn’t dare, and the effort of holding it in was so agonizing that she could only let out a pair of light coughs to cover it up.

’If those villagers were actually his Lord’s subjects, he would absolutely do as he said. But since they weren’t... he’d probably pull out a bag of melon seeds, watch the show with great interest, and sigh about how those commoners had the worst luck to be stuck with such a useless lord. They’d be better off joining High Cliff Castle.’

"My dear Head Steward, if you’re feeling unwell, perhaps you should drink some more hot water."

Levi said in a mock-concerned tone, reaching out to pinch Baisitina’s cheek.

’He had to admit, his grand speech was just a cover story. The real reason was to let his Guard Team gain experience and Level up, and maybe buff his own reputation in the process.’

’But as they say, judge a man by his actions, not his intentions. The High Cliff Castle Guard Team proactively clearing out these bandits would, in fact, reduce the number of attacks on the border villages, giving them a better chance to defend themselves.’

’That was a fact no one could argue with.’

"Hmph! Levi, you can forget about me cooking for you tonight!"

Baisitina huffily slapped her Lord’s mischievous hand away. Her cheeks puffed out, making her look like a squirrel with a bountiful harvest stored away.

"No, wait, my dear Head Steward! I was wrong, I apologize! It was all my fault. You’re a bigger person than me, please don’t take it to heart."

She had him right where she wanted him. In all of High Cliff Castle, only Baisitina’s cooking was even remotely decent.

If she refused to cook for him, he’d be left at the mercy of the boorish men and the pinch-penny old women. The Lord would starve to death.

"Sigh... I’m not actually angry."

Seeing her Lord’s sincere apology, Baisitina was the one who became flustered, waving her hands in embarrassment.

’When it came down to it, she was just her Lord’s subordinate. She didn’t really have the right to be angry with him.’

"Haha! Then I’ll be the bigger person and forgive you!" the Lord boomed with laughter. He patted the white-haired girl’s head, already savoring the thought as he listed off his requests. "Tonight, I want braised river fish, beef and potato stew... Oh, and remember to make it extra spicy."

"Okay," Baisitina’s voice was barely a whisper. With her head lowered, she resembled a little white animal, content to be petted by her Lord.

’Heh, got her wrapped around my finger.’

Levi thought smugly. ’Just give this Head Steward a little bit of praise, and she’ll be too happy to sleep for nights on end. She’d even volunteer for overtime.’

’An employee this perfect is a gift from the heavens. You couldn’t find another one if you searched with a lantern.’

"Levi, you two have such a good relationship,"

Liya remarked, her expression a mix of envy and something else entirely. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

No matter where one went, a subordinate was a subordinate. A superior would never joke around and banter with them like that.

But this Lord seemed to have no airs about him at all, and he could get along with everyone in High Cliff Castle.

Nearby, Si Kai stared fixedly at his own nose, doing his best to become an inconspicuous piece of furniture.

’What was he thinking, coming here today?’

’Whatever. Stop thinking. Just eat.’

’The food at High Cliff Castle is amazing, after all. It would be a waste not to eat...’

"Good, my ass! It’s because I spoil them too much. Now they’re getting so cocky their tails are wagging in the sky. Sooner or later, I’ll have to teach them all a good lesson," the Lord grumbled. He then reached over and snatched the bear paw from in front of Zat—a paw the creature had spent half the day carefully coating in honey—and took two vicious bites.

Staring at the empty plate, Zat’s whole demeanor instantly crumbled. In the end, all it could do was furiously suck the remaining honey from its fingers to vent its frustration.