Levi nodded. He had expected Liya to agree. After all, even though Fulina was her mother’s sister, it didn’t change the fact that Liya was currently living under someone else’s roof.

Fulina might not treat her harshly in material terms, but if the two of them became involved in matters of tangible self-interest, their relationship could change drastically.

Not to mention, in this southern war to seize the dukedom, if they managed to defeat Kolon, their ally Fulina could turn into an enemy the very next day.

’Do you really think a Duke would send troops to help you seize a title just because of blood ties? That would be far too naive.’

There was no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Things that appeared to be free had, in fact, already been secretly marked with a price.

In any case, leaving his own men by Liya’s side was all upside and no downside.

Besides, Liya had already helped him immensely just by bringing the Glowing Holy Word Treasure Manual.

The Lord had always been the type to return a favor for a favor.

Giving Liya some of his men would keep her from the difficult situation of having no one at her command.

She could also use this chance to build her own forces. The title of a Duke’s heir would surely attract ambitious people and opportunists to her cause.

Levi’s task was to send trustworthy people to ensure her safety.

"I’m temporarily promoting you to captain of the Guard Team. Go select ten Beastman Guards to protect Miss Liya," Levi said, turning to Orak. His expression was serious, with none of his usual carefree attitude.

"Yes, Lord."

Orak didn’t hesitate for a second. His military boots clicked together, and his right fist thumped against his ridiculously broad chest. He gave a solemn nod, then turned to pick ten Beastman Guards from the Burning Corps.

A few minutes later, ten fully armed Beastman Warriors approached.

These Beastman Guards, new recruits to High Cliff Castle, had been through several battles and expeditions clearing out the Wilderness Bandits to the south. All of them had been promoted to Tier Three, and a dozen or so of the most outstanding ones had already reached Tier Four, becoming Beastman Warriors.

These ten were the cream of the crop. They were towering figures, their arms as thick as marble pillars—true brutes capable of killing a tiger with a single punch.

All were clad in Armor produced by High Cliff Castle: a layer of Iron Armor over Cotton Cloth padding. They wore Horned Helmets, and on their backs they carried either a Fine Steel Warhammer or a Giant Axe. Pouches specially fitted onto their waists held five Fine Steel Javelins each, ready to be drawn at a moment’s notice.

Although they couldn’t compare to the Personal Guard Team that Levi led himself, this small squad would be considered the elite of the elite in any legion within the Seven Kingdoms.

Under the leadership of Orak, a Shaman Beastman, it was no exaggeration to say that they could easily annihilate the thirty-man cavalry squad escorting Liya.

Of course, if their opponents decided to flee, the Beastman Guards wouldn’t be able to catch them.

After all, with the exception of a certain Lord Li, it was very difficult for anyone on two legs to catch up with someone on four.

"Orak, while you are with Miss Liya, your job is to follow her orders completely. Her word is my word!"

"Lord, your will is my command!" Orak nodded emphatically.

Since arriving at High Cliff Castle, his Tribe had become bound to it; they would prosper or fall together.

During this time, for the first time ever, the young ones of the Tribe didn’t have to worry about food or clothing. They ate until their bellies were round every day, wearing thick woolen sweaters to ward off the cold winds of the Northern Lands. It was as if the very concept of starvation and cold had become a distant memory.

But Orak knew full well who was responsible for all of this.

Whether for his Tribe or for himself, he would defend High Cliff Castle with his life.

"Be cautious in all things. When I head south next year, I’ll promote you to Commander."

Levi thumped him on the chest twice with his fist.

The blows made the Old Beastman grimace, but he forced himself to hold it in to save face, his expression a comical mix of a smile and a wince.

The Lord had completely forgotten that he had spent all his Attribute Points the previous night. He had no idea how much his Power had increased. Although he was getting the hang of it, he hadn’t had enough time to regain the same meticulous control he once had.

After thinking it over, Levi had decided to choose Orak for the Guard Team.

The Old Beastman was, on paper, the third-strongest combatant in High Cliff Castle. His power was undeniable; he could easily handle a Knight like Si Kai, who cultivated Combat Qi.

Furthermore, compared to Zat, the more experienced Orak was calmer and more meticulous, making him a better fit to accompany Liya south.

"Ahem..." Orak suddenly looked awkward, then finally asked in a low voice.

"Lord, between this ’Commander’ position and Zat’s ’Legion Commander,’ which one is higher?"

The Lord was quick-witted and instantly came up with a reply.

He had wanted to pat Orak’s shoulder, but the Old Beastman was just too massive, so he gave up. Instead, he said with a serious face, "Theoretically, you two are of equal rank. In fact, your position is a bit more important."

Then he silently added in his head, ’Zat is the Legion Commander of the Burning Corps, and you’re the Commander of the auxiliary Casting Corps.’

’Theoretically, the two ranks are indeed equal, and the Casting Corps is obviously more valuable.’

’It’s just that the Casting Corps’ first squad currently only consists of Sam and Old Neil, two guys with the combat power of a paper bag. In short, it’s an empty title with no manpower. He’ll just be a commander with no troops.’ 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

The Lord was a true master of pulling off a swindle.

Hearing this, Orak looked completely satisfied, instantly filled with motivation.

The main reason was that as a Shaman Beastman, he was respected in every Tribe. He was also older than Zat, yet that brat showed no respect for his elders whatsoever. Zat constantly used him as a sparring partner, and if Orak refused, Zat would pull rank on him.

’Now that we’re both Commanders of equal rank, that kid can forget about bothering these old bones of mine anymore.’

"Miss Liya, I’ll entrust them to your care now. All they need are three full meals a day."

"Mm-hmm, I will." Liya nodded, her face wreathed in smiles, and swung herself onto her horse. The cavalry squad nearby kept glancing in their direction, obviously growing impatient.

"Levi, I’ll see you in Bailiu City next year."

...

Liya was gone. But compared to her arrival, when she wore a strained smile with a furrowed brow, the smile on her face as she departed was far more genuine, and her expression was much more relaxed.

With Orak and the Beastman Guards by her side, she would have a much easier time conducting her affairs in Bailiu City and wouldn’t be so constrained.

"Why’d Orak have to leave? Now I’m going to be so bored."

Zat shook his head as he gazed at the departing group. The conspicuous black eyes he was sporting made him look rather comical.

Aside from the boss, he was the strongest person in High Cliff Castle. He used to have trouble finding a decent sparring partner, but after Orak arrived, Zat constantly pestered him to practice. The Old Beastman wasn’t much weaker than him, and with his Blessing Spells active, he could even fight Zat to a standstill before the Magic wore off.

Now that Orak was gone, he no longer had anyone to test his skills against.