Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Territory Development
As each territory was recovered, Frost Wolf Ridge became exceptionally busy.
Besides practicing dual cultivation with his wives every day, David spent a lot of time handling government affairs.
However, he was still very happy to see a large amount of gold coins coming into the treasury.
With these gold coins, he could purchase more secret medicine materials and enhance the defense of Frost Wolf Ridge.
As soon as he received the gold coins, David immediately had the Gray Wolf Knights go out to purchase secret medicine materials and equip the Knight Order with weapons.
"Lord, here is the tax list from Bailu Town." The scribe handed over the parchment.
David, reviewing another decree, didn’t even lift his head, "First, hand it over to Consultant Reina for auditing."
The scribe nodded, glanced at Reina, who was calmly sitting beside the Lord and organizing administrative orders.
During this period, the presence of this secretary consultant by the Lord’s side at every meeting had become something he was accustomed to.
After handing over the parchment to Reina, the scribe withdrew.
Reina collected the parchment in her hand, looked at David, who was examining official documents, and smiled sweetly.
Clearly.
Princess Jingge was very satisfied with David involving her in the governance of the territory.
Behind this lay Duke Frost Wolf’s absolute trust in her.
Sensing something, David looked up, and their eyes met.
Reina, like a startled fawn, quickly averted her gaze, her face still flushed red.
"What? Do you want it?" David spoke with layers of meaning.
Reina quickly denied, her face turning so red it seemed about to bleed, "No... not at all."
David knew the proud little princess had a very thin skin, so he didn’t continue to tease her, focusing instead on completing his tasks quickly to make time for their relationship.
Reina sighed in relief, gazing at the bold and confident man before her.
This man was different from all others she had met. He possessed the wisdom and pride of nobility, yet did not strictly adhere to their conventions.
In many aspects, he even seemed a bit like a commoner, or rather an adventurer who loved freedom, eager to break the monotony and full of adventurous spirit.
Of course, no commoner or adventurer could have his level of height and vision; even she, as a princess, was inferior in many respects.
"These shining gold coins quietly lie in the depths of the treasury. Although they represent wealth and power, if not used, they cannot exert their intended effect."
"Their weight and radiance are but hollow symbols, unable to bring genuine improvement to the people or drive the development of the territory."
"Only when they circulate, used to buy necessities, invested in industry and commerce, or employed in public construction, do these gold coins truly transform into the power of life, creating more value."
"The true value of gold coins lies in the change they can bring: providing food for the hungry, seeking treatment for the sick, or laying the foundation for the defense and prosperity of the territory..."
Reina still deeply remembered these words spoken by Duke Frost Wolf, words that broke the long-standing fixed ideas in her mind, revealing the demeanor a true ruler should have.
David didn’t realize how much of an impact his monetary views from the otherworld had on Princess Jingge.
Now, all he needed to do was transform the acquired gold coins and resources into combat power as efficiently as possible to confront the potential upcoming crisis.
With the passing of the Month of the Frosty Winter, a large number of refugees joined Frost Wolf Ridge, enhancing the overall strength of this region.
Especially those militiamen who had undergone trials, needing only a little training to become new fighting power for Frost Wolf Ridge.
Besides expanding the Frost Wolf Knight Order, he also planned to form a Gray Wolf Cavalry Corps.
David now controlled over a hundred Gray Wolves, which were the strongest force at Frost Wolf Ridge now.
However, to maximize the value of the Gray Wolf Pack, these Gray Wolves needed to be bonded with the knight attendants of the Frost Wolf Knight Order.
This would allow more mobile command of the Gray Wolves while also enhancing the overall strength of the Frost Wolf Knight Order.
Wolf cavalry, in fact, existed during the time of the old Duke, although on a limited scale, with only a squad of ten wolf cavalry.
Even so, when this small squad charged at full strength, even official knights found it hard to resist face-on, running the risk of being killed.
And now, with the Frost Wolf Contract, David could directly control the Gray Wolf King to command the Gray Wolf Pack.
Coupled with Cynthia, a born beast tamer who knew the Beast Language, training the wolf cavalry was much easier.
Looking at the personnel list of the Frost Wolf Knight Order personally submitted by the Gray Wolf Knight, David made his decision.
He summoned the Knight Commander of the Frost Wolf Knight Order, instructing all knights to gather tomorrow at the manor’s training ground.
Upon hearing the chance to become wolf cavalry, the Knight Commander’s eyes widened.
Wolf cavalry, indeed.
It had been the goal of all Frost Wolf Knights back when the old Duke was still alive.
And now, they actually had the chance to become wolf cavalry!
"As you command, Lord Duke."
The Knight Commander knelt on one knee, filled with excitement as he went to inform the other knights.
Having handled this matter, David finally breathed a sigh of relief.
He had to admit, having Princess Reina, skilled in handling various government affairs, had saved him a lot of time.
Though Reina didn’t share his modern worldview and values, she was far more adept at managing the governmental affairs of this world than he was.
In fact, having a queen capable of managing a country deal with the small territory of Frost Wolf Ridge was indeed a bit overqualified.
Without Reina, developing Frost Wolf Ridge would definitely have wasted much of his time.
"Thank you, Reina," David sincerely expressed his gratitude.
"I should be thanking you instead."
Reina felt a little embarrassed but her gaze was very earnest.
As their eyes met, David suddenly lifted Reina, placing her in the lord’s seat.
"Be good, lift up a bit."
"..."
"Indeed, compared to black, I still prefer white..."
[You completed a cultivation, Snow Demon Spirit +101]
This time, perhaps due to deep emotions, the cultivation effect was unexpectedly good for both of them.
[Snow Demon Spirit: Tier Three (2707/5000)]
Unknowingly, the cultivation progress for the Snow Demon Spirit had already reached halfway, and he felt it wouldn’t be long before he successfully broke through Tier Three.
Just as David intended to seize the opportunity to cultivate once more, Reina suddenly looked up, somewhat astonished, "Lord Duke, I seem to have... broken through to Tier Two Knight."
At this moment, the proud little princess’s eyes were full of confusion.
She had worked hard for so long without a breakthrough, and today without even cultivating, just by... how did she suddenly break through?