The Path to Lordship Begins in the North

Linde remembered reading a farming novel from an island nation in his previous life. The protagonist, when faced with political enemies, neither consolidated his power nor looked for weaknesses, but instead thought about assassinating them.

It can only be said that it perfectly fits Lind's stereotype of islanders as being prone to violence and insubordination.

Linde did not particularly admire this strategy, and even looked down on it. Assassination was acceptable, but making it the primary strategy was absurd.

Assassination can only be used as a last resort when you are at a disadvantage, because once it starts, it cannot be stopped and someone will always have to pay the price for it.

Trying to achieve a specific goal through assassination is extremely difficult, and the final result will be far from what was predicted.

And now these natives gave Lind that feeling.

Someone has to pay the price for this assassination.

"I'm really fine, Lind. Look, my arm is strong enough to wield a sword and swing a hammer again!"

Lena sat on the bed, one hand pressing on her bandaged shoulder, while her shoulder moved her arm around in a constant motion.

It must be said that because of the existence of divine magic, the surgical technology in this world is very advanced. As long as it is not a fatal blow, you can throw money at it and bring the person back.

Thanks to the almost unlimited supply of holy water, the poison and plague on the stone arrow had little effect. Although the poison would weaken the player for a moment, Lena had indeed almost fully recovered.

The defensive prowess of the Knight Lars was fully demonstrated by Lena. Although the stone arrow broke through Lena's knightly defense, Lena withstood the stone arrow thanks to her excellent physical strength.

"No, you need to rest well for the next few days and listen to the nuns."

"But didn't we just attend a meeting?"

"That's why you need to rest even more."

Lin De forcibly pushed Lena onto the bed.

"Linde, your expression is a little scary."

Hearing what Lena said, Lind was stunned for a moment, then relaxed completely.

"Sorry, I'm just a little nervous. Anyway, you have to listen to the nuns and not do anything else for the time being. Also, put the design of the magic train on hold for now."

"Can't I even hug you?"

Seeing Lena's earnest eyes, Lind had no choice but to say, "Alright, drawing design sketches is fine too. We'll talk about the rest when I get back."

After greeting Lena, Lind left the room, put on his military cap, and pulled the brim down low.

The guards behind him immediately followed.

"Summon all military personnel and notify local officials that we are now entering war mode and the spring offensive has been brought forward."

"Yes!"

"Lucanus".

"The minister is here."

"Go and accept your punishment yourself, then come back for the meeting."

"Take orders."

Although he was punished for inadequate protection, and even had many of his privileges revoked, and his bodyguard Linde was replaced by someone from the Lars family, Lucanos seemed unusually excited.

Before news of the assassination could even reach the Gray and White Collars, Lind brought the now energetic Reina to a high-level meeting. With Lucanus's guidance, no rumors were given a chance to spread.

Now, Linde has convened a military and political meeting, and this meeting is about the real business.

The hall was very warm, with a bonfire burning brightly as a decoration, which highlighted the North Wind Bear banner hanging on the wall.

Lind, dressed in a black uniform and cloak, stepped onto the platform. The people below were all leaders in the army. Although only the Third Army was led by Old Lars White among the three armies, many of the mixed soldiers below were people who had sworn allegiance to Lars.

Everyone knew that this was probably not a meeting, but a notification. If it were just a meeting, Lind would sit with each leader on equal footing.

Standing on the high platform, Lin De's gaze was like iron as he surveyed everyone present.

"Doug Lars, they've already started."

At the meeting, the audience fell silent as soon as Linde began to speak.

According to Lucanus's intelligence, the assassination was related to Doug Lars, but not extensively.

It doesn't matter, even if Doug Lars is innocent, he still has to take the blame.

Lind needs an enemy, a clear enemy, an enemy that can unite the entire territory. Who that enemy is is not important, but someone must pay the price for Lena's injury.

"These ungrateful bastards still covet the so-called rightful position. They killed their own father but show no remorse. They collude with the demons, wanting to continue killing the Grand Duke's other bloodlines, to seize our land, plunder our resources, and trample on our dignity!"

Lind slammed his hand heavily on the podium, scattering the remaining manuscript like snowflakes.

“I’m not warning them, but they’ve already started doing it! Their behavior is like that of filthy, shameful rats that dare not see the light of day; their disgusting stench has already exposed their despicable acts.”

"They're declaring war!"

Lucanus stepped forward at the opportune moment and briefly explained the fortifications that Doug was building, as well as some recent border conflicts.

"But they forgot who the true masters of the North are!"

"We will not only defend our homeland, but also make them understand that the wrath of the North will sweep away all obstacles in our way! We will let these rats know that there is no place for them in the harsh winter of the North! We will crush all enemies who dare to invade us, and let them know that the North has never feared war, and we will reclaim the glory of the North!"

"Long live the North! Long live victory!"

A deafening cheer erupted in the hall, especially from the conservatives who thought the radicals were too conservative.

"Long live the North! Long live victory!"

Linde stepped down from the stone platform and came to White.

As the only old Lars among the army leaders, White naturally understood what Lind meant.

"From this day forward, we will live and die together. From now on, we will make history."

Lind's voice wasn't loud, but his tone was firm. White's lips moved slightly, and his tall body trembled uncontrollably, something that would be impossible for a knight who could precisely control his body.

White knelt down, clasped his hands together, and placed them in front of Lind.

"I will serve you... my lord."

Lind placed his hands on White's hands, signifying his acceptance of White's allegiance.

In this outsider, White seemed to see Lars, the legendary pioneer who opened up the North.

It doesn't matter anymore. For White, the old Lars faction and Lind's own faction are completely irrelevant. From now on, the two factions will no longer be distinguishable, and White will only be loyal to Lind.

"My knights, are you ready for victory?"

"Wan Sheng!"

"Wan Sheng!"

The gray-collar workers began to roar.