Mount and Blade System: Start from Pioneer Lords

Seeing Lord of Highcliff Castle in person greatly excited the retinue knights, but they found it difficult to reconcile the rumored Lion Hunter Knight, known for his explosive methods and exceptional bravery, with the overly handsome youth before them.

The endless stream of praise from the retinue knights made the lord smile broadly, but their performance in the training ground instantly made his face fall, unable to hide his disappointment.

In a nutshell, they were beaten black and blue in foot combat by the Orcish brutes, chased around like dogs in mounted combat by the Gnoll cavalry and Centaurs, and completely outmatched in archery by the Fede archers.

In less than the time it took to eat a meal, their initial high spirits turned into dejection, with not a trace of their former arrogance.

"Brother-in-law, these noble bastards from big cities are arrogant and aloof. They can't handle big tasks and are unwilling to do small ones. Their heads are full of fantasies, thinking they can secure a place in Highcliff Castle with their bravery alone, but they can barely handle our reserves one-on-one."

Mill shook his head, watching the dejected trainee knights.

From this small sample, Mill instantly felt concerned about Debey's lower-level army.

"They've at least received proper noble education, so it's normal to have some arrogance. Talents are forged through experience."

The lord didn't seem to mind much. He was very lenient with his admirers, patting them on the shoulders and encouraging them individually.

Unfortunately, one characteristic of young lads is their thin skin. Feeling that they had boasted too much beforehand, only to be utterly defeated, they were too embarrassed to stay any longer. After saying goodbye to the lord, they all left, covering their faces.

Presumably, upon returning to Whiteflow City, these trainee knights would use their personal experiences to proclaim the power of Highcliff Castle.

Soon, Highcliff Castle held a grand memorial service.

On a high slope only a few miles from Highcliff Castle, with a wide and unobstructed view, stood rows of tombstones, each engraved with the name, achievements, and era of the deceased.

In fact, burial was the custom of the Holy Light Church in this world, while the Ice and Snow Church practiced ice burial.

The Holy Light Church's doctrine on this was: death is not the end, being forgotten is.

Tombstones are never just formalities; they are a form of historical inheritance.

Since there were no clergy from the Holy Light Church present, the memorial service could only be presided over by the lord, who was barely a Holy Knight.

Fortunately, in his previous life, Li Wei had watched many videos of memorial services for martyrs, so he had a general understanding of the process, which he then combined with the customs of this world.

He created a process that was neither ancient nor modern, but fortunately, the people of Highcliff Castle were not very knowledgeable, and no one who adhered to dogma criticized the lord.

"Lord, we're leaving."

Gus led several Centaur warriors and dozens of vassal farmers driving horse-drawn carts to bid farewell to Li Wei.

His tribe was located deep in the wilderness, and he had only brought the clan warriors out when he joined the Wilderness Allied Forces.

This time, he planned to move the entire tribe to Highcliff Castle.

Having decided to join Highcliff Castle, Gus naturally had no other thoughts.

"Return early."

Li Wei glanced at the tall Centaur leader before him and bumped fists with him.

Highcliff Castle was a newly developing territory, and its population and output could not compare to those of the established noble territories. The addition of the Centaur clan would rapidly improve Highcliff Castle in all aspects.

As for the population ratio between humans and other races?

Li Wei wasn't too worried about this.

Currently, excluding slaves, Highcliff Castle had about five thousand true residents.

Among them, nearly three thousand were Fede commoners, and one thousand were from the Evil Tooth Tribe.

Only Gnolls and Orcs were non-human residents, totaling just over a thousand.

Even if Gus brought all his tribesmen, humans would still be the majority in Highcliff Castle.

Compared to the population, Highcliff Castle's legion strength was a bit stretched.

Compared to the population of over five thousand, the legion only had about seven hundred active soldiers at most.

The Centaur race, with almost all able-bodied adults being archer-warriors, could greatly supplement Highcliff Castle's military strength.

Bringing the number of permanent warriors to around one thousand would barely meet the Debey's small legion size ratio.

If Gus's journey went smoothly, he would return in at most half a month, bringing back nearly a thousand Centaur women and children.

However, this incident reminded Li Wei of the wild men in the Cass Mountains.

It was indeed difficult to trick Debey's commoners into coming to Highcliff Castle, but these wild men struggling on the poverty line could be tricked into becoming residents of Highcliff Castle.

However, it was unknown how long this winter would last, and Highcliff Castle's current resources were only barely enough, so it was not suitable to continue increasing the population.

This matter would have to wait until after next year's harvest.

Highcliff Castle began to fall into orderly development.

The city wall on the hill had been completed, and the lord began planning to build a solid city wall at the foot of the hill as well.

The population of Highcliff Castle was growing, and it would become more and more standardized in the future. He intended to use the hill as the inner castle of Highcliff Castle, which would also be a military stronghold.

The area at the foot of the hill would gradually be planned into a city, divided into residential areas for the residents.

This was a huge project. He only discussed some issues on the blueprints with the Fede craftsmen, and the actual construction would have to wait until next year.

However, in this regard, the lord felt that the wilderness was not without its advantages. It was a vast plain, so building city walls was naturally much simpler than within Debey.

During this time, the lord led a supply team to inspect the iron mine in the Cass Mountains.

When he arrived, Joss, the middle-aged swordsman, was warming himself by the fireplace in a warm wooden house, reading a book for leisure.

Mining was tedious, and basically all the slaves captured by Highcliff Castle were sweating here. He only needed to lead the guards to prevent any short-sighted people from attacking the place.

So it was inevitable that he would read books to pass the time.

"Lord, why are you here?"

He obviously didn't expect the lord to come at this time, and quickly put the book behind his buttocks.

Li Wei had sharp eyes and happened to glimpse the words "Ah Bin" on the book title. He didn't expect this middle-aged uncle to have the same hobby as him, and suddenly felt like he had met a soulmate.

"I just happened to be transporting supplies here, so I came to see you."

Li Wei patted the wind and snow on his body and sat down in a chair.

He came alone with the convoy transporting supplies, without Zart and the others, and without notifying in advance, so it was normal for Joss not to know.

Joss quickly poured a cup of hot tea for the lord, feeling a little uneasy.

After all, he had been caught red-handed slacking off by his biggest boss, which made it difficult to maintain a normal expression.

"This time, in addition to comforting the guards stationed here and checking the output of the iron mine, I'm here to tell you to return to Highcliff Castle for the Winter Solstice."

"Blythes Tina and Mill miss you very much."

Li Wei waved his hand, signaling Joss not to be too restrained.

Although Joss and Tina had no blood relationship, the middle-aged swordsman had watched them grow up, and the relationship was no different from that of a close uncle.

Not to mention, the uncle who forced Blythes Tina to marry a tribal chief in the Cass Mountains was said to have been pushed off a cliff by this unremarkable middle-aged man.

In fact, most of the Fede people knew what was going on, only Blythes Tina, the silly girl, was kept in the dark.

She even rejoiced, waving her hands and feet, that her uncle had been punished by God, and she didn't have to marry an old man.

She even hid under the covers at night to laugh, so that others wouldn't find out that she was happy that her uncle had died.

This kind of silly thing was only known after someone got drunk and insisted on chatting with the lord.

"Time flies so fast. I didn't expect that there were only a few days left until the Winter Solstice. I remember that we were still in a life-and-death crisis at the beginning. I didn't expect that now we not only don't have to worry about safety, but also live comfortably in warm wooden houses doing everything we want to do."

Joss showed a look of reminiscence and was quite emotional.

"And all of this was brought by you."

He got up and gave a serious salute before sitting down.

"Accurately speaking, it was your choice that was right."

Li Wei picked up the teacup and took a sip of hot tea. He had a different opinion.

It was true that everything now was brought by him, but if these Fede people had chosen someone other than him at the beginning, but another pioneering lord, then there would be no next thing.

"Yes."

The two silently drank tea. The howling wind outside rolled up snowflakes and hit the door. Listening to the crackling sound of burning firewood and feeling the warmth, the two cherished this rare peaceful day even more.

On the one hand, the lord came to inform Joss to return to Highcliff Castle for the festival was one of the purposes, and checking the situation of the iron mine was also.

In the open-pit mine, many wilderness people such as Kobolds, Goblins, and Lizardmen wore wool clothes and thick gloves, wielding iron picks and vigorously digging the iron ore in front of them.

There was no misery on their faces as coolies, only serious work.

The lord was not a black-hearted capitalist. He basically guaranteed that these slaves would be fed and clothed warmly.

However, at the same time, they had to pay for their labor, and the food they ate was only guaranteed to be full, and the clothes they wore were also inferior clothes bought by Rolina.

But even so, these slaves were grateful and wept bitterly.

Originally, with the arrival of winter, everything in the wilderness withered. If nothing unexpected happened, most of them would either starve to death or freeze to death this winter, but now as long as they put in labor, they could basically survive.

So the guards here were very relaxed, and even didn't need to actively urge these slaves, they would work spontaneously.

After all, their workload was linked to food and other things.

There were even incidents of wilderness people who had fallen here quietly joining them, preparing to get a meal.

It can be seen that in the wilderness, in fact, most people have difficulty even eating enough, and they really have strength but nowhere to use it.

Finally, after greeting the excited stationed guards, the lord patted his butt and left.

There was almost nothing to see in the mine. Thanks to the enthusiasm of the slaves, the ore output was far higher than the smelting speed of Highcliff Castle.

Several warehouses were already filled here.

It was already the end of November, and there were only three or four months left until next year's spring.

I don't know if the blacksmiths of Highcliff Castle can work overtime to allow Highcliff Castle to achieve a 100% armor-wearing rate when going south.

Especially with the addition of the Centaur clan, it was a big project to have these strong men with an average height of more than three blades wear iron armor.

Since seeing this powerful race of Centaurs, the lord's idea of ​​building a heavy cavalry squad has taken root in his mind.

If this unit was fully armored and charged with lances, it would definitely scare the enemy and become a death god reaping lives on the battlefield.

The Winter Solstice soon came, and whole cattle and sheep were moved onto the grill, most of which entered Sophia's belly, and barrels of wine were pried open and poured into the mouths of the Highcliff Castle warriors.

The bonfire of the entire Highcliff Castle did not go out from morning until the next day.

Laughter filled the sky above Highcliff Castle, and even the slaves were given a day off, and each was given a cup of fruit wine and meat.

They raised their glasses as if they were honored, and drank the fruit wine with their companions next to them.

Full of expectations for the future.

Although they were only slaves in Highcliff Castle and had to work every day, they no longer had to worry about food and clothing, and their lives were much better than before.

Happiness was short-lived. After the Winter Solstice, Highcliff Castle fell into a calm busyness again. Dozens of days later, at the end of December, a caravan came to Highcliff Castle, breaking the silence here.

At that time, Li Wei was winter fishing on the Benyong River. Bu Ji was sitting on his head holding a milk jar, sucking on a hollow wheat straw with her small mouth, sucking vigorously.

"Lord, Miss Myriel and Knight Skye are here."

Sam was worried about not having a reason to approach the lord. When he was wandering around, he met the Mithril Chamber of Commerce who came to Highcliff Castle and unhesitatingly acted as a guide.

The caravan stopped at the foot of the hill, and the guards and coachmen were busy unloading supplies from the carriages loaded with goods. Only Myriel and Skye walked towards the lord.

When Myriel saw Highcliff Castle, her face was unbelievable.

This was the third time she had come to this emerging pioneering territory. If it weren't for the terrain outline being similar to before, plus the annoying lord was still here, she almost thought she had gone to the wrong place.

City walls were erected on all sides of the hill where there were only dilapidated wooden houses before, making it impossible to see what was inside. Squads of elite soldiers patrolled the city walls.

And at the foot of the hill, countless earthen houses were located side by side, with all kinds of wilderness people shuttling through them. In the distance, there were wide earthen houses emitting thick smoke, as if they were smelting something.

"Li Wei, the changes in Highcliff Castle are really too great!" She couldn't help but exclaim.

"Actually, it's okay. After a few battles, it's inevitable that you'll get some supplies and population. If there's no place to use them, you can only use them to develop Highcliff Castle."

Li Wei said perfunctorily, concentrating on the fishing rod in front of him.

But soon, Bu Ji, who had finished drinking the milk, flew to the lord to ask for credit, holding an empty bottle.

"Our little Bu Ji can really drink."

Li Wei happily took out a handkerchief to wipe the milk stains from her mouth.

"Bu Ji!"

The little thing hung the small milk bottle tied with a thin thread back around her waist, and then flew to the top of a hole that the lord had smashed in the ice for fishing.

With a wave of her small hand, a blue light fell, and the lord's fishing rod instantly transmitted a "huge" pulling force.

Li Wei wasn't surprised. With a gentle flick, a plump, silvery fish weighing at least ten pounds flopped around on the ice.

"How cute," Mirelle said, her gaze drawn to it.

"What kind of magical beast is this? I've never seen one before."

Although this little thing looked a lot like a miniature elf, it couldn't speak and had a pair of wings on its back, proving its identity as a magical beast.

"This is a genuine descendant of a god," Li Wei said solemnly, rubbing Bu Ji's little head.

"The War God's identity didn't fool anyone, so now you want to use a divine descendant to deceive those ignorant believers in Debe and build a staunch army of faith?"

Mirelle was sure she had guessed his intentions.

Descendant of a god? What a joke. It has been at least a thousand years since the era of divine manifestation. What descendant could have survived until now?

Besides, those divine followers also claim to be descendants of gods. Using a slightly peculiar magical beast as a divine descendant is something only the Lord of Highcliff Castle could come up with.

Li Wei had never heard of such a wicked trick. He quietly noted it in his mind but retorted, "With my current reputation, countless aspiring knights are eager to join Highcliff Castle. There's no need to waste effort on such an unrewarding task."

"That's true," Mirelle nodded.

Now, this Lion Hunter Knight had become quite famous in the Northern Territory, the talk of the North after dinner, and could be considered one of the most sought-after figures in the region.

"These are the supplies Duchess Frelina asked me to bring to you," Mirelle said, pointing to dozens of carriages of goods in the distance, then continued, "The Mithril Merchant Guild hopes to establish a merchant house in Highcliff Castle, managed by me. I wonder if you, Li Wei, would agree?"

"It's an honor. I greatly welcome the Mithril Merchant Guild to establish a merchant house in Highcliff Castle."

Li Wei didn't hesitate and extended his hand. "I hope we have a pleasant cooperation."

They shook hands.

Although he didn't expect the Mithril Merchant Guild to establish a shop in Highcliff Castle, it was beneficial to Highcliff Castle and would greatly promote its development.

The Lord would naturally not refuse.

"Good day, Sir Li."

Only then did Skye have a chance to greet him.

"I didn't expect you to come, Skye."

"Sir, I have a special purpose for coming here," Skye winked, with a hint of teasing in his expression.

After a few more pleasantries, Li Wei led Skye back to Highcliff Castle and instructed Meer to take Mirelle to choose a location for the merchant house.

Currently, the hill had been designated as a military stronghold, strictly forbidden to outsiders, so the location of the merchant house was set at the foot of the hill, in a place with decent scenery.

"Speak, what are you here for?"

In the small house, Beatrice poured tea for the two of them and sat quietly listening.

"Ahem, Sir, I think it's better if we discuss this in private," Skye said, glancing at Beatrice beside him, hinting at something.

"Tina is the person I trust most. Is there anything that can't be said? Just say it."

The Lord waved his hand.

"This?" Skye looked at the serious Li Wei, hesitated, and finally gritted his teeth and took out several letters from his arms and placed them on the table.

Sir, you decided this yourself, don't blame me for selling you out.

Skye said silently in his heart.

"What are these?" Li Wei asked curiously.

"Sir, these are letters written to you by the young ladies of the Whiteflow City nobility, and they finally asked me to bring them to you," Skye said with a helpless expression.

"Damn, why didn't you say so earlier!"

The Lord regretted it immensely. He could clearly feel the temperature beside him seemed to have dropped several degrees.

But who was he? He was the Lord of Highcliff Castle, and his status was definitely unquestionable.

"What kind of noble daughters wrote these letters?" Li Wei asked nonchalantly.

"As you expected, they are basically some minor nobles, mostly barons," Skye said truthfully.

Li Wei's enthusiasm instantly diminished by more than half. A group of barons, with overly small territories and mostly militia forces, their combat power was worrying.

They were of no help to him.

"Forget it, help me throw them away," he waved his hand, lacking interest.

Unexpectedly, Beatrice spoke up at this time. She said with a smile, "Li Wei, since you don't want to deal with these letters, let me help you."

"Alright," Li Wei nodded.

Beatrice, receiving the letters, suppressed her inner excitement, held the letters, and left the room, her back looking noticeably more cheerful.

Once he confirmed that Beatrice had left, Li Wei quickly locked the door, came to Skye, and sat down. The two looked at each other, and everything was understood without words.

"Sir, these are letters written by two earls," Skye took out two more letters from the other side.

"Are there any countesses?" Li Wei asked as he took the letters.

"Ahem..." Skye almost spat out the tea he had just drunk, with a helpless expression: "Sir, these are letters written by two exceptionally powerful male earls of Whiteflow City."

"I can be considered acquainted with them. I came here this time because they asked me to deliver the letters, and I also brought everyone else's."

Li Wei heard this and became somewhat disinterested. Letters written by two old men were really hard for him to get interested in.

As he read, Skye introduced the two earls.

"Among them, Earl Andao Tillery is in his prime. He doesn't have any daughters or anything. He wrote to you probably to make early contact and show goodwill."

"And Earl Luke Fuss is already old and has several daughters and a son. I guess he probably wants to marry you, and with your powerful military strength as a son-in-law, his son can better secure the position of earl."

"And compared to the Northern Territory, you are an outsider. Although you are militarily strong, you can't make plans in it."

Skye's words were quite pertinent.

"It's just that I have barely become a popular figure in Whiteflow City, attracting investment from some discerning people."

Li Wei shook his head, put the letters back on the table, and apart from the flowery praises at the beginning, the real text was only a few short lines, and the content was exactly the same as Skye said.

It was evident that Skye understood these two very well.

He touched his stubble-covered chin that he hadn't shaved in a few days and asked curiously, "Skye, what does this Earl Luke's third daughter look like?"