Among the refugees was a princess being pursued.
David never expected to encounter such a situation.
If it weren't for this princess intervening multiple times, risking her exposure to help, he would have definitely thrown this hot potato away immediately.
But now that she had already made a move despite the risk of exposure, at least he saw her attitude. She didn't just regard him as a shield.
Therefore, he decided to give this Princess Jingge a chance to weigh the benefits.
Princess Jingge looked at Duke Frost Wolf, who was deep in thought, her heart was also at her throat, but at the same time, she felt somewhat relieved.
It appeared that this Duke Frost Wolf was willing to give her a chance.
If that were the case, she had to find a way to persuade him to let her stay and provide her with protection.
But now, what could she have in her hands to attract him?
Both of them had their thoughts, and the room fell silent for a moment.
Finally, it was David who broke the silence first, "Whose hands currently hold the Jingge Kingdom?"
"On the surface, it's still my father, but secretly the Duke of Ice Crown has already taken control of the army and most of the nobles," the Third Princess said with a sullen face.
"What is your position in the line of succession?"
Princess Jingge was taken aback for a moment, then replied somewhat helplessly, "Among the descendants of the Crystal Song Clan, I'm the only one who has awakened the Snow Demon Bloodline so far."
For the Bloodline Knight Clan, there's no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate or elder and younger. Whoever awakens their bloodline can be considered an heir of the clan.
Princess Jingge was completely sure now that Duke Frost Wolf was weighing the risks and benefits.
If Duke Frost Wolf confirmed the dangers, what could she offer him that would make him overlook those dangers?
Very difficult.
"You've awakened the Snow Demon Bloodline?"
David was a bit surprised, then recalled the records he had read in ancient texts.
Those with the Crystal Song Snow Demon Bloodline had control over the Ice Power that wasn't weaker than that of the Ice and Snow Mage.
Moreover, the Snow Demon Breathing Technique of the Jingge Royal Family could train the body as well as enhance spiritual power, comparable to the effects of the Meditation Method!
"That's right."
"I am now an Official Knight."
"Also, I have quite a promising talent with hopes of advancing to a Tier Four Earth Knight in the future."
Princess Jingge spoke confidently; this was, apart from her princess status, the only thing she could currently rely on.
If the Frost Wolf Clan were willing to invest resources in her, she was indeed confident she could advance to a Tier Four Earth Knight. At that time, there might be a chance to reclaim the Jingge Kingdom.
"Not bad, I'm quite interested in your bloodline," David squinted slightly.
If he could obtain the Snow Demon Bloodline and Breathing Technique from Princess Jingge, it might help him master the power of an Ice and Snow Mage earlier!
In addition to this, Princess Jingge was the first in line to the throne of the Jingge Kingdom. Although this would bring trouble, it also offered an opportunity to seize the Jingge Kingdom.
"You!"
But just as he finished speaking, Princess Jingge's eyes widened suddenly.
In Princess Jingge's mind, this translated to him wanting to have offspring with the Snow Demon Bloodline through her!
The Frost Giant Wolf Bloodline and Crystal Song Snow Demon Bloodline could indeed give rise to offspring with even stronger bloodlines!
However, exchanging her body for Duke Frost Wolf's protection...
Her mind involuntarily recalled a previous scene, where Duke Frost Wolf's talent was far superior to hers.
At twenty years old, he was nearly at the Tier Four Earth Knight strength.
Moreover, Duke Frost Wolf's kindness toward the refugees proved he was a good lord.
And Duke Frost Wolf seemed to be unmarried.
Thinking of this, her face suddenly flushed, and waves of emotion stirred in her heart.
If Duke Frost Wolf were to propose to her normally, she would probably happily agree.
Yet the current situation resembled a trade.
But now, if she wanted to stay in Frost Wolf Ridge and have Duke Frost Wolf protect her despite the threats from the Duke of Ice Crown, there seemed to be no other way.
"You... You want an alliance with the Crystal Song Clan?" Her voice trembled slightly, with a hint of expectation in her eyes.
David looked up at the astute princess, "I can't promise you anything right now, but I swear in the name of the Frost Wolf Clan, I will surely protect you."
It truly was just a transaction.
Princess Jingge closed her eyes in disappointment, her face slightly pale.
"You can take your time to consider."
David stood up, knowing this matter would require her to take time to think over.
At this moment in the refugee camp, the battle had come to an end.
Although these mercenaries were well-prepared, after all the Official Knights were killed, they no longer posed much of a threat.
Back when David chose this as the refugee camp, besides it being sheltered from the wind, he valued its valley-like terrain.
The entire refugee camp was flanked by mountains, so as long as the two other entrances were guarded, it was difficult for these refugees to leave this camp and enter Frost Wolf Ridge.
The Gray Wolf Knight, a Tier Three Knight, led nearly twenty knight attendants and a large militia made up of refugees, surrounding the entire camp without letting any mercenary escape.
"Young Master David, everyone is gathered here," said the Gray Wolf Knight.
Upon hearing this, David nodded in satisfaction. This time he displayed impressive power in front of everyone, but he still didn't want the news to leak out.
Despite having the combat strength of a Tier Four Earth Knight, which gave him enough leverage in the Northern Lands,
if the Ice Bear Clan tore the relationship entirely, sending in a knight order with a Tier Four Earth Knight like the Ice Bear Knight to invade, Frost Wolf Ridge would still struggle to defend.
With his system, he could continue to grow stronger quickly, so he naturally preferred to delay things longer.
"Interrogate them, and then kill them all," David said calmly.
"Yes."
The Gray Wolf Knight complied.
When the mercenaries heard this, they all widened their eyes in terror.
Some mercenaries immediately began to plead for mercy and swore allegiance to Frost Wolf Ridge, but David didn't even lift an eyelid.
Having chosen invasion, they should naturally face the consequences, regretting now was already too late.
Ignoring the cries of these mercenaries, the Gray Wolf Knight had the knight attendants drag them all away.
Soon, the Deadman's Forest would have more stakes.
David showed no emotion towards the mercenaries, but when he turned to the refugee militia, his face broke into a smile.
He then generously praised these militiamen, giving them extra food.
This refugee turmoil could also be seen as a test.
The militia, who took up arms and fought against the mercenaries amidst the chaos, had already proven their loyalty.
Once this refugee disaster ended, all of these militiamen could be incorporated into the Frost Wolf Knight Order for training, strengthening Frost Wolf Ridge's power.
David could already envision that once the refugee disaster ended, it would be time for the Ice Bear Clan to make a move. Clearly, his power alone was insufficient to hold onto Frost Wolf Ridge.