Although Battle Aura and magic existed on this continent, only a very small number of people could truly master these two abilities.
Among them, those who could learn magic were even rarer, like precious treasures.
In his memory, in the ACT eroge game "Statera Continent," the level setting was extremely simple, starting from level 1 to a maximum of level 100, without special titles like "Golden Knight."
However, reality differed from the game.
Just like Franck, who was split in half by Agnes's axe earlier, and Captain Lina of the Knight Order, they had both reached the realm of Golden Knights.
This showed that the division of levels was different from the game, and he needed to understand this further.
Bringing his thoughts back to Winterfell City.
In the game's setting, this guardian fortress of the North had always borne the heavy responsibility of resisting beasts and demons.
The Stark family deeply understood the importance of the military and always prioritized cultivating a powerful army.
After all, on the stage of war, the strength of the army often determines the outcome, and a powerful army is undoubtedly the cornerstone of victory.
But in Link's view, Winterfell City's excessive focus on military development had, to some extent, neglected basic livelihood construction.
Winterfell City was located in the North, where the land was barren and the climate cold, making crop growth very difficult.
The common people's lives were not prosperous, which was by no means a long-term solution.
As the ancient saying goes: "Limitless extravagance, extreme militarism, empty coffers for the people, and widespread exhaustion for all."
If this continued, Winterfell City would inevitably suffer the consequences.
One might imagine, if the common people in Winterfell City lived lives filled with bitterness and devoid of happiness, then when the beast tide surged, or even future demon invasions, the vast majority would undoubtedly flee with their families without hesitation, rather than resolutely staying to live and die with Winterfell City, advancing and retreating together.
After all, public support often depends on one's living conditions.
Only by making the common people feel the stability and happiness of life in this city, and fostering a strong sense of belonging in their hearts, can Winterfell City gather the strength of a united front, becoming increasingly impregnable and prosperous amidst the storms.
Given this, Link felt that Winterfell City must undergo reforms; while strengthening the troops, it must also improve the livelihood of the people.
He thought of the cart of potatoes he had drawn earlier, which could be distributed to the common people for planting.
It was now late summer and early autumn, with ample time remaining. If they could gather stronger forces before the winter beast tide, they would undoubtedly be better able to resist these future disasters.
"Lord, the water isn't quite warm enough. Would you like me to add more hot water?"
The maid's voice rang in his ears, interrupting Link's thoughts.
"No, just dry me off and bring my clothes."
"Yes, Lord."
Watching Link stand up from the bathtub, his thick member swaying between his legs, the young maid blushed shyly and exited the room to fetch Link's clothes.
In the quiet study of the City Lord's Mansion, candlelight flickered, casting shifting shadows on the surrounding scrolls and ancient books.
Link sat behind the desk, gently holding a freshly brewed cup of coffee, steam rising, intertwining with his focused gaze.
He occasionally took a sip, and at times, he wrote rapidly on paper, recording the thoughts and plans that constantly emerged in his mind.
Not long after, the study door was gently pushed open, and Lina, along with several Soldiers, escorted two exquisitely beautiful women into the room.
Of the two, one was exceptionally graceful, her eyes revealing a mature charm; the other was pure and lovely, with a hint of youthful innocence in her brows.
Their hands were bound behind their backs, and their steps faltered, clearly having endured some hardship.
"Kneel!"
Lina barked, forcefully pushing the two women to the ground.
Then, she knelt on one knee, facing Link, her voice steady and respectful: "Lord Link, I have not failed you! These two are Orlando's wife, Olivia, and his daughter, Isabelle. When we pursued them, they were preparing to escape Winterfell City by carriage. As for the other personnel in Orlando's mansion, including maids and servants, all have been executed."
Upon hearing this, Link gently put down his coffee cup, his gaze profound.
He had to admit, Lina had done very well; apart from the mother and daughter, everyone else had been cleanly dealt with, eliminating future troubles.
"What about Orlando's assets? How have they been handled?"
Lina lowered her head slightly, a hint of apology in her tone: "Reporting, Lord, Orlando's assets are vast, and the inventory work is still ongoing. I humbly request more time, so we can thoroughly investigate."
Link nodded slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips: "Hmm, you handled this matter well. However, the assets must be inventoried today. Before dinner, I want to see a detailed inventory report."
"Yes, Lord."
Lina accepted the order and respectfully withdrew, followed by the escorting Soldiers, and the study returned to its quiet state.
Link slowly rose, walked around the desk, and with steady steps, approached Olivia and Isabelle.
His gaze roamed over their faces; first, he pinched Olivia's chin, examining her closely, then turned to Isabelle, scrutinizing her with the same gaze.
"The rumors are indeed true. They say Orlando's wife is peerlessly beautiful; his daughter Isabelle is also pure and extraordinary, with exceptional beauty," Link's voice held a hint of playfulness.
Olivia's eyes widened at his words, filled with burning anger. She struggled fiercely, trying to break free from her bonds, but could only emit muffled grunts.
"Oh? That gaze is quite stubborn."
Link chuckled, a hint of appreciation in his eyes: "I like that unyielding look. After all, if they give in too easily, conquering them loses a lot of its fun. What, do you have something to say to me?"
With that, he reached out and pulled away the cloth stuffed in Olivia's mouth.
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