After I died, my personal maid rebelled.

"Time is like a wild donkey, Duke Drizzt, once it starts running, it never stops."

In the empty office, the high and mighty ruler of the North sighed and smiled as he invited him to sit down.

Tristana took small steps forward, straightened her back, and because she was only sitting in one-third of the seat, she leaned slightly forward, looking very cautious.

Times have changed. The precarious human kingdom has reached its final stage, and it is clear to everyone that the supreme crown has already been placed in the north.

Along the way, Drizzt also encountered a different territory.

The roads are smooth and wide, even easier to walk on than stone slab roads; the countryside is peaceful and serene, with sturdy and imposing houses clustered among green hills and clear waters on vast wheat fields; and then there are the cities, such as Ice City, which retains its historical simplicity, but the ring of steam and steel buildings on the periphery seems to be ushering in a new era.

A migration trend has begun, and young men see the Northern Territory as their future. The lands of the past can no longer bind them; becoming a member of the Northern Army or receiving the treatment of workers in the Northern Territory are the topics they discuss most.

The economy has never been so prosperous. You can find an old farmer on the street with a handful of copper coins in his pocket, which was unimaginable in the past.

"Trist, you should think carefully before you speak."

Unlike Oswald's gentle demeanor, Luna, sitting to the side, had her eyes lowered, with a hint of impatience in them.

Luna, who received the reward, wore a plain white dress with light blue floral patterns, and several medals gleamed on her chest. Even the well-informed Drizzt dared not say that any princess was more noble than Luna now.

Luna went to the Eastern Territory, and Duke Dale was gone; she went on an expedition to the Elven Kingdom, and the Undead Legion was gone...

According to her youngest daughter, Leia, Luna is now in charge of the entire southern part of the continent. Once the troops have replenished and rested, the next siege of the royal city is inevitable.

Because the very name "Royal City" is a challenge to Miss Luna.

But what's next? After conquering the royal city, will Luna turn her attention to the western territories?

His daughter also reminded him not to take any chances, as the Northern Territory did not need his submission; what the Northern Territory needed to eradicate was the chronic disease known as the nobility.

Trist opened his mouth several times, but stammered, which made Luna click her tongue softly.

If it weren't for saving face for Paul and Rhea, she wouldn't have reminded Trist that this senile old man probably thought his brother was just having a casual chat with him!

Which high-ranking official or general in the north could remain calm after seeing his elder brother's smiling face?

The war in the Elf Kingdom is over, but to the south are three main divisions of the Northern Army, plus the Knight Division. Who gave them the courage to think they could come to Ice City to negotiate?

With your Western Territory's ragged, old, and weak soldiers? Dream on!

"Duke Tristana must be tired, Rhea."

Seeing that Drizzt was speechless, Oswald smiled, picked up his pipe, and beckoned towards the door. Rhea quickly pushed open the door and came in, wiping the sweat from her hands on her skirt.

"Take your father downstairs to rest. We can talk about it later."

"Yes, Your Grace."

Leia jogged forward and, only after supporting her father did she realize how weak and cold his body was. Biting her lip, Leia silently led Drizzt, who looked ten years older, out of the office.

As soon as the two left, Oswald put away his amused gaze, pulled out a document, and pushed it to Luna.

"This is a report submitted by Division Commander Rondo. Study it carefully after you go down. The Western Territory is rich in mineral resources, which can provide considerable assistance for the future development of the troops."

Luna got up, took the documents, and was about to take her leave when Oswald called her back.

Oswald looked her up and down. As the saying goes, time is a wild donkey; in the blink of an eye, Luna had grown up.

"Go and have old George forge you a good weapon." Oswald pointed to Luna's empty belt. "Dwarves, alchemists, and all sorts of rare resources are at your disposal. Make sure the scabbard is nice too."

"Thank you, elder brother!"

Overjoyed, Luna stepped out of the office and slid down the stairs, running clattering out of the Duke's mansion.

Red, who arrived at the Duke's mansion with his "goods," happened to run into the young lady who was running out.

"Young Miss..."

"Red, I have something to do. You'll have to treat me to dinner later."

Before he could even say hello, Luna vanished in a flash. But what do you mean, you're asking me to have dinner?

He squeezed his meager wallet, grinned, waved for the soldiers to unload a large cargo box from the carriage, announced his arrival, and then entered the mansion.

Oswald, who was quickly handling government affairs, put down his pen, set aside the mining report, and leisurely glanced at Red.

Then his gaze fell on the large cargo box, from which came a series of loud thumping sounds.

Red, looking like he was waiting to be praised, raised his head, bowed, and said, "Reporting to the Duke, the mission has been successfully completed."

Oswald picked up his still-burning pipe, took a deep drag, and asked, "What mission? What did you kidnap?"

Reid quickly wiped the smile off his face, and after confirming several times that the Duke's expression was not a joke, he hurriedly took out an application report stamped with the Secretariat's seal from his pocket and handed it to Oswald.

Oswald read it once, then a second time, and couldn't help but rub his temples.

After much deliberation, Oswald realized that only he could take the blame. Eleanor couldn't, and neither could Jacob, with whom he needed to build a closer relationship.

As the executor, Reid can't be said to have done anything wrong. He's naturally prone to overthinking, and he always needs his subordinates to be cautious, no matter the time or place.

So, Hailey, who had just been released and untied, immediately pointed at Oswald and started cursing him.

"I knew there wasn't a single good person in your Northern Territory. They used to say the Northern Army were bandits, and I didn't believe them. But in broad daylight, they actually kidnapped women!"

Looking at the freckled, dark-skinned, and burly village girl in front of him, Oswald leaned back sharply to avoid the spittle flying from under her buck teeth, and couldn't help but feel a deep respect for Jacob.

Good lad, your taste is quite unique.

However, Hailey is clearly a cultured person; when she hurls insults, she comes up with one after another, without repeating a single word.

With the air of a scholarly family and the essence of the village intelligence agency, Hayley, who repeatedly emphasized her unyielding spirit with various gestures, suddenly stopped speaking the moment she saw Oswald's face.

Black hair, black eyes, tall stature... Damn it, this is that evil star from the Northern Territory!

Oswald picked at his ear, then told Reid to pour Hayley a cup of tea, who was parched, before revealing a ruthless grin.

"Finished your rant? Had you vented your frustrations?"

Hayley held her teacup, unsure whether to drink it or not. Was this renowned duke attracted to her talent or her beauty?

"Well, that's not entirely impossible..."

Nearing thirty and still without a single romantic interest, Hailey thought it over carefully and realized she couldn't seem to lose out no matter what. In terms of looks, Oswald was top-notch; in terms of talent, if not a legendary hero, he was certainly a formidable figure in a chaotic era.

That was her silly junior brother from back then. He ate and drank at her house for free for a whole year, promising to marry her off to a noble family to restore their honor. But what happened?

As his family declined day by day, he had nowhere to display his talents and could barely make ends meet by working himself to the bone.

Oh, my silly junior brother, where are you still wandering now? Your senior sister is waiting...

"That's good, Red. Send her to the governor."