Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

Andre, having laughed enough, extended his bear-like hand and heartily slapped Pierre on the shoulder: "The battle in Green Valley, you fought beautifully. Don't be afraid of what others say, who cares? Winning is what's most important!"

Having said that, Andrea Cherini Commissioner spurred his horse and left in grand style. Nikola, carrying a fishing rod, saluted Pierre and hurried to follow.

Pierre rubbed his sore shoulder and walked into Artemis.

There were no longer any signs of battle in the city, the streets were meticulously cleaned, and the shops along the roads had all resumed business.

However, the pedestrians on the street were walking with a slight sense of urgency, men with their heads down and women wrapped in scarves, trying their best not to attract attention. Especially when they saw the fully armored Pierre, everyone instinctively avoided him.

Pierre made his way unimpeded to the Vernge County Garrison.

The layout of the Vernge County Garrison was similar to that of the Iron Peak County Garrison, with a two-story building, a training ground, and a surrounding wall.

Entering the courtyard and stepping into the stable, Pierre saw a familiar figure both humming a tune and brushing Longwind. Not far away, Red Mane was securely tied to a stable post.

Red Mane and Longwind stared intensely at each other, glaring with anger.

Pierre had no doubt that if their reins were loosened, these two uncastrated stallions would immediately fight to the death.

The person brushing the horse heard footsteps, turned to look at Pierre, and exclaimed in surprise: "Pierre!"

Pierre also smiled sincerely: "Anglu."

Anglu dropped the brush, ran to Pierre, and they embraced each other tightly, kissing each other's cheeks in the Dusack tradition—though no kissing on the lips, as that's something only the old men would do.

"What brings you here?" Pierre asked.

"I came with Bard Commissioner," Anglu replied with a smile: "The Commissioner brought many people. This time we are going to take full control of Vernge County."

"Where's Bell?"

"He's still wandering outside the Border River, accepting the surrendering Herders."

Pierre looked Anglu up and down, noting how the former stable hand had shed his childishness and become efficient and steady.

He didn't know what to say, so he hugged Anglu again and kissed his cheeks with enthusiasm.

The two exchanged a few words about recent events.

Anglu rambled on: "…Vernge County is also a big mess. We need to quickly measure the land and distribute the new batch of allocated fields. If we're lucky, and we catch the autumn plowing, it could significantly reduce our burden. If we miss this season, we'll have to wait until next year…"

Pierre listened patiently for a while and then suddenly asked: "Do you also think there won't be any more wars?"

"Who knows?" Anglu gave a bitter smile, deliberately avoiding Pierre's question: "All I know is, because the Commissioner requisitioned too many horses, even lame horses in Iron Peak County are being used for plowing. Even if there are more wars, the horses must regain some weight. Also, while the weather is warm, we need to mate the mares quickly. Otherwise, a few months from now, when the weather turns cold, the foals will only be born in autumn, making it difficult for them to survive the winter..."

As he spoke, Anglu suddenly remembered something, smacked his forehead, and asked Pierre: "You're here to see the Centurion, right?"

Pierre nodded and then shook his head: "No rush, I want to hear more about matters in Iron Peak County."

"These things can be talked about any time, you should meet the Centurion first."

Anglu paused for a moment: "Blood Wolf is waiting for you."

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