74: Revise the law

The order and prosperity of Star Sea City are not only reflected in its brick streets and bustling port but also need to be rooted in a rigorous and sustainable legal and financial system. Inside the castle study, thick parchment scrolls lay spread across the heavy oak table, filled with clauses that Linn and Elise had repeatedly refined. Sunlight streamed through the glazed windows, casting dappled shadows on the still-wet ink.

"The framework for the 'Star Sea Territory Basic Law' is roughly complete," Linn said, rubbing his slightly throbbing brow, looking at Elise who was intently reviewing the document opposite him. "The rights and obligations of the Freemen, land ownership and transactions, commercial tax regulations, criminal sentencing... Although rudimentary, it finally has a preliminary form. We can gradually supplement and revise it in the future."

Elise looked up, her elven keenness easily detecting a subtle fatigue in Linn's brow. "Laws are the skeleton of order, and you, my Lord, have done well enough. It's just..." She lightly tapped the part of the parchment concerning "taxation." "Once this section is officially promulgated and enforced, I'm afraid it will cause some ripples among the Freemen. After all, many of them are accustomed to the initial tax-exempt policy."

Linn sighed, leaning back in his chair and gazing out at the prosperous city scene. "I know, Elise. But the territory cannot forever rely solely on the income from my potion refining. In the past, with fewer people and a smaller operation, it was barely sustainable. Now, city operations, army support, public construction, official salaries... each is a huge expense. The potion trade with Viscount Nocturne and the trade profits from Haige City seem substantial, but pouring them into this rapidly expanding territory is like pouring water into sand."

He stood up and walked to the window, his tone carrying both helplessness and resolve: "I'm not trying to impose harsh taxes. The tax rate is set lower than in other noble territories, and it's clearly stated that it will be used for public welfare and defense construction. But without rules, there can be no order; without taxes, there can be no state. For the Star Sea Territory to endure, it must establish a healthy financial cycle and cannot always rely on my 'extra income' alone."

Elise walked to his side and nodded understandingly: "I understand your considerations, my Lord. We just need to make the people understand the necessity of taxation and what they will gain. Perhaps we could simultaneously announce several measures that benefit everyone, such as expanding public schools and establishing permanent medical clinics, clearly stating that tax revenue will be used for these purposes."

"Good idea," Linn's eyes lit up. "A carrot and a stick is always more effective. I'll leave this matter to you and Morton to refine. Prepare a detailed public announcement and, before its promulgation, consult some respected individuals in a few villages to gain their support."

Just as the two were about to finalize the last details and prepare to summon the scribe to transcribe the official document, there was a hurried and restrained footsteps outside the study, followed by a guard's announcement: "My Lord, Captain Angus urgently requests an audience!"

"Let him in." Linn frowned slightly. Angus was in charge of the Divine Arrow Army and also oversaw some perimeter reconnaissance missions; he wouldn't burst into the study like this unless it was urgent military intelligence.

Dust-covered Angus strode in quickly, not even pausing to salute, his face a mixture of excitement and solemnity: "My Lord! We have made a major discovery!" The usually steady Angus seemed particularly agitated at this moment.

"Don't rush, speak slowly, what discovery?" Linn gestured for him to sit down, and Elise had already deftly handed him a cup of clear water.

Angus took a large gulp of water, calmed his breathing, and quickly reported: "As per routine, my team conducted field training and topographical surveys three hundred kilometers northwest of Star Sea City in the New Moon Plain. Just yesterday, in a lush river valley area, we discovered a group of extremely special horses!"

"Special horses?" Linn grew interested.

"Yes, my Lord! Their number is about one hundred and twenty to thirty. Their bodies are much taller and more powerful than ordinary warhorses, with shoulder heights generally exceeding two meters, and strong, powerful limbs. The most peculiar thing is," Angus's eyes gleamed, "they have short, sharp black twin horns on their foreheads, and their necks to their chests are covered with dense, tough dark scales that reflect a metallic luster in the sunlight! When they run, their speed is extremely fast, their hooves thunder like lightning, and their Aura is astonishing! We dared not get too close, but they are clearly very vigilant, and... there seems to be faint traces of elemental fluctuations."

"Twin horns on their heads, scales on their necks..." Elise repeated softly, a hint of surprise flashing in her emerald eyes. "My Lord, if Captain Angus's description is accurate, these could very well be Dragon Scale Horses!"

"Dragon Scale Horse?" Linn looked at Elise. He vaguely remembered seeing this name in some rare Demonic Beast illustrated guides, but knew little about the details.

"Yes," Elise affirmed, the Elf Race's knowledge of natural creatures now coming into play. "Dragon Scale Horses are recognized as Tier 2 Demonic Beasts. Although far from true Dragons, it is rumored that their Bloodline indeed contains an extremely faint trace of Dragonkin Bloodline. This gives them strength, speed, endurance, and magic resistance far exceeding ordinary horses. The scales on their necks have defensive power comparable to light armor, and their single horn can easily pierce leather or even thin iron. Most importantly, they are naturally close to wind and fire elements, possess extremely strong long-distance sprinting capabilities, and have some potential to tread on fire. They are mounts coveted by royal families and top nobles across the continent to form the most elite knight orders!"

Elise's description made Linn's heart race. A cavalry unit entirely equipped with Dragon Scale Horses! What terrifying impact force that would be! On a flat battlefield, they would be like mobile steel fortresses and whirlwinds of death! Although the Star Sea Territory's land army was initially formed, it lacked truly decisive assault power. If he could acquire this herd of horses, and then domesticate and breed them... "Angus, what is the current condition of the herd? Are there any other powerful Demonic Beasts lurking nearby?" Linn suppressed the excitement in his heart and asked in a deep voice. Opportunity often comes with risk.

"Reporting, my Lord, that plain area is vast and lush with water and grass. We haven't found any other large predatory Demonic Beast groups nearby. At least not within our reconnaissance range. Nor have we found obvious traces of other foreign races' activities." Angus answered very confidently.

"Good!" Linn no longer hesitated; opportunity was fleeting. "Elise, immediately inform Clay to gather all the elite Guard Army, fully armed, carrying enough ropes, lassos, and beast-taming tools. Angus, mobilize your entire Divine Arrow Army, lead them personally, to serve as vanguard and long-range support. Prepare three days' rations and emergency supplies. We will travel light and fast, departing at dawn tomorrow!"

"My Lord, are you going personally?" Elise asked with concern. A group of Tier 2 Demonic Beasts, with Dragon Blood, would certainly not be easy to deal with.

"I must go personally," Linn's gaze was firm. "Taming such Demonic Beasts requires not only force but also strategy, and perhaps some... special communication methods. I am determined to have them. Territory affairs will temporarily be handled by Morton and Karl."

The orders were quickly relayed, and the efficient machine of the Star Sea Territory began to operate once more. The elites of the Guard Army and Divine Arrow Army were selected overnight, and supplies were rapidly prepared.

The next day, at first light, the Guard Army and Divine Arrow Army quietly left Star Sea City. Led by Angus, they swiftly headed northwest towards the New Moon Plain. Besides the warriors, the team also included several experienced horse breeders or beast tamers chosen from among the Slaves. Linn rode a stag alongside Elise, Clay commanded the Guard Army in the center, and Angus's Divine Arrow Army scouted ahead and on both flanks.

After a day and night of rapid marching, carefully avoiding routes that might disturb the horse herd, the team arrived at a dense forest on the edge of the plain on the evening of the second day. Following Angus's guidance, everyone lay in wait, looking from afar at the lush river valley.

The afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled over the river, creating shimmering golden specks. On the vast grassland, a group of extraordinarily powerful creatures leisurely grazed, or frolicked with each other. As Angus had described, they were massive, with sleek, powerful lines. Their dark bodies, under the setting sun, were like fine silk. The short horns on their foreheads glinted coldly, and the scales on their necks reflected a dull luster with their movements. Occasionally, a young foal would gallop playfully, its speed so great that it only left a blurry afterimage on the retina, and the wind it stirred could even rustle distant grass blades.

Even from a considerable distance, Linn could feel the faint pressure and vigorous vitality emanating from these creatures. Their demeanor carried an innate pride and vigilance.

Elise confirmed in a very low voice near Linn's ear: "That's right, my Lord, they are indeed Dragon Scale Horses. Looking at their physique and herd structure, this is a healthy and complete herd. The Head Stallion should be that exceptionally tall male horse with faint dark red patterns on its four hooves."

Linn followed her gaze and indeed saw a magnificent horse, half a head taller than the other Dragon Scale Horses. It stood slightly apart from the herd, occasionally raising its head to look around, appearing exceptionally vigilant and majestic. The dark red patterns on its pasterns seemed to contain inner flames.

"What a group of divine steeds!" Linn's heart burned with fervor, his gaze growing firmer. He lowered his voice and said to Clay, Angus, and Elise beside him: "Pass down the order: the entire army will covertly rest here, maintaining maximum vigilance at night. However, absolutely no fires are allowed, and no loud noises. At dawn tomorrow, we will observe carefully and formulate a foolproof plan for capture and taming. These Dragon Scale Horses, my Star Sea Territory will have them!"