77: Support Viscount Connor

The night was deep, and the cold wind blew bitterly.

On the western edge of Ironthorn Territory, the sudden sound of rapid hoofbeats—'tap-tap-tap'—shattered the tranquility bathed in moonlight like a broken mirror.

"It's the sound of horse hooves!"

The two night patrol Soldiers warming themselves by the campfire reacted immediately upon hearing the sound coming from the darkness.

The next second, the two of them sprang to their feet, grabbing their spears to take a defensive stance.

Although they could tell it was the sound of hooves, they couldn't determine if it was a normal horse or a magical beast.

Therefore, one of the Soldiers looked into the darkness ahead and deliberately shouted a warning: "This is the territory of Ironthorn Territory. Trespassers will be killed on sight. Stop immediately!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a nervous and hurried voice came from the darkness.

"Brother Soldier, don't attack! I was sent by Viscount Connor Kimmler to seek reinforcements."

Hearing this, the two night patrol Soldiers' hearts, which had been hanging in suspense, immediately settled, but they kept their spears in a defensive position.

"Tap-tap-tap!"

As the hoofbeats grew closer, a figure on horseback appeared within the range of the campfire's light.

"Whoa~!"

The sound of pulling on the reins rang out. The Soldier on horseback quickly dismounted, ran up to the two night patrol Soldiers, and cupped his fists, saying:

"Two brothers, I have been dispatched by Viscount Connor Kimmler. I have an urgent matter to see Lord Lister Howard. This is a letter from Viscount Connor Kimmler. Please, allow me to pass."

After checking and seeing that he was covered in sweat and didn't seem to be faking it, one of the night patrol Soldiers said: "Follow me."

...

The first-floor hall of the castle.

Lister, sitting in the main seat, took the personal letter from Viscount Connor and quickly read through it.

The content was brief, mainly stating that the territory had been attacked by a beast tide led by a magical beast equivalent to a Silver-rank beginner Knight, and that urgent reinforcements were needed.

At this moment, the Soldier opposite the main seat said respectfully: "Lord Howard, the Viscount promises that any lord who provides support will be paid 50 gold as a token of gratitude."

"50 gold is indeed quite a lot." Lister put down the letter, crossed his hands, and feigned a 'troubled' hesitation: "But the risks involved are also significant. A beast tide is not something to be trifled with."

"Especially since the beast tide is led by such a powerful magical beast. I need to consider this carefully."

The Soldier's expression immediately became more anxious, but he did not panic. Because Viscount Connor had given them instructions before they set off, he understood what Lister meant.

Moreover, he didn't show any resentment. After all, they were here to seek help, so they naturally had to lower their posture, especially since he was just a lowly Soldier.

Wiping away the sweat that was about to drip into his eyes, he said in a firm and sincere tone: "Lord Howard, please rest assured. The Viscount said that as long as the lord is willing to provide support, he can agree to any request that is not too excessive."

"I have another personal letter from the Viscount here. Please, Lord Howard, take a look."

Saying this, he took another letter from his waist and handed it to Thomas, who was nearby, to pass on to Lister.

Heh! Playing games, are we!

Lister chuckled inwardly, feeling no dissatisfaction.

After all, this involved matters of interest. The 'stakes' certainly couldn't be pushed all at once. Viscount Connor's approach was understandable.

Taking the letter and opening it, Lister quickly scanned it. The content was still sparse, mainly consisting of a series of promises.

Moreover, this letter was different from the previous one; it bore Viscount Connor's personal signature, making it more credible and binding.

At the same time, it could be seen from this that Viscount Connor was indeed pushed to his wits' end by the beast tide and was burning with anxiety; otherwise, he would not have made such promises.

"Since Viscount Kimler Territory is already in grave danger," Lister said while putting away the letter, "then I, being in the nearby Ironthorn Territory, naturally cannot stand by and watch. Otherwise, the next one to suffer might be Ironthorn Territory."

"Thomas, you immediately notify Red. Have him quickly assemble the Knights Spartacus, Dewey, and Langman, as well as all the cavalry, and wait outside the castle."

"Yes, Lord Lister." Thomas respectfully acknowledged, then turned and walked away quickly.

Hearing his words, the Soldier from the Viscount Territory looked excited. This trip had not been in vain. Having succeeded in seeking reinforcements, he could now face the Viscount and consider his mission accomplished.

Ten minutes later, outside the castle gate.

Although they had been called up in the middle of the night, Red and the others had no complaints at all.

This was both because of the cultivation and virtues possessed by Knights, and because of their extreme loyalty to Lister.

Lister, wearing full armor, looked at Red and the other Knights and Soldiers who were full of energy. A look of appreciation and satisfaction appeared in his eyes, and then he said loudly:

"Knights and Soldiers, Viscount Connor Kimmlers Territory has suffered an unprecedented attack from a beast tide led by a powerful magical beast. We, in the nearby Ironthorn Territory, naturally cannot stand idly by."

"This is both for the virtue of Knightly unity upheld by the Kingdom, and for the safety of our own Ironthorn Territory."

"I ask you now, are you afraid?"

"No! No! No!"

The Soldier from the Viscount Territory nearby looked on with surprise. He hadn't expected this small Baron Territory to have such imposing Knights and Soldiers.

Especially the leader, Knight Captain Red, who gave him a more terrifying feeling than the Viscount Territory's Knight Captain, Akman.

And what surprised him most was that Lister, the lord himself, was personally leading the team.

You have to know, Viscount Connor Territory was facing a beast tide attack. Wouldn't Lister be putting himself in danger by doing this?

For a moment, besides his admiration for Lister, he also had greater confidence in repelling this beast tide.

Seeing the good effect of his motivational speech, Lister nodded with satisfaction. After giving Thomas a few instructions, he shouted: "Everyone, move out!"

Amidst the worried expressions of Thomas, Flora, and the other maids, Lister and his group quickly disappeared from their sight.

...

The deep night of winter was extremely cold, not to mention sitting on a fast-galloping horse.

The Knights didn't feel much, but the ordinary Soldiers were inevitably affected to some extent.

Fortunately, Lister treated them well, and each of them wore thick clothing, so apart from their hands and feet being slightly cold, there were no other major issues.

Accompanied by the faint moonlight, Lister and his group rode their horses, galloping at full speed on the road leading to Viscount Connor Kimmlers Territory.

Because they had to pass through some mountains on the way, the road conditions were poor—potholes and rugged terrain—which significantly affected the speed of the warhorses.

Lister could only feel deeply helpless about this. After all, this situation was very common throughout the kingdom. Except for particularly important places, there were rarely any smooth roads.

Without thinking about these things anymore, Lister's mind stirred...