157: Handling Territorial Affairs

Bright sunlight shone through the window onto Rein's face.

Last night's banquet eventually expanded to include the core leadership of the entire Red River Territory.

Since the spring planting had just finished and the recent urgent matters had concluded, Rein gathered all the Stewards and some key personnel he was cultivating for a grand banquet.

During the previous battles against the Dragon Legion, Rein had acquired a vast amount of Magical Beast flesh. This flesh was stored in the newly constructed Magical Icehouse in the Red River Territory, specifically to provision the Guard Army soldiers and other Professionals in the territory.

Yesterday, Rein took out a significant amount of Silver Rank Magical Beast flesh to treat everyone at the banquet.

Everyone was in high spirits throughout the banquet. Those who had been busy finally got to relax properly last night, easing the tension they had been holding.

Seeing the lively atmosphere, Rein let the banquet continue late into the night. This morning, he even indulged in a rare lie-in.

Looking at the bright morning sun outside the window, Rein got up and went to the dining room for a meal.

By this time, Reck had already eaten and was lying in the hall waiting for Rein.

Reck had already broken through to the Gold Rank. Rein applied a bottle of clancias blessing to Reck, coupled with a Gold Rank Magic Core, making Reck's breakthrough smooth and successful.

After Rein sat down, Reck rubbed against Rein's calf, found a comfortable position, and continued to nap.

"You silly brute, all you do all day is eat and sleep, sleep and eat."

Rein scolded the lazy Reck good-naturedly. If one were to ask who had the most comfortable life in the Red River Territory now, it would undoubtedly be Reck.

The kitchen quickly prepared and served a sumptuous breakfast.

While Rein was enjoying his delicious breakfast, Anatolis came calling.

"Elder Anatolis, would you like to join me for a bite?"

"Rein, I've come to say goodbye!"

Anatolis stated his purpose, which surprised Rein somewhat.

"Elder, are you ready to return?"

"Yes, there is absolutely no activity left at Dragon Peak, and no trace of Dragon Worship Cultists operating on the outskirts of the Black Forest. It's time for me to go back."

"Alright!"

Although he had anticipated it, Rein was still a little disappointed when Anatolis confirmed his departure.

Anatolis's own combat strength was enough to influence an entire territory, not to mention the large and powerful Wolf Pack under his command.

From the Dragon War until now, the Wolf Pack led by Anatolis has been crucial to Rein's success. Although Rein also controlled several Wolf Packs, they were incomparable to those under Anatolis—it was like heaven and earth.

"I cannot stay here and help you forever, Rein, but this time I will entrust an excellent descendant and some offspring to you. Lead them to survive and multiply in the Red River Valley!"

The excellent descendant Anatolis spoke of was a Gold Rank descendant he had personally trained.

This time, Anatolis essentially left behind one-third of Magic Wolf Peak's strength.

Through this Dragon War, Anatolis also realized that the Black Mountain Range was no longer a safe place. Although he had lived there peacefully for two hundred years, things were different now.

For the continuation of his species, Anatolis had to make arrangements in advance. Previously, he had intended to entrust the Wolf Pack to Rein only when he was nearing the end of his life.

But now, Anatolis felt it necessary to make a change, because Rein's progress was too rapid—so fast that Anatolis found it hard to believe.

In such a short time, Rein had grown this much. If he waited another ten or eight years, who knows what heights Rein might reach.

Furthermore, two powerful Fairies had appeared in the Red River Territory, which gave Anatolis a sense of crisis. He needed to maintain his presence in the Red River Territory, so leaving behind a portion of the Wolf Pack was the change he decided upon.

"That is wonderful, Elder Anatolis."

Rein said with pleasant surprise, "I truly need the help of the Wolf Pack. Thank you very much for your assistance, Elder Anatolis."

With the portion of the Wolf Pack left by Anatolis, Rein's Reconnaissance Intelligence Network, which covered the entire Red River Valley and extended outward, would remain effective.

Moreover, after Anatolis returns to Magic Wolf Peak, the northern periphery of the Black Mountain Range near the Red River Valley will fall under Magic Wolf Peak's hunting range. This area can also be patrolled by the Wolf Pack Anatolis leads, allowing any potential threats to be quickly eliminated.

Magic Wolf Peak can also monitor Dragon Peak deep within the Black Mountain Range. If there is any disturbance, Rein can prepare in advance, just as Anatolis came running to notify Rein this time.

Thinking this way, Rein wasn't so disappointed about Anatolis returning to Magic Wolf Peak anymore.

Anatolis naturally agreed to all the requests Rein made. Patrolling the territory was already a daily task for the Wolf Pack; the scope was simply being expanded now.

The Dragon War also depleted many Magical Beasts and Alien Tribes in the Black Mountain Range, creating vacuums in many areas. Magic Wolf Peak, having suffered few losses, could now claim more Hunting Grounds.

After consulting with Rein for a long time, Anatolis left Red River Fortress. Afterward, he led a portion of the Wolf Pack north, starting his journey home.

Standing atop the City Wall, watching Anatolis's receding figure, Rein sighed.

Gold-rank Peak—when would his strength reach that level? And then there was the Legendary Realm!

A year ago, before breaking through to the Gold Rank, Rein felt that the Gold Knight level was already distant. Now, today, Rein felt that the legendary Legendary Realm was no longer so far away.

"Lord!"

Fornal came onto the City Wall and bowed in salute.

"Fornal, why are you here?"

"Lord, something has happened in the city that requires your decision."

"Oh, what is it?"

Rein turned around curiously to look at Fornal. Fornal, whose head was half-bowed, handed a Booklet to Rein without speaking.

Rein took the Booklet, flipped through it twice, and then slammed it shut with a loud snap.

"Hmph!"

"It's only been a few peaceful days, and already some people are getting restless?"

"What are Ross and the others doing? Why is there no response?"

Rein was very angry now.

"Notify Ross and the others, and all the Stewards, to come to the Government Affairs Hall for a meeting!"

"Yes, My Lord!"

Soon, in the brand new Meeting Hall, the high-ranking Stewards of the Red River Territory gathered.

As everyone entered, they saw a grim-faced Rein sitting solemnly in the Main Seat. The Stewards, who had been cheerful due to yesterday's banquet, realized something was amiss with this meeting. Their smiles vanished, and everyone sat down stiffly and seriously in their seats, waiting for Rein to speak.

"Lord, everyone is present!"

Rein said coldly, "Let them look at these."

"Yes, My Lord!"

Fornal distributed the items he had previously shown Rein to those present. Ross and the others all changed expression as they read what was written in the Booklets they held.

"Lord!"

Several Stewards couldn't sit still; they stood up, wanting to say something, but sat back down obediently after Rein shot them a glare.