Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Settling the Fox Girl
Within a short period, Frost Wolf Ridge successfully took control of Eagle Wing Fortress.
After eliminating the Eagle Wing family and their loyal officials, David faced no resistance in gaining the allegiance of the remaining knights and officers.
A Grand Knight.
The Frost Wolf Duke was a Grand Knight!
Merely this thought left them without any intention of rebellion.
In their minds, the resurgence of the Frost Wolf family seemed inevitable.
Reclaiming all the lands they had lost was a matter of time, and with the young duke's extraordinary talent and potential, reclaiming all of the Northern Lands was no longer just a dream.
This was the moment to choose sides wisely, to position themselves advantageously for the Frost Wolf Ridge's expansion and reap the rewards.
The commoners were equally cooperative. Clearly, the Eagle Wing family's reign had been deeply unpopular. The transition of power to Frost Wolf Ridge was welcomed with open arms.
David spent the next three days establishing initial control over Eagle Wing Fortress. Fortunately, the winter season meant fewer administrative matters to handle for the time being.
Once winter ended, Frost Wolf Ridge would dispatch additional officials to fully integrate Eagle Wing Fortress and fortify it as the northern stronghold.
But now, David felt an urgent desire to return home.
After setting everything in order, he left behind ten gray wolves to guard the fortress and began the trek back to Frost Wolf Ridge with the rest of the wolf pack.
The wolves that had once carried knights and officials now bore heavy loads of grain.
Eagle Wing Fortress was undeniably wealthy. With its plains and rich harvests, it produced an abundance of grain, enough to alleviate Frost Wolf Ridge's food shortages. Even if the number of refugees doubled, there would still be enough.
Additionally, the gold from the Eagle Wing family's treasury was brought back. Once winter passed, Frost Wolf Ridge could reopen trade routes and continue expanding.
Returning to the Castle
After a long journey, David arrived at Frost Wolf Ridge by evening.
He handed over the supplies to Gray Wolf Knight, then took the gray wolf pack and the fox girl back to the castle.
The gray wolves were housed in the forested area behind the castle.
The castle's rear forest was an extension of the Frost Wolf Forest, capable of accommodating the wolf pack. After careful observation, David confirmed their loyalty and trusted them to remain in the estate.
Having the gray wolves nearby significantly bolstered the castle's defenses.
"A Suitable Home for the Fox Girl"
"Howl—"
Snow Wolf sensed its master's return and eagerly ran out to greet him.
David patted its pristine fur, noting its well-kept and healthy appearance.
"Gray Wolf King, follow Snow Wolf's orders from now on. Understood?" David conveyed through the Frost Wolf Pact.
"Howl—"
The Gray Wolf King nodded in submission.
Though it was the leader of the gray wolf pack, it instinctively acknowledged the superior bloodline of the Snow Wolf.
"Cynthia, are you sure you don't want to come to the castle?" David turned to the fox girl.
Earlier, Cynthia had expressed a preference to live in the rear forest. Conveniently, there was a wooden cabin nearby that could serve as her home.
"Yes, I like it here," Cynthia replied earnestly.
Life in the castle would be inconvenient for her, given her obvious fox traits. Staying there would mean constant vigilance and restraint, turning the castle into another prison.
Here, in the rear forest, she could live freely.
"Alright, as long as you're happy," David nodded, respecting her wishes.
The forest's gray wolves provided a natural security barrier, ensuring no one could approach Cynthia without detection.
She could enjoy her freedom while also keeping an eye on the wolves, ensuring they wouldn't stray into the Frost Wolf Ridge territory.
David led her to the wooden cabin. The structure had been renovated when Snow Wolf was temporarily housed there, and it now served as a perfect shelter for Cynthia.
"This is your new home," David said with a smile.
Cynthia was deeply touched and nodded firmly.
Once she was settled, David returned to the castle.
A Welcoming Return
When David arrived, Leah, Amy, and Rena greeted him with relief.
Their shared joy at his safe return warmed his heart, and the night became one of celebration and closeness, a chance to make up for lost time.
---
The Next Morning
"Good morning, Fire Dance," David greeted, opening the door to see the diligent maid.
"Good morning, Lord David," she replied, bowing.
Her ears turned a faint shade of red as she entered the room to clean.
David joined Leah, Amy, and Rena at the dining table. Water Lily served breakfast, her movements poised and graceful.
David glanced at the two maids, their contrasting blue and red uniforms pleasing to the eye.
After a leisurely meal, he decided to introduce the ladies to the newest member of their circle.
---
Meeting Cynthia
Cynthia was enjoying a simple bowl of vegetable porridge, savoring the peaceful solitude.
Her sharp hearing caught the sound of approaching footsteps, and her ears twitched in alertness.
Recognizing the familiar presence of her benefactor, she relaxed and waited.
When David entered with Leah, Amy, and Rena, Cynthia stood up shyly, clutching the edge of her cloak.
"Cynthia, these are Leah, Amy, and Rena," David introduced warmly.
The three women exchanged kind smiles with the fox girl, who hesitated for a moment before bowing respectfully.
"You're safe here," Leah assured her, her voice soft and welcoming.
Amy nodded, adding, "If you need anything, just let us know."
Rena stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Cynthia's shoulder. "You're part of the family now."
For the first time in a long while, Cynthia felt a sense of belonging. Her eyes shimmered with gratitude as she whispered, "Thank you… all of you."
David watched the scene with satisfaction, knowing he had made the right choice. The castle was more than a fortress—it was a sanctuary.
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